Laws of Attraction

Laws Of Attraction Kelley Nyrae

Laws of Attraction

Noire Fever is an imprint of Parker Publishing LLC. Copyright © 2010 by Kelley Vittolo Published by Parker Publishing Inc 12523 Limonite Avenue, Suite #440-438 Mira Loma, California 91752 www.parker-publishing.com

All rights reserved. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means— electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise—without the prior written permission of the publisher.

This book is a work of fiction. Characters, names, locations, events and incidents (in either a contemporary and/or historical setting) are products of the author’s imagination and are being used in an imaginative manner as a part of this work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual events, locations, settings, or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

ISBN: 978-1-60043-098-5 First Edition Manufactured in the United States of America Cover Design by Parker Publishing Inc

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Dedication: This book is dedicated to my friend Gordon. You were one of the best men I’ve ever known. You had the biggest heart and I thank God I was lucky enough to know you. Take care, G-man. I feel good knowing you’re up there looking down on us all. Acknowledgement: To my second set of eyes, Ann. Couldn’t do it without you, bb.

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Prologue

Jackson Montgomery infiltrated every aspect of Brianna Evans life and she hated him for it. Hell, she’d hated the man from the first moment she caught him trying to jimmy a window open in the house she shared with Mama Love. Well, maybe not since the initial sight, because possible burglar or not, the man was fine with a capital F, but after ‘the incident’ as she liked to call it, she knew he had to be spawn of the devil. Evil incarnate. The bane of her existence. Whatever, they all described how she felt about straight-laced, Mr. Stick up his rear, Jackson. And when she really wanted to piss him off, she called him Monty. Now, things would only get worse. She could handle it when she only had to deal with him being Mama Love’s prodigal cop son come home to save the world, even though it was obvious he thought himself too good for both Bri and Mama Love. It was pushing it a little bit when one of her best friends, Kaylee, invited him to her wedding, but she dealt with it. She’d been around the block a time or two, and there’s no way she’d let that man see her squirm. But this…this was pushing it. How did Mama Love expect her to live with six feet three inches of holier than thou Jackson wrapped in a delicious package of hard muscles, sexy blond hair, and killer ice blue eyes? It wasn’t fair. Out of all the men in San Francisco who could make her want to rip off her clothes and jump his bones with a single look, it had to be Jackson freaking Montgomery. Ugh! I hate that man! The guy had her feng shuy all out of whack. He was messing with her hormones, messing with who she was and that was a very scary thing. No one controlled Brianna Evans unless she wanted to be controlled. Well, not any more at least. If she saw something she wanted, she went for it. If a guy made her warm and fuzzy, she had her way with him. It wasn’t as if she was a slut or anything, but a strong, single woman; and she damn 4

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sure planned on enjoying that for as long as she could. Then along came a tight ass, carrying a badge, who made her girl parts tingle; but looked at her like she was the scum of the earth; and her perfectly wild world fell apart. She wanted someone she didn’t want to lust after. Someone she couldn’t have. Damn, evil, sinfully sexy man! So what did she do about it? She hid in her bedroom, peaking out the window while Mr. Law Man and his buddies carried boxes into the house, and enjoyed the bare-chested view. You show him, girl! Thank God he decided to do his moving on a Friday. She needed a night out with her best friends and a couple dozen apple martinis something fierce. Girl’s night was their little Friday tradition that started off as three single women: herself, Kaylee and Tabby, blowing off steam once a week and turned into Kaylee and her husband/restaurant owner, Luciano, Tabby and her boyfriend/head chef, Nico and Bri. Not that she cared. Took a lot more than being a third wheel to make her feel uncomfortable. Her girls were happy, and their men weren’t too bad on the eyes, so all in all she felt pretty lucky. She’d gained two brothers who treated her sisters like queens, and she was lucky enough to tag along for the ride. The whole relationship thing wasn’t for her. That perfect little decorative box didn’t fit her and she’d never let someone try and stuff her in it again. Sex, now that she could handle. Actually, she quite enjoyed it. The rest she wanted nothing to do with. Woof. Woof. Bri looked down to find her pug, Stud Muffin dancing around at her feet. Throwing one last glance at he-who-must-not-be-named, she plopped down on her purple shag carpet to pet her dog. “Come on, Stud. Can’t you hold it? Don’t make me take you out while he’s here.” Woof. Woof. “Ugh! Men.” Bri skipped the leash this time, planning on letting Stud out back where the yard was fenced and she didn’t run the chance of coming face to face with Monty and his muscled chest. She slipped her feet into her favorite pair of Alf slippers, pulled some 007 shit peaking out the door and then made a run for it. What am I doing? I don’t run. Especially not from a guy. Yet she was doing just that because the last thing she needed to do is run into, “Umpf.” Jackson’s sexy, bare chest. Mmmm. Stop that! 5

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“Didn’t your mom ever teach you not to run in the house?” Jackson looked down on her. His frame towered over five foot, two inch self. “I’d ask you if your mama ever taught you not to be such a rude, opinionated, stick in the mud all the time, but I know she did. You just didn’t have the sense to let it seep in.” “I’m rude? You’re the one running around the house half dressed, not watching where you’re going when there are people trying to move here. If I would have been carrying anything, either you or I could have been hurt because you’re prancing around the place with your pretty little head in the clouds.” Bri stepped closer to him. Pretty little head, huh? She’d show him. Of course she’d be hurting herself in the process, because just looking at the man already had her nipples hard, but still, she’d show him,; too and that’s what was important. “Does it bother you to see me like this, Monty?” She knew the nickname would piss him off. At least hers was a lot better than the one he’d given her. Bri snaked her arm around his chest, her body tingling with heat. Jackson sucked in a heavy breath. “What’s wrong, big guy? Am I showing too much skin for you?” She had on a short pair of shorts and a tank top. A couple inches of skin showed between her shirt and her shorts. “Mr. Perfect bothered by crazy, ole Bri?” Her heart hammered in her chest as she threaded her fingers through his hair. Never in her life had she wanted to both kiss someone and slap them as much as she did right now. She stood on her tiptoes, whispering into his chest because the man was too tall for her. “Well that’s too bad. You couldn’t handle me.” She jerked away and stalked past him, more hot and bothered than she had the right to be. Damn, how in the hell was she going to do this?

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Chapter One

Bri closed her eyes, sat back and enjoyed the bumpy cab ride along a busy San Francisco street. She’d always been a rocker. Sounded crazy but she rocked herself to sleep, and the steady movements of the car were now doing the same thing. The night before she’d stayed up way too late watching a Rocky Horror Picture Show marathon on television. Owning a coffee shop had its perks on a day like today. After three double shot espressos, she actually started to feel like herself about midday. Now, going on seven PM, her shots of liquid energy had all but evaporated. Luckily, in a few short minutes her crazy cab driver would pull up in front of Luciano’s, and she’d get a few minutes alone with Kaylee and Tabby before the men descended. Which sounded bad. It wasn’t as if she didn’t like the guys. She did. Actually she loved them, but over the past few weeks things had changed. She was an outsider with them, whether she or they wanted to admit it, or not. “Hey, if you’re planning on taking a nap I’m keeping the meter running,” she heard from the front seat. Bri opened her eyes and gave her cabbie the finger. “Bite me, Chuck,” she said with a smile. They’d bonded over a few rides from her shop to Luciano’s. Usually he talked her ear off the whole damn time, but today he’d been kind and let her rest. She actually enjoyed the ride more when Chuck pulled up to the curb. The man always gave her a few laughs, and in her book, laughing was the second thing she enjoyed most in the world. “My pleasure. I get off around midnight. Do you want me to pick you up here?” “Ha. Ha. You wish buddy.” Bri handed him a twenty and laughed. “Take it easy, Chuck.” He waved, and she hopped out. With a renewed spark in her step, Bri opened the door to Luciano’s at only seven twelve PM. Huh, not too bad. She wasn’t even as late as she usually was. Rounding the corner, Bri saw Tabby and Kaylee waiting for her at the table that the staff held for them every Friday night. Bri walked over. “Hey girl, you look tired. Long day at the shop?” Kaylee asked 7

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when she sat down at the white clothed, round table. Chandeliers illuminated the room from above each one. “Yeah, that and I stayed up way too late watching Rocky Horror last night. I got into it with him and I needed my Rocky Horror to calm me down.” Ugh! Her skin pricked just thinking about Jackson Montgomery, AKA the devil. The man grated on her last nerve. How he could be related to Mama Love, she didn’t know. Mama was just as wild and crazy as Bri, and Jackson, the man wouldn’t know a good time if it smacked him upside the head. “Jackson still driving you crazy?” Kaylee asked. “What did you think he would suddenly become human?” No such luck. She’d about told him as much last night when they had their latest fight. Hell, she couldn’t even remember what it was about. Kind of hard to focus on fighting with someone when what you really wanted to do is jump their bones. Her body was always at odds when it came to Jackson. They had a lust/hate relationship. Well, at least she did with him. Luckily he always opened his mouth and snapped her out of the hormone-induced haze with his I am Jackson, hear me roar attitude. “He looks pretty human to me,” Tabby smiled. “Every delicious inch of him. The man is gorgeous, Bri.” Yeah, you should try seeing him in his boxers…talk about fine. “Um, don’t you have a boyfriend?” she teased Tabby. “Doesn’t mean I don’t have eyes.” “Well maybe you need glasses,” Bri took a drink of the Apple Martini that sat on the table waiting for her. Both Kaylee and Tabby laughed, but Bri wasn’t laughing. They didn’t get it. Sure the guy had a reason to be a little pissed at her in the beginning. Even though it was his own damn fault for trying to jimmy his way through a window in Mama Love’s house right after she got mugged. Bri got that he had a right to be pissy that she’d caught him, jumped him and succeeded in kicking his ass with her Pug, Stud Muffin. She’d be embarrassed, too, if she was a cop and her cop buddies had to break them up, but damn, let it go already. The man held a grudge like he needed it to breathe or something. The past few weeks of living with the guy was complete hell. He was like some kind of freak of nature or something. Every Monday through Friday he ate oatmeal, a bagel and had black coffee for breakfast. Every. Freaking. Weekday. On the weekends, he splurged 8

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a little. Saturday he had cereal; and Sunday, hell Sunday he completely let loose with bacon, eggs, and potatoes. Who did that? What kind of person ate specific foods on specific days? Sure he may be good looking in a sculpted, Greek God kind of way, but gorgeous or not, the man had food issues, and it freaked her out. “Don’t play like that. We know you think he’s hot.” Bri shrugged. “And?” This time, Tabby shrugged her shoulders. “What does he do that’s so bad?” “What doesn’t he do?” Kaylee blew out a breath. “I’m going to need more to go on than that, girl.” “He’s…him. I don’t know. He just gives me this look like he can’t be bothered with me, like he’s too good for me. It makes me want to sock him in his pretty face. And he eats foods depending on the day of the week. Talk about psycho.” Bri gulped down the rest of her martini. It wouldn’t do her any good to try and explain it to them. “First off, why do you care what he eats, and second, I think you’re mistaken. He doesn’t look at you like he can’t be bothered, the man looks at you like he wants to eat you.” Bri didn’t look at Kaylee when she replied, “Like Mr. Perfect would soil himself with someone as wild and crazy as me. He’s so orderly, and scheduled, and right or wrong, I want to scream every time I set eyes on him. I swear, I want to spike his coffee with vodka or something, just to get him to loosen up.” “Oh my god. You actually like the guy!” Tabby accused her. “Um, hello? What part of the man drives me freakin’ crazy makes you think I like him? You know I love you Tab, but sometimes you’re way too Disney movie for me.” Tabby defended herself. “Yeah, Ms. Grinch, someone has to be.” Kaylee looked at both of them. “Alright, stop it you two. I’m going to get serious here for a minute.” “Do you have to?” Bri really didn’t want to know what her friend had on her mind. “Yes I do. You did the same thing for both Tab and I recently, so now it’s your turn.” In some ways, Bri helped get both Kaylee and Luciano, as well as Tabby and Nico together. She hadn’t done much except pull her 9

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friends’ heads out of their butts, but still, it somehow seemed to work. “That’s okay. I’m cool with skipping over my turn. Things were different with you two. I can’t stand this man. You guys both wanted your Italian Stallions.” Kaylee shot her a look like her mother would when she wasn’t being a good girl. Ugh! She would do anything for these girls. Even listen to their BS. “Go on. I’m on my best behavior.” After a chuckle, Kaylee continued. “I know you’re never going to admit it but I think you like Jackson a little more than you want to admit. It wouldn’t feel right not telling you how I feel. If it wasn’t for you I might never have gone for Luciano. You were there for Tab snagging her man too. Maybe it’s time we returned the favor.” Bri raised her hand to the waiter. “Another round of martini’s please.” She had a feeling she’d need it for whatever Kaylee, and from the looks of it, Tabby, had on their minds. “Do tell, what makes you think I like him?” “I’ve seen you eat that man with your eyes, girl.” “We’ve already acknowledged the fact he’s hot. Sexual attraction doesn’t equal liking him.” “It’s more than that,” Tabby added. “Something’s simmering under the surface with you two and you both feel it. When I see you together, I can practically feel the pull in the air. I think the real reason he drives you crazy is because, even though he’s totally different than what you want, there’s something about him that draws you. He lights a fire in your eyes, Bri.” This was way too Oprah for her. Fires in her eyes and a pull in the air? Love definitely messed with her friends’ brains. “I think you two have lost it. Jackson’s hot, end of story. I don’t want him, or any other man, for anything more than a little bedroom action.” “See! That’s exactly what we’re talking about.” Kaylee blew out a breath. “Just because you guys fell in love with Nico and Luciano, please don’t start pushing Jackson on me.” “We want you to be happy whether you explore your attraction with Jackson, or if it’s another man. Hell, at least don’t go into every relationship knowing that there really won’t be one. You’re limiting yourself.” “And the only way to be happy is with a man?” Tabby shook her head. “You know that’s not what she meant. If you never settle down, more power to you. You know, you’re so 10

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against having things planned out, you want to fly by the seat of your pants, but you’re doing just the opposite. Promising you’re never going to get into a relationship sounds like a pretty definite plan to me. I’ve never seen you get so riled up about a man the way you do about Jackson. It’s different Bri, and I think you know it. You’ve never run before and don’t start now. If you like him, go for it. If it doesn’t work out you’re nowhere different than you are now. If we’re way off base about Jackson, tell us to shut the hell up, and we’ll drop it.” Bri winked at her friends. “Shut the hell up.” They knew she didn’t mean her words rudely. Tab and Kaylee knew her well enough to know she just didn’t want to talk about it anymore. Hell, she hadn’t wanted to talk about it from the get go. “Are you harassing my woman?” Nico asked setting plates of pasta primavera in front of the women. Luciano came up right behind him and took a seat in one of the empty chairs that waited for them. “Actually I think it’s the other way around,” Tabby kissed Nico’s cheek. “Kaylee and I were giving Bri a hard time.” Nico took a seat next to Tabby. “That’s okay then. She deserves it.” He shot a wink at her. Bri elbowed him. Nico could always be counted on to lighten the mood and give a laugh when need be. “You deserve it more than I do.” “I second that,” Luciano added. “Well that’s a given but my baby gives it to me enough for the rest of you.” Tabby wrinkled her nose, her mouth wide open as if in shock. Everyone else at the table laughed. It felt great to be with her friends. She loved Nico and Luciano almost as much as she loved her girls. Even though at times she felt a little separate from the group, there was still no where she’d rather be. Kaylee and Tabby told her to be happy. The four people at this table made her happy. She didn’t need anyone else. Especially not Mr. I want the perfect little wife at home, Jackson Montgomery.

Jackson pulled his blue F250 extended cab into the driveway of 11

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the driveway of the house he’d been raised in. At thirty-five he never expected to live at home again, nor had he ever wanted to. He tried to forget the craziness of his childhood since he turned eighteen, moved out and became a cop. Living here, seeing the memories around every corner reminded him of all the reasons he’d hated his childhood. And then, like always, guilt immediately washed over him. It wasn’t as if he had a bad childhood. He always knew love and never wanted for anything, except for the stability his mom had a hard time giving him. Opening the door, he eased his tired legs from his vehicle. Today had been a shitty day at work. They caught the bad guy, which always pumped adrenaline furiously through his veins, but now he felt the after effect of exhaustion gripping his body. One twist of the lock and Jackson pushed the front door open to the over-sized house his grandparents handed down to his mom when they passed away. Woof. Woof. The she-devil’s yapping little dog danced at his feet. “Back up, Scooby. I’m not in the mood tonight.” He refused to call the damn dog by his name. What the hell kind of woman named her dog Stud Muffin? The really fucked up thing is, giving the dog a stupid name wasn’t even close to topping the list of the crazy things Brianna did. When it came to names, it wasn’t like he had a lot of room to talk, but at least he hadn’t picked his own name out. That had been all Mom. Or Mama Love as Brianna called her. No wonder McGruff, as he liked to call Brianna, and his mom got along so well. Among other eccentric personality traits, they both sucked at giving names. At least it was only a fucked up middle name he had to deal with. Jackson dropped a piece of lunchmeat for Scooby while he made a sandwich. What the hell was up with Brianna anyway? Stud Muffin? The woman drove him crazy. She was outspoken, blunt, wild, and from the way she jumped him when they first met, he wondered if she might be a little crazy too. A heavy ache filled his gut every time he thought about the way she’d gone after him that day. He’d seen way to many acts of vigilantism gone wrong. She put herself and her friend in serious danger that day. If he’d really been the kind of dirt bag who’d break into someone’s home, he could have easily had a gun as well. She could have been dead. Tabby could have been dead, all because she refused to think before she acted. Why didn’t she get that? 12

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Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only ache he got when he thought about Brianna. He remembered her petite feminine curves, the way her body molded against his while he tried to detach her from his back, and the sassy scent of vanilla and cinnamon that was uniquely Brianna. They inspired an ache behind the fly of his jeans. He wanted her beneath him. Crazy as it sounded, as much as she made him want to strangle her, he also wanted to bed her. You’re losing it, man. That woman is nothing but trouble. Jackson didn’t need trouble. He didn’t need impulsive, erratic, or sarcastic, which meant he didn’t need Brianna. How the hell a woman could piss him off, and make him hard at the same time, he didn’t know; but somehow the woman did it. With her creamy brown skin, golden brown eyes, and utterly female body, she was a wet dream come true. As soon as she opened her sassy mouth all the reasons he steered clear from her should push that lust aside, but they didn’t. “God damn, libido.” Jackson sat at the kitchen table to finish off his sandwich. The way she acted, she disliked, or maybe disapproved was a better word, of him even more than he did her. She couldn’t understand a man like him, someone who liked order, liked playing by the rules. The glances she cut him told him that, but his cop senses, no his male senses, told him behind those looks, she felt desire for him too. Mark that down as another reason to stay away from her. He was thirty-five years old, ready to find a woman and settle down to a nice, uncomplicated life. Brianna was definitely complicated, so why bother? Sexual frustration was a pretty damn good reason. Not good enough. Jackson pushed to his feet, and at the same time, tried to push Brianna from his head. She was so far away from what he wanted in his life it shouldn’t be this hard from him to forget about her. Only it was, and that made him dislike her even more. “Hey, honey. I thought I heard you come home.” Jackson watched his mom come into the kitchen and sit at the table. Despite his exhaustion he joined her. At fifty-five, slight wrinkles on her face spoke of her age, but nothing else she did would give her away. “Nice pink hair, Mom. When did you do that?” 13

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She laughed. “You hate it. Don’t pretend you don’t Pea—I mean Jackson.” After her mugging, the past few years came crashing down on him. He lived in the same city as his mom, but only saw her a handful of times a year? No matter what issues he had from the past, she was the only mom he had. The whole moving back in thing had been his attempt not only to try and rebuild their relationship, but also keep her safe. “You’re right. I don’t like it, but I also don’t want to fight with you. I get enough of that from your roommate.” She perked at the mention of Brianna. “She’s such a hoot. I don’t know why you give her such a hard time.” “Me? She dishes it out just as frequently, Mom.” A soft laugh floated around them. “Yeah, Bri doesn’t let anyone get the best of her, that’s for sure. I think you two have more in common than you realize.” Alright, time for bed. “I don’t think we have anything in common.” He muttered a quiet, “Thank God for that.” “I know you love her, Mom, but we’re never going to get along. I came here to get closer to you, not the she-devil.” “You better not let her hear you call her that. I might end up with another wrestling match in my front yard.” “I wouldn’t put it past her, but I don’t make it a habit to wrestle women. Well, not sure she qualifies, but—hey--ouch, no hitting.” “You know very well she’s a woman, Jackson. You think I’m blind but I see-” He didn’t want to hear where this was going. The last thing he wanted to do is talk about his attraction to Brianna with his mom. “I need to head up to bed.” He kissed her cheek. “See you in the morning, Mom.” She laughed and he knew, she knew, he wanted to escape her. “Goodnight, Peace.” The use of his middle name drove home all the reasons he would stay away from Brianna. The last thing he needed was another eccentric woman in his life. “Jackson, Mom. Call me Jackson.”

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Chapter Two

Brianna rolled over to Stud Muffin’s wet snout in her face. “That time already, baby boy?” She petted him on the head. Stud started to jump around on her bed, eager to go out. “I swear you have to pee like a pregnant woman, dog.” Kicking her lime green comforter off the bed, Bri stood up and stretched while Stud ran to the door. Her body still half asleep, she sleepily walked out of her bedroom heading straight for the stairs. After letting Stud outside, she practically ran to the kitchen for a much needed caffeine boost. As soon as she walked into the room, the rich aroma of coffee bean flowed around her. Mama Love sat at the sage green table in her housecoat already enjoying a cup. “Good morning, sleepyhead.” “Mornin’.” Bri rubbed her eyes before grabbing a cup from the cupboard. Picking up the carafe, she poured herself a cup of coffee, added caramel-vanilla flavoring and sugar before joining Mama Love at the table. The blinds in the alcove across from the table were pulled open letting a jet of light shine in on them. “Doesn’t that light hurt your eyes this early in the morning?” Mama laughed. “I’ve been awake for hours. The sunshine feels good.” “Yeah I like the sun too, but I like it much better at noon.” “I was the same way at your age.” Mama patted her hand. “Jackson would open the house up early, letting the light in, and I’d sit at the table groaning just like you. Now, I kind of like it.” Bri glanced up at her, a little surprised at what Mama Love said. So Jackson had been this old even as a child…and Mama Love had still been this—young? Was that the way to put it? What she did know is it was too early to think so deeply. “Oh my god! Your hair looks great. Who did it?” “Me. I was starting to feel a little too boring in my old age so I thought I’d do something to liven things up again.” “Please, Mama, you could never be boring. The pink looks great. I’m glad you did it.” “You should have seen my son when he saw it.” “Pfft. The man wouldn’t know style if it slapped him upside his 15

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hard head.” Mama Love sipped her coffee. “Are you and Jackson ever going to stop with all this fighting? I think I might have to lock the two of you in a room together until you can get along.” Yeah, that’s all she needed. Hell would freeze over before Bri let herself be locked in any room with Jackson Montgomery; because if she did, there’s no way some freaky stuff wouldn’t be going on behind that door. “I know he’s a good man because you raised him, Mama, but I don’t think we’ll ever get along. He’s like the Grinch, but instead of taking away Christmas, he wants to suck all the fun out of my life.” She knew her joking wouldn’t hurt Mama Love’s feelings. They were too close for that. “Maybe you can teach him to have fun, oh great goddess of the good time,” Mama teased. They both laughed. “Not sure that’s possible, Mama. The man’s a workaholic who watches sports and exercises for a good time. Yuck. I shiver just thinking about it.” “You picking on my boy?” “Naw.” Bri glanced at the clock. “Okay, maybe a little bit.” She stood. “I’m late. The shower’s calling my name. See you tonight.” “Have fun.” Bri could hear the snicker in her voice as she left the kitchen. Once she let Stud in the house they took the stairs together, his little legs hurrying to keep up with her. When she hit the top stair and turned to head to her room on the left, Stud went to the opposite door. “Damn it, Stud Muffin, get over here.” Bri used her best stern, yet hushed voice. She should have known her traitor dog would try to make a pit stop by Jackson’s room. Why the heck did her dog suddenly like the guy so much? The last thing she needed this morning is to wake him up, which seemed to be exactly what Stud wanted to do. He jumped once, scratching his little feet on the door. Padding her bare feet along the hardwood floors, Bri bent and grabbed Stud Muffin who wiggled like crazy in her arms. He dropped to the floor followed by the creaking sound of Jackson’s door. Just freakin’ great. “I worked late last night, McGruff. Do you think you and Scooby could stop wrestling outside my door?” His voice was thick with a sleep induced huskiness. Ugh! This whole McGruff thing was really starting to piss her 16

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off. So she thought he was a criminal and tried to take him down. That was no reason to call her a dog. Turning to look at him she realized she’d just made a huge mistake. The man was the devil all wrapped up in a delicious package of defined muscles and bedroom eyes. Bri wanted to lick him, to kiss and taste every contour of that very hard body of his. “Did you and Scooby hear a noise and decide to investigate? I assure you I wasn’t trying to break into my own bedroom.” Then the man went and opened his mouth again and reminded her all over again why there would be no licking where Jackson was involved. He couldn’t let anything go. “If he’s Scooby wouldn’t I be Shaggy?” “Shaggy doesn’t have big enough balls to be you.” Brianna laughed. Most women might find that an insult, but not her. Still, their fight in the yard happened like forever ago. Couldn’t he let it go already? “Are you ever going to let that go, Monty?” The best she could come up with was to shorten his last name. Sad but true. Luckily for her, he got his feathers ruffled easily. Hopefully, one day she’d find out what his middle name was. It had to be a good one if he went as far as to make his mom promise not to tell her what it was. “Brianna, you jumped onto my back and tried to choke me while Scooby mistook me for an oversized Scooby Snack. I’ll let it go when the guys at the station stop busting my balls about getting jumped by a woman.” “It would have been okay if I’m a man? You’re so sexist.” Jackson held up a hand. “Let’s not get into the sexist crap. It wouldn’t have been okay if you were a man, but if you had been, I would have been able to beat your ass. Since you weren’t, I had to let you win.” Brianna raised her voice. “Let me win! Yeah right. Don’t make excuses just because you got your ass kicked by a girl.” “And her little dog too.” He mocked The Wizard of Oz. “The wicked witch didn’t have anything on you. You get PMS worse than all the women I know. You seem to forget I was trying to-” “Yeah, I know. My mother had just been mugged and you thought I was the world’s dumbest criminal who decided to stalk her. Still, you didn’t let go after the fifteenth time I told you I’m her son.” 17

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A minor detail as far as she was concerned. “So I got a little excited.” Bri shrugged. “Even though you weren’t a burglar, I’m sure you’ve done something else to deserve being jumped with that attitude of yours.” “Excited doesn’t cover it. You were the Tasmanian devil hyped up on five shots of caffeine.” Bri couldn’t help but laugh at his analogy. “Yeah, well, what can I say? I’m wild in the sack, too. Not that you’ll ever get to experience me.” Apparently Mr. Conservative had never had a woman say something to him like she just had. She’d teased him once the day he first moved in, but that caused her just as much pain as it had him, so she hadn’t done that one again. Jackson stood in his bedroom doorway, his sinfully sexy mouth wide open. “Like I told you before, you couldn’t handle me, big guy.” How do you like that? Jackson’s almond shaped eyes narrowed, but still he said nothing. “Cat got your tongue, Monty?” Before she had the chance to register what he planned, Jackson turned her and pinned her against the wall. His bare chest smashed against hers. His hands held her wrists above her head. “Honey, you have no idea what I can handle.” The mouth she’d just been admiring crushed her own. Jackson demanded entrance, pushing his tongue between her lips. Brianna fought the kiss for about, oh, half a second, before she succumbed to passion and the delicious taste of man. The hard length of his erection rubbed against her creating scintillating friction that inspired wetness to form at the apex of her thighs. Damn, this man knew how to kiss. He didn’t go easy on her. No, his kiss was rough, punishing…hot as hell, and she couldn’t get enough of it. What the hell are you doing? This is Jackson. Don’t let this man know what he does to you. She felt too good to stop. Brianna pulled her hands free and grabbed his jean-clad ass. Her body softened against the hard contours of his while their tongues tangled. Jackson growled and pushed his groin tighter against her, the scent of evergreen and man wrapping around her. She should stop. But she couldn’t. Her body craved the man giving her a lesson of his sexual expertise. “Woof!” Stud Muffin jumped on them. “Woof!” As if Stud’s barks slapped the sense into Jackson that Bri had somehow lost, he pulled away from her mouth, his lips still inches 18

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from hers. “I can handle you just fine, honey.” Jackson released her and stepped back inside his room. “Cat got your tongue, McGruff?” A loud slam permeated the air, then silence, leaving only Brianna’s breathless gasp as she realized she’d quit breathing.

Mama Love ducked around the corner a smile stretching across her face. From day one she thought she saw more between her son and Brianna. Her heart leapt with excitement. Thoughts of the two people she loved most in the world together and happy flashed through her head like scenes of a movie. Her son deserved to be happy, and no matter how much he thought he was, Mama knew better. Things hadn’t always been easy for Jackson. Though she always loved him and did her best to raise him right, she realized now she hadn’t given him what he needed. She was wild, too damn young to be a mom, but instead of growing up and doing what she should, she’d stayed a kid herself. As much as that hurt, she knew there was no going back, no way to change the past. He grew up before she had the chance be the mother he wanted; no, the mother he deserved. Now she had a second chance, and she wouldn’t screw it up this time. The best gift she could give him is love. He’d always had hers, but he deserved much more than that. She couldn’t give him back his childhood, but she could give him this. Even if, right now, he may not realize he wanted it.

