So Wright (The Wrights 1)

Another flash of temper burned in her gut. She dipped her chin and lowered her voice with clear warning. “Watch your tone, Jack.”

“He knew you. My dad saw that article in the paper about the veterans’ charity and knew you went by Randy on the site.”

She crossed her arms. “For a man who didn’t even recognize his own family until recently, that seems like a stretch. It’s more likely you dug into my background.”

“No. But I obviously should have.”

He paced away from her, and Miranda closed her eyes a moment, regrouping. But the only thing that filled her mind was how alive he looked when he was this angry. The sharpness of his gaze, the intensity of his soul. And with the memory of their last night together still so vivid in her memory, still living in her sore muscles, her body burned.

She exhaled and cleared her head. “Look, Jack, I’m sorry you found out this way. I don’t know why you’re this pissed over something so insignificant—”

“It’s not insignificant. This is my father’s whole world, and no one—no one—is going to fuck with that again.” He turned toward her, eyes flashing. “What’s between you and Alex?”

Her jaw hung open as she processed that question and all the implications. “What?”

“You heard me.”

“I did. And I sure hope that insinuation in your voice is my imagination.”

“It’s not.”

Her temper spiked and slipped from her control. She stalked straight toward him, shoving him back with both hands. “You sonofabitch.”

He gripped her upper arms and pulled her close, searching her eyes. “Are you sleeping with him? Or just stealing with him?”

She lifted her arms in one quick jerk, breaking his hold. “You fucking bastard.”

He grabbed her again, giving her a little shake, his expression desperate. “Tell me I’m wrong.”

Tears came out of nowhere, stinging her eyes. Fear, anger, hurt, loss. They blended into a knot at the center of her chest and tightened her throat. “I shouldn’t have to.”

His anger morphed into realization. Then pain. With a whispered “Fuck,” he pulled her close.

She fisted her hands to keep herself from returning the gesture, but the feel of him tore at her walls.

“Goddammit.” He pulled back, lowered his head, and kissed her, his lips infused with apology and passion.

Miranda was caught between anger and desire. She desperately wanted to heal the new tear in her heart. But her mind kept telling her to push him away. Rebuild those walls.

He broke the kiss, whispered, “I’m sorry,” tipped his head the other direction, whispered another “I’m sorry,” and kissed her again.

A rush of complex emotions buckled her knees. Jack pulled her off her feet, crossed the room, and dropped onto the love seat with Miranda straddling his lap. All the anger in his gaze melted away. Now his eyes shone with regret.

“I found out more about you in a newspaper article than I knew after sleeping with you. I started to wonder what was real.” He leaned his forehead against hers and closed his eyes. “All I could think about was you knowing Alex and all the information I’d given you. All the trouble it could cause for the company.”

“I would never—”

“I know. I’m sorry. It all hit me at once. I should never have suspected you.”

“Suspected me of what? Why did you ask about stealing?”

He laid his hands on her thighs and gave them a squeeze. “Tell me about your relationship with Alex.”

“We’ve known each other for over a decade. Met in our early years working construction. He hired me at Pinnacle after we’d worked together at other companies. He’s been an advocate for me my entire six years with Pinnacle, getting me promotions and raises. He’s always taken care of me—professionally. He’s a friend. What do you think is going on?”

“I can’t get into details. Just that it’s not good. He’s a bad guy, Miranda. Just like his father.”

She shook her head. “I didn’t know Bruce, but Alex is dedicated to Pinnacle.”