Ryder’s grin widened. “Good. Great, actually. Planning the wedding is making her slightly insane, but in a cute way.”
“You set a date yet?”
“June. Assuming I survive the seating chart negotiations.”
The truck climbed out of Aurora Cove proper and into the mountains. The road narrowed, and dense forest pressed in on both sides. Wyatt must live in the middle of nowhere.
“So. Jen.” Ryder’s voice was casual. “Wyatt tells me you’re chief engineer on NORPAC-7.”
“Yes.” She huffed a breath. “Although I don’t think there’s much left to engineer after tonight.”
“Fair point.” He navigated a sharp curve. “Do you live nearby?”
Wyatt leaned forward to make eye contact with his brother, but Ryder kept his eyes straight ahead.
“Uh, no. My contract was just about up. I have an apartment in San Diego.”
“What’s next for you?”
Good question.
She had no idea.
Her life—what little of it existed outside work—was in San Diego. But the thought of going back felt wrong.
“I don’t know yet,” she said honestly.
Wyatt shifted beside her, his thigh pressing against hers. She was acutely aware of every point of contact. His shoulder. His leg. The warmth radiating from him in the truck cab.
“You’re welcome to stay in Aurora Cove as long as you need,” Ryder said. “We take care of our own here.”
Our own.
As if she already belonged.
The truck climbed higher. The trees grew denser, and snow began to fall. Fat flakes that caught in the headlights and disappeared against the windshield.
Wyatt’s hand found hers in the darkness between them, his fingers closing as if he wasn’t letting go again. It was all she could do to breathe.
“Here we are.” Ryder steered off the road and up a track.
The truck rounded a final curve, and the trees opened up. A sleek house of timber and glass rose from the snow-covered landscape. Floor-to-ceiling windows glowing with warm light. The structure seemed to grow from the mountain itself.
“Holy shit,” Jen whispered.
“Yeah.” Ryder pulled into the driveway and jammed his truck into park. “Wyatt’s got good taste in bolt holes.”
Wyatt released her hand and opened his door. Cold air rushed into the cab.
Ryder reached across and gave her hand a squeeze. “Take care of yourself. And him.”
She smiled. “I will. And thank you for the lift.”
“My pleasure.” He straightened. “Call me if you need anything. And for God’s sake, Wyatt, call Mom tomorrow or she’ll drive up here herself.”
“Copy that.” Wyatt helped Jen down from the truck.
Her feet hit fresh powder. Snow fell around them in the darkness, cloaking them in silence.