Brianna’s pulse pounded in her ears. Slamming her bedroom door, she stalked the room with heavy steps. The nerve of that man ate at her. She couldn’t stand him, and he not only kissed the hell out of her, but he made her like it, too. The feel of the seductive play of his lips still lingered on her mouth. “Evil!” She told Kaylee and Tabby the man was evil, and no one would believe her. Only the strongest kind of voodoo would make her enjoy a kiss by that man. And enjoy it she had. Stripping out of her pajama’s, Bri got in the shower. First things 19

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first, she took a wet rag to her face trying to wipe away the feel of his lips on hers. It didn’t work. Her body betrayed her as it tingled in all the right places just from the memory. She had to find a way to get back at him. No one got the better Bri at anything. Grabbing the soap, she washed-up and then jumped out of the shower. Her teeth were brushed a second later. After dressing in a multi-colored, form fitting, V-neck shirt and a pair of jeans she headed out the door. She needed to avoid him. That’s all there was to it. This house was big enough they didn’t have to step into each other’s territory. If they did happen to run into each other, she’d just have to make sure Mama Love would be around to play buffer between them until she figured out her plan of attack. Now, she was out for blood. Revenge never sounded so sweet. If Jackson thought he could kiss her and get away with it, he had another thing coming. “Bri, can you come in here a second?” Mama called from the kitchen right as she tried to walk out the door. Pushing the heavy oak door closed, Bri turned to join her. Unfortunately for her, Jackson also sat with his mom; his stupid bowl of oatmeal and bagel sitting in front of him. “Are you cooking, Mama. I smell bacon.” Bri cut her eyes toward Jackson. He scoffed. “Yeah, because I’ve never heard that one before, McGruff.” Holding up her hands Mama said, “That’s enough you two. I have to talk to you about something important.” Both Bri and Jackson turned serious. “Is everything okay?” they both happened to ask at the same time. “My close friend William, who moved to Palm Springs a few months back, had a surgery and I’m going to stay with him for a while to help him until he can get on his feet.” Bri almost choked on her shock. “Excuse me?” “I’ll be gone for a few weeks. William needs me, and to be honest, I need a little bit of time away. After the mugging and the wedding I could use a little vacation. Maybe I can find some cute pool boys half my age.” Mama Love winked at her. “Not what I wanted to hear, Mom.” Jackson turned to Bri. “You stay, I’ll go. If my mom’s not here, there’s no purpose in my staying.” Mama Love grabbed his arm. “I don’t want you to go. I need you to help take care of the house while I’m gone. Between your and Bri’s hours, you guys will need each other’s help taking care of the 20

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dogs. You know I always help Bri with Stud while she’s gone, and she helps with Lennon and Dylan too. Plus I might be getting a new boarder in the last room next weekend, and I don’t want her here alone with someone so new in the house.” Bri eyed her. This whole situation smelled pretty fishy. “You never told me we were getting a new boarder.” “I forgot,” Mama replied. Jackson cut in, “Here’s an idea, don’t rent rooms in your house to virtual strangers, Mom. You know that pisses me off. It isn’t safe, and you promised me you’d quit doing it.” “And I didn’t plan on it. This is a friend’s son so I trust him, but I would still feel better if there was another man in the house.” “I don’t need his help. I’m better off on my own.” Jackson turned to Bri. “Please, you may think you’re wonder woman, but you’re not. Another man wouldn’t be as careful with you as I was when you threw yourself at me playing the hero.” “I wasn’t trying to play anything you big-” “That’s enough!” Bri had never heard Mama Love raise her voice before now. “This is getting a little bit old. You’re both adults so act like it.” She turned toward Jackson. “Please don’t leave. I’d like you to stay. When I get back, I’d like it if we could spend more time together. I love having you back home again, Peace.” Peace! His name was freakin’ Peace? Oh she’d never let him live this one down. Mama turned her attention to Bri next. “I’d feel better with my son here. Don’t make an old woman fret when I’m already going to be worried enough about William.” Guilt assaulted her. “You’re not old, Mama, but I’m sorry about your friend. We can handle things around here while you’re gone.” “That’s my girl.” Mama kissed Bri then Jackson’s cheek. “You’d make me the happiest woman on earth if the two people I love most in the world could actually get along with each other.” “We’ll try, Mama.” As much as she hated it, she’d let the words pass her lips for Mama Love’s sake. The woman had done so much for her, and she loved her like her own mother. “What about you?” She turned toward Jackson, well, Peace. This name thing would be so much fun. Through gritted teeth he replied, “Yeah, Mom. I’ll try.” Mama Love clapped her hands together. “Great! Be good kids.” She headed toward the door. “Or better yet, don’t.” 21

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I hate that man. I hate that man. Bri repeated the words in her head the whole day at work. Today, she hated him even more than she usually did. His kiss simmered and boiled inside her all day, doing nothing but fueling her anger with Jackson. Okay, that was a lie, because it made her pretty damn hot too, but that was beside the point. How dare he kiss her like that? How dare he make her like it? How dare he make her dwell on him all damn day until she drove herself crazy? Ugh! “Hey, baby girl.” Her friend and employee Tommy called out when he walked into her small coffee shop. Perfect, Tommy would be just the distraction she needed. Not in a hubba hubba kind of way because Tommy didn’t swing that like that, but the man was a riot. If anyone could get Jackson out of her head, it was Tommy. “Hey! You want your usual?” He wasn’t working today, so she went ahead and made him a coffee. “You know I do.” Tommy, decked out in bright purple stretch pants and a back to the eighties ripped shirt, walked up to her and fingered one of the twists she recently put in her black hair. “I like. You look gorgeous. If I were straight you’d be my girl, you know that, don’t you?” Bri laughed while she whipped extra foam for Tommy’s drink. “If you were straight, I just might consider tossing the no relationship clause. I think you might just be the only man in the world who doesn’t get their panties in a wad once ‘crazy Brianna’ gets going.” Tommy grabbed his cappuccino from her hand. “What’s wrong?” “Just frustrated.” Since closing time approached and there weren’t many customers in the store, Bri joined Tommy on the brown mismatched couch that sat in her shop. “My roommate is driving me crazy.” “Well drive him crazy back.” I thought you wanted him to distract you? Bri pushed her thoughts away and kept talking. “Believe me, I do. He’s still getting under my skin though. I mean, who does the guy think he is? Yeah he’s just about as gorgeous as a Greek God, but that doesn’t make him any better than the rest of us. That doesn’t make him better than 22

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me.” “And he thinks he’s better than you?” “Oh that and more. I’m pretty much the craziest woman who ever set foot on this earth in Jackson’s eyes. The man isn’t afraid to tell me either. I don’t care what he thinks but…” Tommy sat forward. “You like him!” Dude. What the hell was with people thinking that? “Please. I do not like Jackson Montgomery.” Bri rolled her eyes and tried to ignore the little flutter in stomach. She couldn’t help but remember the wet-panty inspiring kiss he gave her this morning. She lusted after him sure. What woman in her sexual prime wouldn’t, but that’s as far as it went. Bri didn’t do like, and if she did, it sure wouldn’t be with him. He’d bore her in no time flat, and she had way too much personality for that. She wasn’t the sweet little, stay at home mom type who had dinner on the table at six sharp every day. They just didn’t fit. The kiss was a fluke. It had to be. A man as straightlaced at Jackson, well, Peace, couldn’t kiss like that on a regular basis. No chance. Someone that hot couldn’t be wrapped in such a conservative package. “Hello? Earth to Bri. I asked you why you’re letting him get to you if you don’t like him?” “Because he got the best of me this morning, and I don’t lose.” Tommy rubbed his hands together. “Oh, now we’re getting to the good stuff. Do tell, baby girl.” Oops. The telling part wasn’t happening. Not in details at least. “He did something I didn’t like is all. I know it was on purpose, too. I have to find a way to get back at him.” Tommy flapped his hand at her. “Pooh. I hate secrets. You never let me have any fun.” Bri cracked a smile. “You’re such a girl.” This time they both laughed together. “Alright, so no details. I see how you are. That leaves me with two pieces of advice either A) Do what he did. Get back at him with something that you know will bother him like he did you.” His eyebrows rose up, then went back down. “Or B) Use your sexual appeal, baby. Make him hard, then leave him to take matters into his own hand. He’s a man, you’re hot, it won’t take much work on your part.” Oh, oh, oh, could it really be that easy? The man had her off her game. Why hadn’t she thought about this herself? Bri gave a wicked 23

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snicker. Tonight she’d throw both A and B at Jackson just like he did to her. Time to give Peace a little taste of his own medicine.

Jackson hit the power button on the television and kicked his feet up on his mom’s dark oak coffee table. He had a shitty day at work. Usually his work always gave him a high, but today he’d also rode another kind of high all day and it seriously pissed him off. Hell, he hadn’t had a kiss like the one he shared today with Brianna in a long damn time, and his libido wanted more. It wasn’t going to happen, but his cock didn’t seem to get that. Kissing her like was damn stupid, but he couldn’t take it back. For the first time he’d left her speechless. No wisecracking comments, no insults, no lame-ass nicknames, just silence and desire stood between. He hadn’t been sure she wanted him too until that moment. But she did. He felt it in the way she took his kiss, in the way she opened up for him, giving as well as taking while her hot little body hugged his. Jackson’s cock stiffened making him groan. Why the fuck did his mom have to go out of town right now and insist he stay with Brianna? This would be torture, plain and simple. And that’s so much different than what you’ve been dealing with the past few weeks? Having his mom here would do nothing to curb the unwanted desire he had for her. Lights moved across the living room wall alerting him a car pulled up out front. Speak of the devil. He would have gone to his room earlier, but Brianna almost never came home before 11:00 PM. He should have a good three hours to go. Slowly rising to his feet, Jackson ambled into the kitchen, and opened the fridge. Hopefully he could find something quick he could grab and bring to his room before the she-devil started in on him. The door clicked followed by her light footsteps. Damn the woman must have practically run into the house. Was she excited to see him? Still riding the high of their passionate kiss this morning like he’d done all day? He bet money she didn’t expect to react like she did when his lips possessed hers. Male pride ballooned inside him. She stepped into the kitchen carrying a to-go box. “Hey, Monty. I stopped by Luciano’s on my way home and grabbed some lasagna. 24

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You hungry?” Jackson tried to hide his smile. This was different. She talked civilly to him. She brought him dinner. Did she hope for a replay of this morning? He shouldn’t want to, but the hard-on behind his zipper pulsed at the thought of another round. Hell he wanted more, and he wasn’t sure he had the strength to deny this Brianna standing in front of him. The one that seemed almost…sane. He struggled to rein in his attraction to her when she drove him crazy. The sweet little smile on her lips was enough to do him in. Speaking of sane, his current train of thought was anything but. This was Brianna. Wild, crazy, don’t think before I act Brianna. The last thing he should be thinking about is doing anything sexual with her despite the way she looked at him right now fluttering her eyelashes and licking her lips. Something was seriously wrong with this picture. While he stood there flabbergasted, Brianna made her way to stand next to him. Her arm brushed lightly against his while she reached toward the cabinet door. “Let me get us a couple plates. Why don’t you sit at the table? I know you probably had a hard day at work.” He sat where he could watch her. The skirt he hadn’t noticed she wore rose high on her thigh when her small body bounced on her toes to reach up. Sweet Jesus. What the fuck was it about this woman? Next, she grabbed for two glasses treating him to another peepshow, this one of her flat stomach. He’d always thought there was something so fucking hot about a woman’s stomach and Bri’s was off the charts. A sparkle of silver glinted in the light when she rotated. Hell, a pierced navel should not be sexy. It was stupid. He’d always thought so. What was the point? Right now, the little ring didn’t need a point except to turn him on. Which it did, no matter how much he scolded himself. “You know, I’ve been thinking about what Mama Love said this morning, Jackson. We really should try to get along better for her sake.” The way her body leaned over him, enveloping him in her sweet vanilla and cinnamon scent while she placed a plate and glass in front of him told him she wanted to do more than just get along and for more than just his mom’s sake. His cock throbbed behind the fly of his jeans. “Um, I’ve been thinking the same thing. You know, for 25

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my mother and all.” Fuck, Montgomery. What are you doing? You hate this woman. She grabbed a bottle of wine from the brown, paper bag, opened it and poured them both a glass. Jackson tried to busy himself by dishing out their food. Don’t think with your dick, man. This is Brianna. You guys couldn’t get along if your lives depended on it. Get up and go to your room. But he couldn’t. He wanted her, and from the looks of it, their little kiss this morning woke her up to the fact that she wanted him too. Brianna held up her wine glass. “Should we toast our decision? To changing the dynamics of our relationship?” At this point he wanted nothing more than to change their relationship from hardly able to stand being in the same room to naked and horizontal…or vertical if she’d rather. Whatever, he was easy. He’d take her any way. It pissed him off that she could turn him on like this. No matter how badly he wanted her physically, he knew it would be a huge mistake to take her to bed. She was everything he fought against, unconventional when all he wanted is conventional, yet his damn libido went crazy any time she stepped into a room. Tonight he was on fire. His common sense completely burned to ash. But somehow, he needed those fires extinguished. Jackson didn’t make rash decisions like he already did once today, and she wouldn’t get another one out of him no matter how hot she looked with that sexy smile, holding up her wine glass and giving him wink. “Brianna, listen. I don’t want you to get the wrong idea about” Her phone rang cutting him off. “Hold that thought.” She gave him another wink before picking up the phone. “Hello? Hey, Tommy. No, I’m not doing anything at the moment.” What the fuck? Who the hell was Tommy? Last he checked she damn sure was doing something. Flirting with him. “Tonight? Sure. I need a good time so bad. It’s been a long time since we’ve…gotten together. You know how to have a good time better than any man I know.” Jackson’s fists tightened along with his jaw. Here she’d been eying him with interest not two seconds before, and now here she sat on the phone with some asshole named Tommy making plans? “I’m serious. Any other men I’ve come across are amateurs compared to you.” 26

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That’s because she hadn’t had him yet. Tommy couldn’t kiss her the way he did this morning. Hell, he had claw marks in his back to prove it. “Alright, sexy, I’ll see you soon.” “Who the fuck was that?” The irritated edge in his voice pissed Jackson off even more. He had no reason to be angry. Hell, he didn’t want to be angry. Anger meant feelings more than dislike, and that’s all he wanted to feel for Brianna. “Tommy,” she said with a smile bouncing to her feet. “Weren’t we having a conversation here? Now you’re just going to flutter off to meet some jackass.” Brianna grabbed a bottle of lotion from her purse and started lotioning her luscious legs. Down boy. His cock perked to attention again. “First, I don’t flutter, Monty. Second, I did what I planned tonight. I made nice with you so we don’t keep hurting your mom. End of story. It’s not my fault if you read something else into it. I’m going to meet Tommy and,” she winked, “show him that wild side of me that you can’t stand.” The wild side she talked about this morning he could do more than stand. Jackson wanted to feed it, experience it, while he showed her that, whoever that Tommy guy was, he didn’t have shit on him. “You were doing more than just making nice, Brianna. You couldn’t keep your eyes off me. Don’t play that game.” Her boisterous laughter filled the quiet kitchen. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” “Yes you do.” Jackson stood. He didn’t know what came over him, why he couldn’t just let this go, but after that kiss this morning, the idea of letting her walk away to go show some man the passion he wanted from her wasn’t an option. “Don’t try and pretend I didn’t have any effect on you this morning. With one kiss you were putty in my hands.” “Deflate your head ego boy. I happen to enjoy kissing. It had nothing to do with you.” Was it him, or did her voice quiver a little bit? Jackson stalked toward her knowing this was all kinds of stupid. Knowing that this impulsive behavior wasn’t him, but he also didn’t back away from a challenge; and after the way she melted in his arms this morning, and then her words on the phone with the putz, she’d unknowingly issued him a challenge. “So you just wanted to make nice for my 27

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mom’s sake?” “Yes.” Oh yeah. He heard a quiver all right. “And my kiss this morning did nothing for you?” “The fact that it was you doing the kissing did nothing for me.” Without giving her a chance to deny him, Jackson took her mouth in a scorching kiss. Fire swept through his body when Brianna clutched his shoulders holding him to her. Pushing all thoughts except pleasure from his head, he picked her up, grabbing her curvy little ass before setting her on the counter. He felt her try to take over, try to lead the kiss, but he wasn’t having it. Jackson fought for entrance to her mouth, tasting the white hot fire of this spunky woman who drove him over the edge. With his tongue he traveled a path down her neck, taking her earlobe between his teeth before sucking it into his mouth. His hand went straight to her breast, kneading the plump mound before teasing the crook of her neck with lashes of his tongue. He wanted her more than anything. More than the dislike he had for her. More than the knowledge that she was everything he didn’t want. Right now, all that mattered was passion…pleasure. Jackson took her pebbled nipple between two fingers and squeezed. “Peace…” The name snapped him out of the trance she had him in. Jackson ripped his mouth away from hers and stepped back. “My name is not Peace. Don’t call me that again.”

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Chapter Three

Bri jumped down from the counter top, her breathing much heavier than she was comfortable with. “This is getting to be a habit of yours. You put your lips on me again, and I’m not responsible for my actions.” “What? Will you kiss me back and enjoy it again?” She scoffed at him trying not to look as shaken as she felt. Somehow he’d switched the tables are her, again. And made her like it, again. Yeah, the man was evil for sure. The devil in disguise. “No, I’ll go Hannibal Lector on you if you put your tongue in my mouth again. I’m giving you fair warning.” “You weren’t complaining a minute ago.” “Yeah, real mature, Jackson.” He raked a hand through his hair. “Don’t worry, it won’t happen again. I never make the same mistake twice.” “Could have fooled me.” “You know what I mean. From now on I’m staying away from you. I’d appreciate it if you’d do the same thing.” “Don’t worry. I wouldn’t want to taint your perfect life with my wicked ways. We all know you’re better than the rest of us.” Bri scooped up her purse and cell phone and headed straight for the door. Immediately after calling a cab she dialed Kaylee. “Hey. Meet me at Tabby’s if you don’t want to visit me behind bars.” Kaylee’s voice came out rushed, filled with worry, “Why? What’s wrong?” “Just planning to strangle my roommate, that’s all.” Kaylee laughed. “See ya soon.” She hung up the phone. Next, Bri hit number three on her speed dial and told Tabby they were coming over. Both her friends agreed no questions asked besides Kaylee making sure everything was okay. She loved that about her friends. Just knowing she had them to talk to calmed the fury inside her over Jackson. The three girls always knew they could count on each other no matter what. Tonight she needed to vent, and she needed it now. What felt like an hour later, but in reality had probably only been about twenty minutes, a cab pulled up in front of the house. Bri 29

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jumped in spewing Tabby’s address to the driver. Without a word the cab pulled away from the curb. Smart move, buddy. I’m not in the mood for small talk tonight. How had she let him get the upper hand again? Her plan backfired in her face. The last thing she wanted to do is let him know he had a physical affect on her body. That’s all he needed—a bigger head. If this had been anyone but him she’d jump his bones and get it over with. But this wasn’t just any man. It was Jackson. Her enemy, her opposite in every way, the one who would eventually want the same exact thing from her that ‘the prick’ had. She wouldn’t change for anyone. She liked her life just the way it was. Why couldn’t anyone get that? What was so wrong with the way she lived anyway? She took care of her responsibilities, had friends that counted on her, whom she could count on as well; she was happy. So she liked to go out, date, spoke her mind and hated to do anything the easy way. Did that make her a bad person? No. To Jackson it did. She could see it in the way he looked down his nose at her, in the way he rolled his eyes when she drank out of her own milk carton and put it back in the fridge, like she’d just tortured a little old woman or something. Most of all she saw it in the repulsed look he gave her after both their kisses. For some reason, one she couldn’t figure out, that’s what bothered her the most. “Ugh!” “You okay, lady?” “Fine, just contemplating murder that’s all.” He snickered. “Let me know if you need help hiding the body. I can make a couple calls for you.” She laughed at his joke, appreciating his attempt to lighten the mood. “Boyfriend troubles?” he asked. “You work in a beauty shop during the day and drive cab by night?” No way would she talk about her problems with a stranger. She saved that for Kaylee, Tabby, and sometimes Tommy, but even with him she didn’t like to open up too much. “Sorry. Just making conversation.” Luckily, they pulled up to the curb in front of Tabby’s apartment a few seconds later. Bri handed a bill to the driver. “Keep the change.” It’s the least she could do with after being bitchy with him. After entering the building, she headed straight for Tabby’s apartment and let herself in. Kaylee and Tabby sat in the living 30

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room on Tabby’s plush couches. “What did he do this time?” Kaylee asked. Brianna paced the room. Paced for God’s sake! She never paced. Would his power of torture ever end? “He exists. Isn’t that enough?” “You’re going to have to give us more than that.” Tabby ruffled her short hair. “He already tried to protect himself when we attacked him, moved in with his mom to get to know her better, has the nerve to like to think things through, knows what he wants in his life, and has no problem telling you what he thinks. Which I might add is the exact way you are with other people. I can’t imagine the evil thing he’s up to now.” Bri stopped mid-pace as if her feet had suddenly grown roots. Whiplash nearly set in when her head snapped to the left. “You’re taking his side?” She couldn’t believe this. The man really was the devil. First, he’d made her own damn dog fall in love with him, and now her two best friends, the ones who were always there for her, were taking his side too. This time Kaylee replied, “No we’re not taking his side. You know we’re always on your side, Bri, but this is getting a bit old. Not just on your side, but his as well. Yeah, you guys basically don’t agree on anything, but all this fighting is going overboard. You guys treat the smallest thing as if it’s the end of the world.” “You don’t even know what he did. Maybe it is the end of the world.” She knew she sounded juvenile, knew that in some ways her friends were right, but still couldn’t help but pout. Things were much easier when she was the one telling them they were being foolish than they were when she had to hear the words directed at her. But this was different. She wasn’t being foolish. It was him and his stupid, holier than thou ways.So she liked to be different, like to have fun, liked to fly by the seat of her pants. What’s wrong with being sarcastic? Saying what’s on your mind? If she felt like going for ice cream at three AM in her pajamas, she went. If she didn’t like her hair, she changed it; if she woke up to a cloudy day and she needed sunshine, hell, she’d paint her room yellow. Wasn’t her fault he couldn’t appreciate a strong woman. “So what did he do?” Tabby asked. Ah, so they made it to the tricky part, the part she didn’t understand herself. Why the kisses of a man she couldn’t stand affected her so much. Why someone who never ruffled, couldn’t slow her own heart rate whenever he was around. Bri plopped down 31

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on the other couch sinking into the plush fabric. “He kissed me.” Both Kaylee and Tabby let loose an uncontrollable laughter. Traitors! If this had been about anyone other than herself she’d join, but right now, she just didn’t have it in her. His evil powers never ceased. Now he sucked the laughter out of her, too. “I don’t see why this is so funny.” It took another good half a minute before they settled down long enough to talk. When they did, it was Kaylee who spoke first. “And?” “And what?” Bri crossed her arms over her chest trying to pretend she didn’t know what Kaylee meant. “You liked it! I knew it.” Tabby jumped to her feet. “Bri, it’s not like you to hold back like this. I’ve never seen you let a man do this to you before.” “Humph. He isn’t doing anything to me.” “Yeah ri-” Before Tabby could finish Kaylee cut her off. “We’re getting ahead of ourselves, Tab. First of all, what happened after he kissed you?” “Well the first time…” “The first time?” They both asked in unison. “Yes. He kissed me twice. It was so freakin’ good I almost jumped his bones, but then I came to my senses and realized it would be a much better idea to knock his lights out.” “You didn’t…Did you?” Tabby asked. “No, but if he touches me with those lips again, I will.” Tabby sat back down. “Good. Let’s get back to what happened after he kissed you then. Both times.” This so wasn’t going as planned. “Ugh. I really don’t like being on this side of the conversation. I didn’t come here to decipher what the kisses did or didn’t mean. I came here so you guys could talk me down before I castrated one of my best friends’ sons.” Oh, she liked that much better than the murder angle. After a stall, Kaylee finally spoke up. “It’s the same thing as far as I’m concerned. I’m trying to figure out why my friend, who has never hesitated to go with the flow if she enjoyed a kiss, or never hesitated to step up to a man if she wanted him, is all of a sudden scared of one man.” The air seeped from her lungs. Was she scared of him? No, she didn’t think so. Bri wasn’t afraid of anything. That made no sense. “Why would I be afraid of him?” 32

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“Okay maybe you aren’t afraid of him, but you’re afraid of your attraction to him. It’s the why part we don’t understand. You’re a strong, single woman. I’ve just never seen you hide from that. I’ve never seen you let a guy win like that.” Oh, my God. She couldn’t believe she hadn’t let herself see it before. By denying herself Jackson, she was doing what she always told herself she would never do. The guy wasn’t any different than any other man. She was young, unattached and liked to have fun, so why shouldn’t she do it with the first guy to really get her blood pumping in…oh, she couldn’t remember how long. Life was all about taking advantage of what it threw at you. All about living in the moment, and she was going to let this one pass just because the guy in question riled her? Hell, this could make this even more fun. It wasn’t as if she’d have to have the messy no entanglements conversation with him. They could hardly stand each other, so she knew Jackson wouldn’t want more with her than she would want with him. She’d promised herself never to let a man change her yet by running from him she did exactly that. Her mind made up, Bri jumped to her feet. “See you guys later. I’m going to bag me a law man.”

Tabby looked a Kaylee a smile on her face, her heart thumping in her chest. “You did that on purpose didn’t you?” “Of course.” The girls high-fived. “Bri pushed both of us until we ended up going for exactly what we wanted. I’m thankful to her for that but you know how she is, there’s no way I could be as blunt with her as she was with us. We’re going to have to scheme to get what we want here.” Tabby wanted nothing more than Bri’s happiness. First Kaylee found Luciano, then she found Nico. How perfect would it be if Bri found her happiness as well, because whether or not she wanted to admit it, Bri knew life held more than what she had right now. Sure she was happy, and no matter where her life led her, whether with Jackson, another man, or no man at all, Bri would always find a way to continue being happy, but why should she sell herself short by not exploring her attraction to Jackson? Something more than just tension sizzled in the air between the 33

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two. Was it love? No. The possibility of love? She had no idea, but the only way they’d ever know, the only way Bri would ever know, is if pushed the animosity aside. Sex just might be the only way to get her to do that. Well, that and a challenge, which Kaylee had smartly just issued her without Bri’s knowledge. “So we scheme?” “We scheme.” Kaylee agreed. “Spill it, girl. What’s the plan?”

Bri slammed the front door, a bounce in her step while she took the stairs. Why hadn’t she realized this earlier? No, she didn’t really like the man, but her body, for some reason, sure as hell did. He obviously wanted her, too, even if he couldn’t admit it. She wasn’t the type to give up when she wanted something and didn’t plan to start now. When did she start denying herself what she wanted? As long as she kept herself safe, didn’t hurt anyone else, she always made it a point to go for what made her happy, for what felt good. Sex felt good, but she had a feeling sex with Jackson would feel amazing. This really was a win-win situation. They’d enjoy a wild night together, and then she could go back to hating him. Part of this damn sexual tension between them had to be because she held out. Just like chocolate. The more you denied yourself, the more you wanted. Once you indulged in a piece of fine chocolate, the craving usually disappeared. Bri paused for just a second outside his bedroom door, a light shown beneath, and she heard the muted voices of a TV. Without another hesitation, she rapped on the door. A muffled curse sounded before he pulled it open a few seconds later. “Yeah?” His voice was thick with frustration, but hey, she was frustrated too. Tonight she wanted relieve that frustration. “Move over. I’m coming in.” Being short had its advantages. Bri walked beneath his outstretched arm leaning against the doorjamb. “I didn’t invite you in, McGruff.” “I didn’t ask, Peace.” She’d been in this room before but not since Jackson moved in. It was large, like hers. Mama had walls knocked out to make each of the rooms she rented out studio apartment sized each with their own 34

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bathroom. The only thing they missed is a kitchen, but she’d always treated her boarders like family. They did have mini refrigerators in the rooms and there was cabinet space, but all cooking was usually done downstairs. If you didn’t have enough space in your room, then Mama gave you a cabinet downstairs. “You’re such a guy.” Bri nodded her head toward the over-sized TV. “You know what they say about a man who has to have a big TV? They’re overcompensating for a smaller…” “Don’t make me prove you wrong, Brianna. I’ve already done that that, twice, today.” “Bite me, Monty.” “You wish, McGruff.” Bri plopped down on the brown leather sofa in front of his TV. “Why don’t you make yourself at home?” “I am at home.” A sigh escaped his lips. “What do you want? I’m not in the mood to play your games right now.” “Ugh. I really don’t like you. This is all your fault, you know? If you would have just kept your damn lips to yourself I wouldn’t be here about to offer you the night of your life.” It sucked to give him the pleasure of knowing just how much he affected her. Really, he already knew. The way she responded to his kisses told him that. At least now, she was the one running the show and not him. One of his hands raked through the strands of his dark blond hair. “I don’t speak Brianna language. You’re going to have to tell me what you’re talking about here.” Here goes nothing. “I decided that I want to sleep with you tonight.” His mouth gapped open, but she ignored him and continued. “I think we both must be a glutton for punishment since we can’t stand each other, but we’re obviously still attracted to one another. We might as well do something about it now and get it over with.” “Are you out of your mind?” Jackson bellowed. “No, I’m just not like you. I like to have fun, and I’m not ashamed of it. You showed me tonight that, even though you’re usually a bore, you just might be fun in the sack.” “You really are crazy, aren’t you?” “No.” He didn’t reply for a minute, walking back and forth across his room. A tick worked in his jaw while a bulge formed behind the fly 35

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of his jeans. Bri gritted her teeth to keep from laughing at him. Poor Jackson had no idea what to do with a woman like her. If it didn’t feel so good to see him so off balance, she’d feel sorry for him. “Chill out. You’ve had sex before, right?” The blue of his eyes darkened into a stormy sky. “Don’t be a smartass, Brianna.” “Don’t be such a prude, Jackson.” Leaning against a counter, he glared down at her. “So let me get this straight. You don’t like me, but think I’m a good kisser so you, poof, decided we should sleep together and then go back to not liking each other?” “Pretty much. Don’t look so surprised. This the twenty-first century, you know? Women are allowed to enjoy our sexuality just like men.” Bri kicked her feet up on the cool leather of his couch. “If it were you who came to me with this idea it wouldn’t be a big deal. But since I’m a woman you’re over there looking like you’re going to explode.” His muscled arms folded across his chest. “Think you know me so well, do you? I’m hard over here because my body would like nothing more than to take you up on your offer, but unlike you I have self control. You’re a piece of work, do you know that? You probably came up with this little idea of yours in all of what…five minutes. Did you even think this through? Oh wait, I forgot who I’m talking to. Of course you didn’t.” “So?” Anger pushed her to her feet. Bri stomped toward him. “And you would have what? Thought about it for three days straight? Made a list of the positives and the negatives before you decided to let yourself have a little bit of pleasure? Oh, I have a better idea. Maybe you’d like to interview me first? See if I’m qualified for the position. You, Jackson, need to get a life. I don’t know what I was thinking coming here.” She tried to push past him, but his larger, harder body blocked her. “You didn’t think. You just proved my point in more ways than one. You’re too damn impulsive, Brianna. If you would have acted like an adult and thought about this lame idea for two seconds, you would have realized what a colossal mistake this would be. But then you never think about the ramifications of any of your actions do you? You just leap and expect everything to turn out right in the end. One of these times you’re going to jump off a cliff and there won’t be anyone there to catch you.” 36

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Bri poked his chest with her finger. “Could you be any more melodramatic? I swear you sound like my mother or something. It’s not like I proposition men all the time. Don’t ask me why I went there with you, of all people.” “Again, that’s my point. I’m not just talking about this specifically I’m talking about the things you do in general. What about when you attacked me that first day?” She threw her hands in the air. The man held grudges like a teenage girl who had her boyfriend stolen by her best friend. “Not that again. Sorry you can’t handle a woman.” “It has nothing to do with that, it has to do with safety. You thought I was a criminal. If you would have stopped to think for one damn second, you would have considered that I might have a gun, a knife, a friend around back. You and your friend could have been dead.” He snapped his fingers. “Just like that. You let yourself live with people you don’t know. You-” “Hey. You can’t blame that one on me! This is your mother’s house. I have nothing to do with that.” “Like she wouldn’t listen to you, Brianna. She loves you like a daughter.” “Maybe I don’t like trying to run other people’s lives like you seem to enjoy doing.” God! He was even more of a prick than she thought. “I wouldn’t sleep with you now if you were the last man on earth.” “Real mature, Brianna.” He shook his head. “Look, I’m not trying to be a jerk here. I’m trying to get my point across. You’re just like my mother, a grown up child all her life with no control.” “First, there is nothing wrong with being like your mom. She’s one of the best people I know. Second, not everyone is a control freak like you.” She shoved past him. “I’m out of here.” Bri yanked his door open, then stalked across the hall to her own room, slamming the door behind her.

