So Wright (The Wrights 1)

She smiled back at him, over the shoulder with another text tattoo: She flies by her own wings. “Because I have to be somewhere at eight, which gives me only enough time to catch a shower, grab my things, and get there. And, thanks to you, I’m exhausted.”

They’d napped off and on, Miranda draped over him or Jack snuggled up behind her. Sheets had hit the floor almost immediately, and both he and the bed had gotten a real workout.

“Another job?” he asked.

“Not today. Today it’s a volunteer gig I do with veterans.”

“That’s cool.”

Jack had never believed in love at first sight or lust to love or, well, hookups like this one, but now, he wanted more. And not only for the amazing sex.

He pulled her palm to his lips for a kiss. “At the risk of sounding stupid, I have to say, I’m ridiculously into you. I know we just met, but I feel like I’ve known you so much longer.”

“You’re a great guy, Jack. Krystall was an idiot.”

“Have dinner with me. The next night you’re free. We can go somewhere you’ve always wanted to go but haven’t. I’ll take you anywhere.”

“That’s sweet, but experience has taught me to stick with my no-seconds rule.” She stood and sauntered into the bathroom, completely at ease with her stunning nakedness. “And I don’t need a sugar daddy.”

Jack watched her go with a groan. “I didn’t mean it like that.”

He should let her go. Savor the steamy memories they’d made tonight and move on. Instead, he rolled out of bed and wandered to the bathroom, picking up her clothes along the way. He leaned his shoulder against the jamb and watched her dress.

She snapped her bra closed, glanced down the length of his body, and sighed. “You are one beautiful man.” Then she picked up his boxer briefs and tossed them at him. “Cover up before I change my mind.”

Grinning, he chucked the boxers over his shoulder.

Miranda started laughing. She laughed so hard, she doubled over. The sound of her joy bubbled through Jack’s blood, making him feel drunk again.

Shaking her head, she pressed a hand to his chest as she squeezed past. Jack circled her waist with one arm and pulled her back against him. Her groan said I need to go but it’s so hard to leave. He pressed kisses to the curve of her neck, and she melted back against him.

“It’s only dinner,” he murmured between kisses.

She pulled from his arms and shimmied into her jeans. “How long will you be in town?”

“Unsure. A couple of weeks. Maybe more.”

She shook her head as she pulled her tank on. “This is a really busy time for me.”

He pulled on his boxers, then sat on the edge of the bed and watched her slide into her boots, wind her hair into a messy knot, and secure it with a band.

“I’ll squeeze into your schedule,” he told her.

She paused at the door, clearly battling with herself.

“At least think about it.” Jack went to her, slid his arms around her, and pulled her into a bear hug. “Thanks for an unforgettable night.”

He set her on her feet and kissed her. And kissed her. And kissed her. Until she finally pulled away with another groan, murmuring, “I’ll think about it.”

Then she was gone. And Jack realized too late he hadn’t got

ten her phone number or her last name.

6

Miranda found herself singing along with the radio on the drive home. Smiling as she passed through the handmade gate of Marty’s property, where she lived in one of three trailers.

She felt loose and light. Thoroughly satisfied and happy. No reservations over her night with Jack. Her only regret—he wouldn’t be staying in town. Her only issue—he was clearly a man she could get attached to. And that combination didn’t work for Miranda. But it did give her a sense of hope that there were still men out there who could interest her in something beyond one night. That hadn’t happened in years. She didn’t consider it an urgent problem, because her biological clock had broken a long time ago. She didn’t plan on having kids. Her heart, on the other hand, did get lonely, even if she hated to admit it, even to herself.