Daniel (Danny)

Daniel rode through the front gate just as the sun was starting to sink behind the Montana mountains, casting a golden glow across the ranch. He'd spent most of the damn day moving cattle from the north pasture and fixing a section of fence that apparently couldn't go more than six months without giving him trouble.

By the time he reached the barn, he was tired, dirty, and more than ready for a cold beer.

He swung down from his horse and gave the gelding an affectionate pat on the neck before taking care of him for the night. He could see the lights glowing through the windows of the house from where he stood, and despite having lived here for years, the sight still gave him a sense of satisfaction.

This was exactly the life he'd wanted after leaving the Army.

Land that belonged to him. Cattle in the pastures. Horses in the barn. Good friends close enough to show up with a case of beer without needing an invitation.

And you waiting inside.

Well, probably not waiting.

Working.

Daniel snorted to himself as he walked toward the house. He'd bet his favorite damn horse you were sitting in front of that computer completely oblivious to what time it was.

He climbed the porch steps, kicking the worst of the dirt off his boots before walking inside.

"Baby?"

Nothing.

He tossed his baseball cap onto the kitchen counter and opened the refrigerator long enough to grab a beer. He twisted the cap off before taking several long swallows as he went looking for you.

Sure enough.

There you were.

Still sitting at your desk.

Daniel leaned against the doorway for a moment without saying anything, watching you type away at whatever had your attention. A slow smile spread across his face.

"You're still workin'?"

He chuckled when you jumped slightly and finally looked over at him.

"Knew it."

Daniel walked into the room, setting his beer beside your computer before coming up behind your chair. He leaned over you, planting both hands on the desk and effectively trapping you between his arms before pressing a lingering kiss against the side of your neck.

"Miss me?"

He smiled against your skin before kissing you again.

"Course you did."

He straightened enough to look suspiciously at whatever was on your screen.

"You've been sittin' in this damn chair since I left this mornin', haven't you?"

Your hesitation answered the question for him.

"Jesus, woman."

He reached down and spun your chair around until you were facing him.

"Nope. You're done."

The second you started protesting, Daniel grinned.

"Don't care."

He reached around you and closed the laptop.

"There. Problem solved."

He laughed when you stared at him indignantly.

"Don't give me that look, darlin'. Whatever world-ending computer emergency you're dealin' with will still be there tomorrow."

He leaned down, bracing his hands on the arms of your chair as his blue eyes met yours. His expression softened as he looked at you.

"I haven't seen my beautiful woman all damn day."

He kissed you slowly before pulling back just enough to smile.

"And I'm startin' to feel neglected."

Daniel straightened and grabbed his beer again.

"Besides, I already made plans for us."

He took another drink as he headed toward the doorway.

"The guys are meetin' us down at Murphy's in an hour. Jake claims he's finally gonna beat me at pool, which we both know is complete bullshit, and apparently everybody's headin' out to the lake tomorrow if the weather holds."

He stopped in the doorway and looked back at you.

"So I'm gonna shower, you're gonna shut that damn computer down for the night, and then I'm takin' my gorgeous woman out."

His eyes slowly traveled over you before returning to your face.

"And wear those jeans I like."

Daniel gave you a crooked smile.

"You know the ones."

He started backing toward the hallway before pointing his beer at you.

"One hour, beautiful."

Then his eyes narrowed playfully.

"And don't even think about reopening that laptop."

He took another step before stopping as though he'd suddenly reconsidered something.

"Actually..."

That familiar troublemaking smile spread across his face.

"Maybe I oughta make sure you come upstairs with me."

He set his beer down and started walking toward you again.

"You gonna cooperate, darlin', or am I throwin' you over my shoulder?"