All Jacked Up (Rough Riders 8)

“So fill me in.”

After rambling on about her need for secretiveness she sighed. “Long story short, I contacted an approved historic restoration company, only to discover that Jack owns the company. We got to talking and the more time we spent together, the more things…changed between us.”

“How long since this ‘change’ has taken place?”

“Two months. Give or take.”

“And you didn’t think to mention to me or anyone else in the family that you’d fallen for the man you used to hate?”

“It’s not like that—”

“It is for me. I still sorta hate him on your behalf, K…” AJ’s nose wrinkled. “I cannot wrap my head around the fact you’re marrying him.”

“Hate is a strong word for the man who’s your landlord,” Keely said sardonically.

“My landlord?” Her eyes widened with understanding. “For Healing Touch Massage?”

“Yep, which means he’s also Macie’s landlord for Dewey’s Delish Dish, and India’s landlord for India’s Ink, and Skylar’s landlord for Sky Blue.”

“You’re kidding me. Jack owns the Sandstone Building?”

“Uh-huh. Jack Donohue is Western Property Management. Evidently he owns a half a dozen different rental properties across several states.”

After a minute or so, AJ snapped, “So Jack’s been having a big chuckle keeping that information from us?”

“You’ll have to ask him.” And Keely couldn’t wait to witness India’s reaction. Talk about ripping him a new one. That woman redefined in your face and she was ten times worse when she was knocked up. Heh heh.

The bathroom door creaked. Both Keely and AJ spun toward the sound. Jack strode out.

Keely clenched her jaw to prevent it from falling to the floor. Holy freakin’ shit. Jack was shirtless.

His upper body was a mass of defined muscles—his pecs, biceps and triceps were as perfect as the smooth bronze skin covering his immense frame. His waistline tapered into a flat abdomen and slim hips, hugged by the low-slung jeans. She’d never seen Jack wear jeans. The man who lived in suits looked…well suited to 501s.

The tips of his dark, wet hair brushed his shoulders, reinforcing his wild look. His mouth curled up in a sultry smile when his gaze connected with Keely’s.

A powerful lust steamrolled her.

Jack crossed the room with panther-like grace.

Her body stiffened when he nuzzled the side of her neck and circled his big hands around her upper arms.

“You didn’t leave me any hot water again, babe. I had to take a cold shower.”

Oh hell. He smelled delectable. Despite his claim of cold water, his chest felt hot enough to scorch her clothes. “Sorry. Maybe you oughta sweet-talk the landlord into replacing the tiny overworked water heater.”

“Your sweet-talking gets you whatever you want with me. And a cold shower was probably in my best interest this morning after last night.” Jack straightened and smiled at AJ. “Mrs. McKay. Nice to see you.” His gaze momentarily dropped to the swell of her abdomen. “Congrats. When are you due?”

“Four months. Take that into consideration when you’re picking a wedding date. Keely does not want her matron of honor to be nine months pregnant in the wedding pictures.”

“So noted,” Jack murmured.

“Look!” was shouted behind them.

They turned toward Foster, who’d stacked the Legos in the shape of a house.

“That’s great.” Jack crouched down and admired Foster’s creation. “Interesting how you used red at the bottom and yellow at the top. Very original.”

Foster blinked silvery eyes at Jack.

“He’s a little shy,” AJ said.

“Nah. He’s just thinking. You’re a craftsman, aren’t you? Me too. Let’s see what we can come up with. I used to spend hours playing Legos. I forgot how much I loved them.” Jack settled next to Foster and grabbed four long sections of white block and lined them up on the base.

Keely melted a little, seeing Jack engrossed in playtime with her nephew. She never imagined he’d be the type of guy who’d sit on the floor and play Legos.

Don’t fall for his softer side. It’s not real. It’s part of the scam.

Wasn’t it?

AJ tugged Keely into the kitchen. She whispered fiercely, “Okay. I’ll admit I see his appeal. Not only is he unbelievably good looking, he’s got an amazing body and he likes kids—”

“And don’t forget he’s loaded,” Keely added.

AJ whapped her on the arm. “That is not how you choose a man you’ll spend the rest of your life with. I imagine the sex is pretty rockin’ too?”

Keely’s gaze skittered away and she prayed AJ would drop it.

No such luck.

“Oh. My. God.”

She couldn’t look at AJ, fearing her best friend had guessed the truth about the Jack situation.

“What?”

“This is the real deal for you, isn’t it?”

“What makes you say that?”

“Because you’re not regaling me with tales of the size of his penis, or how he screwed you in the bathroom at Coors Field, or how you went down on him on a twisty mountain road, or the wicked tricks he can perform with his long tongue.”

“So?”

“So, keeping the intimate details to yourself means what happens between you two is too personal to share.”

Or there aren’t any down and dirty details to share.

AJ hugged her and sniffled in her ear. “I’m happy for you, K. Even if Jack isn’t the man I’d choose for you.”

Me neither. “Thanks.”

Keely silently breathed a sigh of relief. If she’d convinced AJ about the legitimacy of the engagement, she should be home free as far as the rest of her family buying it.

“What’s going on?” Jack rounded the corner with Foster, burning Keely with a pointed look.

“Girl talk. AJ has great ideas for the centerpieces for the engagement party. A bouquet of Wyoming wildflowers—”

Jack held up his hand. “You promised no party details, remember? I need the keys to your truck for my trip to Spearfish.”

Keely opened her mouth to belt out, Oh hell no, you ain’t touchin’ my truck when she noticed the challenge in his eyes. “Jack, darlin’, I can drive. In fact, I’d love to go with you since we’ve spent so little time together recently.”