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Chapter Four

“Self righteous, egotistical, pig-headed, jerk!” She could kill Kaylee and Tabby. They should have stopped her from doing this. What the hell possessed her to consider giving that man the time of day, much less to offer him her body? You didn’t think. Ugh! No, no, no. Jackson Montgomery already ruined her life, there’s no way she’d let him inside her head, too. He was wrong. Sure, sometimes she could be impulsive, but there wasn’t anything wrong with that. She always took care of herself and those she loved, and that’s all that mattered. This was his issue. Not hers. So jumping him when she thought he was a crazed criminal probably wasn’t the smartest thing she’d ever done, but she’d been trying to protect Mama Love! She didn’t have time to weigh out the risks and rewards before hand. It wasn’t as if she risked Tabby’s life, had she? Well, what she’d done had been a risk, but she hadn’t done it on purpose. Everything turned out okay, so she didn’t get the big deal. But then what if… What if, what if, what if. What was the point in wasting your life thinking about the what ifs? Bri plopped on her bed and cuddled next to a sleeping Stud Muffin. She wouldn’t let herself dwell on this crap. How the hell Jackson Montgomery wormed his way under her skin she didn’t know, but she needed to stop this right now. Tabby wasn’t mad at her. Everything turned out fine in the end. Jackson could eat it as far as she was concerned. Bri snuggled Stud closer, and drifted off to sleep.

“Mmmm,” Bri licked foam from her lips, as hot coffee tickled her throat. “Damn I make a kick ass espresso.” “Well, where’s mine?” Tabby leaned against the counter. “Hey! I didn’t know you were coming in today.” She went straight to the caramel and started whipping up her friend a nonfat latte. “Um, were you there for our conversation last night? There’s no 38

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way I wouldn’t be in today. I had to see how it went last night.” Why hadn’t she expected this? All she wanted to do this morning is push the night before out of her head and in the process, she’d neglected the fact that there’d be two women waiting with bated breath to see how her night of no sex went. Luckily, she could face this one on one. She wasn’t sure she could handle being outnumbered today. In fact, she didn’t want to talk about it at all. “Can I plead the fifth?” “Not on your life, missy.” Bri shook her head. “Give me a minute.” A group of teenagers stepped up to the counter. Tabby slipped behind the counter and waited while Bri made their drinks. Four coffees and two scones later, she turned to her friend. “Okay you guys totally should have talked some sense into me or something last night. I know you worked some voodoo, reverse psychology crap on me, and all it did was make me look like a fool and despise the man even more.” “Voodoo reverse psychology? Okay, whatever you say. Don’t blame this on us. What happened?” Bri rolled her eyes. “Do I really have to do this?” “Do I really have to answer that?” Bri snickered. “Ugh, fine. I see how you are. Just enjoy my misery.” They both laughed before she took a sip of her drink and Bri continued. “Okay, so I went home last night and marched my happy butt right up to his room and wormed my way inside. He was a grump like always, but looked damn fine so I went ahead and told him that I didn’t like him, but I wanted him and that we needed indulge this crazy attraction we feel and get it over with.” Bri crossed her arms over her chest feeling very satisfied with herself. Unfortunately, the look on Tabby’s face told her she didn’t feel the same. “Um, and let me guess, he told you no and kicked you out of his room? What did you think was going to happen?” Her frustration at Jackson, and her friends and at herself finally stopped simmering and boiled over. “I thought he’d rip my clothes off is what I thought would happen. What the hell, Tab? If you knew he’d shoot me down, why did you guys let me go through with it?” “When you left last night I didn’t know he wouldn’t go through with it, but when you just told me what you did, of course he wasn’t going to say yes. You know I love you, girl, but you should have thought it through a little bit. You could have come up with a better 39

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way to get him rather than busting in his room, telling him you don’t like him, but want to get him between the sheets. You know Jackson better than that. You set yourself up to be shot down.” “Okay, if one more person tells me I need to start thinking before I act I’m going to freak out. Sorry if my rash decision making insults all the perfect people around me, but I really don’t think this is that big a deal. It really wouldn’t have made a difference if I overthought the whole damn thing and created a script before hand, there’s no way Captain Perfect would have soiled myself with the likes of me anyway, so please, stop blaming me. I got enough of that last night.” Tears pricked her eyes, and Bri never cried. God, what the hell was wrong with her lately? First, giving Jackson the time of day, and now getting all emotional about it. So the guy turned her down, big deal. It wasn’t as if she even liked him, so why was she letting it bother her? So her best friend saw it coming, whatever. She loved Tabby like a sister, but they often didn’t see eye to eye. When it came to men, Tabby always had stars in her eyes and wanted that Prince Charming when Bri knew all those princes would try to do is stifle you. Try to turn a girl into someone she wasn’t. Well, except for Nico and Luciano. They got a free pass. Still, she was almost crying because she and Tabby weren’t agreeing? This just didn’t happen. She let things roll off her, and right now, everything felt like it rolled over her. Bri watched as the group of teens rose from the couch and walked out. The only other people in the shop was a couple, huddled together over a frappichino in the far corner by the door. Tabby grabbed her hand. “Hey, what’s wrong? You know I didn’t mean it like that. I just meant you could have come up with a different way to say it if you’d wanted to. One that didn’t make it look like you really did hate him, but were using him. Are you okay?” Great, now she felt like an idiot. Here she was, about to cry in her Cappuccino because of that man. “No, I’m fine. Just been a long couple days. Mama Love left, and things have been unusually slow around here, and it kind of freaks me out.” Which unfortunately, was true. The economy hit a lot of small businesses and Coffee Hut was one of them. Luckily Mama gave her killer deal on the room at home, but still, if things didn’t pick up around here, she wouldn’t be able to keep making her space rent. 40

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“Well you know we’re always here. I could give you a loan if you need it.” Bri held up a hand. “No. I’m good. It will work out. Don’t worry about it. I think I’m just premenstrual or some crap like that.” “If you’re sure.” Tabby hugged her. “Listen, girl, I don’t want you to worry about what went down with Jackson. You’ll have another chance. I know you don’t want to believe me, but I really feel like there’s something there between the two of you guys.” “No, there’s not, and what if I don’t want another chance?” She didn’t. Well, she didn’t think she did. Her hormones probably wanted to give it another go, but it wouldn’t work. The two of them probably couldn’t even stop fighting long enough to have an orgasm. “What if you do and don’t want to admit it.” Bri opened her mouth to argue but Tabby hushed her. “Listen, I have to go. Just wanted to stop by and see how your night went. Just…be you and don’t put any restrictions on yourself, okay? You never know where it might lead you.” Tabby released her, stepped out from behind the counter and walked toward the door. Bri didn’t know what made her say it, why she even thought about it right now, but she did. “Hey, Tab. You’re not, you know mad at me the whole jumping Jackson thing, are you? I mean, you don’t think I like, put you at risk or anything like that when I just took off after him?” Tabby smiled at her. “What makes you ask that?” “Nothing. Just wanted to be sure.” “Naw, I know you were just thinking about Mama Love. You’ve got a big heart, Bri and you were letting it lead you. There’s nothing wrong with that.” Tabby winked at her. “Plus, I know you could have taken him.”

Jackson’s aim was completely off. Almost every shot missed the bull eye by inches. He was never off. Shooting came so natural to him. Point, aim, breathe and fire. It shouldn’t be this hard, but today it was. Shooting calmed him, but today, all it did is piss him off even more. He hated it when he couldn’t do something and right now, he couldn’t shoot for shit. “Fuck me!” Jackson yanked the earmuffs off his head and dropped them to the floor. 41

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“No thanks, Montgomery. You’re not that pretty.” Shit. He’d thought he’d been in here alone. Brianna had him all out of whack. First, he couldn’t shoot, and now he let people sneak up on him. “Fuck off, Martinez.” And, of course, it had to be his smart-aleck partner who did the sneaking. “That time of the month or something? You’re even more touchy than usual today.” Jackson wrinkled his nose. “I’m not touchy, dickwad.” “No, you’re all sunshine and flowers. What’s up, dude? I’ve never seen you like this. You’re missing your shots and everything. This about a woman?” Try she-devil. “Naw, just didn’t get much sleep last night.” Because I’m the biggest dumb ass in the world and had a hard-on all night after I turned down a night of free sex from a beautiful woman. Oh, and in the process, I insulted her. Somehow, he just couldn’t see himself sharing all that with his partner. Hell, he couldn’t even figure out why it bothered him so much, so what could he say to Martinez? The fact is, it bothered him a lot. She’d been pissed when he told her she didn’t think before she acted, but when he told her she put her friend in danger, that she didn’t think about anyone other than herself and her instant gratification, he’d hurt her. The shitty part is, she didn’t deserve it. She may be erratic and unpredictable as all hell, but he knew when she cared, she cared big, and her friends meant the world to her. It had been a low blow, in some ways true, they both could have been hurt, but that hadn’t been the reason he said it to her. He threw it at her to hurt her because, no matter how much he didn’t want to, he wanted Brianna Evans more than he’d ever wanted another woman. It scared him. She represented nothing he wanted and everything he fought against, but he still wanted her. And he could have had her. Maybe he still could… “You still in there or what, Montgomery? You’re all dazed with a goofy ass smile on your face like my girl gets after I rock her world.” That snapped him out of it. Jackson gave his friend a playful shove. “You really are a dick. Does she know you talk about her like that?” “Why shouldn’t I? I’m the man. She knows it, and I know it; just 42

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like I also know you have a woman on the brain, but you’re too big a pussy to talk about it.” Jackson shook his head. “It’s not like that. I was a prick and I feel bad. End of story.” “Apologize.” Shit he probably should. Maybe if he apologized for being so hard on her, he could find a way to reiterate that them getting together was a completely bad idea, and they could just meet in the middle somewhere. Let bygones be bygones and all that jazz. They would probably never be friends, but they could at least be civil to each other. It’s what his mom wanted after all; and wasn’t this whole thing about getting close to his mom again? “Maybe I will.” “Smart man. That will get you in her pants for sure.” Martinez bumped his shoulder and walked away.

Bri curled up on Tommy’s couch, stalling. They’d finished their Chinese dinner date hours ago. He turned on a movie which had since ended as well, but she didn’t budge from his couch. She couldn’t bring herself to go home and risk running into Jackson after the way she behaved last night. The jerk had her questioning herself, and it really pissed her off. “As much as I love you, baby girl. I’m expecting Bill in about an hour, so I think we’re going to have to call it a night.” Bri sat up. “Bill? Who’s Bill?” “Guy I met in the bar a few weeks ago. I didn’t tell you about him?” Bri shook her head. “Hot in all caps.” “So you’re kicking me out for him?” “Um, yep, and you’d do the same. Besides, I know what you’re doing. You want to avoid cop-boy for some reason and I’m not going to let you do it. You’re turning soft on me, baby girl.” Okay, what the heck was with people lately? She was not soft. “Whatever, I see how you are, and I’m not trying to avoid anyone. Just thought you might want a little bit of company. That’s all.” Bri got up knowing she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. What was the point anyway? She lived with the guy. They’d have to see each other, so she needed to quit being soft like Tommy told her and march her happy butt home. “That’s my girl. Don’t let him chase you away from your own 43

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house.” Bri winked at him. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She picked up her purse and let herself out of his apartment. As luck would have it, a cab pulled up at the curb to drop someone off, so she took the liberty of jumping in. After she gave the cabbie her address, Bri leaned her head against the worn seat. For someone so controlled, Jackson sure had her upside down. It was kind of strange actually. She was usually the one throwing people for a loop, but without trying, Mr. Conservative did just that to her and she couldn’t figure out why. Sexual frustration? Annoyance? The fact that he was the only man in San Francisco who would turn down free sex and he just happened to exercise that right with her when she knew for a fact he wanted her. Okay, maybe that one went back to sexual frustration, but still. Something about him got under her skin. She’d thought about what he said practically all day. Dreaded, but also looked forward to going home all evening just to see what kind of crazy fight the two of the could get into this time. As much as the guy pissed her off, and he did piss her off more than anyone she’d ever met, part of her kind of enjoyed it, which really made her a little crazy. Oh, well, she’d been crazy all her life so there wasn’t much use in stopping now. The thing is, he seemed to really despise her, and part of her felt the same way about him. He was self-righteous, pretentious, and well…a little boring. Right now none of that seemed to matter, but she had no doubt the second she laid eyes on him, he’d say something to piss her off again. “Holy shit, what’s wrong with me!” “Um, excuse me?” her cabbie asked. Bri waved him off but didn’t answer. She’d never been so mixed up in her life. Here she was, sitting in a cab, debating back and forth whether she liked the guy or not. This morning she wanted to shove him off the Golden Gate Bridge, and now, here she was thinking about actually enjoying their little go arounds. He exhausted her, and he called her the Tasmanian devil on caffeine? The guy didn’t even know what he did to her. They pulled up in front of the old, Colonial style home she’d shared with Mama Love for years. She wished Mama was home. She was one of the only people Bri actually talked to. She shared everything with Mama Love. It wasn’t like she could go to her own mom since she passed away a couple years before. Plus, her mom 44

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wouldn’t understand. They were close, but she still never understood Bri and Bri never understood her. So she had to deal with this on her own and she had to do it now. She was home, and his stupid oversized truck was in the driveway.

Jackson heard the door click closed. He’d waited for Brianna to come home for the past couple hours. It was only ten, which wasn’t late for her, but he still had a feeling she was trying to avoid him. Not that he blamed her. He’d been pretty hard on her the night before. It took a lot to do what she did, and even though he wanted her, he still thought what she’d done had been foolish, but she hadn’t deserved the way he treated her. When he heard her footsteps moving away from him, Jackson walked out of the kitchen. He needed to get this over with. The sooner he made his peace with her, the better. Hopefully, they’d be able to come to some kind of agreement with each other, even if they only agreed to disagree. Either they’d have to come up with a way the two of them could be in the same room with each other without wanting to both tear one other’s heads off and jump each other’s bones at the same time, or they’d need to find a way keep their distance. One way or another, they needed to fix this. Today. The only way he knew how to do it was strategically. Together they would talk this whole mess out until they found a way to make it work; not only for his mother’s sake, but for his peace of mind. “Brianna. Can I talk to you for a second?” Jackson asked. She stopped mid-step, slowly turning toward him. She wore some kind of long, flowing peasant skirt with a tight, black tank top. Damn this look shouldn’t do anything for him, but on Brianna it did. Jackson watched as she shook her head before taking the stairs back down to meet him. With each step she took, her plump breasts bounced, begging for his attention, when what he really needed to be doing right now is thinking about how they were going to fix this mess between them, rather than ogling her. “Five minutes, Peace. That’s all I’m giving you.” She looked up at him and gave him a wicked smile. She wanted to get under his skin. He hadn’t noticed it before, but as he took in the fire of triumph in her eyes, he knew it to be true. Not willing to give her the 45

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pleasure, Jackson briefly closed his eyes to clear his head. He started meditation a few years back and figured it would be wise to start practicing it around Brianna. Might save himself a little frustration that way. “That’s all I need.” He turned and walked into the living room with Brianna close on his heels. “Have a seat.” As soon as the words left his mouth he grimaced, waiting for whatever smartass comment she threw back at him. What would it be? ‘No, shit Sherlock. This is my house too.’ To his surprise, she let it go and plopped down on the sofa. What kind of game was she playing? She never let stuff like that one go. If it wasn’t something smart-aleck, she would usually at least call him sexist or something because he offered her a seat. When he should have been happy he let it go, he wasn’t. He’d come to expect the fire out of her, and by her not bringing it, she knocked him off balance even more. “You’re frowning. How did I upset his lordship this time?” Fuck, he really needed to get his head on straight. Something had to be a little loose in there because here he was frowning instead of rejoicing over the fact that his comment didn’t start World War Three. “Nothing. Listen, I want to talk to you about last night.” She immediately pushed to her feet. “No, thanks. I don’t really need to live that again. I’ve had enough of you telling me everything I do is wrong, like you’re crazy Brianna’s life coach or something.” “Wait.” Jackson took a deep breath before mumbling. “I want to apologize for what I said to you.” She stopped dead in her tracks, easing back down onto the couch. “Excuse me? I don’t think I heard you. Can you repeat that again?” Shit, he should have known she would never make this easy on him. Apparently, he’d really pissed off someone pretty high up on the food chain, because nothing seemed to go easy for him lately. “You heard me. I wanted to apologize for some of the things I said to you last night.” “Which ones?” she had that fire back in her eyes, and he couldn’t decide if he wanted to kiss her or strangle her. “You’re not going to be a grown up and make this easy on me, are you?” She shrugged. “I don’t wanna grow up, I’m a Toys R Us kid.” Jackson held in his snicker. Instead, he frowned. Here he was trying to be serious, and yet all she wanted to do is play around. 46

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That shouldn’t make him want to snicker, yet he did, and he didn’t understand it. “Can we cut the sarcasm for just a minute before I change my mind?” “Who is being sarcastic? Now, if you’ll excuse me,” she tried to walk away again. “Wait, where are you going?” “You said you wanted to apologize, but all you’re doing is being a jerk, so I’m going to bed.” Jackson raked a hand through his hair. Fuck, he was messing this up. He didn’t apologize often and, apparently, wasn’t very good at it. Damn, fiery woman for making him feel the need to do it in the first place. “I’m sorry. Can you sit down now?” “Is that your apology for being a jerk tonight or last night?” What the hell was he thinking trying to talk to her rationally? Of course she would make this harder than need be. This proved what he’d known all along. He had no business being attracted to this woman, and he needed to get the hell out of this house before she drove his ass to the loony bin. “You know what? Nevermind.” Jackson pushed to his feet. “Apparently you can’t be grown-up enough for me to have a simple conversation with you. This obviously isn’t going to work. I’ll have my stuff out of here tomorrow.” To his surprise, she reached out and grabbed his arm when he tried to pass. “Stop whining, Monty. You’re right. I apologize for being a brat. Can we just get this over with?” He figured that’s the best he would get with her. At least she semi-admitted she was a pain in the ass. For now, he’d take it, though he still thought it better if he left the house while his mom was gone. If the boarder came in, he’d come back, but part of him wondered if his mom had fabricated the whole thing anyway. He wouldn’t put it past her. She wanted the two of them to get along, and for her, he would give it a try.

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Chapter Five

As much as she hated to admit it, Jackson was right. She was being a jerk, and it was about time they squashed whatever this was going on between them. She couldn’t take another night like last night, where she doubted herself for no reason. It sucked to be miserable in your own home. Being with Mama Love had always been her sanctuary, a place where she’d been loved and accepted, no matter what. Things hadn’t always been that way for her. She’d always known love from her parents, but not always felt accepted. It wasn’t like they had a bad relationship, but she never felt like she could completely be herself. She was wild in their eyes too. Then she went and met ‘the prick’ and felt that way, all over again. Now she was going through the same feelings with Jackson; where everything she did was wrong…wild…unpredictable. That’s probably why’d she’d reacted the way she had earlier today, when she started worrying that maybe he was right and maybe she did do things that could hurt those around her because she didn’t stop to think. When she’d been growing up, everything she did was wrong. She wanted to play soccer, and her mom wanted her to take cooking. She wanted her hair natural when her mom wanted her to straighten it. Not that there was anything wrong with that, but she didn’t find anything wrong with living the way she wanted, either. Now, she started to feel that way again, and it was all because of the man standing in front of her. The same man who made her want him like no other guy had before. She wasn’t sure she could deal with it. As much as she hated it, and as much as she didn’t want to give him the power to drive her away, she just might have to give in. “Brianna?” She shook her head, hoping to shake free the thoughts in her head. “Sorry, headache.” She lied. Jackson nodded his head. He didn’t believe her. She could tell, but right now she couldn’t find it in herself to care. “I was wrong about the way I reacted last night. I think we both know there is some kind of…tension between us, and you threw me for a loop 48

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when you called me on it. Still, that wasn’t an excuse for some of the things I said to you. I didn’t mean to make you feel badly.” Her eyes widened and her heart thumped as she looked him in is crystal blue eyes. Yeah, he’d told her he planned to apologize, but she never imagined he would actually do it. Secondly, she definitely never thought he would bring up the “tension” as he put it between them. Pfft, tension my ass. The word wasn’t strong enough for what she felt when she looked at this man. It would be a cold day in hell before she admitted it though. If he could make light of this, so could she. “What the hell is that anyway? Out of all the guys in San Francisco I could be attracted, to my damn hormones had to go and pick you.” Jackson laughed, and for the first time, she realized he actually had a nice one. Too bad he didn’t do it more often. “I feel the same way. Unfortunately, there are no laws of attraction.” Bri couldn’t help but roll her eyes. “Only you would want laws for something like attraction.” “What? And you don’t? That’s part of our problem, Brianna. You’re always looking for something to prove how different we are. Something that will give you an excuse to talk shit. I know you wish we weren’t attracted to each other just as much as I do, yet I make an offhanded comment about it, and here you are trying to turn my words into something they weren’t, just to be difficult.” Well, shit. He kind of had a point there. Not about her trying to be difficult, because no matter which way he tried to spin that crap, it didn’t make sense, but she had disagreed with him on a topic that she did in fact agree with him on. It hadn’t been on purpose, but she did it all the same. “I’m not trying to be difficult, Monty. Anyway, weren’t you in the middle of apologizing?” She winked at him, acknowledging she’d really heard what he said, even if she didn’t want to admit it out loud. “Actually, I was all done with the apologizing part of it. I do, however, stand by what I said. You and I can hardly be in the same room together, we have no business acting on this attraction.” Great, here he went again. She opened her mouth to take him down a notch, but he cut her off. “And, I know I’m just as guilty of it as you are. I kissed you. I shouldn’t have done that, and if I would have taken a second or two to think it through, I wouldn’t have. Not because I didn’t want to, but because it’s irresponsible.” 49

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“Hate to burst whatever bubble you’re living in, big guy, but most of the time sex is irresponsible, unless you’re in a relationship with someone. I get what you’re saying, but you need to chill a little bit. Relax, smell the flowers, and all that shit. You’re too uptight. That’s why I can’t help but razz you all the time. You leave yourself open for it.” It didn’t escape her that they were having their first, adult, civil conversation. Part of her wanted to do something to piss him off just to shake him up a bit, but then she remembered she wanted to find a way to get along with him well enough that she wouldn’t have to move out of her house. “Maybe, maybe not, but is it your place to call me on it? I’m not trying to be a prick here, Brianna, but if I go through my whole life never smelling a damn flower, it would be none of your business.” “Just the same, if I choose to smell them all, I don’t deserve your shit for it.” “True. So, I guess we’ve come to some kind of agreement, then? We agree to disagree?” Bri nodded her head. “I think so.” “Good, Mom will like that. I do think I’m going to start looking for my own place, nonetheless. I think things would be much easier on both of us that way.” Jackson stood and Bri’s heart dropped. Yes, this would make things much easier on both of them, but it would hurt Mama Love. The woman had done too much for Bri for her to let that happen. She knew, more than anything, she wanted to mend her relationship with Jackson. No matter how she felt about him, she couldn’t take that away from Mama. “Wait!” Bri reached out and grabbed his hand. When she did, a zap of electricity shocked her. Wow, that was weird. So weird, she jerked her hand away. He stood staring at her normally, like he didn’t feel the same thing she had. “You can’t do that, Jackson. It would kill her. I could never hurt Mama like that. I’ll leave before I let you go.” He shook his head, and let his eyes drift closed. Bri stood, taking a step away from him. She was still kind of freaked by the way she felt when she touched him. They’d touched much more intimately than that, but for some reason, it felt different now. Pushing those feeling aside, Bri smiled. “I’m not quite sure why, but she loves you, Monty. She wants you here. I can always crash at Nico’s or something. He stays with Tab most of the time, so his 50

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place is empty. If he’s home, I will stay with Tabby.” The words left a sour taste in her mouth, an ache in her gut. This was her home, Mama Love was her family, and she couldn’t imagine her life without coming home to her crazy pink hair one day or plastic flamingos in the lawn another. Unfortunately, if it came down to her or Jackson, she had to let the man stay. “Shit, I never expected you to be so civil about this, Brianna. It would have been much easier if you threw your usual fit, so I could take you up on your offer.” “You’re being pretty damn civil yourself. I guess every dog has his day,” she said with a smile. “Touché,” he nodded. “Listen, maybe we could give this another try. We’re both adults here, it’s time we started acting like it. There has to be some kind of common ground between us we can stand on.” She couldn’t believe she agreed with him, but she did. Neither of them should move. He may be the devil, but she’d survived worse in her life. That which does not kill you makes you stronger and all that jazz. “We have our common ground, Mama. Neither of us wants to hurt her, which is exactly what would happen if one of us left, or if we couldn’t even pretend to get along. I say we come to some kind of agreement. You tone down the attitude and I’ll tone down my…” “Personality? Obnoxiousness?” If his mouth wasn’t cocked in a little half grin she would have socked him. But it was. It would be pretty stupid to go back on their two second long agreement this soon anyway. “Yes, I’ll tone it down half a notch around you if you agree not to walk around here with your head up your ass all the time. Oh, and smile more often. The eternal frown you usually walk around this place with just eggs me on, you know?” “First, I don’t frown all the time, but whatever you say. Second on my list is no calling me Peace or Monty.” “Shit, you really do want to suck all the fun out of the world, don’t you?” Jackson shook his head, and rolled his eyes. “Fine, but the deal is off if you call me McGruff, and you have to eat something other than oatmeal for breakfast every Wednesday. Oh, actually, Wednesdays are my choice for breakfast. You have to eat whatever I make.” His frown was back. It was such a shame to see such a gorgeous 51

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face so damn annoyed all the time. “Why do you give a shit what I eat for breakfast?” “Honestly? I don’t, but it will be kind of fun to watch you squirm. I mean, how will you make it through the day if you don’t eat the same exact breakfast every day.” Bri laughed “Or even worse, if you don’t know what you’re going to have until it’s time to have it?” Bri tried not to laugh when Jackson puffed out his chest the way men did some times to try and prove their masculinity or something. “It’s going to take a lot more than that to throw me off my game, Brianna. I’m not as bad as you seem to think I am. I’m willing to play your little game though, but you’re going to owe me a day too.” “Which one?” “Haven’t decided yet. I’m not looking for a specific day every week, but one full day where I call the shots.” Oh, she didn’t like the sound of this. She’d never live it down if she backed down though. She’d look like a coward when he was willing to let her get away with her little Wednesday idea, which didn’t seem so smart anymore. “Second thoughts?” he smirked. “Don’t you wish? I think not, buddy.” The smile she’d just admired returned except this time all she wanted to do is slap it off his face. Damn this man gave her a rollercoaster ride of emotions. “You’ve got yourself a deal. Other than that, we need to try and stay out of each other’s way. I’m not trying to be a bitch, but I think if we want this to work, we need to have as little contact with one another as possible.” “And no sex,” he threw in. Unfortunately, that would be the hardest part for her. Still, after the way he rejected her, and pissed her off, she wanted him. “No sex.” Brianna agreed. And then when she spontaneously combusted, which she had no doubt would happen, he’d be rid of her for good.

The next few days passed by without any incident. She hadn’t seen Jackson except in passing. He seemed to come when she was going and either left when she came in for the night or he would lock himself up in his room. They’d agreed to try and stay out of 52

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each other’s way. Getting along for fifteen minutes the other day was one thing, but she knew if they spent any length of time together he’d be at her throat for one thing or another, but that wasn’t all this was about. She had a feeling Jackson Montgomery knew he would have just as hard a time with the no sex part of their agreement as she was. Of course, that could be wishful thinking. If she had to suffer, he should have to suffer too. Plus thinking she was the only one feeling this way was all sorts of wrong. In this, they better be in it together, or she’d strangle the guy. Hell, she might just strangle him anyway and put herself out of her misery. No matter how much he’d avoided her the past few days, he better have his ass in the kitchen by the time she had breakfast ready. Well, by the time she got home with breakfast, she should say. Bri hadn’t really taken the time to think her little negotiation through before she issued it. Cooking for the man so wasn’t high on her list of things she wanted to do, so here she was, cabbing it to the waffle house at the crack of dawn because she had to go and try and shake him up. For once she wished she would have taken the time to think this one through. It really irked her when he was right. Bri called in two orders on the way to the restaurant. A few minutes later she had piping hot waffles on her lap as they made their way back to the house. She handed the cabbie a few wadded bills, and made her way into the house. Bri tossed the Styrofoam containers on the table and jogged to the stairs. “Yo, Inspector, get your ass down here,” she yelled up the stairs. Back in the kitchen, she made herself another coffee before sitting at the table. God, she loved the smell of coffee. Bri held the cup to her face, closed her eyes, and inhaled. The rich aroma filled her nostrils, making her moan. Jackson cleared this throat. “Um, I thought we agreed on no nicknames?” Leave to him to try and cheat her. Like she didn’t remember exactly what their deal had been. “No, you said I couldn’t call you Monty or Peace. You never said no nicknames at all. Plus, you are an inspector, right?” He nodded and rolled his eyes. “See, no nickname. I’m just calling you what you are. Now get over here and eat breakfast. Knowing you, you’ll try and wuss out of this deal too.” 53

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Yawning, Jackson scratched his chest before walking toward her. She’d been so busy proving him wrong about the name thing she hadn’t realized what he wore. Or didn’t wear as the situation saw fit. Bri cocked her head, looking at her coffee cup like it was made of gold or something until he walked past her. When he did, she let her eyes follow. Oh, yum. He wore a pair of blue jeans and nothing else. They hugged his tight ass, his back, bare, sinewy and so freakin’ hot she almost fell out of her chair. God, why did the man have to have such a sexy body? Ugh, and why did she have to let it affect her so much? Bri watched him pour himself a cup of boring, black coffee, and then turned away so he wouldn’t see her staring. Wouldn’t be too smart to give the guy and even bigger ego than he already had. Maybe since their little talk the other night he wouldn’t realize how much she still wanted him. Jackson sat at the table. “This for me?” “Is it Wednesday?” she countered, trying to be a smartass. Right or wrong, she kind of liked getting under his skin and he made it so damn easy for her. For the second time in like two minutes, the man rolled his eyes at her before opening the container. Bri held in a smile as his eyes shot back to hers. “Chocolate chip waffles? What are we, ten?” The man was so predictable. Not that she didn’t love chocolate chip waffles. What person in their right mind wouldn’t? But half the reason she bought them is because she’d known he would act like this. Knew he would freak out like it was such a big deal. “Um, I’m sorry? I didn’t realize there was a law that said only ten year olds could eat chocolate chip waffles. Personally, I find them damn good. One of my favorite breakfasts as a matter of fact.” Yeah, she was laying it on a little thick and she knew it. Bri picked up the syrup and drenched hers. “Eat up, Inspector. We wouldn’t want you to go to work on an empty stomach.” Bri winked at him. “You need help, you know that? I know exactly what you’re doing and it isn’t going to work. If you think something as simple as chocolate chip waffles would make me renege, you’re crazy.” Jackson poured syrup on his waffles. “In fact, it looks good. Mom used to make them for me when I was a kid. I’d kind of forgotten. I haven’t had them in years.” He took a big bite and started to chew. “Why Jackson Montgomery, I’m in shock. You not only actually mentioned something about your childhood, smiled when you said 54

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it, but you actually look like you’re enjoying my breakfast. Honestly, I didn’t think it would be “grown-up” enough for you. I mean, it’s probably not all that healthy, and it’s not a typical Wednesday meal. I would have thought they might not taste as good on a Wednesday. Thought that’s why you ate the same thing every weekday.” Guilt immediately slapped her when Jackson’s eyes narrowed in on her. He looked pissed, but more than that, a little hurt. She didn’t get the hurt. Yeah, she thought her smart-aleck comment would probably piss him off, because that’s what she did. That’s what they did when it came to each other. They pushed buttons and ticked each other off. She hadn’t meant to hurt him though and wasn’t quite sure how she did. “You know nothing about me, Brianna, so don’t pretend you do. If you’ll excuse me, I need to go get ready for work.” Jackson pushed to his feet, this chair sliding across the floor, and walked out. Bri dropped her head into her hands. Seemed like all she could do is screw up lately, and for the millionth time in the past week, she felt guilty. And it was all Jackson’s fault.

