Page 27 of Gunn's Mission

“Do you think Perry could’ve been jealous of Mateo’s relationship with Em?”

“I never saw it. Perry gets along with everyone. He’s very laid back. Plus, he has a girlfriend back in Colorado—another teacher at the same college. They Facetime quite a lot.”

Gunn nodded then lifted his arm from between them and placed it over the top of the couch.

Maddie hesitated only a couple of seconds then relaxed directly against his side. “You’re in some shape,” she said, her tone wry. A hand moved tentatively from his side to halfway across his belly before pulling away. “I’m surprised you’re not the one shivering. I have more natural insulation.”

He wondered if she was self-conscious about her curves, but he didn’t know if he’d embarrass her by reassuring her that he didn’t mind a little extra padding, so he kept quiet and took another sip of his coffee.

The sound of the outside door opening, along with the whine of the wind and voices chattering, told him they were about to have company, but he didn’t move away.

Neither did she. So, when the others came trailing into the living room, eyebrows rose but no one said anything. Except Eric, who said, “Whoopee,” and hurried toward them. He sat close to Gunn and pulled the edge of the blanket over himself.

Beside him, Maddie chuckled. “What did I tell you?” she said, grinning and giving him a sideways glance.

“Gunn, you’re a fucking furnace,” Eric said, then groaned.

Grinning, Gunn swung out his other arm and embraced Eric, pulling him against his side.

Perry walked into the room and took in the sight of the three of them huddled together under the blanket. “Damn, it’s going to be an interesting winter.”

Hanna stepped into the room just as Nate entered. Nate’s eyebrows shot up. Then he glanced at Hanna and waggled his eyebrows.

She laughed. “I’m plenty warm. You’ve got to be an ice cube. So, no! But I do have a big pot of chili and beans ready, and I just took the cornbread out of the oven, too. Come eat, everyone.”

Eric was first to rise, flipping back the blanket. “You had me at chili, Hanna.”

The others moved toward the kitchen.

Alone again, Gunn glanced down at Maddie, who sighed. “Don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

Gun stood, waited for her to rise, then draped the blanket over her shoulders. Together, they entered the kitchen, stepping to the back of the line that was already forming as teammates scooped chili into bowls, sliced cornbread from a skillet to place on small plates, and headed to the table. Hanna had already set out utensils and filled cups of water.

Gunn sat beside Maddie when he had his food. He dipped his spoon into the bowl and ate his first bite. “This is really good, Hanna.”

She smiled. “Since I was here all day, I put the pinto beans on early in the crockpot. There’s enough for seconds.”

“You make cornbread just like my mama does,” Nate said. “Flat and crispy.”

And, of course, that started a debate between those who swore by a sweeter, cake-like cornbread and those who liked it as Hanna had prepared it. Gunn mused that the same conversation would’ve happened if he’d been sitting with his team back in Yellowstone. It felt comfortable and familiar.

By the time everyone had eaten their second helping, yawns were going around the table.

“Can’t believe how much the cold sucks the life out of you,” Eric said, stretching his arms over his head. “I’m heading to bed. Maybe read a book and drift off.”

“Sounds like heaven,” Em said.

Gunn stayed in the kitchen and helped Perry with dishes, washing while he dried.

Behind him, Maddie said, “Damn, no signal,” she muttered.

He washed the last spoon and laid it on the towel beside the sink for Perry. He pulled his phone from the pocket of the sweats he wore over his thermals. “Yup, no signal.” He wouldn’t be calling to check in the Stone and Booker.

“Guess I’ll have to wait until the clouds clear before I submit my reports.” She glanced up at him, a hint of blush creeping across her cheeks. “Guess we have an evening free. Do you want to watch a movie?”

And snuggle on the couch some more?He nodded, not trusting his voice wouldn’t come off as a growl.

CHAPTER9

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