Jackson rolled over, and stretched. He past couple days were hell. After his semi-fight with Brianna Wednesday morning he’d headed into the station and rarely left it since. What was that one day? Two days? He couldn’t even remember what the hell day it was. He’d welcomed the business for a couple reasons. When he worked, he didn’t have time to think. When he thought, half the time he ended up thinking about stupid shit that he had no business thinking about. First and foremost, he was a grown ass man, and it was time for him to quit crying about his childhood. He knew that. Didn’t take a genius to figure it out, but apparently it took someone a whole lot better than him to actually do it. Brianna’s comment from the day before, (or two days before, whatever) proved that one. Really, it hadn’t been all that big a deal. She gave him shit like she always did, except this time she had to go and bring up the fact that he hated talking about when he was a kid. He never did it, because then he just started feeling like shit, and he was tired of feeling that way. He’d felt that way his whole life, 55

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and now, at thirty-five, it was time he stopped it. It was his own damn fault, too. He’s the one who brought up not having waffles, (had all this really started over waffles?) since he was a kid. If he hadn’t, she never would have made him feel like crap for the fact that, even though his mom had loved him enough to make him his favorite chocolate chip waffles as a kid every day of the week if he wanted her to, he still resented her for it. When the memory first surfaced, it actually felt a little good to remember it. He’d make those damn waffles last as long as he could. When he ate them, he always forgot what came right after breakfast. School. He’d fucking hated school. That’s when the torture began for the poor, little hippy boy who really wasn’t poor at all, but walked around in hand-me-down clothes, the middle name of Peace, and whose mom forgot him at school at least once a week. Yesterday, he forgot all about that until she went and opened her mouth. Wasn’t her fault. Hell, he knew it was his fault. He’d over reacted because he was still pouting about the crappy childhood that so many children would have loved to have. In that moment though, he hadn’t thought about that. All he saw was the wild girl who was just like his mom, who named her damn dog Stud Muffin, just like his mom had named him Peace. Poor fucking dog. He could only imagine what kind of name she’d give a kid if she ever had one. Before he sat around and let himself feel sorry for himself anymore, Jackson rolled from the bed in desperate need of a shower. Under the spray he fought to wash away his crappy mood. Half hour later, the shower was off, he was freshly dressed, and downstairs pacing the house. He thought about calling his partner for a beer, but tossed his phone to the couch instead. That’s all he needed was Martinez’s shit. He’d dealt with enough of that the past couple days. The guy never let anything go and after their conversation in the shooting range the guy had been a chatty bastard. That’s when it hit him. He had no one else to call. Sure he hung out with a few guys from the station, but none of them who he’d called on a Friday night to hang out with. That kind of sucked, but then, he’d always been a bit of a loner anyway. He really didn’t feel like being alone. What he really needed to do, is apologize to Brianna for the other morning, but he knew he wouldn’t do that. All it would do is bring up questions he felt like too big a pussy to answer. Jackson picked up his phone. It confirmed it was in fact Friday 56

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evening. She’d be out with her friends soon, anyway. They always hung out on Friday nights. He glanced at the time again when his phone rang out. Not sure who it was, he thought about letting it go to voicemail, but what if it was something important? It could be work…or…basically, that’s probably it. Any of the other guys from the station would either be home with their wives, or, if they weren’t married, out tonight. “Hello?” “Um, is this Jackson?” Jackson didn’t recognize the woman’s voice at the other end of the line. “Yeah. Can I help you?” “Hey, it’s Kaylee, Bri’s friend.” “What’s wrong? Is Brianna okay?” His heart rate rose. He wasn’t quite sure what the hell made him worry she wasn’t okay, or why he should even care, but why the hell else would Kaylee call him? He wasn’t sure if Brianna really had any family in the area and if something did happen with her, they’d probably want to get a hold of his, mom which would be done through him. “Oh! No, she’s good. It’s nice of you to worry about her though.” For some reason he felt the need to defend himself. “I wasn’t really worried. Just not sure why else you’d be calling. I thought maybe you needed to get a hold of my mother or something.” “No, I called for you. I just wanted to say thanks for coming to the wedding and all that. I haven’t seen you since then, and Luciano and I wanted to be sure we told you thanks for your gift and everything. He wanted me to invite you down to the restaurant for a drink tonight. That is…if you’re not busy or anything.” His first impulse was to say no. He really didn’t know these people, and he’d felt a little out of place being at their wedding in the first place. Plus, he knew Brianna would be there, and the last thing he wanted to do is risk another blowout with her…but then, he would put money on the fact that she didn’t know he was going to be there. It would be nice to be the one to shake her up for once. Would she pass up this opportunity to possibly get one up on him? No way. He could only imagine how pissed she’d be when she walked in and saw him having drinks with her friends. This time it would be him going out of his way to rile her and he couldn’t wait. That’s the only reason he was doing this. Well, that and after the shitty couple days at work, he needed to get out of the house. Convenience, plain and simple. Yeah, keep telling yourself that, buddy. “Sure, Kaylee. I appreciate the invite. What time should 57

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I be there?”

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Chapter Six

Bri exhaled a deep, relaxing breath as she walked through the doors of Luciano’s. All week she’d been on edge, kind of like she hooked herself up to a caffeine IV, which now that she thought about it, wasn’t too bad an idea. Stepping through these doors, she completely relaxed, knowing soon she would have a couple apple martinis inside her and her girls around her. Then she stepped around the corner and…what the hell? Jackson Montgomery was sitting at the table with Kaylee, Tabby, and for some reason, Nico, free of his chef whites and Luciano. The guys never came out this early, and Nico almost always worked on Friday nights unless it was a special circumstance, which obviously it was: she’d been set up. Yeah, so much for a relaxing night with her so called best friends. It would serve them right if she didn’t come in. They’d never know. She could turn around right now, sneak out and make some lame excuse. They would know she was lying, but she could deal with that. As long as captain crabby pants didn’t figure it out she’d be all good. Bri turned to walk out, but snapped her head up when she felt a pair of eyes on her. Jackson held her gaze. Shit, shit, shit. He’d noticed her. There was no way she could walk away now. His left eyebrow rose in a silent challenge she would not back down from. Bri winked at him. Jackson didn’t respond, but watched her as she walked toward him. A heavy ache sat in the pit of her belly, but Bri ignored it and walked on. Why the hell the man had that kind of effect on her she didn’t know, but she was getting damn sick and tired of it. Somehow she’d make it through this night. She might need to drown herself in a little liquor to do it, but before this night was over, Jackson Montgomery would know he had no affect on her, physically or mentally. Bri sauntered over to the table, and pulled out her chair. “Fancy seeing you here, Inspector.” She sat down, her damn legs feeling all shaky. He nodded his head at her. “Brianna.” His voice melted over here. Damn the man and his sex appeal. “So what did we do to get you to grace us with your presence 59

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tonight?” Jackson smirked at her. “Figured it was about time you got lucky.” He winked at her and damned if it didn’t go straight to her girl parts. On the other hand, it pissed her off, too. He knew exactly what he was doing with the lucky comment, but for the first time, she was left completely speechless. He was toying with her. Not his typical, I’m-a-jerk-so-stay-the-hell-away-from-me toying, but a playful, I-dare-you-to-strike-back, kind of toying. “Please, spending the evening with you is anything but lucky. When I want to get lucky, or when I want to make someone else lucky I should say, I know where to go, and it isn’t to you, big guy.” “Should we leave you two alone?” Nico asked. “I’m feeling some pretty strong sexual tension at this table.” He laughed and Tabby playfully smacked him in the belly. “Oops, sorry tesoro, was I not supposed to say that out loud?” Tabby, Kaylee, and Luciano all broke into laughter. Bri just downed her drink before cutting her eyes at an equally frustrated, Jackson. “What?” Nico shrugged. “I didn’t know we weren’t admitting they wanted each other.”

“I’ll take her home. It only makes sense.” Jackson had his back to Brianna as she leaned against the wall of Luciano’s. The night hadn’t gone quite as planned. After everyone settled down from Nico’s “slip,” which he didn’t think was a slip at all, the night went downhill. He and Brianna were awkward; the rest of the group trying to make up for it by forcing conversation, while he sat there pissed, and Brianna drank herself into oblivion. “Um, hello? I’m right here. No need to talk about me like I’m not standing right next to you guys. Well, kind of standing with the help of the wall.” She giggled, but then straightened her face. “I don’t need anyone to take me home. That’s what the cab is for.” Jackson shook his head. He needed to tread lightly with her to get her to go with him. Even though she was clearly drunk, he knew she’d try to play it off as if she wasn’t, and try to get herself home. No way would he allow that. Cab or not, she wasn’t going home without him, or one of her friends, in her condition. It wasn’t safe, and he’d be damned before he let her put herself in danger like that. 60

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“Brianna, I have my truck here. There’s no reason for you to waste the money on a cab, when we can ride together.” “I can think of a pretty good reason.” “Because you like to be difficult?” He heard Luciano and Nico chuckle, but ignored them. “No, Inspector,” she slurred. “Because you hate me.” Brianna buried her face in her hands. “Ugh! I can’t believe I just said that.” While she wasn’t looking, Jackson glanced at her friends, and mouthed to them to go ahead and go. Tabby smiled at him, and without a word, they turned and walked away. God, he couldn’t believe this night turned out like this. Usually she was so sure of herself, but this inebriated Brianna was almost vulnerable. Jackson walked over, stood next to her and then nudged her arm. “Hey, I don’t hate you.” She slid to the ground, before looking up at him. “Maybe, maybe not, but you do think you’re too good for me.” Shit, he felt like a prick. She pissed him off. He wouldn’t deny that. It would be insulting to both of them for him to lie about that, but he didn’t think he was too good for her. He knew what it felt like to be looked down on, and the last thing he wanted to do is make someone else feel that way. “Fuck,” Jackson ran a hand through. “I don’t think I’m better than you, Brianna.” “Yeah, you do. I see the way you look at me, Jackson. It’s not usually a big deal, but tonight I’m drunk, so it’s really bothering me.” If he wasn’t such a prick, he’d admit to her that he tried to find fault in her; he looked at her, seeing how different they were, but wondering why he wanted her so much. But he was a prick, so he didn’t. “The ground is filthy. Come on, I’ll get you home.” “I told you, I don’t need you to bring me home. I can get a cab, or call Tommy. He’ll come and get me.” She crossed her arms. Even drunk she pouted. Her plump bottom lip poked out and he wanted nothing more than to lick it, to taste her. He sure as hell didn’t want her going home with that Tommy guy in the condition she was in. Without a word, Jackson bent over and picked her up. “What the fuck, Inspector. Put me down.” She tried to fight him, to no avail. She was too damn small to have any affect on him, especially drunk. Jackson tossed her over his shoulder and started walking down the street to his truck. “I said to put me down! I swear I’m going to kick your ass, 61

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Jackson!” “How are you going to do that? You don’t have your dog with you this time,” he teased, realizing he was actually having fun riling her. “Leave Stud out of this and put my ass down. Now.” Jackson laughed. “I’m not putting you down, so you might as well stop fighting me. You’re not going anywhere by yourself in your condition.” He made it to his truck, opened the door and strapped her in. “Especially with a man.” He remembered what she looked like the last time she threatened him with Tommy. Obviously the two of them had been, or might be intimate in the future, but it wouldn’t be tonight. “You’re drunk, Brianna. He could take advantage of you.” He slammed the door before she could reply to him, jogged to the driver side, and got in. “I’m doing this for your own good, you know. You should be thanking me.” Her head jerked around to look at him. Oh, she was pissed. Anger burned in her brown eyes. He liked her eyes, he realized. They were wide, like she could take in the whole world with them. “Thanking you? What the hell do I have to thank you for? Protecting me from my gay best friend? Please, Jackson, I’m in more danger of you taking advantage of me than I am Tommy.” Gay? What the fuck? She hadn’t been going out with a gay man the other night, unless… “You set me up! All that rubbing, and flirting, and…” Fuck, she got him, and he hadn’t even known it. “You don’t play fair, Brianna.” “I never promised to, but then, you don’t either. None of this situation is fair, but that’s life. I just have to roll with it. Who would have thought I’d end up wanting someone like you so much I can hardly breathe?” She had to be even drunker than he thought. A sober Brianna would never have admitted to him what she just did. Part of him soared, celebrated that she wanted him that badly. It took everything in him not to pull her to his lap and take her mouth right then and there, but he knew he wouldn’t. In the end, she would never be able to give him what he needed, and he knew he would never be able to give her what she wanted. Her head dropped lightly to the side, and leaned against the glass. His hand itched to reach for her, to caress her smooth, brown cheek. 62

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“You going to drive me home or what, Inspector? I’m not feeling so hot over here.” Jackson chuckled and started the truck. The ride home was silent. He didn’t bother to turn on the music, but instead, listened to Brianna’s smooth, even breathing. When he pulled up at home, he wasn’t surprised to find she’d passed out. Jackson lifted her from the truck and carried her in the house. She’d be pissed as hell in the morning when she found out. He found himself smiling at the thought. In some ways they were so much alike. Neither of them wanted to admit that they needed anyone. Tonight she’d needed him, and even though he would never admit to her, it felt good to be there. He didn’t turn on the light when he walked into her room. The illumination from the hall was enough to help him get her to the bed without any incidents. Jackson laid her down, then moved to her feet and pulled off her clunky shoes. What the hell kind of shoes were they anyway? Jackson set them next to the door. When he turned to walk out, she sighed, a sexy little sound that lassoed him, pulling him back to her. He pulled the blanket up to cover her, and then sat on the edge of the bed. “I don’t look at you like I’m better than you; I look at you like a man who wants a woman he knows he shouldn’t want. You’re everything I don’t want, yet, I can’t help but want you, Bri. It’s just easier to be a prick, because I know we’d just be a disaster waiting to happen.” Jackson got up, and walked out of the room.

Bri’s alarm clock pierced through the haze of a very nice dream where someone was doing some very nice things to her body. The sharp beep blared, pricking her already pounding head like a tattoo gun, jamming a needle in her head over and over again. She jerked her hand out, pulling the annoying piece of technology out of the wall before slamming the pillow over her head. “I think I’m going to die,” she mumbled into the pillow. Actually, she probably wouldn’t die. It was just her luck, but she sure did wish she would. “Probably not, but I’m sure you wish you would.” She didn’t even have the energy the pillow off her face to chuck it at him, but she wanted to. “Why are you in my room?” The man 63

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had never been in her room, so why the hell did he have to pick the day she felt like shit after drinking too much because he went and invaded girl’s night? Everyone she knew already thought the man walked on water. Her dog even loved him, and now he wanted to steal her friends too? “Heard your alarm and thought you might need some aspirin and water. If not though, I’d be glad to take them back.” “No!” she pulled the pillow off her face. “Ouch, that hurt. I can’t even yell at you today. That’s going to put a serious damper on my day.” “Hung-over as hell and still a smartass.” He walked toward her, holding the water and pain pills to her. “You poison it?” “No, if I wanted to kill you, I would have done it last night when you were passed out. That way I could have just driven somewhere to dispose of the body, and not carried you up all those stairs and put you to bed. Oh, you’re welcome, by the way.” Wow, hold the phone. He’d carried her to bed last night? Brought her aspirin and water this morning? Bri pinched her arm. Obviously, she had yet to wake up, and this was some kind of messed up dream where Jackson Montgomery didn’t hate her. The man could hardly be civil to her. Why the hell would he take care of her, when she’d been so drunk that she had no idea what happened the night before? “What are you doing, Brianna?” “Just trying to wake myself up. Oh, actually, maybe I don’t want to do that. My head kills me right now. If I’m dreaming, maybe I can find a way to like, manifest my headache away and turn you into some sex God who is here to ravage me or something.” Bri closed her eyes, opened them, then rolled over on her side. “You’re still you.” “The same to you, now take the damn aspirin so I can get out of here and improve both our days.” Bri popped the pills in her mouth, followed by a couple gulps of water. “Do you work today?” Jackson asked. “Nope. Tommy’s been looking for some weekends lately, and this is the first one I have him. Guess I’m psychic, huh?” “I guess. I’m heading downstairs. I’ll let Scooby out for you, after that, you’re on your own. You didn’t have any help drinking 64

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the bar dry last night, so you don’t need any help today, either.” Bri flipped Jackson off as he headed out her bedroom door. Without giving herself time to think it through and change her mind, she called out, “Jackson.” He stopped, shook his head, and then turned back around to look at her. It was a different look. She couldn’t put her finger on how, but felt it deep inside her, like he tried to see inside her. Or, hell, maybe she was still drunk from last night. “Um, thanks for the aspirin, and getting me home last night. It was cool of you to do that.” “Sure, Bri, just don’t let it happen again.” Jackson walked out of her room and disappeared. Bri rolled over, her head not only throbbing because of her hangover, but Jackson as well. She couldn’t help but notice that was the first time he called her Bri.

After hours spent tossing and turning in her bed, Bri finally kicked her covers to the floor and went straight to the shower. Half hung-over or not, she couldn’t spend the whole day laying in bed and thinking about Jackson. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what she’d done all morning. What was up with calling her, Bri? Why did he take the time to get her the aspirin this morning? And the biggest questions, why the hell had he been so nice to her last night. Why did he carry her to bed? Take care of her? It just didn’t make any sense. They fought, argued, didn’t understand each other. That’s what they did. They sure weren’t as considerate as he’d been last night. He’d treated her like a friend, and it threw her for a loop. Ugh! And here she was thinking about him again, when what she should be doing is shaving her damn legs so she could get the hell out of Dodge. Bri did her thing in record time, jumping out of the shower and throwing on the first outfit she could find. A peasant skirt, comfy tshirt, and a pair of flip-flops later, Bri snuck out the door and went straight for The Presido. On the way, she stopped by and picked up a loaf of bread to feed the ducks. Ducks had to eat too, right? Her cabbie dropped her off at the far end, completely on the wrong side of that park than she needed. She took off her shoes, tossed them in her bag, and walked. Surprisingly, the park wasn’t 65

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completely packed today. People were littered, sporadically throughout the giant maze of a park. She smiled and kept walking, eager to make it to her bench. No one knew she came here. Out of all the secrets she could keep, this was kind of a lame one; but this was her sanctuary, the one thing she didn’t like to share with anyone. When she wanted to be alone, she always ended up here. Funny how sometimes you could be surrounded by people, but still feel alone. This was that place to her. She lost herself to the beauty of San Francisco and didn’t take the time to worry about anyone else around her. Bri sat on the grass, next to the lake, ducks dancing in the water. Piece by piece, she broke off the bread and tossed it in the water, aiming for the babies, mostly. Of course, they’d all swarm around each chunk of bread she threw, sometimes the little ones would get it, most of the time they wouldn’t. What was wrong with her lately? Her whole life felt off center. Not like she’d ever really been on track, not the one most people thought she should take at least, but right now, she felt unsure for the first time in her life. For once she didn’t know what she wanted and it scared her. Hell, maybe that wasn’t even it. It was really the fact that she knew what she wanted, she just didn’t know why the hell she wanted it. Just like Jackson. Somehow, his words filtered through her alcohol haze last night. “I don’t look at you like I’m better than you; I look at you like a man who wants a woman he knows he shouldn’t want. You’re everything I don’t want, yet, I can’t help but want you, Bri. It’s just easier to be a prick, because I know we’d just be a disaster waiting to happen.” Why did he have to go and mess things up between them? Up until last night, she didn’t know the scope of his desire for her. Hell, she wasn’t even sure he really felt any at all. Sure, he’d kissed her, but he’d also turned down her offer of sex. What kind of man did that? He either didn’t want her, or he hated her, which she wouldn’t be surprised if it were either. There’s no reason they should want each other, yet she did. Even more so after last night, which made things even more messed up. She wasn’t the type of girl to go for the guy who carried you to bed when you had too much to drink and brought you aspirin in the 66

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morning. It was kind of sweet and turned her on, which totally wasn’t what usually did it for her. She almost felt like Tabby being attracted by the whole Disney movie sweetness. Any minute now she expected the birds to start talking to her and everyone in the park to break into song around her. Yeah, there was definitely something wrong with her. Prince Jackson of Happily Ever After Land got to her. Like, got to her, got to her. Not like he used to. Not that hot, I-don’t-know-if-I-want-tosmack-you-or-screw-you, attitude he usually had that just made her want to jump his bones. No, thinking about the way she’d felt in his arms last night, about the way he looked at her this morning when he’d brought the pills to her, made her want to know him. Maybe even spend a little more time with him, and that was scarier than hell. And thinking about it only gave her a bigger headache. With all her bread gone, and the ducks off looking for someone else to hit up for food, Bri rolled her bag up and laid back on the grass, using it for a pillow. Fluffy, white clouds rolled across the blue sea above her. She watched, thinking about her friends, and their men. How much happier they seemed since they had the constant source of testosterone in their lives. She didn’t really get it. Besides her one lapse of judgment she never really wanted any kind of permanency with a man before, and didn’t now, but still…she couldn’t help but wondering if she would have it some day. If she wanted to have it one day. “Aw, shit,” Bri mumbled, still not able to shove out the thoughts that plagued her mind. So, instead, she closed her eyes, to enjoy the warmth of the sun as it caressed her body. It wasn’t as if anyone else wanted the job lately.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Brianna didn’t have to open her eyes to know who stood above her, though she hadn’t heard him walk up. A slight breeze whispered over her skin, as a shiver raced through her. She’d fallen asleep, but there’s no way she was out long enough to feel this chilled and shaded. “I was enjoying the sunshine. Think you could step out of my light, Inspector?” “You were sleeping, in the middle of the park, in San Francisco, 67

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Brianna. I’ve been standing here for five minutes, and you didn’t know it.” Ugh! Now her headache was back. The sun and sleep took it away, but two seconds around captain pessimist and it returned with a vengeance. “Jackson, you’re giving me a headache. Why don’t I just continue with my nap, and you can watch over me, since you seem to have enjoyed it for the last five minutes. You can enjoy it some more.” “Jesus, you’re incredible. I don’t even know why I care. Do you realize how many women are attacked in this park every year? You’re hiding in the corner, back here by yourself, sleeping in the grass, which is probably littered with duck shit, by the way. I could have been anyone, and you don’t even have Scooby to bite the shit out of my ankles this time.” “Aw, you care? I had no idea.” “You know what? Nevermind. I don’t care. Get jumped if you want to.” He turned to walk away as a dose of guilt hit her. God, why was she always such a bitch to this man? It was like she couldn’t control herself. She opened her mouth and the most sarcastic things came out. Yeah, she’d always been sarcastic. She always said what was on her mind, but with him, it was worse. He didn’t deserve the way she treated him. Even though sometimes he dished it out just as badly, he’d been trying lately. He took care of her last night, and this is how she repaid him. Damn, I’m getting soft. Bri pushed to her feet, swung her bag over her arm and went after him. “Hey. Slow down, will ya?” Ugh, what kind of person jogged when they didn’t have to? She’d never get that. Bri picked up the pace, jogging too. “Inspector, come on. Wait. I’m a bitch; I know, but please don’t make me run. Especially today of all days.” Thank God. The man must have pitied her because he stopped. “Did you just say please to me?” He turned to look at her. Jackson wasn’t smiling, but he wasn’t quite frowning either, so she figured she at least made it partway back into his good graces. Okay, maybe that was going a little too far. She’d never been in his good graces, but at least he wasn’t scowling at her anymore. “Yeah, but don’t get used to it.” She caught up with him. They stopped while she pulled her shoes out of her bag and put them on her feet. Ignoring Jackson’s eye roll they started walking down the 68

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path together, trees lining the cement walkway as they went deeper into the park. “Are you following me, or what?” He shook his head. “Nope, just going out for a jog. Running clears my head, and this is one of my favorite places to do it.” Hmm, she couldn’t help but wonder why he needed to clear his head. It didn’t escape her attention that she came here to do the same exact thing, and it was him she wanted out of her brain. “What do ya know, Inspector, we have something in common. Who’d have thought? This is one of my favorite places to come and think too. Except I usually do it while relaxing in the duck poop infested grass rather than running. Which, I do look where I’m sitting before I sit down.” Jackson stopped, cocking his brow at her. “You look before you sit down? Damn, who’d have thought that one? I thought you didn’t like to think before you acted. Oh, and just because you look doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Dogs pee in that grass, Brianna.” Bri tried not to roll her eyes at him. She really did, but damn, the man couldn’t even cop a squat in the grass? “Its grass, Jackson, geez you’re so stuck up. I’m not trying to be a bitch, but you are. One of these Wednesdays we’re eating breakfast outside. Like a breaknic. Get it? Like breakfast and picnic?” Brianna couldn’t help but laugh at her lame joke, and surprisingly, Jackson did too. “I’m not afraid of the grass, I just don’t get why you couldn’t at least lay a damn blanket down or something. Or even better, if you’re tired, bring your ass home to sleep.” “I would, but I live with this really big prick. I try to stay away as often as I can.” Jackson kicked a rock as they continued to walk down the path. This was sort of weird. The whole walking and talking thing, but for the first time, they were actually getting along and she didn’t want screw it up. The man deserved one day of peace since he helped her last night, even if he was jerk about the whole park thing. “You should meet the woman I live with. I think she gets off on giving me shit. It’s impossible for her to take anything seriously, even her safety. She’s sarcastic, grumpy.” “Hey! I’m not grumpy!” “Wasn’t talking about you. I’m talking about my roommate. Now, let me finish. She tortures me in every possible way, gives her dog a terrible name. She’s spontaneous, wild, and--” “Fun? Happy? Maybe you should cut her a break some time. I 69

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bet she might do the same for you. She doesn’t sound all that bad to me.” He turned his head and looked at her. “No, not so bad…sometimes.” Jackson winked, and then looked ahead again. Bri dropped her head back, and laughed. She wasn’t quite sure how it happened, but they somehow seemed to be at a crossroad of some sort. She didn’t know how long it would continue, and the man still drove her up the wall, but she actually enjoyed talking to him, too. Who’d have thought?

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Chapter Seven

Bri wasn’t sure how long they walked, but soon the sun began to set, an orange and red painted sky back-dropped the green expanse of the park in front of them. It was a little weird, walking with him like this, but the longer they went, the more comfortable she became. They didn’t talk the whole time, they didn’t have enough in common for that, but every now and again she’d say something and Jackson would reply. “Sunset is my favorite time of day.” Jackson stopped and looked toward the sky. Bri stood next to him, taking in the view as well. “When I was a kid, my mom and I used to always watch the sunset together.” He spoke softly, like he was million miles away, lost in the sight before them. Something was different about him right now. Like, for the first time, he was opening himself up to her, except she had no idea what he showed her. But she wanted to. Goddess help her, but she wanted to. “Yeah, Mama and I actually take in a few sunsets too. She’s always telling me how much she loves the painted sky. I guess it’s because it was something special between the two of you?” She hoped he would fill her in, but in true Jackson style he turned toward her, cutting his eyes a little bit. In a flash, the look was gone, and he turned away again. “Maybe. Listen, it’s getting late, maybe we should get going.” Okay. I guess this conversation is over. “Sure, if you need to cut out on our conversation, I’m cool with that.” Bri shrugged. “As long as you take me to get something to eat, we’re all good.” She went to walk away, but he grabbed her arm to stop her. “I’m not trying to get out of any conversation, there’s just nothing left to say about it. I like sunsets. My mom likes sunsets. End of story.” “Whatever you say. So, you want to grab something to eat with me or what?” If she were smart, she’d stop pushing this. Why she wanted to share a meal with him anyway she didn’t know, but she did. “Stop that.” “Stop what?” “You’re not a psychologist, Brianna. Stop trying that reverse 71

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psychology shit on me. There’s nothing to tell.” They were back to Brianna instead of Bri. For some reason, it stung her, but then she realized that made no sense. She shouldn’t care what Jackson called her. “I said whatever. Geez, guilty conscience or something?” Bri pulled away from his hold. “I’m hung-over and hungry. Don’t screw with me, Inspector. Now, what sounds good? No Italian, though. All we need is those Valenti cousins seeing us together and they’ll start blabbing their mouths to Tab and Kaylee.” He shook his head, but it didn’t seem to be in frustration; but more like he finally realized he just needed to give up, because she wouldn’t stop until she got what she wanted. “Why? Are you embarrassed by me? Don’t want your friends to know you actually like me?” Bri smiled. She liked this fun, sarcastic side of him. He didn’t show it often, but when he finally did remove the stick from his ass, she enjoyed it. “Of course I’m embarrassed by you. I do have a reputation to keep up with.” They started walking again. “And, I never said I liked you, I just don’t like eating alone.” Bri winked at him, hoping her sarcasm didn’t change his mood. “I should be the one worried about the scarred reputation here, not you. The last thing I need is to been seen around town with you. The guys from the station would never let me live it down.” Bri looked up to see Jackson’s truck parked in the parking lot. “Too good for a cab?” “You too good for my truck?” Jackson walked around to his side of the truck, opened the door, and jumped in. Bri slid in beside him. “Oh, and just so you know, I feel the same way about you.” Brianna rolled her eyes and buckled her seatbelt. She should have known he would never let her get away with her comment about not liking him.

“Um, where the hell are we, Inspector? No offense, but this really doesn’t look like your kind of joint.” Jackson led Brianna across the alley and to the door of Duke’s. He’d found this place a few years back. Honestly, he didn’t blame Brianna for thinking this wasn’t the kind of place he would go. He probably never would have ended up here if it weren’t for a really 72

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shitty night and a few beers, but once he stumbled on the place, he’d become a regular. “It’s not my kind of place, but they have the best damn food in town. It’s my little secret in the city. Not a lot of people know about it, and the ones that do, don’t usually share the secret. You’re lucky I didn’t blindfold you on the drive over.” Jackson winked at her. “So, should I consider myself special because you shared the secret?” Her question took him back. Why had he brought her here? This was his place. He never came here with anyone else; but for some reason, when she mentioned grabbing something to eat, he’d automatically driven her here. Jackson brushed those thoughts to the side. They didn’t mean anything. He was hungry, she was hungry, and he wanted a damn burger. No big deal. “No, just remember, I know where you sleep. The first rule about Duke’s is that nobody talks about Duke’s. You remember that and everything will be just fine.” Brianna’s head snapped toward him. Jackson thought back, trying to remember what he said to make her look at him like he just sprouted another head. “Did you just quote Fight Club?” Jackson just shrugged. “Yeah. What, are you shocked we might like the same movie?” “More shocked you like something good, that’s all. I figured you more of Leave it to Beaver kind of guy.” Well shit. That didn’t sound too good.

He pouted at her words. A full-fledged, bottom lipped pout. Priceless. He obviously didn’t like her little assessment, which in reality was only partly true. Although in some ways the guy was very Ward Cleaver. He wanted the perfect life, with the Stepford wife and all that jazz. Still, he was too incredibly masculine for the whole Beav thing. He was kind of prissy, but rugged in the same breath. He was a man’s man, and Ward so wasn’t that. Jackson pulled the door open. “Maybe you don’t know me as well as you think you do, Bri.” “I think it’s you who doesn’t know yourself as well as you think you do.” He wrinkled his brow at her, and then opened his mouth to speak, 73

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but someone beat him to it. “Hey, Jax. Been a while, buddy.” Jax? Okay, this day seemed to get weirder and weirder. Bri smirked at Jackson before slipping into the restaurant. She heard his heavy footsteps behind her as she weaved her way toward the counter. The place wasn’t busy with about four tables being occupied, but all the eyes were on them as they walked in. “Hi, I’m Bri, a friend…well, kind of a friend of Jax’s.” She held her hand out for the older gentleman behind the counter, ignoring Jackson’s groan from behind her. He had a beard, and wore a baseball cap low on his face. The man didn’t take it, but she didn’t lower it either. “You’re new?” “Yep.” Bri didn’t break her eye contact with him. “Jax doesn’t bring anyone with him when he comes here.” “He does now.” “You know the rules?” She knew one rule, but she wasn’t going to let him know that’s all she knew. “Yep. I’m diggin’ the whole Fight Club theme, by the way. Don’t really see how you plan on staying in business, but hey, as long as I get my burger, I’m cool.” He winked at her from under his cap. If she hadn’t been paying such close attention, she probably wouldn’t have caught it. “You’ll do.” He clutched her hand and shook. “And, don’t you worry about me. I keep my business going just fine. It’s not really about that, anyway.” This whole thing was a little weird, but fun, which was right up her alley. It so didn’t feel like Jackson’s, well Jax’s, scene at all, but maybe there was more to him after all. “So, I passed the test?” “You sure did, darlin’, though I’m still a little shocked you came with Jax. I’ve been asking him for a while if he had a little lady friend, but he always said no. I was starting to worry about our boy, here, if you know what I mean.” “Jesus.” Jackson groaned behind her. “Oh, I’m not that kind of friend, so you might still have reason to worry.” Bri tried to hold in her smile as she leaned over the counter and whispered, “I tried, but he turned me down.” She wouldn’t have admitted that to anyone else, but she kind of liked the old guy. He reminded her of someone she’d count as one of her friends, not someone Jackson would willingly associate with. Plus, she knew it would annoy him, which, being honest, was probably the main 74

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reason she did it. “You turned her down,” he snapped his head up to look at Jackson. “Aw, shit, it wasn’t like that, Duke. Not that it’s any of your business anyway. If you’ll excuse us, we’re gonna have a seat.” He reached for Bri. “Come on.” “Excuse me. What if I wasn’t ready to sit down yet? I’m enjoying my conversation with Duke here.” He tensed before letting out a heavy breath. “Fine, whatever. I’m sitting. You keep enjoying your conversation.” He stomped away. Bri couldn’t help it. She let out a laugh which Duke jumped in on as well. “That man pouts more than any guy I know. I better get going before he makes the rest of my day hell.” Duke gave her a mischievous smile. “You keep that boy on his toes. He needs it.” Brianna just nodded her head before following Jackson to their table.

He made a huge fucking mistake bringing her here today. What the hell he’d been thinking he didn’t know, but he wouldn’t make that mistake again. She charmed Duke in seconds when it usually took him at least a meal or two to get used to someone new. The woman was wicked, evil, and somehow, he too started to fall beneath her spell. He should have known it the second he decided to bring her here. This was his place. His secret, where he could just…be. No responsibilities, no one trying to change him or pick his brain about why he was the way he was. He let her in on that part of his life when he’d never done that before. Not with anyone: not the guys at the station, not his mom, not any of his ex-girlfriends. Just Bri. “Fuck,” he mumbled, running a hand through his hair as he sat down. “What’s wrong, Jax?” “Don’t call me that, Brianna.” She sat down too. “Why? You let them call you Jax?” “So?” “So, why can’t I call you Jax?” Hell, he didn’t know. Inspector, or any of the other crazy nicknames she came up with for him he could handle but Jax felt 75

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more intimate, not like some name she drew out of a hat to piss him off. “Because I said,” he let the words fall from his mouth, but then felt like a dick. They’d had a pretty decent day today. They were actually getting along, and now here he was ruining it over a damn name. “Fine, call me Jax if you want.” “Thank you.” She smiled sweetly at him. “Stop pretending like you would have listened to me anyway.” Jackson laughed. “Well, I did that for your benefit, but if you insist, fine I wouldn’t have listened away.” Jackson didn’t get the chance to reply before he felt a tap on his shoulder. “Why, Jackson Montgomery. As I live and breathe. I can’t believe you’re here with a woman. When Duke told me, I almost didn’t believe him.” Molly turned to Bri. “Oh, and she’s gorgeous too. Looks like she’s full of spunk, which we all know you need.” She faced him again. Jackson growled. The woman had everyone in his place eating out of the palm of her hand in no time. What was so wrong about the way he lived his life? Why would he need her or her damn spunk? “I have everything I need, Molly and it’s not what you think. Hell, I don’t even get along with her half the time. Today’s a rare day and we both wanted something to eat which I can see now was a big mistake.” Duke’s wife brushed off his words with a wave of her hand. “So damn stubborn. I’m assuming you want your normal, right?” “Why would I want anything different?” She just shook her head and tried to hand Brianna a menu, but she pushed it away. “Surprise me.” Molly winked at her. “See, I knew I liked you.” The older woman walked away giving Jackson a chance to give Brianna his full attention. “You did that on purpose.” “Can you quit speaking in grump-code. I don’t understand it. You’re going to have to tell me exactly what I did on purpose.” “You told her to surprise you just to show me up for ordering my usual? What’s wrong with eating something I know I like? You guys act like it’s the end of the fucking world because I happen to enjoy a damn green chili burger when I come in.” Jackson rubbed his eyes in frustration. He felt like a hamster running in a wheel when it came to her. He kept going and going, but never got anywhere. Their day had been going pretty well and now…he had a 76

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pounding headache and all he wanted to do is go home. Of course, she would never let him do that. “You listen here, Jax, you need to stop blaming me for your issues. I haven’t done anything to you since we’ve been here. You’re just mad because your friends like me, and because you’re showing me a part of yourself that you want to deny exists. You may try and keep yourself locked in your little cage by making yourself order the same thing every time you come here, but the fact that you’re here at all speaks louder than that. “I don’t know why you’re so afraid to just let loose every once in a while, but don’t you dare blame it on me. We’ve had a halfway decent day, Jackson. Don’t ruin it now.” Jackson’s body tensed, as he fought the urge to snap back at her but the simple truth was, she was right. He was suddenly in a shitty mood and taking it out on her. She made it so easy for him to lash out against her, because she represented what he didn’t want to be. Not only that, but she gave it to him just as good as he gave it to her. They both snapped, fought, and blamed each other, and he wasn’t sure they would ever stop. But they had had a good day. And he actually kind of enjoyed it. Jackson exhaled a deep breath. “You’re right. I’m sorry, but I’m not scared, just different.” Bri looked over at him, her eyes wide like she was surprised by his concession. Then she smiled, and he couldn’t help but smile back even though he’d just lied to her. He was scared, but it wasn’t for the reason she thought. It scared him how much he enjoyed seeing her smile at him, and how much he wanted to make her do it again.

“I’m going to burst I’m so full.” Bri leaned back in their booth, kicking her feet out in front of her. They came in contact with Jackson’s leg, but for some reason, she didn’t pull them away. “That was the best burger I’ve ever had. I owe you one for bringing me here.” After her mini-explosion on him to check his attitude earlier, they’d had a good meal. There had been no more fighting and a little conversation here and there. The devil seemed to have a little bit of 77

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a good side, and she actually enjoyed spending time with him when he let it out. Of course she completely blamed that fact on her hangover. Her mind was still a little fuzzy, which was obviously affecting her decisions. Bri stretched, still watching Jackson across the table. His eyes were squinted as if he was in pain. He ran a hand through his hair, rubbed his jaw, and then his hand went right back to his hair. “So, what made you decide to go into the coffee business?” A laugh immediately fell from her lips. It took so much work for him to get such a simple question out, she couldn’t help but laugh at him. “Why are you always laughing at me?” He looked at her so seriously, no sarcasm, or his usual frustration, just an honest to goodness question. “I’m trying here, Brianna.” She sat up, but still didn’t pull her leg away. A slight chill laced the air in the restaurant, but the warmth of Jackson’s touch countered it. Yeah right, tell yourself that all you want. You know that’s not the real reason you want to keep touching him. “I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just me, Jackson. I like to laugh, like to find humor in life when I can. You looked like you were trying so hard just to think of something to ask me, and it struck me as funny. That’s all. “To answer your question though, it’s not like I daydreamed about growing up and owning my own coffee shop when I was a kid. It just kind of happened. I’ve always been a caffeine junkie, and obviously, I’m not the kind of girl who would do so well working for someone else, so I decided to give it a try. Took some classes, a couple tests, studied the fine art of making a caffeinated beverage and there ya go. What about you? What made you decide to be a big, tough, cop?” He shook his head at her, but a playful smile tilted one side of his mouth up, so she knew he wasn’t serious. “I am one of those kids who dreamed about being something their whole life. I never wanted to do anything else besides be a cop. I like being in control-” “Obviously,” she added with a smile of her own. “Obviously,” he agreed. “I also like the fact that I have to think things through. I mean, a lot of it is my gut instinct, but a lot is calculated, a strategy. It’s like putting together a puzzle by following specific, strategic steps. I need that.” 78

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His words didn’t surprise her, but the fact that he admitted them at all did. She hadn’t really expected such an honest answer. What she didn’t understand is why he thought he needed that so much. It was one thing to want to be a cop, but the fact that he did it because he needed the structure so much was lost to her. Mama Love hadn’t raised him that way. They never really talked about his childhood much, but she knew the woman well enough to know that. But he did need it. She saw that. As much as she fought against it, he craved it, though, under the surface, she knew that was also a part of him inside there who wanted to let loose too. “Well see, that’s something you and I have in common, we both like control.” “No wonder we can’t get along.” His comment took her back. She didn’t know why, because she knew just as much as he did that they almost never got along, but still, crazy as it sounded, it hurt her. “We’re getting along now.” Jackson swallowed the last of his beer. “Yeah, we are.” Then, he winked at her. Tingles rolled down her spine and landed in the pit of her belly. Wow, where the hell did that come from? The man was so fine, so well put together, it was almost enough to make her giggle and twirl her hair around her finger, which so wasn’t her. Bri tried to shake it off by changing the subject. “Um, it fits you. The whole cop thing.” “Thanks.” Jackson’s leg moved, but instead of scooting away from her it moved a little closer. She felt like a kid, all giddy over a game of footsy under the table, but she couldn’t help it. It felt good. He felt good. No matter how different they were, she couldn’t deny the sexual tension between them. It was always there, blanketing them, wrapping them tighter together the more time they spent with one another. She moved against him, slowly, stroking his leg with her foot. Was it juvenile? Yep. Would she most likely regret it? That would be another yes. Was she going to stop? Nope. She didn’t take her eyes, or her foot off him. His whole body was visibly tense, but he didn’t pull away. He was conflicted just like her. She could see that. There was an inner battle going on inside him. It played across his chiseled features. He didn’t have in him, yet, to give in to something he would no doubt consider reckless, but he obviously didn’t have the strength in him to pull away either. “Did you grow up with Kaylee and Tabby?” His voice was thick, rough. 79

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“I thought you knew me better than that, Jax? I still haven’t grown up.” He laughed. It wasn’t his usual chuckle but a full-fledged belly laugh, all deep and inviting, that she couldn’t help but join him, too. It felt good to laugh with him. To see his creased brow ease up as the rich sound of laughter fell out of his mouth. “You’re right. I have no idea how I could have forgotten that one.” He chuckled again. “They’re everything to me. I don’t know what I’d do without them.” “You three are so different yet…” “The same?” she finished for him. “Yeah, I guess so.” “Well, I think we kind of all balance each other out. Kaylee keeps us grounded, Tabby’s all heart, and I’m the one everyone goes to when they want to have a good time.” “You’re more than that to those girls, Bri. You have a whole hell of a lot of heart, too. Think about the way you jumped me that first day, you did it because you cared about my mom. You’d do anything for your friends. You may be who they go to for a good time, but you’re more than that. I think those two depend on you for a lot more than that. I think you’re their rock.” Her limbs began to tremble and her breath caught. Her, a rock? It just didn’t fit. She was the good time girl. The one who always made smart-ass comments at inappropriate times. The one who had breakdowns because one of her best friend’s sons turned her down for a sexual proposition. She stayed out too late, picked a crazy name for her dog, and wore mismatched clothes. She wasn’t a rock. She was the wildcard which is how she liked it. But then…why did she like it so much that he saw her that way? Why did it make her insides tingle? Whatever the reason, now wasn’t the time to try and figure it out. Not with Jackson sitting across from her, his eyes holding hers intensely. “Umm, I don’t really think so, but…thanks?” Jackson opened his mouth, but she didn’t get a chance to hear what he planned to say before Molly spoke. “You guys want anything else?” “No, we’re good, Moll. We’re about to head out. Bri pulled her legs back away from him and stood. Jackson was right behind her.

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Chapter Eight

They shared a quiet ride home, except for the rumble of Jackson’s truck engine and the traffic around them. Honestly, she didn’t know what to say. She kept hearing his words play over and over in her mind. How could she be anyone’s rock? Hell, she never knew what she was doing half the time, much less be the strength in her group. She would always be there for her girls, it’s just that they both had their heads on much tighter than she did, and that was always okay with her. Still…the way Jackson saw her…it felt good. It felt…different. Especially coming from him. That hadn’t been easy for him to admit. She didn’t know if she would have been able to do it if the situation had been reversed, but he had, and she respected him for it. Bri let her eyes drift closed, thinking about her day. She enjoyed herself. Like really enjoyed herself, in a way she didn’t think about be possible with Jackson unless they were horizontal. Sure, they fought like always, and he still pouted a time or two, but they also talked. She saw bits and pieces of him; and the more pieces she found, the bigger and more complex the picture became. He was still that man who thrived on rules and regulations. The guy who would never understand someone like her, and who would naturally clash with her; but he was also that guy who carried her to bed when she passed out drunk. Who brought her aspirin and water in the morning, and brought her to one of his favorite places in the world, even though she never stopped making his life hell. She started to like him. Not just for his sculpted good looks, but because he could be fun when he wanted to be. He had a nice laugh and a big heart, and that knowledge freaked her out because, no matter what, he would always want her to be something she could never b. He would have expectations from her she would never want, or be able to fill. He was her ‘the prick,’ and she couldn’t go through that again. But she wanted him. Despite everything, she wanted him. They pulled up at the house a few minutes later. She jumped down from his high truck, and they walked together into the house. 81

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The second she had the door closed, Stud, Dylan, and Lennon attacked their ankles. “I’m sure they need to go out.” “I’ll take them.” She almost told him she could walk the dogs instead, but didn’t. Something told her he needed a few minutes, and frankly, she did too. Jackson grabbed the leashes from the hook beside the door, attached them to the three little dogs and slipped by her. Bri inhaled, savoring his masculine, evergreen and Irish Spring scent as he passed. He smelled good. He felt good when his shoulder brushed against hers, warming her in the way a woman liked to be warmed by a man. Damn it, had been so long since she’d been warmed. She needed it. And she wanted Jackson to be the man to do the warming. Shaking her head, Bri walked into the living room. What the hell was wrong with her today? Jackson turned her upside down, and he probably didn’t even know he did it. Hell, she didn’t know why he did it. The man was fine. Every woman in San Francisco would agree with her on that one, but with him it felt like…more? How can it be more than looks, Bri when you can hardly get along with the man for more than five minutes at a time? It didn’t make any sense, yet the longer she spent with him today, the…warmer he made her. “Shit, enough with the damn warming, Bri,” she mumbled to herself, making her way toward the stairs. As soon as she reached them, Jackson came back in the house. “They should be good for the night. I’m going to head up and take a shower.” He stood there looking at her. His blue eyes traveling up and down her body before making the connection with hers. Neither of them said a word. She didn’t know what to say, mainly because images of his bare chest beneath the spray of water kept flashing through her mind. Obviously, he was waiting for her to say something, considering he just stood there watching her. “Yeah, I need to shower too. You know, to wash off all the imaginary duck germs.” “They’re not imaginary, Brianna. It’s gross. That purse of yours is big enough for a small country. Maybe you should think about carrying a blanket around with you in case you ever feel like taking another nap with the birds.” God the man was too much. Bri laughed, walked over to him and patted him on the chest. She felt nothing but heat, and hard as steel muscles. “You’re such a wuss. If it weren’t for the body of yours, I might not believe you’re really a guy.” 82

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Fire ignited in the blue pools of his eyes. Her breath hitched. It was hunger, desire, and male pride flaring inside him. Before she realized what he was doing, Jackson backed her against the wall. His hard body pressed tightly against her own. His solid body molding against her softer one. A surge of heat rushed through her body. Damn this man did it for her in every way. There’s no way she could ever really doubt his masculinity. He oozed it from his pores, and more than anything, she wanted to experience just how manly he really was. “Rest assured I’m a man, Bri. Don’t make me prove it to you. We’re actually getting along right now. This,” his head dropped down so his mouth rested at her ear. “What we both want…it will just fuck everything up. But I will prove it.” His husky voice wrapped around her, settling in all her sweet spots, making her wet. Though she knew he was probably right about messing everything up, there’s no way she could stop this. Her body ached for him. She craved him, and the longer she denied it, the more she wanted him. “How are you going to prove it to me, Inspector?” “Bri…” He pulled back to look at her, shaking his head like he was scolding her. “What? Are you all talk and no show? I thought you were going to show me something?” It didn’t matter how stupid it was to egg him on like this. It didn’t matter how right she knew he was. She was going to do it anyway. That’s just how she rolled. Why stop now? “Unless you’re afraid…is that it, Inspector?” Bri moved her body against his. His very noticeable erection nuzzled her belly. “Scared you won’t be able to stop? Are you afraid because I make you out of control?” As soon as the words left her mouth, she knew they were true. It hit her like a slap upside the head. She made Jackson lose that control he sought so hard to hold onto. He wanted her just as badly as she wanted him. He had to, otherwise he wouldn’t be here with her now, trapping her against the wall, his breathing heavy and nostrils flaring. Jackson’s eyes captured hers, just as completely as his body. It was a look of possession. One that shouldn’t turn her on, but did. “You’re playing with fire, Bri.” His already deep voice dropped an octave lower when he spoke. “So burn me.” The words just made it past her lips with his 83

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mouth crushed hers.

He didn’t have the strength to fight this any longer. When those big, brown eyes of hers took him in, he couldn’t hold back. His need for her steadily grew, until he couldn’t take it. He had to have her. Had to feel her, to taste her sweet skin, to bury himself inside her. She was like an obsession. He studied her curves. How she walked with her head high. The sound of her boisterous laugh as it washed over him. He saw it all today, over and over, until he snapped. No matter how hard he fought against it, she still wise-cracked her way beneath his defenses. Too bad it was a mistake. He knew it just as well as he knew she did, but he wanted her too much to deny himself any longer. Bri moaned as he sucked her bottom lip into his mouth, the sound of her desire drowning out the voice of reason in the back of his mind. Jackson released her lip, tracing it with his tongue. Her lips parted in an “O” giving him perfect chance to take advantage. He swept the contours of her mouth. His cock throbbed, begging to be freed from his jogging pants. Instead, Jackson rotated his hips, creating friction between them as she moved against him as well. Their tongues tangled, fighting for control as she leaned forward to taste him too. Jackson gave in as her tongue dipped into his mouth, before taking over again. Jesus, she tasted good. Sweet and spicy with a hint of the mint she’d eaten after dinner. He kissed down her neck, biting at the sensitive skin there, before his tongue licked at the hollow spot behind her ear. “Fuck, I want you, Bri. So damn bad. I don’t want to, but I do.” “Shut up,” she gasped. Her hands roamed his back, pushing up his shirt and touching his bare skin. It was like a shot of electricity. Lust shot through him. “Don’t think. We’ll worry about the rest later.” She felt too good for him to do anything else but concentrate on Bri and giving her pleasure. He’d wanted this since the first day he felt her on top of him. Sure, she’d been trying to kick his ass, but even then, feeling her feminine body wrapped around him, smelling her…he’d wanted her then and there. 84

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Tonight he would have her. Every inch of her. Starting right now. Jackson slid his hand beneath the waistband of her skirt and traced the lips of her sex through the material of her moist panties. Bri gasped, dropping her head back so it hit the wall. “So wet for me already, Bri. I can feel you through your panties. Doesn’t look like you have any doubts about my masculinity now.” Up and down, he rubbed his fingers against her heat. She gripped the muscles of his back, digging her nails in. “Hell no. Never had any doubts. Just said it to piss you off.” “You’re good at it, and lucky for you, I’m good at this.” Jackson pushed her panties to one side, slipping a finger inside her. “You feel good, Bri. So hot…so wet. I can’t wait to be inside of you.” He pumped his finger, enjoying the way her velvety heat hugged his fingers. “Then do it.” He pumped faster, adding another finger. “Holy shit…that feels good, but we have time for foreplay later. I want you.” The words rushed from her mouth. Her breaths were heavy, against his face. Jackson nipped at her earlobe. “Don’t think so…I want you nice and ready when I finally take you, Bri. I want to drive you crazy, just as crazy as you make me every fucking day.” Jackson thrust his fingers deep inside her, her inner muscles hugging his fingers. He wasn’t lying when he told her he wanted to drive her crazy. He wanted to drive her over the edge, multiple times, before the night was over. This was it for them, and he damn sure planned on enjoying it, but more so, he wanted to bring her pleasure. To mark her and leave his imprint so she would never forget what it felt like when he buried himself inside her. In so many other ways they didn’t fit together, but this…now, the way she felt in his arms and clamped around his fingers, in this way they fit perfectly. “So, tight, Bri.” Her hops rotated, riding his fingers. “Make me come, Jackson…” Damn he liked it when she called him by his name. She rarely did. It was always some kind of nickname to piss him off, but hearing it now, it almost made him lose control. “Jesus, you sound sexy saying my name when you’re so breathless. Say it again, and I’ll give you what you want.” 85

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“Jackson…” He palmed her left breast with his free hand, pinching and rolling her nipple. Bri bit her lip as her eyes drifted closed. He picked up the pace, pumping his fingers inside her before using his thumb to strum her swollen nub. Her inner muscles contracted, squeezing his fingers. “Jackson…oh God…” He pinched her nipple again and that was it, she constricted tighter around him, her whole body tensed against him before she went limp in his arms. Bri draped her arms over his shoulders, letting him hold her up. She didn’t do this often…depend on someone else, but right now she did, and he reveled in it. The fact was, he liked taking care of people. It wasn’t like he didn’t think her capable of taking care of herself, because she was one of the strongest women he knew. Pigheaded, but strong. Still, he enjoyed taking care of her just like he had last night. And damn, he enjoyed giving her pleasure. Bri lifted her head from his shoulder and looked up at him. She was always beautiful, but seeing the way her brown skin flushed with passion made his already hard cock throb. He expected her to pull away, but to his surprise she didn’t. In typical, Brianna fashion, she winked at him. “I’ll say your name a hundred times a day if that’s what I get every time I do it. Now, let’s get upstairs. I think you said something about making me come over and over tonight.” Jackson laughed, feeling lighter than he had in a long time. Bri tried to scramble from his arms, but he held her tight, lifting her in his arms and heading straight for the stairs.

The man gave a damn good orgasm, and it had only been with his finger. She couldn’t imagine what he could do with other, more important parts of his body, and if all it took is for her to call him Jackson, she hadn’t been kidding when she said she’d say his name a hundred times a day. It had been that good. Which is why she let him carry her up the stairs right now. Her legs were too weak and her body still too tingly from Jackson’s magical fingers. “Which room?” he asked when they hit the top of the stairs. “Mine.” He didn’t argue with her and turned for her room. He 86

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pushed the door opened and stepped in. Bri kicked it closed behind them so Stud wouldn’t make a surprise appearance in the middle of something important. His lips pressed to hers again, this time, not slowly like before. His tongue probed her mouth, and she let it, kissing him back with urgency. His hands squeezed the globes of her rear, massaging them, as his tongue massaged hers. The room was so dark, she couldn’t see him, only feel his body against hers as he made his way to the bed. His body jerked to a stop. “Shit,” he murmured, pulling his mouth away from hers. “I need lights. Can’t see a damn thing.” Bri kissed him again, clapping her hands behind his back. The room illuminated in light as she threaded her fingers through his hair. Unfortunately, Jackson pulled away. “Clapper?” he asked with a smirk. “Hell yeah. One of the best inventions ever made. Case in point, you can now see the bed and hurry up and get me there.” Bri pulled off her shirt and tossed it to the floor. Fire blazed in his eyes, making her heart pound in anticipation. Jackson leaned forward, his mouth latching on to her bra clad breast. Even through the fabric, it felt delicious. A warmth spread over her, starting at her hardened nipple and rippling from her head to her feet. The man definitely liked to use his teeth. They grazed her nipple, making her cry out, before he switched to her other breast. Brianna clutched his tight shoulders when Jackson leaned forward and laid her down in the middle of his bed. She didn’t want him to pull away. “Impatient?” “Yes…we can’t get very far if you’re pulling away.” “We also can’t get very far still dressed. I want feel your skin against mine, Brown Eyes. I want to drown in your softness.” Brianna shuddered. He’d been right when he said he was good at this. So good that she wanted the same thing; to be blanketed in his masculine embrace. She didn’t let him back away from her. He was leaning over her on the bed so she took advantage, pulled his shirt up and over his head. The man had a to-die-for body, and she planned to explore the whole thing. He pulled her skirt off, leaving her in nothing but her bra and panties. “Jesus you’re beautiful.” He wrapped his hand around her ankles, ringing them like an anklet before unhooking his fingers 87

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dragging them slowly up her leg. “I want to touch you everywhere, Bri.” “So do it.” She smiled at him, but he didn’t return it. He looked feral, wild as his eyes widened, and he crawled toward her on the bed. She fell backwards, her body eager, when Jackson lifted her to the pillows. He settled between her legs, the feel of his jeans creating a delicious friction as he rubbed his body against hers. He deftly unhooked her bra with one flick of his fingers. His mouth covered one nipple and she almost lost it right here. “Damn that feels good…” He didn’t reply with words, but flicked his tongue over the turgid peak before sucking it deep into the heat of his mouth. Bri weaved her fingers through his hair, pushing his head closer to her chest, as she moved against him. His hips thrust against her, his hands roaming up and down her arms, shoulders, and waist, as his tongue continued its tortuous pleasure. With each touch, strokes of fire whipped across her skin. “I want you to come again, Brown Eyes.” “Then make me…Jackson,” she whispered, as she writhed beneath him. He growled around her breast before slipping down her body, trailing kisses down her chest, stomach, and then…oh God…at the top of her mound. Tremors shook her core in anticipation. He spread her with his fingers and stroked his tongue up her center. “Jackson…holy crap…more…” Her words were like fuel on his fire. Jackson pleasured her with little lashes of his tongue. The embers of desire inside her burst into massive flames as his tongue worked her. Bri gasped when he filled her with two fingers, gripping her blanket in a fist. “Yes…” she hissed. He flexed his fingers, and pumped, flicked her swollen nub with his expert tongue. Her second orgasm of the night already started to bloom inside her, inching closer and closer to the surface. “You taste so good, Brown Eyes. So fucking good.” She loved dirty talk from a man, but hearing the words rasp from Jackson’s throat affected her on a whole different, more potent, level. She flexed her hips forward, as his fingers and thumb continued to work her in the most scintillating way. “Jackson…I’m so close.” Jackson pulled his face back and hissed and then latched on to 88

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her clit and sucked. Bri tensed, her body exploding in complete satisfaction as her orgasm hit her in waves. When each wave hit the shore, Jackson pumped his fingers again, sucking at her clitoris until she didn’t have anything left inside her. She lay there, fighting to catch her breath while Jackson nipped and sucked on her inner thighs. “Mmm, you smell good.” Another wave of desire flooded her core. She couldn’t get enough of him. “We are so doing that again. I may regret this later. I don’t want to inflate your head any bigger than it already is, but you didn’t do yourself justice when you said you were good at this.” Jackson peered up at her from between her thighs, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “And I’m not even finished with you yet. I have weeks of pent up sexual frustration to work through tonight.” Her heart hitched a little when he said tonight. Did that mean he didn’t plan a repeat performance? They may not get along anywhere else, but they definitely had chemistry between the sheets, so why deny themselves the satisfaction? A light turned off in her head when Jackson started kissing his way back up her body. She could think about later. She couldn’t think about anything but getting him naked and inside her. Need gnawed at her insides for this man, and she planned to take advantage while she could. Bri put a hand on his chest to stop him. “Sit up.” Jackson’s brow creased. “Don’t look at me like that. I’m not stopping. I want to play, too.” A tick popped and flexed in his squared jaw. It wasn’t a look of anger, but one of desire. Before she realized what he was doing, Jackson pushed from the bed, pulling her with him. He looked down at her, his eyes dark with desire. “You have no idea how bad I want your hands on me, Bri.” Her hands shook as he grabbed a hold of hers and moved them to the bulge in his pants. He made her cup him. His massive erection more than filled her hand as Jackson moved her hand on his cock. The independent streak inside her flared. It was on the tip of her tongue to fight him. It was her nature to want to argue, to jerk her hand away and touch him on her terms, but she didn’t. She wanted this. She wanted him, and watching him dominate her movements deepened the ache between her legs. Bri tightened her hold, running her hand up and down his length. 89

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“Take them off, Brown Eyes. I want to feel you.” “What if I don’t want to?” she smiled at him. “But you do. You want this just as much as I do. I thought you wanted to play?” She did, more than anything. Brianna hooked her fingers in the waistband of his pants and pulled them down, freeing his massive erection. She sucked in a breath as her heart jack-hammered in her chest. Good God, the man was huge, all swollen and hard for her. The apex of her thighs throbbed. She ached for him. Once she had his pants far enough down his legs, Jackson kicked out of them. The man was a sight; all long, hard muscles and golden skin. “Damn, you’re gorgeous.” The words slipped from her mouth, but she didn’t regret them. Bri touched his chest, skimming her hands over each ripple, each muscle in his chest. She slid her hands over his shoulders, drawing circles on his back before gliding them over his abs. He shivered, enticing a smile from her. “Jesus, I could come right now,” he hissed out. “Where’s the fun in that?” She tried to sound much more confident then she felt right now. The truth was, she could almost come just touching him. He did something to her, reached some uncharted land deep inside her that she hadn’t known existed. Her hands kept going down…through the trail of hair that led straight to his erection. Brianna wrapped her hands around his shaft and stroked. They both groaned in unison as she pumped her hand up and down his shaft. He was so hard, but so soft. Steel covered by velvet. She pumped faster, but suddenly it wasn’t enough. She wanted to give him just what he’d given her earlier. Brianna dropped to her knees pulling him into her mouth. “Sweet Jesus,” Jackson mumbled. Inside she smiled, excited by how much she turned him on. With one hand she stroked him while she took him deep into her mouth. He was a big man, thick and long, just like the rest of him. Up and down she pleasured him, pulling him all the way out to lick his head before sucking his erection in again. Jackson hissed and moaned above her. One of his hands came around to cup the back of her head, rubbing it with his thumb as she worked him. “Damn, that feels so good. I don’t know how much longer I can last.” Another shot of lust, doused her. She had him breathless, out of 90

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control, and she loved every minute of it. “That’s enough.” He pulled her to her feet. “I want to be inside you when I come.” She shivered from the inside out, before falling back to the bed while Jackson pulled a condom from his pants. He tossed them back to the floor; when he did, Bri ripped the condom from his fingers. “I want to do it.” He groaned, squinting his eyes tightly. “You’re driving me crazy, Brianna.” “That’s the plan, big guy. You need it.” Using her teeth, Bri ripped open the foil package. She wrapped her thumb and forefinger around the base of his erection and rolled the condom down, sheathing him. When she finished, she looked up at him and gasped. His eyes were dark with lust, his body hard and tense, and he looked down on her, too. “I want you so bad, Bri.” Doubt flashed in his eyes. She would kill him if he backed out on her now, before her sexual frustration had the chance to kill her. Then she’d have to explain to Mama Love that she’d been forced to murder her only son, which would just suck. “Then, take me. Don’t walk out on me now, Jackson. It won’t be pretty.” He laughed. “I’m not going anywhere.” Jackson spread her legs, rested between them, then thrust. They both called out as he filled her completely. He pumped fast and hard. One of his hands wound through her hair, pulling it lightly. “Jesus, you feel so fucking amazing. So damn tight… So damn wet…” Words wouldn’t come, so she instead she moved her hips up to meet him. Bri dug her fingernails into his back, trying to tell him without words what she felt. Every nerve in her body tingled, felt alive in a way she’d never experienced. She’d had a lot of good sex, but feeling Jackson inside her…it made her come undone. Their bodies moved in unison, rocking together, thrust after delicious thrust. Tiny explosion ignited inside her, the beginning signs of the ticking bomb that would detonate at any second. Jackson’s head leaned down as he opened his mouth and latched onto one of her nipples. Bri shattered. Her body exploded in a kaleidoscope of pleasure. Jackson pulled almost completely out of her before slamming back home. “Oh my God! Keep going.” “Nothing could pull me away.” He slammed into her again as 91

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Brianna road the crashing waves of her orgasm until she didn’t have anything else in her to give. She went limp beneath him, as Jackson pumped one…two more times before tensing above her in completion. He fell beside her on the bed, no sounds in the room besides their heavy, panting breaths. Finally, after would felt like an hour, but in reality was probably only a minute she caught her breath. “Holy smokes, Batman. You definitely know what you’re doing, Jackson.”

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Chapter Nine

Jackson disposed of the condom in Brianna’s bathroom. He’d closed the door behind him because he knew he’d need a minute to get his shit together after what he’d just let happen. He’d given her three orgasms. They made love despite the fact that they could hardly be in the same room with each other. Though he did have to admit they were getting along a lot better. He actually enjoyed his day with her. And not just the sex either. She was a spitfire. She made him laugh, and he had to admit, that felt kind of good. His cock immediately hardened again just thinking about what it felt like buried deep inside her. Brianna’s wet heat had enveloped him, hugged his erection like a fucking glove when they came together. Sure, in every other way they completely didn’t fit, but in bed they did. Her body molded with his like she was meant for him. She was a firecracker, telling him just what she wanted and setting him afire. But it was a mistake, and the really scary part is, he didn’t even regret it. Jackson splashed water on his face. Now they just had to figure out a way to make it work. After knowing what it felt like to have her naked and writhing beneath him, he wasn’t sure he wouldn’t want to do it again, but he couldn’t. Their lives were two completely different paths, and this would only complicate an already too fucking complicated situation. She was like a daughter to his mother. They were so different, there could never be anything more than just sex between them. Damn good sex, but still just sex. But how did he expect to keep his hands off her when she had a room right across the hall from him? He saw her all sexily mussed every morning when she came down for coffee. He heard the water running through the walls when she stood naked beneath the spray of the shower. Living together would complicate the whole damn situation. He didn’t want complicated. He wanted easy, responsible, and what they’d just done was anything but. This is exactly why he didn’t like rash decisions, especially ones that he wanted to repeat. Jackson…Jackson. Jesus what it did to him to hear her call out 93

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his name in passion. He closed his eyes only to see her face as she writhed beneath him, biting her lip as her nails bit into his back. The woman was beautiful, even more so today than he’d ever realized, and she probably wasn’t sitting out there freaking out about what just happened between them. “Fuck,” Jackson mumbled, running a hand through his hair. “Get it together, Montgomery.” He looked down on the counter to see a picture. With shaky hands, he picked it up. It was Brianna in one of those flowy, hippie dresses she liked to wear. An ocean wave covered her feet. You can tell she’d been walking or running away from whoever took the picture, but she’d turned to face them at the last moment. One of her arms stood raised over her head as she flew a kite, a childlike smile gracing her lips. She looked so free…so happy. She carried none of the weight he put on his shoulders. She was living in that moment, completely carefree. Loneliness invaded every crevice in his body, multiplying. For the first time in his life, he wished he could live like her.

She slept with Jackson Montgomery, and she’d liked it. Hell, she’d more than liked it, not that she had any doubts that she would. Parts of her still tingled for him even though he was locked in her bathroom, probably over-thinking this whole situation, as she lay here wondering if they would do it again. He’d completely let go with her tonight, and no matter how much he was in there probably calculating risks and rewards, she knew he loved it just as much as she had. So much so, that she ignored the uneasy feeling gnawing at her gut. She’d always enjoyed sex, but what they’d just done…it felt different which she knew was all kinds of stupid. What they had couldn’t be any different than what she had with any other guy. She didn’t want anything different, and if she did, it sure wouldn’t be with a man like Jackson. Hell, she was the type who never spent more than a night or two with a guy, and here she was hungry for more, wondering when, or if, she would be able to have him again. What the hell? Maybe it wasn’t so much what they’d done that had been so different, but the way she felt about it, which was scary as hell. It’s the afterglow, that’s all. You haven’t had good sex in a while, and it’s affecting 94

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your brain. She didn’t have time to contemplate the crazy thoughts clogging her head. Her bathroom door, which always stuck, made a popping sound when he pulled it open. Time to put my game face on. Bri winked at Jackson as he strode toward her naked and sinfully sexy. Her heart lurched in her chest. The man had a body unlike anything she’d ever seen. She shivered, remembering what it felt like to have him hover over her…to feel his length inside her. What the hell is wrong with me? Why am I thinking like this? “Hey, I thought you fell in or something,” she feigned nonchalance. “Nope.” Jackson didn’t elaborate any further as he continued to walk toward her on the bed. He sat next to her. For the first time, Bri noticed the washcloth in his hand when he brought it toward her. “What are you doing?” “Cleaning you.” Tremors wracked her body when he brought the warm washcloth between her legs, rubbing it over her aching core. “What? Is this another one of those weird, cleanliness obsessions of yours?” She whispered breathlessly. “You know, like not touching the grass without a hazmat suit on?” He smoothed the washcloth over her inner thighs. “You can’t get back into bed with me unless it’s clean of bodily fluids? Do I have to change the sheets too?” Why in the hell couldn’t she catch her breath? Bri moved her hips forward to meet his hand. She fisted the sheet as he brushed the washcloth over her sensitive center. Jackson didn’t take his eyes off her, nor she from him. “Haven’t you ever had a man take care of you afterwards before? Doesn’t sound like they know how to take care of a woman.” She let her eyes drift closed, severing the visual contact between them. “I don’t need to be taken care of…” But right now, she wanted to be. Her body screamed for him, reveling in the feel of his hand guiding the washcloth over her. “Just another of the differences between us, Bri.” He ran the cloth over her slit. “We’re so different, but I can’t help being so attracted to you. I can’t help but want you…” “You think…I like this any more than you do? Stop trying to follow the rules, Jackson. There are no laws of attraction.” She couldn’t fight this anymore. The pleasure was too good, the craving too intense. There would never be more between them then his 95

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overwhelming attraction, but hell, she intended to take advantage of that. Brianna gasped when he filled her with his fingers. “I told you I can’t handle it when you say my name, Bri. I have to make you come.” Jackson pumped his fingers…in…out as she thrust her hips to meet him. Her orgasm already rested right beneath the surface, ready to burst free. He stroked her insides fast and hard. When the rough texture of the washcloth rubbed cross her clitoris, Bri let loose, drowning in orgasmic bliss. Wave after wave pummeled her until she didn’t have anything else to give. “I don’t think I will ever be able to move again.” She felt the blanket being wrapped around her, but didn’t have the strength to open her eyes or her mouth to reply. “Goodnight, Brown Eyes.” Faintly she heard Jackson’s hands slap together, and knew the room when dark. She went out right along with the light.

Jackson stood in the backyard waiting while the dogs did their business. Brianna was still asleep in her bedroom upstairs. He, unfortunately, hadn’t slept most of the night. After giving her the fourth orgasm of the night, she drifted off to sleep, and he sat around in his room all night wondering how in the hell they were going to make this work. It was a thin line they were walking: the line between friends, lovers, and then the parts of them who couldn’t get along with one other at all. But yesterday somehow felt like a milestone. He wasn’t sure if they really couldn’t get along, or if they just their banter was just part of who they were. If that was the case, he wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He wanted easy in his life, and Brianna wasn’t easy. It wasn’t that he wanted a woman with no opinions, but he also didn’t want to spend his life fighting. He spent his childhood fighting: either with the other kids at school or fighting against the kind of lifestyle he lived at home. Despite being raised by his mom, he was his father’s son, which ate at him every day. His dad hadn’t thought his mom was good enough. He’d left them behind because of it, but he also had that part of him that wanted the kind of life his father left them for. Which really does make me a prick. 96

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Jackson leaned against one of the pillars off their back porch when his phone vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out to see his partner’s number flash across the screen. “Montgomery,” he said after hitting the talk button. “No shit, Sherlock. I’m the one who called you, remember?” “Was there a point to the call?” Jackson gritted out. “Tsk. Tsk. You’re even in a shitty mood on the weekends? What the hell, Montgomery. You need to go get laid or something.” He sat down on the porch and as soon as he did, Brianna’s crazy dog ran over and started jumping all over him. His muddy paws, batted at Jackson’s bare chest as he stood on his back legs. “Jesus, get down, Stud.” He pushed the dog away only to have him jump back at him. “Stud Muffin! Get off!” As soon as the words cleared his mouth, a loud laugh sounded through the phone. “My bad, Montgomery. Are you busy with your Stud? I never knew man.” Great. Just what he didn’t need today. Jackson ran a hand through his hair. “Fuck you, man. It’s a dog.” “Yeah, yeah, my ex calls me a dog all the time, that doesn’t make it true. So why are you in such a shitty mood if your stud is there?” He snickered. “I’m telling you it’s a fucking four-legged dog. It’s my roommate Brianna’s, and I assure you, I had a woman beneath me last night, not a damn man.” As soon as the words left his mouth he regretted them. “Finally, Montgomery, you got some. Was it the chick you were stressing about the other day? Dude, it’s the roommate, isn’t it? I have to admit, she’s gorgeous. Doesn’t really seem like your type, but she’s hot. I’d have a hard time staying away from her too, but it’s going to be complicated now, since you live together.” A weird surge of jealousy swept through him. Jackson gritted his teeth, fighting it down. He had no reason to be jealous. First, Martinez and Bri didn’t even really know each other. The only time he had even seen her is when he helped Jackson move in. Second, he had no claim to her. Even if they did get to know each other, Martinez would have no reason to try and stay away from her. In fact, the two of them were a lot alike. They fit a whole hell of a lot more than he did with her. Another wave of jealousy hit him. “You don’t even know her, Martinez and yes, she’s beautiful, but keep your ass away from her.” 97

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His free hand flexed and tightened into a fist. Jackson snapped his head up. Jesus, he felt possessive of her. Like he would break his partner’s nose if the other man even thought about getting near her. What the hell? Martinez laughed again. “What do you mean, what the hell? Just figure out you like the woman, or what?” Jackson’s eyes squinted shut as he rubbed a hand over his face. This whole situation was so incredibly screwed up. He wanted her, but didn’t want to. He liked her, when he didn’t think he would. He’d slept with her, and it was only supposed to be a one time thing, but now he wanted her even more. He was warning men to stay away from her. Not to mention he felt like a pansy sitting here stressing about liking a beautiful woman. “Stop being such a pansy, dude.” Great, and apparently Martinez could read his mind. “It’s not that simple.” Something really must be wrong with him if he was sitting here talking about his relationship with Brianna to his damn partner. The man went through women like Bri went through coffee. “She’s not what I need, and I’m sure as hell not what she wants. It’s hard though. She’s close with my mom and like you said, we live together.” Martinez let out a heavy breath. “I swear, you’re worse than a woman. It’s sex. Stop over-thinking it and enjoy it. You over think everything, Montgomery. Just let loose or something. Hell, if you can’t enjoy your life, you should at least be able to enjoy sex.” Jackson pushed to his feet. “I enjoy my life, asshole.” “Do you?” he asked at the same time, Jackson heard the door open behind him. “We’re out of coffee, Jax, and after four orgasms in one night. I need my damn coffee.” Jackson turned to face the door. She stood in the doorway in a tshirt and nothing else. Her eyes were a little puffy due to lack of sleep. Her arms were crossed over her chest, making the shirt rise high on her delectable thighs. His body immediately began to respond to her, his cock hardened behind the fly of his jeans. When she offered him a slight smile, he couldn’t help but return it as his lips stretched into a wide grin. The woman was crazy, but she got to him, and he found himself wanting to spend more time with her. Plus, they needed to talk about last night. The sooner, the better. Might as well get it taken care of 98

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over coffee. “I have to go, Martinez.” “No shit? Four orgasms in one night? That almost makes me want to sleep with you, Montgomery.” “Fuck you.” His partner snickered. “Remember what I said, bro.” Jackson hit the end button on his phone. “Get dressed. We’ll go out for coffee.” “That’s what I’m talking about.” Bri winked at him, then turned and left him standing in the yard, completely hard and wondering what the hell he was doing.

Brianna took the world quickest shower, threw on a pair of jeans and a tank top, slipped her feet in flip-flops and went straight for the stairs. She needed coffee, and she needed it now. How in the hell she’d let herself run out, she didn’t know, but if they didn’t hurry, she’d need an IV to get her going again. She’d been a little shocked that Jackson even asked her to go. No, scratch that. She’d been more than a little shocked, and just as surprised at her eagerness to tell him yes. Blame it on the post coital glow, but she kind of wanted to spend a little more time with him. It gave her more opportunity to give him a hard time. She’d been entirely too easy on him yesterday, so might as well make up for it today. After pulling her bedroom door closed, she turned to see Jackson coming out of his room, too. He wore a pair of jeans with a white Oxford shirt stretched across his muscular chest. If she didn’t know better, she would have thought you spelled sexy J-A-C-K-S-O-N. Of course, telling him would blow up his head even more, and she couldn’t have that. Not after admitting his quadruple orgasms took a lot out of her. “Mind if we go to my place? The coffee is free, and I want to check in. It’s not often I leave the place for an entire weekend without at least stopping in.” “Sure.” He shrugged. They jogged down the stairs, and Bri said bye to the dogs before they left. The first few minutes of the ride the only sounds were that of the rumble of his truck and the traffic around them. It was weird how silence could be comfortable, yet not, at the same time. She felt natural around him, not that she didn’t feel natural around everyone, but even more so around him. At the 99

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same time, it was a heavy kind of quiet that she had a feeling would soon be broken by something she didn’t want to talk about. “Hey, Bri, I think we need to talk about last night.” Huh, damn, who’d have known she was psychic? “Why? It was sex, Jackson. Plain and simple. Why do we need to have a four hour conversation about it that will probably just lead to us getting into an argument anyway?” “Jesus, be a little blunt, why don’t you. You’re not like any woman I’ve ever known.” Bri sucked in a deep breath. Her heartbeat picked up speed. “What’s wrong with that? Sorry I’m not some cookie-cutter, have dinner done at six PM every night kind of girl. Actually, I’m not sorry. That’s not me and it never will be, Monty.” She crossed her arms over her chest. What the hell had she been thinking sleeping with this man? She should have known he would have expectations that she would never be able to fill. They all did. Brianna flinched when Jackson’s hand cupped her cheek. “Hey. I’m not sure what I just did, but I didn’t mean that as a bad thing. I’m just saying most women aren’t so nonchalant about sex. I’m sorry if it came out wrong.” Automatically, her face leaned into the warmth of his touch. The simple connection traveled the length of her body. She felt him everywhere, and he felt nice. Too nice. Bri sat up a little bit. Obviously her post coital glow rendered her crazy. She shouldn’t like his touches. Not the ones there weren’t directly related to sex, at least. Even worse, she’d let him get to her. She’d let her past get to her. His comment wasn’t meant to hurt her and she knew it, but the gentleness of his touch, and his words, that was a completely different story. He was comforting her, something she never would have expected to pass between the two of them, and she wasn’t sure just what to think about it. So she tried not to think about it at all. “It’s no biggie. I overreacted. I get grumpy without my coffee. I still don’t see what we have to talk about though. It’s not like we’re in a relationship or anything.” Jackson pulled his hand back. “I know that, Bri. That’s not what I meant. I just…fuck…as much as I hate to say it, I don’t know if it’s a good idea that it happens again. Things are already messy enough between the two of us. Do we really want to add fuel to the fire?” 100

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She straightened up in her seat, not liking the idea at all of not spending another night like last night. “Maybe it’s good for us. Look how well we’re getting along now. You haven’t been a jerk all morning.” She laughed so he knew she was joking. “Listen, I know you like to be all scheduled and logical about stuff, Jackson, and I know that I’m not the type of woman you ever expected to want--” He cut her off. “It’s me, not you. Any guy would kill for a woman like you.” His words stole her breath. Never would she have expected to hear something like that come from him. It was always about her and how wrong she was for him, not the other way around. Now, he almost sounded remorseful about it. Like he regretted the fact that they were so different from one another. “Thanks. That means a lot to me, but it’s neither of our faults. It’s not you, or me, we’re just different; but right now, that’s beside the point. “You have to admit our bodies react to each other. It’s explosive. It feels good, and I for one, don’t want to throw out the opportunity to feel it again just because it never fit in your plans. I’m not even saying we will do it again, but I’m not going to completely shut down that opportunity. Like I said, it’s obviously been good for us. We can work out our tension that way, rather than tearing out each other’s throats.” Jackson sighed. “It will be complicated. We live together, we drive each other crazy. I’m just not sure it’s a good idea. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.” “Complicated is my middle name. Things are much more fun that way.” She playfully smacked his thigh. “Come on, we’re actually talking like friends. Don’t piss me off and ruin it.” Bri smiled lightly, ignoring the fact that she didn’t feel light about this at all. A tight fist squeezed at her insides. She didn’t understand it, but it killed her to think there would never be an opportunity for them to be together again. Which was confusing as hell. This was Jackson. She shouldn’t care less whether or not they spent another night together, but she did. “I’m not trying to piss you off, Bri. I want you. That hasn’t changed, but I also don’t know if we should complicate things any further. We’ve finally reached some common ground, and I don’t want to fuck it up.” 101

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She shifted in the seat, getting annoyed. “It would only complicate things if we weren’t grown up enough to deal with it. Whatever, though. I’m not going to beg. You want deny yourself, feel free. If you don’t want me to rock your world again…if indulging with me is too…difficult for you then--” Jackson grabbed her hand rubbed it over his very prominent erection. Bri hissed as she cupped his length through his jeans. “I want nothing more than to be inside you again, Brianna. Make no doubt about that.” He let go of her hand, so she jerked it back, her nipples perked to attention. “I’m just trying to be responsible here.” “Fuck responsible, Jackson. Geez loosen up a little bit. Hell, I can’t believe I find the one man in San Francisco who actually doesn’t want no strings attached sex.” “That’s not what I’m saying. Listen, you’re a huge pain in the ass, but I actually kind of like you. You…damn, this isn’t easy. You make me want to lighten up, Brianna. I just don’t know if I can. I…I don’t want to lose that.” Her heart stopped dead in her chest. To some, it might not be a compliment, but when it came to Jackson and her he might as well have just admitted to her that he loved her. Not that she wanted a declaration of love. Hell would freeze over first, but his words touched her. They made her all gooey inside. Made her feel like a Disney movie princess, the way she always teased Tabby for feeling. It was quite possibly the best compliment she’d ever received, because it came from him; the man who considered her a loose cannon told her she made him want to loosen up. It didn’t get much better than that. “You won’t lose anything.” Bri turned to look at him. Jackson briefly glanced her way. When their eyes met it was like a stream of electricity connected them. Bri’s previously stopped heart lurched like she’d just been hit with 100 volts. Just as quickly as it had happened, Jackson turned, severing their connection. What the hell was going on here? She felt different, like a swirling of emotions blending together inside her that she didn’t understand. Keep it light, Bri. Chill out until you figure out what the hell is going on inside your head. “Don’t you dare tell anyone this, but I kind of like you too. We had fun yesterday, let’s just see what happens. You can bring me back to Duke’s and I can try and get you to sit in the grass without a blanket and the rest we’ll take as it comes, alright? 102

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“You just said I make you want to lighten up. Don’t wuss out now.” Jackson laughed as they made a turn. “I’m not wussing out of anything, Bri. You’re right though, we didn’t plan last night, and look how well that turned out.” He raised his eyebrows at her. “Hell yeah, it turned out well. I worked my magic on you.” “Your magic?” She gave him a hard stare. “Shit, you’re right. You did work some pretty hot magic on me last night, but Brown Eyes, I’m pretty sure you were the one screaming my name four times last night. I get some of that credit, too.” “Yeah, yeah. Stop itching for a compliment. I already told you last night you knew what the hell you were doing.” Bri glanced up to see a parking structure. “Pull in here. We’ll have to walk the rest. There’s no way we’ll get anything closer to the shop.” He did as she suggested. They got their ticket and parked in silence. Knots still tightened in her belly. She hated this man, except she didn’t. She wanted him. Even more so than she had before. Somewhere in the back of her head she knew it was more than that, pretending if she didn’t acknowledge it, it wouldn’t exist. The last thing she needed was to fall for a man who would stifle, a man who would pretend to care about her the way she was, and then try and change her. No, she wouldn’t let herself fall for someone like that. They would keep this light, like she kept every other relationship in her life. Still, she needed to know one thing. “What changed? The sex?” She hated to admit it, it even to herself, but she hoped it was more than that. She hoped it was her. He looked at her for a minute and didn’t speak. It was like he tried to look inside her, like he wanted her to know what he wanted to say without telling her. They both had that in common. They were both too proud to really admit that things might actually really be changing between them. “You make me react. I feel with you, when I tried to cut myself off from feeling my whole life.” Jackson walked up to her and cupped her cheek. He was tender and affectionate, and God, he made her feel, too. From the tips of her toes to the top of her head, she felt him. “Anger…humor…frustration…excitement…desire… You bring it all out in me, and it feels good. You’re not the only one who has told me I need to stop being so closed off…that I need to enjoy myself. 103

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“Besides work, the only time I really enjoy myself is when I’m with you. I guess I just realized I don’t know if I can put a limit on it, like you said. I want to feel. For once, I don’t want to push for something in my life to go the way I think it should, and I’m not going to pull away either. I’m going to let the chips fall where they may.” Oh God. Looked like she was too late. She was already falling. She might have already fallen. How in the hell had this happened?

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Chapter Ten

She couldn’t figure out if the world was working for or against her. When they made it inside Coffee Hut, the place was packed and her help looked a little green behind the counter. Bri excused herself from Jackson to go behind the counter and help at least disperse the mob, and then find out if she needed to stay or not. He smiled, telling her it was no problem, before tucking himself away in a corner. She was back there a good ten minutes, and he didn’t take his eyes off her. Between lattes and double shots she glanced up at him time and time again, and his eyes were always on her as she zipped around behind the counter. Even when she wasn’t watching, she felt his eyes on her. She’d always been good at reading men, but with Jackson it was different. What was he thinking? Was he just as confused by all this as her, or was she completely over-reacting (which so wasn’t who she was) and there was nothing to be confused about? Maybe he wasn’t feeling the mixed-up, crazy feelings she was. What the hell would she do then? How could she fall for the guy, when they were nothing alike? Hell, he’d probably think her crazy if he knew all conflicting emotions going on inside her where he was concerned. Was it even possible to go from hating each other to friends with benefits, to…whatever this was she felt, in just a matter of days? She’d done that once and everything fell apart. “Shit!” Bri hissed as she spilled hot coffee on her hand. Her employee stepped up beside her. “You okay? I’ve never seen you spill a cup of coffee before.” She glanced up to see Jackson frowning while talking into his phone. “Yeah, I’m okay. I just haven’t had my coffee this morning. That’s why I’m here.” The crowd was finally gone, so she took a minute to find out how the weekend had gone. “Yesterday went well. I’m um…not feeling too good today though. I think I have some kind of stomach bug. I know you’re on a date, but do you think you can stay and help me out for a while. Maybe if I take a break I will feel better.” Bri glanced back over at Jackson, who still spoke into his phone, 105

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and then down at her watch. She didn’t look good, and Tommy wasn’t due in for another few hours. There’s no way she could leave knowing her worker didn’t feel well. This was her place, and ultimately, her responsibility. Plus, maybe she’d have the chance to her head together if he had a little time to herself today. “Can you give me five minutes? I just need to go tell Jackson I’m staying here, and then you can head home.” The woman looked at her like she wanted to drop to her knees and kiss her feet. “Thanks, Bri. I appreciate it.” “No problem,” she mumbled before sneaking around the counter toward Jackson. He slammed his phone shut right as she stepped up beside him. “Kathy’s sick and Tommy won’t be in for a few hours, so I’m going to have to stay here and get some work done.” Ugh! Why did she sound so disappointed? She loved her job and rarely took time off. Even then, she ended up here half the time. She shouldn’t feel so upset at spending the day here. “I actually have to run, too. That was my partner. Got a messy case to deal with.” Against them. The universe was definitely working against them. Obviously someone was trying to tell them to slow their roll. “Okay.” “Listen, this will probably take a while, but I can try to get away when you get off. I want to make sure you have way home since I brought you in.” Bri smiled and patted him on the shoulder. “I’m a big girl, Monty. I take a cab every day. Today is no different.” He frowned. Bri thought back on what she’d said, trying to figure out how she offended him. “We’re back to Monty? You weren’t calling me Monty last night. I seem to remember hearing Jackson roll off your tongue over and over.” He looked at her smugly, dropping his voice to whisper to her. “Didn’t you say you’d call me by name as long as I gave you another orgasm? As I recall, I gave you four.” Shivers ran down her spine. This whole macho, Alpha thing so shouldn’t do it for her, but with Jackson, it did. His eyes told her he knew it, but she’d be damned before she would prove him right. “So you’re planning on giving me an orgasm? Going to have to work a little harder than that. As I recall, I told you I’d say your name for every orgasm you gave me. Unless you plan to take me in the backroom, I don’t owe you a Jackson.” 106

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He groaned before looking down at her and smiling. “We’ll see, Brown Eyes. We’re playing things by ear, remember?” Brianna froze when he swiftly pressed his lips against hers. It wasn’t a tongue kiss, nothing sexy or passionate, but damned if it didn’t feel like the most intimate kiss she’d ever received. “I have to go. Be good.” He winked at her and walked out of her shop. Bri dropped to the couch to try and figure out who the hell that was, and what he’d done with Jackson Montgomery.

Hours later when Tommy came into work, Bri was still floating in a haze of confusion. She couldn’t figure out why she’d fought so hard for them to continue this…whatever it was they were doing. All she knew is she couldn’t handle the idea of shutting down the idea completely. It just didn’t feel right… Could it be that she really wanted some kind of romance with Jackson? The man made her want to claw her own eyes out half the time. If you’d have asked her just days before, she would have said she hated him, yet now, things were…different. Ugh! There went that word again. Different. What the hell did it mean, anyway? “Spill, baby girl, you’re looking awfully mooney-eyed over there. I’ve never seen that look on you before, girlfriend.” She turned her head toward Tommy. Damn, she hadn’t even heard him walk up to her. It had been like this all day. Jackson really screwed up her Feng Shui and as much as she wanted to, she couldn’t even be pissed about it. “Nothing, to spill and I’m not mooney-eyed.” She picked up a chocolate covered coffee bean and chucked it at him. “What ever you say, girl, but I know you’re lying to me. You’ve been walking around this place with your head somewhere else all day, but if you don’t want to talk to me about it, fine. I will just put two and two together. I heard from Kathy you had a man here who kissed you, and now you’re all smiley for no good reason. I will just have to assume our little Bri finally has herself a boyfriend. Looks like you’ve fallen for your cop boy.” He picked up a bean and threw it at her. Boyfriend? “Hold the phone, big guy. I don’t do boyfriends, and if I did, I wouldn’t do it with Jackson. I haven’t fallen anywhere.” 107

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Somewhere deep inside her, she knew that was a lie. Oh, God, what the hell was she doing? This day started with playing things by ear, and now one of her best friends called her out on something she hated even admitting to herself. Suddenly, she felt a little sick herself. “Do me a favor, baby girl?” “Sure thing, sweets.” She tried to sound as light as she could, even though she didn’t feel it. “Must have done all our business earlier today. It’s dead in here, so I want you to let me close up and go see Kaylee and Tabby. It wouldn’t hurt you to talk, you know? You don’t have a problem saying the shit you shouldn’t, but when it comes to what’s inside, you clam up. Make me proud and use your big mouth for something good, baby girl.” Bri squinted her eyes, looking at Tommy. Somehow, he’d known just what she needed. She wasn’t so sure how much talking she could do since she didn’t even know what the hell was wrong with her, but she needed her girls. “You sure you’re alright here?” “I got this. Don’t you worry your pretty little head. I want you to know, I expect all the details sooner or later though. You’ve been glowing all day, and I haven’t glowed in so long that I’m just going to live it through you.” Bri laughed and gave him a hug. “Don’t mess up my store, Tommy.” “Now is that any way to treat the only man in your life? Oh, well I guess I’m not the only man anymore, but you’re not telling me about that still, right?” “Nothing to tell.” She winked at him, before picking up her cell phone to call for a cab. Needing a little air, Bri waited outside for her ride to arrive. Luckily, she didn’t have to wait long before one showed up. Once seated in the dingy cab she dialed Tabby. Her friend picked up a couple rings later. “Don’t kill us. We did it for your own good.” “Did what?” she asked. “What the hell did you guys do?” All she could think of is she didn’t need anything else to mess with her mind. She’d done enough of that herself with all the confusing thoughts roaming around in her head. “Um, we ambushed you with Jackson Friday night, remember? Then we let you go with him drunk and pissed and didn’t call all weekend? Seriously, Bri, we did it for your own good. You guys 108

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have to get over this anger toward each other. I don’t even think you realize the way he looks at you, hun. For that matter, I don’t think you realize the way you look at him. All we wanted is to try and help--” Bri stopped Tabby before she could babble on any further. “I forgot about that! What the hell were you guys thinking inviting him to our Friday nights without tell me!” “You forgot?” Tabby gasped. “Get your ass over here. We need to talk.” Before Bri could argue with her, not that she had a reason to argue with her since she was already going over there, but she probably would have, Tabby hung up the phone. This was the last thing she needed. Tabby on a roll was no joke. Obviously she’d come to some kind of conclusion. Why did it matter that she’d briefly forgotten her friends’ betrayal two nights before? Bri tossed her phone to the seat beside her. What did Tabby want to talk to her about? More so, what did she herself plan to say to them? Tommy was right, he would let her slide, but there’s no way they would. Usually she loved that about her friends. They knew each other so well. They could all see right through each other’s bullshit, and they wouldn’t let one another slide with anything. They did it out of love, but right now, it was annoying as hell. That’s because, usually, it would be you doing the pushing. But look where it had gotten the two of them? They both had great guys. They were both in love. Kaylee was married, and she knew Tabby would be right behind her. Her pushing gave them both what they’d always wanted. Though she knew they couldn’t do the same for her since her situation was so much different then theirs, she at least hoped they could help her make sense out of whatever the hell was going on with her. Tired of dwelling on her situation, which is something she never did, Bri closed her eyes to relax until she made it to Tabby’s. She’d spent Friday night drunk and Saturday night having sex with Jackson without much time to recoup in between. What she really needed is a good night sleep, which is exactly what she would do, once she got her head on straight. A few minutes later, after weaving in and out of traffic the cab pulled up in front of Tabby’s apartment. She paid him before heading into her building. Before her hand hit the doorknob, Tabby jerked it open. “Spill.” 109

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Bri shook her head and walked past her friend. Kaylee already sat in the living room. “You got here quick,” she said ignoring Tabby’s demand. “I was already here. Nico and Luciano had some male bonding crap to do today, so Tabby and I were planning on doing some work around her place for when Nico moved in.” Brianna’s footsteps halted. A sting hit her in the chest. Of course she knew Nico spent half his time at Tabby’s anyway, but it shocked her that he planned to officially move in. No, that isn’t what shocked her, but the fact that he was moving in and she didn’t know it. Bri made her feet move, ignoring the tick of annoyance inside her. “So super chef’s finally moving in, huh? So, where was I when the big news broke?” She tried to hide the pain in her voice, but unfortunately, it didn’t work. “Bri, it just kind of unfolded last night. Then our little session today came about the same way. Nico mentioned he had some business to take care of with Luciano, so Bri came with him when he picked Nic up.” “Whatever. I still have a phone.” For the first time she felt left out when it came to her best friends. Their lives had changed so much and it was kind of like they’d left her behind. Soon Luciano and Kaylee would probably end up having kids. Nico and Tabby would be married, and she’d still just be…her. Which you’ve always been okay with. Why is it bothering you now? “Shut up, stupid voice,” Bri mumbled to herself. She liked her life how it was. Why would she want to be tied down to someone who would only want to stifle her? In fact, she was the lucky one. If she wanted to, she could stay out all night without having anyone to check in with. If she wanted to get away, she went. No one had any expectations for her. Not like ‘the prick’ had with her. She wasn’t responsible for anyone but herself just like she wanted. Then why do you suddenly feel so lonely? “This shouldn’t come as a surprise that Nico is moving in, Bri.” Kaylee told her. “I know. It’s not, its just surprising my best friends are keeping it from me.” Guilt assaulted her. They were her best friends and she knew she could trust them with her life except she hadn’t always been completely honest with them, either. She didn’t have much room to be mad right now, especially when, deep down, she knew they hadn’t kept it from her. It had been a day. She had no reason to 110

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flip out the way she was, yet, she couldn’t help herself. What the hell was wrong with her? It was like her emotions rode a rollercoaster inside, dipping and rising, for no reason at all. “Is everything okay?” Tabby asked as both girls sat beside her, Tabby to the left and Kaylee to her right. No, it wasn’t okay, which sucked, because everything was always okay with her. “It should be. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. I was fine, and then all of a sudden I’m confused as hell, and then getting all jealous over you guys.” “Why don’t you start from when we separated Friday night, and maybe we can all figure this out together,” Kaylee told her. If there was anyone she could talk to about this, anyone she trusted to help her figure out what the hell was going on in her head, it was the two women in this room with her. She could always trust them. She knew that, despite the fact that she didn’t always open up with them the way she should. It was just part of who she was. She didn’t want to let anyone know she’d almost let ‘the prick’ turn her into something she never thought she would be. But this wasn’t about him, it was about her, and how after her friends left her in the hands of someone they thought was her worst enemy on Friday, everything had changed. “Speaking of Friday, you guys still aren’t off the hook for that. Nice job leaving your poor, helpless, unsuspecting best friend in the hands of a monster.” Bri tried to lighten the mood because that’s who she was. That’s what she did. She wasn’t some mopey, poor me, kind of girl despite the fact that right now, she was the captain of the pity train. Tabby laughed. “Bri, you’ve never been a poor, helpless anything. You’re the strongest woman I know. Just look at you. You’re so independent and honest. You completely sure of yourself in a way I have never been. I don’t think most women are. You’re a rock, Bri, and if you had wanted to, you would have squashed Jackson a long time ago.” Tabby grabbed her hand. “This little game you’re playing, it’s just that, a game. Both you and Jackson don’t want to admit it, but you like each other. Probably more than you realize. That’s why we did what we did. “But if I was wrong, I’m sorry. We really just want what is best for you, sweetie. You were there for both Kaylee and me lately, when we needed you. You haven’t admitted it, but I think you’ve needed us for a while.” They were right. God, she loved her life. She loved living for 111

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herself. Loved her independence, loved being unpredictable and not having any real responsibilities besides her work and making sure she paid Mama Love on time, but sometimes, no matter how much she hated to admit it, it wasn’t enough. She’d envied Kaylee when she first started falling for Luciano. She envied her being so passionate about another person, while at the same time, laughing off the fact that she would ever want that for herself. When Tabby finally let go of her ideals on what the love she sought was supposed to be, and woke up to find love with Nico, God, she couldn’t have been happier, but still…she felt left behind. Her life wasn’t changing. She wasn’t growing, and while part of her was okay with that, hiding deep inside her was the girl who wasn’t satisfied with her life. That had always been what she wanted, to be satisfied and not settle for anything. She didn’t want to get married, stay at home and have dinner on the table at six every night, because that’s what she was supposed to do. She didn’t want a nine to five, pencil skirt kind of job, because that’s how to make a good living. She just wanted to be her, and all of a sudden, she wasn’t sure who that was anymore. Which brought her back to ‘the prick’ which neither of her friends knew about. She’d fallen for that suit and tie kind of man that she never thought she would, and it pummeled her. Instead of dealing with it, she swept it under the rug, came home, and tried to completely forget it had ever happened. Now she realized she’d done a pretty shitty job of getting past it. But then, what would they have said if she told anyone? No one expected Bri to let any man try and change her. Hell, she hadn’t expected it. They didn’t expect her to let things get to her, and that made things so much easier. If she hid it, she could pretend it didn’t exist, and even though things between her and Jackon weren’t serious in any way, it scared her that he would make her become the girl ‘the prick’ wanted her to be. In typical Brianna fashion, she shoved those feelings under the rug and pasted a smile on her face. “Might as well just skip to the exciting part, and tell you guys I slept with Jackson. The rest of the weekend doesn’t matter.” “What?” they both screeched. “On Friday night? What a jerk. You were drunk!” “Simmer down, Kay. Nothing happened on Friday night. I passed out in the truck, and he carried me to bed. That’s all.” 112

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This time it was Tabby’s turn to freak out. “Oh my God. He carried you to bed. See, I knew he liked you. Tell me you didn’t give him shit about it, Bri.” “No! I don’t really remember saying anything that night, and he didn’t give me a hard time about it the next morning when he brought me aspirin, which I’m sure he would have done if I’d been a bitch to him.” The room went quiet for a minute. Bri looked at Tabby and Kaylee trying to figure out what she’d said to make give them the contemplative looks they both had in their eyes. It was Kaylee who spoke next, quietly, and a little timidly. “So, he took care of you the next day?” “No, he brought me aspirin, then gave me shit about laying in the grass at the park.” “What the hell did we miss?” Tabby shrieked. “Start from waking up Saturday morning, and then fill us in until the last time you saw or talked to him.” So Brianna did just that. She told them about their conversation when he brought her home. About how he carried her to her room and put her to bed. Again she explained how he brought her aspirin and water the next morning. From there she went to her trip to the park, Jackson showing up and his initial overreaction and their argument. They oohed and awed when she told them that they’d walked through the park for hours, and listened when she told them about dinner. Of course she left out the restaurant name, because the first rule about Duke’s is you don’t talk about Duke’s. Before they got all starry eyed again, she explained their initial disagreement when going to Duke’s. Kaylee and Tabby frowned a bit at that, but smiled bright when she told them how well they got along during their meal. Now came the tricky part. She had no problem talking about sex, but had a feeling they were going to take this to mean more than it did. Or maybe it really does mean more than I want to admit? Bri paused a moment, running her options through her head when Tabby spoke up. “Um, hello, girl? Don’t think you’re stopping right there. I seem to remember you pushed for details when it wasn’t you in this situation.” Bri shrugged. “Okay, if you really want to know that he gave me four orgasms in one night I have no problem sharing it.” “Wait! We want to know how it happened.” Kaylee narrowed her 113

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eyes giving Bri her, ‘don’t cross me’ look. “As in positions? I didn’t realize you guys were so feisty.” She bit back her grin. “Not how the orgasms happened, smartass. How the sex happened. How did you go from dinner to naked?” Kaylee clarified. This is the part where things got difficult for her, which shouldn’t be the case. She didn’t usually get so emotional over her encounters, but what they’d done had felt like more than just sex. Emotions hit her again, emotions she never expected to feel where he was concerned. She’d wanted to keep this thing light just like she’d told him, but now, part of her was scared because she realized it meant more to her than she’d originally thought. Bri dropped her face in her hands. “Shit guys, it was amazing. Like not only curl my freaking toes amazing but…hell, I don’t even know. I’ve never experienced anything like it and I’m confused as hell about it.” Tabby squeezed her hand tighter. “Tell us about it, sweetie.” Brianna sat up straight and let out a deep breath. “Well we got inside, and he took the dogs out. It was weird, like the air between us changed during the day. I don’t really know another way to explain it, or how it even happened. I could tell he needed a break, and so did I, so I let him go. When he came back in we joked about something, I can’t even remember what, but I taunted him. I wanted him, you guys. I knew it, in that second, that things had changed. “I had actually started liking him throughout the day. Anyway, we were close, and I was teasing, and he kissed me. The rest is, as they say, history. Afterwards, he went in the bathroom, and I think I knew right then things had changed, but I was scared to admit it. All I knew was I didn’t want it to be a one time deal. I blamed it on the sex, but, yeah, I think it’s more than that, and it scares the hell out of me.” She trapped herself now. There’s no way she could get through this conversation without telling them about ‘the prick’. Once she’d opened her mouth, she couldn’t close the floodgates. All the emotions she’d held back all this time flooded out of her. Jackson scared her. He’d scared her from day one, because despite that he was everything she shouldn’t want, she somehow knew her life would never be the same once he entered it. Was she in love with him? No, she didn’t think so. Could she fall in love with him? Yeah, she actually thought she could, which 114

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would be the biggest mistake she made. She didn’t do love. Not with someone like him, at least. “Talk to us, Bri. Don’t hold back.” Kaylee has tears in her eyes. “You’re always there for us. Let us be there for you. Stop pretending you don’t need us. Hell, stop pretending you don’t need anyone.” So she did it. Bri opened her mouth and let it all spill out. They held her hand as she told them about her mom. Of course they knew her, but what they didn’t know is she’d gone to law school. She’d dreamed about being some bigshot lawyer since she was a kid. Her grandfather, grandmother, everyone in their family, were lawyers except Brianna. In law school, her parent’s met and fell in love. As soon as they graduated and took their bars, they got married. She explained that her father came from a more traditional family, and how he’d always wanted a wife who stayed home and ran the family while he worked. “My mom put all her dreams aside for him. She let him run how she lived her life. She wasted her dreams, her years of schooling, and following in her family footsteps, because he wanted a trophy wife at home.” Bri fought back the tears. “I mean, there’s nothing wrong with staying home with the family, if that’s what you want, but she didn’t. “I remember times she would try and help him on a case, and he would shut her down like her opinion didn’t matter. He wanted her in the position that suited him best, and not as an equal. I would hear her on the phone sometimes, talking about how she missed it, and that maybe, one day, she would go back, but she never did. Instead, she baked cookies and meatloaf and waited for him to come home, while he lived both their dreams.” Each girl put an arm around her. They sat on the couch holding each other while Brianna let the tears flow. She cried at out years of frustration that she’d never shared with her friends before. It embarrassed her that her mom had been so weak, that she would let her father crush her dreams for his ideals. But then she felt guilty because she’d loved her parents. Her mom was always there for her because she chose to say home so how could she be angry about that? Finally, after God knew how long, Tabby spoke. “Why didn’t you ever tell us? We never knew that about your mom, or that you felt that way. You should have opened up. That’s what we’re here for.” Brianna dried her face with her hands. God, she hated crying. 115

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She was the happy one. She wasn’t supposed to be sitting here sobbing like a baby because of a guy. “I don’t know…Maybe I thought it was just me. Maybe I thought you guys wouldn’t understand. I don’t really know the reason.” “Did you ever stop to think that maybe she wasn’t giving up anything? That maybe once she had you her goals changed?” Kaylee asked. She’d never really thought about it that way before. All she saw was what her mom missed out on, not what she had. Looking back, even though there were moments of time she would talk about being a lawyer again, she’d still always been happy. It wasn’t like she spent her life miserable. “Maybe…” She took a couple deep breaths to ready herself for what she was going to say next. This would be be hard part. They would be hurt she hadn’t confided in them, and more than anything, she hated seeing her friends hurt. “So you guys remember my traveling phase after school?” She’d wanted to roam, to experience a little bit of life before settling down as an official adult. Neither Tabby or Kaylee had been able to go with her, and it was the only time they’d spent six months away from each other since the day they met. “Yeah, of course we do.” Kaylee said. “When I was in Europe, I met someone.” They both screamed simultaneously. “What?” “I know! I’m sorry. You actually knew about it in the beginning. Remember, Adam? It was him. It started out as a fling, but then, all of a sudden, he was telling me he loved me. How different I was from any other woman he’d ever known, and I was young and dumb and I fell for it. I let him wrap me around his little finger. In the two months I spent there, I became a different person.” “You were only supposed to be there two weeks!” Bri couldn’t look Kaylee in the eyes. “I know. I thought I loved him. I thought he loved me for me. I can remember my mom telling me when I met a man I fell in love with, I would sacrifice for him just as she had. That my dreams just might change, but I didn’t want them to change and, if love is a sacrifice, shouldn’t it be a two way street? So, anyway, I met a man that I thought loved me for me and would never expect me to change, but he did. “Yeah, I don’t want to go into details tonight, but I wasn’t what he wanted, but he sure thought he could turn me into it. I just don’t 116

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think I can risk that happening again.” They continued to hug her for a minute before Kaylee spoke. “I’m so sorry you went through that, Brianna. It was that guy’s loss. I want you to be sure you know that, but I also want you to know I’m a little hurt you didn’t trust us enough to tell us.” “It’s always been the three of us, Bri,” Tabby added. “When the shit hits the fan, we always know we have each other. You need to realize that, too. It’s not just about you being there for us. It’s about us being there for you, too.” Guilt blanketed her. They were right. She should have gone to them. She didn’t really know why she didn’t talk to them. They were always there for each other and always would be. “I’m sorry. I don’t know why it’s so hard for me.” “Bri, just open up. You don’t have a problem telling it like it is, but when it comes to your feelings, you always close them off. Don’t hide from us, and don’t hide from Jackson. Just because that prick didn’t appreciate you doesn’t mean Jackson won’t.” Kaylee wiped her tears away. “That’s funny. I always call him the prick.” “He was, but I honestly don’t think Jackson is. I’m wondering though, are you actually thinking you might be falling for him? Is that why you’re freaking out?” Tabby hit the nail on the head, and Bri stiffened. When she felt a squeeze from her friend, the tension immediately eased. “Maybe. I don’t know how I could be, though. We hardly know each other, and what we do know…we’re nothing alike. I mean, a week ago I called the man the devil, and now I’m falling for him? It doesn’t make any damn sense.” “Honey, love rarely does.” Tabby smiled at her. “I know it sounds generic, but listen to your heart. I’m not saying you’re in love with him, and who knows how this will turn out, but if he’s bringing out these feelings from you, there has to be a reason for it. The only way you will know for sure is if you face it.” Kaylee picked up where Tabby left off. “Just see how it goes. Don’t go into it scared because you think you’re falling for him, and don’t go into it cutting yourself off. Just be. You’re good at that, Bri. Give him a chance. Hell, give yourself a chance.” Bri inhaled and exhaled a couple breaths. They were telling her pretty much exactly what she herself had told Jackson, minus the possibility of love and all that jazz. It was so easy for her to give out 117

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advice. Maybe it was time she took her own. “I’ll try. As long as I don’t strangle him first,” she added with a smile. That quickly, the air around them shifted. All three girls started laughing. She loved them. No matter what, they always gave one another what they needed. She only hoped, as their lives changed, they never lost that.

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Chapter Eleven

Jackson glanced at the Elvis clock hanging on the wall in his mother’s kitchen. As the big hand lined up with the twelve alerting him it was midnight, the legs started shaking at the bottom of the clock and Jailhouse Rock chimed. He rolled his eyes, hoping the damn thing would hurry up and shutoff before he took it off the wall and chucked it across the room. It had been a long damn day. Messy didn’t quite describe the scene he’d walked in on today. He hated scum like whoever it was who’d committed the crime. People who took and took, not caring who they took from. What the hell happened to hard work? Honesty? Instead, they took someone’s wife, all for a few bucks. As much as he loved his job, sometimes it wore him thin. Tonight was one of those nights, and for reasons he didn’t understand, all he wanted to do is come home and see Brianna. First, he made a stop for her. Of course she didn’t know that, because here it was midnight, and she hadn’t made an appearance all night; and despite his bed calling his name from upstairs, he was sitting in the kitchen listening to Elvis and waiting for her. He told himself it was just because he owed her. Earlier today he’d had to bail on their plans, and he wasn’t the type to leave someone hanging; but the simple fact is, he wanted to see her. He wanted to smile, and no one could make him do it the way she could. Which was stupid, because she pissed him off just as much; but here he sat, waiting for her to come in, laughing and hyped up on coffee, even though it was midnight. Jackson picked at the edge of the package. What the hell were they doing? There’s no way this thing between them could ever go anywhere. The time for screwing around with meaningless sex should have been over years ago. Except, it’s not really meaningless is it? He’d thought it would be, but it wasn’t. That’s the main reason he didn’t think they should do it again. There were feelings involved, and he had a feeling Brianna felt them too. If not, he had some serious problems, because the way she looked at him…she seared him soul deep. She penetrated his hard exterior with her smile, but as much as he liked her, he just didn’t 119

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see how it would ever work. “Fuck,” he mumbled. What the hell was wrong with him? He half feared he’d wind up spouting poetry any minute now. Jackson glanced at the clock again. It was 12:15. She was out having fun, and he was sitting here stressing out like he’d fallen in love with her or something. Which he hadn’t. Wasn’t possible. He’d always told himself the next relationship he got into would be the last. That’s what people did, they grew up and got married. He’d been a little late to the show, but he sooner or later, he knew he would get there. He shouldn’t be doing what he was doing. It would screw up his plans. He needed those plans, and no matter how well they’d fit together last night, if they tried to stay together, it would end just like it had with his parents. Luckily, this wasn’t serious. There’s no way she could fall for someone like him, and he wasn’t falling for her. It was fun, just like she said, and she’d been right when she said he needed a little fun. Yep, just fun. They could keep this up, keep enjoying each other, just as she’d said. He didn’t let himself enjoy much in his life, and he damn sure couldn’t deny himself this. He couldn’t deny himself Brianna.

Two freakin’ days. It had been two days since she last saw Jackson Montgomery. After her mini breakdown with the girls Sunday night, she’d stayed late helping Tabby go through her house in preparation for Nico moving in. When the guys called, they’d told them to stay away, which she was secretly grateful for. More than anything, she’d needed that time with her friends. That, and the fact that she was too big a wuss to go home and face Jackson. When she wandered in a little past one in the morning, that’s when she’d seen it. The Duke’s sandwich with a little note scrawled in the Styrofoam. Brianna, Out partying the night away, I guess. I brought you a sandwich. Hope you like it as much as the burger. Jackson. That’s when she made her decision. Funny how something as silly as a sandwich can make up a girl’s mind, but hell, maybe that 120

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was just the power of a Duke’s sandwich. It had been even better than the burger, and the fact that he thought about her, and took the time to make a stop for her, gave Bri a serious case of the warm and fuzzies. And she liked those fuzzies enough that she knew there was no way she could run from this. It might come back to bite her in the ass, but that’s just the kind of girl she was. Of course at the time she’d assumed he was kidding about the whole partying thing, but now, she wasn’t so sure. He always gave her a hard time about actually having a life, and maybe he was the type of guy who couldn’t handle it when she wasn’t there when he needed her. Instead of being playful, maybe he was being sarcastic. Maybe he was being the Jackson that drove her crazy, and not the good kind of crazy either. Right as she pushed from the chair, the shrill ring of the phone rang out. Bri jerked the thing off it’s cradle. “Casa de Montgomery.” “Well that’s a nice way to answer the phone. What if it wasn’t me?” Jackson’s honeyed voice asked through the line. Oh, so he lived. Nice of him to let her know that. “Who cares. It’s only you who would get their delicate sensibilities offended by my less than professional greeting.” She huffed. Yeah, she was pouting and she didn’t care. “I’m not delicate, Brianna. What’s your problem this morning?” Her blood pressure spiked. “My problem? My problem! I’m not the one who bailed on you and then pulled a disappearing act for two days. You could have been dead in a ditch for all I know!” She heard Jackson snicker through the receiver, which just pissed her off more. Sure, she knew she had no claim to the guy, knew he could stay out for two days if he wanted to. Hell, she’d stayed out for days before, but that was her. With him, it was different. “First of all, I was working. I came home, but you were never there. It’s my job, Brianna. I have to do it. Second, so it’s okay for you to gallivant around town, but if it were me, it wouldn’t be? I seem to remember times when no one heard from you for a day to two.” If she hadn’t been so pissed, she’d be laughing at their role reversal. “Yeah, but that’s me. I do that and people know I’m okay because that’s how I am. You’re like Dudley-Do-Right or something. You never stay out past your bed time, and the time you do, it’s right when…” When we’re getting closer. When I realized I liked you. When I decided that I really wanted keep this going, 121

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maybe even try the relationship thing. She couldn’t say any of that, so instead she said nothing. Bri took deep breaths trying to calm herself down. Finally, Jackson cursed through a sigh. “Right when what, Bri?” he asked quietly. “Nothing.” “It’s something. Shit, you don’t have any problem opening your mouth when it’s something sarcastic coming out, but right now you tell me nothing? Tell me…please.” Honestly, she wasn’t even sure what she was going to say. “I--” She heard someone yell his name in the background. “Fuck. Hold that thought, sweetheart.” As the word left his mouth, they both gasped. Her heart jack-hammered in her chest. Sweetheart? Part of her wanted to ream him for calling her such a…sweet name, but the other part of her, the one that had obviously lost its mind, did a giddy little dance. For the first time she was struck speechless. The man had a hard enough time calling her by her nickname instead of her full name. She’d never expected a term of endearment to come out of his mouth in regards to her. Yeah he called her Brown Eyes when they were having sex, but that was a sex thing. Sex names and terms of endearment during regular conversations were different. She stayed quiet as she heard the mouth piece of the phone being covered up, likely by his hand. A minute later he was back on the line. “I have to run. I’ll be home in the morning, though, and it’s Wednesday. Are we still on for breakfast?” He voice sounded as strained as she felt. She wasn’t sure how or what to feel or say right now. “Um, yeah.” “Okay. I’ll see you then.” Neither of them said goodbye, just hung on the line and breathed. “Listen, I’m sorry about not calling. I wasn’t thinking. It won’t happen again. And I…I just want you to know you were right. I wanted to be sure you knew that I’m not going to try and dictate how this goes. Whatever happens…happens.” All the anger she’d held onto seeped out of her body like an open balloon. “Oh, I think it will happen again…Jackson.” He growled in response. With a smile on her face, Bri laughed and hung up the phone.

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Bri decided to take a page out of Jackson’s book and plan ahead. He would be proud, but unfortunately she couldn’t tell him, otherwise he would know she was thinking ahead, just in case they happened to have a repeat performance of the other night. After she’d gotten off the phone with him the day before, she made a quick call to Tommy and asked him if he could open for her. After their little fiasco on Sunday, he didn’t ask her plans, which she silently thanked him for. It was bad enough she was throwing out all her own rules for a guy who could never be in her future, but she didn’t need all her friends to know it. This morning she didn’t have the energy to go out for the pancakes like last time. Damn him for being so picky about what he ate for breakfast. Why couldn’t it have been lunch or dinner? That way she didn’t have to get up early whether she had to work or not. Which, any other Wednesday, she would be. This one, however, she’d taken half the damn day off, just in case Jackson felt a little frisky. “Ugh!” What the hell was she thinking? “What’s wrong?” Jackson asked from the kitchen doorway. “Nothing. You’re up a few minutes early. I thought I would have the time to finish before you made your way down here.” She faced the stove while she talked. Butterflies did a giddy little dance in her belly as he walked closer. What the heck was wrong with her? She didn’t do giddy, especially over a man. Today she did. Nerves sizzled inside her. What’s wrong with me? Why am I nervous to be around Jackson? He stepped up behind her and lightly tugged on the tie for her apron. “Look at you looking all domesticated this morning. When did hell freeze over?” She heard the laugh in his voice. Bri whipped around. With her eyes she signaled down to her apron. “Today is your lucky day. Don’t expect this apron to get much use.” He read aloud. “The happy face sticking its tongue out is what sold me.” His full lips stretched into a smile, before they opened wide for his incredible laughter. Jackson held up his hands as if in surrender. “You proved me wrong. That apron fits much better than the whole Susie Homemaker thing. Where do you find these things?” he asked, still laughing. “I have my ways. I can cook, you know? Pretty damn well, if I 123

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do say so myself. Just wanted to make sure everyone I cook for knows it’s on my terms.” Brianna winked at him. Jackson laughed again while shaking his head at her. “You’re something else, you know that? I needed that laugh, though. Thanks.” Jackson moved around her and leaned against the counter a few feet away from her. “Need any help?” “Nope. Not yet. I’m almost done.” His eyes were tired, the creases around them a little deeper than usual. “What’s wrong? You look even more uptight than usual.” Bri smiled at him so he knew she was just teasing him. “Just work. Tough case, and I can’t figure it out. I know its right there, but I just can’t do it, and it pisses me off.” He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He took this hard. She could see it in the heaviness in his eyes, in the way his jaw clenched and the muscles in his chest tightened. Her heart broke a little bit for him. He thought he had to carry the world on his shoulders. He felt so much responsibility to the world, and she didn’t know why. “You can’t save everyone, Jackson.” The room as quiet except for the light buzz of the oven fan. Jackson’s forehead wrinkled as he looked at her, really looked at her like she never remembered him looking at her before. It stole her breath away. For the first time, she wondered if maybe he had secrets, just like she did. “I don’t know any other way to be,” he rasped out. “Not just with work, but with—shit…” he dropped his head backwards so it hit the cabinet. At that moment, she felt closer to him than she ever had. Her heart thumped to a wild beat as she looked at him, and for the first time, she didn’t see someone who had to be perfect, someone who thought they were better than everyone else. She saw a beautiful, broken man who thought he had to do everything right. That he had to fix everything. “Well maybe I’ll be a bad influence and rub off on you. You know, since I’m such a wild heathen and all.” Jackson chuckled a little bit. “I can let you in on a secret if you want me to. I’m talking top secret information here. If I tell you, you have to promise not to tell anyone. You know the rule to Duke’s?” He nodded his head yes. “This is kind of like that. You don’t talk about what I’m about to tell you.” 124

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A smiled tilted one side of his mouth. “I promise.” His eyes bore into hers, darkening with each second that he stared at her. The air around them changed, thickened with lust and desire. “The first part is,” Bri stepped closer to him and dropped her voice. “I don’t think you’re quite as straight-laced as you think you are. I mean, you’re a little anal, but the longer I know you, I’m starting to wonder if there might just be a little more to your story.” She took another step toward him. “The second thing is, now this is the important part. This is the secret.” “I’m listening.” Jackson stood up straight rather than leaning against the counter as he’d previously been. His new position brought him even closer to her. Bri took a deep breath. “I kind of like you the way you are. I don’t think you need to be any other way than you are.” She buried her face in her hands, feigning embarrassment. “Oh really? Well, I have a secret for you too. Same rules apply.” “Deal,” she smiled up at him, her body tingling from head to toe. It was like a current of electricity flowed between them. It was nothing like she’d ever experienced before. “I kind of like you the way you are, too. You drive me wild, but on the other hand, you’re refreshing. I don’t think you should be any way other than what you are either.” It was like a fist squeezed her heart, stopping it from beating. Her breath hitched, but she knew she couldn’t show it. Neither of them were ready for that. It had to be about the game, or one of them, or both of them, would turn tail and run. Refreshing? If she were the analyzing type, this would definitely be something she had to sit and ponder. What the hell was going on between them? It was hard, but after a few seconds, Brianna managed to find her voice. “So, now that we both got that off our chests, how do I know you’re going to keep quiet? I mean, I have a reputation to uphold here.” “Same for me. Shake on it?” Bri shook her head. “Nope, not a strong enough guarantee.” “How’s this?” Jackson wrapped and arm around her waist and pulled her against his body. When she opened her mouth to speak, Jackson took advantage. His mouth molded against hers, his tongue immediately sweeping its way into her mouth. Bri moaned against him as all the tension in her body decreased with each sweep of his tongue. His familiar peppermint flavor mixed with the faint scent of 125

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Irish Spring that still clung to his skin. Jackson’s arms tightened around her as their tongues mingled, twining together in their search for pleasure. Bri wrapped her legs around his waist as they kissed and sucked at each other’s mouths. He plucked her bottom lip with his teeth before moving his skillful mouth down her neck. “You feel so good, Brown Eyes. I don’t know how I ever could have thought it was a good idea not to have you again.” Bri giggled. “In the words of Wesley Snipe, ‘always listen to the woman’.” But then, she’d thought the same thing too. She’d almost denied herself the one thing she wanted more than anything in her life because she freaked. Right now, as he sucked at the skin of her neck, she knew there’s no way she could deny herself this. She couldn’t deny herself him. Jackson backed up, somehow having moved a foot or two farther down the counter than they’d been. At first, she didn’t notice the open cabinet behind them. All she could concentrate on was the man nuzzling her neck. Bri moved her hands from his shoulders and tried to wrap it around his neck. Somehow, her hand hit an open bag of flour. The rest happened in slow motion. She looked up as the bag fell forward, the contents clouding around over Jackson’s head. “What the fuck?” he shook his head obviously confused as the white mixture fell over his face. His grip on her loosed enough that Bri jumped free from his arms before he could drop her. Don’t laugh. Don’t laugh. She reminded herself over and over again as he blew out a big breath, a plume of flour puffing out from his mouth. Bri watched as he stood there, shirtless, his head and neck dusted with flour. When he wiped his eyes, his bottom lip poking out like a five year old who got denied a lollipop, she couldn’t hold it back any longer. Bri laughed hard, her stomach vibrating. Jackson opened his mouth as if to gripe at her, but then, she saw him dip his hand in the bag. Before she could move he threw a handful of flour at her. It hit her in the neck where his mouth had previously been. Without missing a beat, she went straight for the bag. She must have caught him off guard, because she managed to get a handful before he could stop her. Brianna pulled her arm back. “Don’t even think about it.” “Think about what? This?” she asked tossing the handful at him. 126

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Jackson stood there, his mouth gaping open at her, as flour hit him in the side of the face and ear. “I can’t believe you did that!” “What?” she asked sweetly. “Mr. cool, calm, and collected never been in a food fight before? Oh, I know, maybe I woman’s never not done what you said before? Which is it? Or could it be both?” She couldn’t help the laugh that fell from her lips. He squinted his eyes, looking confused, then a slight smile tugged at his lips before he grabbed a large handful of flour and tossed it at her. Knowing it was coming, Bri closed her eyes as the white cloud came toward her. “Ouch!” she lowered her face and covered one of her eyes. “Damn it. You’re not supposed to hit me in the eyes.” Brianna fought to hold in her laughter as Jackson moved toward her, reaching for her face. “Are you okay?” He cradled her face, trying to get to her covered eye. Part of her felt a little guilty playing him, but this was a war, and Bri played to win. She slipped her free hand slowly and quietly to the bag. Grabbing another handful she tried to squash it into his hair, but somehow, he sensed it. Jackson grabbed her hand and ducked at the same time. His strength over powered hers as he forced her hand to her own head as the flour went flying. “Cheater!” Bri pulled back, shaking her head to try and rid it from the flour. “I’m a cheater? You’re the one who faked an injury. Don’t be pissed because I beat you at you own game.” “Whatever,” she mumbled, then looked up at him. In that second, they both laughed hysterically. Bri held her stomach as Jackson tried to wipe some of the flour off, while still wildly laughing himself. He looked so gorgeous when he smiled. His big blue eyes lit up, bright as the sky on a clear summer day. Her cheeks hurt as she continued to laugh. Soon both their excitement died down as a new one formed between them. Lust, desire and hunger popped in the air as they stood there, and then a second later, they attacked each other. Brianna jumped into his arms, wrapping her legs around his waist as Jackson mouth assaulted hers with expert kisses. They kissed like their lives depended on it. Heat from his body enveloped her as her center pressed against his stomach. Jackson kissed down her neck. “You taste like flour.” 127

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“Your fault.” She said back, between nips and kisses. “I know how to take care of that.” He moved toward the kitchen door, holding her tightly against him. She didn’t know where they were going, and right now, she didn’t care. They crossed through the kitchen door before she remembered the stove. “Wait. Stove. Have to turn it off.” Her breathing released in short gasps as she tried to speak to him. Jackson groaned a “fuck” before heading back to the stove. He pulled one of the hands off her ass to turn off the stove, and then went back for the kitchen door again. He took the stairs at an easy jog, even with her in his arms and went straight for her room. “I see, get flour in my bed and not yours.” She dropped her head backwards while he kissed her neck. “I’m not taking you to the bed yet, Brown Eyes.” As they turned for the bathroom, Bri smiled. This day just got a whole hell of a lot better.

God this woman did something to him. He felt so free, so happy around her. Like he didn’t have to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders when he had her in his arms. It wasn’t like him at all. It scared him, but excited him at the same time. He carried her into the shower, not willing to take the time to get them undressed first. That would come in a minute. Jackson took her mouth again as he twisted the faucet. Water squirted from the head of the shower, spraying them both. “Shit! Cold.” Frantically, Bri kissed his lips again, his cheek, his neck. He loved her unabashed hunger. She wanted him, and wasn’t afraid to show him how much. He’d never been with a woman so aggressive for her needs, and as much as he liked to run the show, her excitement fueled him just as much. “Is it?” He backed her against the shower wall, holding her up with his body. “I’m so hot for you I didn’t even notice.” Jackson turned the knob to add more hot water. “Is that better?” She replied by kissing him again. Jackson sucked her tongue into his mouth before giving his to her. The water soaked them. Unfortunately, Brianna’s apron left him little view of fabric clinging to her curves. He let her slide down the wall and pulled the tie on her apron free. It hit the floor with a wet plop. 128

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Pushing himself against her, he took her mouth again while letting his hands grope and mold to her body. She felt warm and supple. Soft and feminine. “I need you naked, Bri.” “Then do it.” She reached for the button on his jeans as he pulled her sweatpants down her legs. They both kicked free, leaving their clothes a wet pile in the bottom of the shower. The flour was long gone, having washed away from the spray of the shower. Jackson pulled back enough to rip the t-shirt over her head. “Christ, woman. We would have started this much earlier if I had known you weren’t wearing a bra under there.” He took her in, wet, naked, and sexy as hell with those brown eyes eating him up. He needed to taste her, and he needed to do it now. Jackson leaned forward and sucked one pert nipple into his mouth. She tasted like the sweetest chocolate, like passion and pleasure all wrapped into one decadent treat. “Oh God,” Bri pushed his head closer to her. Jackson sucked her nipple, nipping it lightly before drawing it deeply into his mouth, while he teased the other breast with his hand. “I want you, Bri, so bad I could fucking burst.” It had only been days since they’d done this last, but it felt like weeks, months. “How did I wait this long to taste you again?” “Don’t let it happen again.” If he wasn’t so damn turned on, and so into what he was doing, he’d laugh at her. She had an uncanny ability to make him smile, when he almost rarely did. Damn he needed to be inside her now. She drove him over the edge as a frenzied need washed over him. “I know this isn’t much for foreplay, but I need you now.” She smiled at him sweetly. Sweetly! It always surprised him how she could be so ornery one minute and so sweet and passionate the next. “Then take me.” She whispered in his ear. His cock throbbed with aching need. Jackson picked up his heavy, wet jeans and pulled a condom out of his wallet, tossing it back into the tub. Everything inside it would be ruined, but right now he couldn’t find it inside himself to care. With eager hands he ripped the package open and sheathed himself. He again lifted Brianna into his arms except this time he pushed himself in at the same time. They both cried out as he buried himself to the hilt. It never felt so good to be inside someone. Feral need never clawed at him the way it did when he was with her. He wasn’t sure what it meant, or 129

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how he felt about it. All he knew is, right now, he never wanted it to end. Brianna dug her nails into his back as he thrust in and out of her. He was so damn close to finishing already. She hugged him so tightly, both in her arms and her channel. Her breasts rubbed against his chest with each thrust. They were both in a fury, panting and grunting as he slammed himself inside her, before pulling out and repeating the action. “So good… God you feel so fucking good to me, Brianna.” She gasped. “Jackson. I’m so close. Please…” Her plea almost did him in. Jackson pumped harder, faster. He took her mouth in a claiming kiss. Claiming? He pushed those thoughts out of his head and replaced them with the determination to please her. Jackson dipped his head and took her mouth again, sweeping his tongue inside. It was a mating of mouths, a mating of bodies, and he was inside her in two places at once. He felt her deep inside him with each thrust. “I need you to come. Come for me, Brown Eyes.” He felt the walls of her sex pulse and tighten around him. “Jackson!” Brianna cried out as she climaxed. He was right there with her, falling over the edge. Hell, maybe he already had.

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Chapter Twelve

Bri glanced at the clock as she mixed a cappuccino. She had two hours before her work day ended and her Friday ritual with her friends began. It had been two weeks since that Friday when everything changed between her and Jackson, and a little over a week since their food fight turned hot shower sex incident. It had been a long damn week. After the orgasm to end all orgasms as she liked to refer to it, they washed each other. About half way through, his wet cell phone started to buzz. Of course the thing didn’t really work. Jackson fought the good fight trying to hear whoever it was that called him, with no luck, but the call had snapped them both out of their orgasm induced euphoria. Jackson had to get into the station because of the big case he was working on, and she pretended she had to go into work as well. Made her feel a little lame, but oh well. Nobody knew but her, and she definitely wasn’t telling anyone she took the morning off, and pretended she didn’t. She’d spent the morning cleaning up their mess in the kitchen and wondering where the hell that playful man who had a food fight with her, and then ravished her in the shower, had come from. Now here she was, a week later, still wondering. After finishing the drink and handing it the customer, she picked up her phone. The past week she’d only seen him in drive-by’s but to her surprise, he had called her to let her know the nights he would be late. Brianna glanced at the time again. Only five minutes had passed since the last time. If she was going to do this, she needed to hurry up and get it done. She knew the girls wouldn’t care. Hell, they’d been giddy if she did it. Nico and Luciano had asked about him last week. Apparently they’d done some male bonding the weekend she’d gotten trashed and wanted to know if he’d been joining them all the time. At the time, Bri blew it off. Wasn’t like they were dating or anything. Wasn’t as if he was part of their little group, but as the night went on, she realized she’d missed him. She watched Tabby with Nico and Kaylee with Luciano, and for the first time in her life, she found herself wanting that too. Not that she was ready to pledge 131

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her love to him or anything. Hell, who knew if this was some crazy phase, and she’d wake up in the real world wondering why she suddenly wanted a man, or if that man was really Jackson or not. But last week, she’d missed him. Last week she’d wanted what her friends had, and she’d wanted it with Jackson. This week, she wasn’t looking forward to what used to be her favorite night of the week. For the first time their night out together had felt empty, and she wasn’t sure if that was because Jackson was missing, or not. Crazy as it sounded, she kind of thought it was. Why, she didn’t know. It wasn’t as if they hadn’t been doing this for years without him and one week with him there, and she feared it would never be the same without him. Maybe the man really was the devil, and he had turned his wicked ways on her, making her feel and think things she never would have? Bri laughed at her silly thoughts as her phone rang in her hand. After a quick glance at the lighted window in front she snickered again. “What do you want, Monty? You know, it’s not very professional of you to call me while I’m working.” She slipped out from behind the counter and plopped down on one of the couches. “Are you busy? I can call back.” “Extremely, but you already interrupted my flow and now there’s no going back from that.” He laughed. “You have a flow for making coffee?” “Of course I do. I have a flow for everything. You should know that from firsthand experience.” Bri used her husky, sex voice on him. Jackson groaned in response. “I miss your flow, Bri. Just thinking about you gets me hard. It pisses the hell out of me, but it’s true. Do you know how hard it is to look for the bad guy when you have a constant hard-on?” Her heart rate kicked up a notch as tingles spread throughout her body. “Can’t say I do, Inspector. I have to say, I’m a little shocked with the sex talk over the phone, though. Doesn’t that break some cop code of ethics or something?” she joked with him. “Be nice or I’ll have to arrest you, rookie.” “Oh! Handcuffs. That sounds fun.” They both laughed a little bit and then the line was quiet. Bri leaned back on the couch. Things seemed so easy between them now. They talked together, laughed together, and joked together. Their silences were comfortable. She could sit here and listen to him 132

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breathe through the phone and somehow, it comforted her. Brianna sighed. “It’s funny how much things can change in such a short time.” She hadn’t realized she’d said it aloud until Jackson replied. “Yeah, it is.” It didn’t escape her attention though, that he knew exactly what she was talking about without having to tell him. “Do you have to work tonight?” “No. That’s why I was calling. I thought maybe I could crash your night with your friends.” Bri felt her lips stretch into a smile. “Hey! I know it’s a little strange, because hell hasn’t frozen over yet, but you’re my friend too, Jackson. You need some kind of spice. Might as well be me who gives it to you.” She took a deep breath, all of a sudden feeling a little self conscience. “So, yeah, you wouldn’t be crashing anything. It kind of wouldn’t be the same without you.”

Jackson clicked off his cell phone and tossed it on his desk. His heart raced, his palms were sweaty, and his cock really was hard, all from talking to her on the phone. She made him feel alive like he hadn’t felt in years. It was weird, actually. How had he not realized he’d been so…dead before she ‘kind of’ liked him and things ‘kind of’ wouldn’t be the same without him? Where had that come from anyway? Sure they were now friends and they were sleeping together, but her usual routine with her best friends wouldn’t be the same without him? Maybe the even bigger question he should be asking himself is why that little piece of knowledge made him feel so damn good. It was like the stress of work had been wiped away from that one sentence. And from Brianna; the girl who jumped him. The girl who used to hate him, the same girl who loved his moms pink hair, made his life better. Hell, he couldn’t imagine his life without her in it, when weeks before he wanted to run as far and fast as he could. “You look like a clown with that goofy-ass smile on your face.” Jackson just shook his head at his partner as the other man sat in the chair on the other side of his desk. “Want to hang out with us tonight, Montgomery?” he asked, kicking his feet up on Jackson’s desk. His hand itched to push the other man’s feet down, but he didn’t. All he wanted to do is hurry up and get some work done, so 133

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he could meet up with Brianna. “No can do. Got plans tonight.” Jackson picked up his pen and started to write. “What do you mean you have plans tonight?” “I mean I have plans tonight. What’s so hard to understand about that?” “Maybe because you never have plans. At least I know what all the smiling was about now.” Jackson tried to scowl at him, but he couldn’t make himself do it. “That’s not why I’m smiling.” Damn, he felt like kid, all green behind his ears and embarrassed that he had a girlfriend. Wow, wait, girlfriend? Was she his girlfriend? Did he want her to be? Jackson dropped his pen to the desk and leaned back in his chair again. “So, yeah, she’s why I’m smiling.” His partner dropped his feet from the desk and leaned forward. “That’s a good thing, Montgomery. Talk to me, bro. You have to know that no matter how much I give you shit, we’re partners. That means we’re always there for each other. Not only on the job, but every day too.” He did know it. The guy drove him nuts some times, but if he didn’t respect and trust him, they couldn’t be partners. Plus, who else did he have to talk to. It wasn’t as if he had a bunch of friends. The only people he really had in his life were his partner, his mom, and Duke. And, Brianna. “It’s complicated, man. The first time we met she jumped me and sent her killer pug at me. We don’t get along half the time. She thinks I’m stuffy, and I think she’s too damn wild, but, fuck, I like her. She makes me feel different than I’ve ever felt, and it scares the shit out of me. I mean, how long can it really last, and do I want it to? Sooner later she’ll get bored, or I’ll get frustrated with her. We can’t ever really be anything, but I think I want to.” “Then go for it, man. Sounds like you already are. You think things through too much. If it doesn’t work out, that’s life. If it does then I get a much happier partner. Nothing gained if nothing’s lost, Montgomery. Didn’t we just go through this?” “That’s when it was only about sex. This changes things. You don’t get it, Martinez. I feel like with Bri, I’m going straight toward what I’ve been running from for half my life. It’s not easy, but I can’t stop it either.” “Have you ever stopped to think that maybe you shouldn’t have 134

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been running? Or maybe you weren’t running from what you thought you were?” Jackson crossed his arms. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Martinez shrugged. “Hell, if I know. I just thought it sounded good.” He stood up. “Listen, man. Don’t be a pussy. Face this head on. You’re a smart guy. You’ll figure it out. Jackson nodded his head afraid he already had. Somehow, he’d gone and fallen in love with his wild, little rookie and he didn’t know what the hell to do about it.

Their whole table erupted in laughter for the millionth time tonight. She glanced over at Jackson sitting next to her and watched him interact with her friends. He and Nico gave each other shit in typical Nico style. A few minutes later, he and Luciano talked business, Jackson telling him he knew some good people who could install a new security system in the restaurant. He asked Kaylee about her store and listened while Tabby talked interior decorating and color palettes. He fit with them. Before she thought, maybe it just had to do with the amount she had to drink their first Friday together, but no, he fit with her friends, probably better than he fit with her. She turned toward, Tabby, catching her friend staring. Tabby gave her a wide-eyed smile that Bri knew meant she thought she and Jackson were falling in love and going to live happily ever after. Bri tried to smile back. What had she done? She’d brought someone into her life, into her group of friends, the only place she ever felt like she could truly be herself. Not only someone, but a man who told her she didn’t think before she acted, that she was too wild and put people in danger. But he also told me he liked me the way I am. That he didn’t think I should change. Could he mean that? She sure hoped so, because no matter how different this was for her, she wanted him here. More than she’d ever wanted anything in her life, she wanted him here. She glanced at him again to see Jackson looking at her. His forehead wrinkled a little bit, like it always did when he was overthinking something. He leaned forward like he was going to whisper in her ear. Don’t do it, Jackson. Not right now. She didn’t want to talk about it. In fact, she wasn’t even sure she could because she 135

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didn’t know exactly what it was she was thinking. That she wanted a real relationship with him? That she liked him more than any other man she’d ever known? That she very well feared she could, or already had let herself, fall in love with him? No, she definitely couldn’t talk about it right now. As if he sensed her discomfort, he turned and started talking to the guys again. The smart part of her internally thanked him, while the other part was a little hurt that he’d known something was on her mind, but didn’t ask. That’s when she felt it. His hand on her thigh. That rough thumb of his drawing circles on her skin through the fabric of her jeans. He hadn’t abandoned her. He gave her comfort, while at the same time giving her that space she needed. How did he know her so well, so soon? Bri covered his hand with hers. He turned it over and threaded their fingers together, now drawing the circles on her bare skin. Heat radiated from where they touched, up her arms and landed square in her chest, and that’s when it hit her. She loved him. She’d gone and fallen in love with the devil.

Brianna and Jackson were walking out of Luciano’s when she felt a hand grab her arm tightly and pull. Before she realized what was happening she’d been jerked through a door she’d never been in before. “What the fuck?” Jackson grumbled and pushed his way into the room again. His eyes were wide and his jaw tight like he expected trouble. The door was pushed closed behind them and he stepped in front of her so she couldn’t see who had grabbed her. Her heart raced like it had when she’d seen him prying that window open what felt like a lifetime ago. Bri reached for him, trying to push him to the side so she could see the action too, but he wouldn’t budge. She couldn’t see over him either, and the room was small. “Better be careful, man. It’s not smart to sneak up on a cop.” Brianna tried to push him out of the way again. “Who the hell is it? Are we going to have to beat some ass?” She asked, jumping to try and see around him. “No we’re not, and if anyone needed to be kicking any ass it would be me and not you.” “Whatever. Don’t pull that macho crap with me, Monty. If you’ll 136

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remember correctly, I was the one on your back the last time we got into it.” There! How do you like that? “Yeah, that’s because you fight like a girl. I would knock someone out while you went for a piggyback ride.” Her blood pressure spiked. “Hey! I took you down!” Eventually. Though she really hadn’t it. They’d fallen and he still ended up on top. “Bri, you don’t take me anywhere I don’t want to go.” He turned toward her and even though she could now probably see around him, her eyes didn’t leave him. “And if you’ll remember, I ended up on top.” Heat spread like wildfire through her veins. What would have led to a fight just weeks before, now made her body on edge, her senses all honed in on him, remembering just what it felt like to be beneath him. “Is that right.” She put her hand on her hip trying not to show him how much his words affected her. “You don’t take me anywhere I do want to go”. Does that mean he liked where they were going? That he wanted to be with her the way she wanted to be with him. Hell, maybe she was reading something into nothing, but every fiber of her being hoped she wasn’t. Bri stepped closer to him. “Break it up you two. I don’t have a lot of time.” She jumped at the sound of Nico. She’d forgotten they weren’t in the room alone. Bri heard him mumble something to the effect of her and Jackson really falling each other, but she ignored it. Brianna stepped up beside Jackson. “What the fuck, Super Chef. You scared the crap out of me. I thought I was going to have to go all Kung Fu on your ass.” Both guys shook their heads at her. “I have to hurry before Tabby wonders where I am, but I wanted to talk to you for a minute. I know she told you about us moving in together. It happened kind of spur of the moment, but honestly, it just doesn’t feel right.” No! Brianna’s stomach dropped. “Don’t even think about it, Valenti. You’re not hurting her. I swear to God you will regret it if you get cold feet on her now. Do you know how much she loves you?” This couldn’t be right. She knew Nico loved her just as much as Tabby loved him. They were perfect together, somehow balancing each other out. “No. Hell no. You’re going the wrong way with this, Bri.” Nico 137

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told her. “I want to ask her to marry me. I want my ring on her finger before we take that step. She deserves it. Marriage is what she’s always wanted, and I don’t want to cheat her out of anything.” Nico shook his head. “No, I don’t want to cheat us out of anything. I want to make her mine officially.” Brianna started to breathe again, her heart beating rapidly for her friends. Tabby would get her dream, and she’d get it with the man she loved. They deserved this happiness. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around him in a tight hug. “Congrats, Nic. That’s great.” He hugged her back before pulling away. “Does that mean I have your blessing?” “My blessing? You don’t need my blessing, Nico.” “Yeah, I do. You and Kaylee are Tabby’s family. You guys mean the world to her. I want your blessing. Of course, I’m marrying her no matter what,” he winked at her. “But this just makes it easier.” Bri didn’t reply. She didn’t know why she couldn’t, but it was like her throat had something heavy in it. She had so many feelings inside her: excitement for her friend, appreciation for Nico wanting her opinion on something so important, love because he was right; the three of them were family. Lastly, and she hated this part, she felt loneliness. They were going off, growing up and leaving her alone. She jumped when she felt Jackson’s hand curl around her waist. For the second time tonight, she’d needed him to save her. She’d never needed to be saved in her whole life, but right now, it felt good to have him do it. Brianna smiled up at Nico. “Of course you have my blessing. I’ve always wanted a brother. Nico hugged her again. “Thanks, Bri. You’re not so bad, you know? I don’t care what Jackson says.” He gave her another wink. Nico leaned down and kissed her cheek. Instead of pulling away, he dropped his mouth to her ear. “He likes you. Maybe more than you know. Hopefully the two of you will be smarter than the rest of us were. Don’t run, Bri. Things happen for a reason, and when something’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, whether we understand it or not.” Nico stepped back as she fought to breathe. Meant to be? Did he really think the two of them were meant for each other? That Jackson felt the same way about her as she felt about him? Nico pulled the door open. “You be good to our girl, capice?” 138

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Jackson nodded at him, and then grabbed her hand, pulling her out of the room.

Jackson didn’t know what it was, but something was wrong with Brianna. The whole night she’d been on edge, laughing and smiling, but behind the façade, sadness darkened her brown eyes. He held his tongue as they rode the cab on the way home. Yep, he’d left his truck at home and taken a cab. She always gave him a hard time about driving so much, and a small part of him wanted to show her that he didn’t always have to do the same thing. He could bend, maybe not as much as she would need, but part of him wanted to try. He wasn’t quite sure when things changed, but they had. Watching the fire fade from her eyes during the evening lit one in him. He needed that flame back in her and wanted nothing more than to be the one to spark it. She usually encompassed enough fire to burn them both, and he wanted that back. A few minutes later they pulled up in front of the house. Jackson tossed some cash at the cab driver and followed Bri from the car. “Want to walk with me to take the dogs out?” he asked when they got into the house. “Sure. I could use a walk.” They each grabbed leashes as Dylan, Lennon, and Scooby (he still didn’t feel comfortable calling the damn dog, Stud) ran up to them, jumping on their legs. They were quiet for the first part of their walk, passing the street he usually stopped at when walking the dogs. He would let her lead them. If she wanted to walk, they would walk. It would give him more time with her, which seemed to be all he wanted lately. With each step, his curiosity bubbled up until it boiled right over, and he couldn’t hold it back anymore. She was always so strong, so…free, but something weighed her down tonight. By nature, he needed to fix things. She didn’t need to be fixed, but he needed to find a way to make this better for her. “You want to talk about it?” “Talk about what?” she shrugged. He knew this was part of the game. She knew exactly what he wanted to know from her. “Whatever is wrong with you. I know there’s something, Bri. You haven’t been yourself all night.” “I’m sure you love that!” 139

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Her words socked him in the gut. He thought they’d come farther than this. Was it just him? Did she not feel the shift in their relationship the way he did? “Do you really think that? I thought we were past those feelings. I would never want to change you, Brown Eyes. You might drive me up the wall some times, but…I think I need that.” Her footsteps slowed to a stop. He followed suit, standing across from her. The dogs danced around at their feet as he watched her chest rise and fall with heavy breaths. His hand itched to reach out and wind through the twists in her hair. She was so natural, so strong, and beautiful. She took his breath away. “You’re right. I’m sorry. It’s just…shit, what are we doing here, Jackson?’ That wasn’t what he’d expected her to say and honestly, he didn’t really have an answer. “I don’t know. We’re friends…lovers. You can trust me, you know? Whatever’s on your mind, I’m here. There’s something…” I need to be there for you. “Let me be there for you, Brown Eyes.” “I,” she started before taking more breaths. “Give me some time to figure out where my head is. I don’t even know what the hell is wrong with me right now.” Jackson nodded his head yes, and then they turned and headed back for the house. The walk was silent except for the pitter-patter of the dog’s feet as they jogged down the sidewalk. They slipped into the house a few minutes later. Jackson locked the door behind them. Scooby followed them up the stairs as Lennon and Dylan went their separate ways throughout the house. Jackson reached for his door handle, but stopped. “Hey, Bri?” he turned to her and noticed her watching him. She hadn’t even turned toward her own door yet. “Yeah?” “You owe me a day. I’m collecting tomorrow.” He didn’t give her the chance to say yes or no, but pushed his door open and stepped inside. As the door almost closed, she called out his name. “Jackson.” He didn’t reply as he stood there looking at her. “You were right. We are past that.” She left him standing there as she opened her door and went inside, closing it tightly behind her. Yes, they were. It scared him to think how far gone he really was. 140

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Chapter Thirteen

Bri rolled over and glanced at the clock. It was only eight in the morning. She shouldn’t be awake right now. After her restless night of sleep, she’d finally crashed around two, and now here she was, her eyes open but scratchy, much earlier than they needed to be on a Saturday morning. She still didn’t have any more answers than she did last night. Her mind and heart were all over the place, not knowing what to feel. What did the jealousy mean? The loneliness? Did she really want to try for more with Jackson, and if she really did want to, was she strong enough to make herself do it. Just as importantly, would he want to? Questions pounded her head like a nail when hit by a hammer. For the first time her life was too chaotic, and she didn’t know what to do with it. She wanted the answers. She wanted things easy. She wanted Jackson. A quiet knock sounded from the other side of her bedroom door. A smile spread across her face, and she was powerless to stop it. Hell, she didn’t want to stop it. It was like all the questions, the confusion, none of it mattered. All she wanted to do is, feel, just like Jackson told her he wanted from her. With him, she felt things she never thought she could. After rolling out of the bed, she padded her bare feet over to the door and jerked it open. “Wow, you’re up early. I thought I was going to have to drag you out of bed, kicking and screaming for your coffee.” Jackson leaned against her doorjamb. “Nope. I don’t plan on letting you get out of your promise to take me out for the day. I was just coming to get you.” Well kind of. She was just thinking of him which was almost the same thing. “I’m a step ahead of you. Coffee is on, dogs have been taken out. All I need now, is you.” Warmth coated her belly as she crossed her arms, trying not to show him how much he affected her. “Well, you’ve got me.” She threw in a wink for good measure. Before she could respond, Jackson grabbed her, sandwiching her 142

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between the wall and his hard body. His lips crashed against hers in fervor. She gave back to him just as urgently, letting him suck her tongue into his mouth before giving him her own. Their tongues tangled and teased, stroking each other’s mouths. His familiar peppermint taste invaded her senses, making her dizzy with lust. All too soon, he pulled away. “Damn it feels like forever since I’ve tasted you, Brown Eyes, but if we don’t get out of here now, we never will.” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger, and then pulled it away. “Stop casting your wicked spells on me.” Brianna batted her eyelashes at him. “Me, wicked?” Jackson shook his head with a half smile. “Okay, fine, so I’m wicked and proud. Wicked kicks ass, but I think you’ve got your own spellcasting abilities too, Jackson. You’re bad. I’ve seen it.” “You make me want to be.” Her heart skipped a few beats with his words. She opened her mouth to reply, but nothing would come out. Not sure what she wanted to say, she closed it again. Jackson snickered. “Yes, I know. Come on, we have a busy day ahead of us.” Somehow neither of them knew what they wanted to say, but they were on the same wavelength. She felt that just as prominently as she’d felt the strength of his hold minutes before. “Wait. I can’t go anywhere yet. I need a shower. Want to come?” “More than anything, but then we’ll never get out of here. You shower. I will bring up your coffee.” “Pooh. You’re no fun.” Jackson snickered at her. “If I’m not fun then why do you want me in the shower with you?” He wiggled his eyebrows at her playfully. God, she loved this side of him. It didn’t even scare her to think that. Later might be a totally different story, but for now, it just felt good. “Okay, so you’re a little fun. I’ll give you that.” Bri patted his chest. “Can you put a shirt on before you come back in here with coffee? Your chest distracts me.” Bri winked at him as Jackson groaned, stepping toward her. “Nope, you lost your chance, big guy.” She slipped inside the door and closed it. Ignoring the rapid beat of her heart, she leaned against the door. Things were changing for her. They were changing for them. Briefly, she wondered if this is how it had been for Kaylee and Tabby, because for her, it wasn’t the same as when she was with the prick. That had to be a good sign, didn’t it? 143

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“Um, a shooting range? I’m not so sure about this, Jackson.” Jackson turned off the truck. “Do you not like guns?” “It’s not that I don’t like them, I just don’t know how to use one. I never really thought about it before.” “We can do something else if you want. I just, shooting is relaxing for me. It’s a passion of mine. It takes control, concentration. I mean, even with a quick shot, you need to be able to have that concentration to get the perfect shot off.” He shrugged. “I just wanted to show you this part of me.” Her insides turned to mush. God, this man was turning her into such a girl. The littlest things made her giddy. “I’d love to go shooting with you, Jackson.” They both got out of his truck and made their way into the shooting range. Jackson talked to the man at the counter for a few minutes, but she didn’t take in what they were saying. I just wanted to show you this part of me. Goddess help her, but she wanted to see every part of him. She wanted to know him inside and out, and wanted him to do the same thing with her. This situation was all kinds of crazy, but it felt…right. “You okay over there?” Jackson asked. Bri’s head snapped to the side to face Jackson. “Yep. Perfect. Just ready to show you up out there.” Jackson laughed and led her down a hall. “Yeah right, Brown Eyes. You’re in my world now.” Brianna looked over at him and smiled. “I think I might like it here.”

“Holy crap, what a rush!” Bri set the gun down and turned to face him, pulling off her earmuffs as she turned. They’d shot for over two hours. He knew she’d like it, once she gave it a chance. He took the time to show her basic gun safety, which she paid complete attention to. The he’d wrapped his arms around her, rubbed the honeyed skin of her arms as he showed her how to hold it. Jackson walked her through the whole process, and now two hours later she was shooting like a pro. Well, maybe not a pro, but 144

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doing pretty damn well. “You did good. Here, we need to get this thing unloaded, though. I don’t like it sitting there.” Jackson did his business, making sure the gun was unloaded before putting it back in the case. “Thanks. That was pretty amazing Jackson. I see why it relaxes you. It’s a pretty fantastic feeling to hit that target.” Her brown eyes were bright. They practically glowed with excitement. That’s what he loved about her. She felt things, everything, so deeply. Every experience with her was new…fresh. Without thinking, Jackson stepped forward and pulled her into his arms. He rested his chin on the top of her head. The stiffness in her body only lasted a couple seconds before she wrapped her arms around him, too. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself. We can come back sometime, if you want. You didn’t give me much of a chance this time.” He laughed, fighting to keep things lighter than they really felt to him. The fact was, the woman in his arms meant the world to him. More than he ever would have expected. He just didn’t know if he was the man she needed, if he’d weigh her down and take that spark out of her eyes that he’d grown to love so much. “I’d like that.” Jackson loosened his arms and stepped away from her. She let him go and did the same. “Are you hungry? I thought we’d have some lunch.” “I’m game.” They grabbed their stuff and left the shooting range. Once they got into the car he headed straight for Duke’s. He’d talked to the older man this morning and made plans for him to have some food ready for them to pick up around 11:30. The whole drive over Bri chattered on about shooting and the fact that she was, as she put it, ‘a natural pro’. He laughed, enjoying the way she told the story, studying the way her voice rose when she got really excited. Everything was so fresh and exciting for her. It’s like she was so thankful just to be alive, and he felt grateful she shared that with him. He didn’t know where this thing between them could go, but he knew she had quickly become one of the most important people in his life. Hell, maybe the most important person. Jackson didn’t bother turning off the truck when they pulled up to the curb. A second later, Duke traipsed down the alley. “Oh!” Bri sounded startled when Duke knocked on her window. She looked at him a little confused, but then hit the button for the 145

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window to roll down. “What’s this? I didn’t know Jackson got delivery service.” “He doesn’t darlin’. If he didn’t have such a pretty little thing with him, I’d make his ugly mug walk inside.” She grabbed the paper bag through the window. “Aw, thanks, but you don’t have to butter me up. I swear, I haven’t talked.” “I see how you are. Don’t even defend. Ugly mug my ass,” Jackson mumbled, teasing them. Brianna reached over and rubbed his arm. “Did you get your feelings hurt? Poor Jackson. You know you’re gorgeous, though.” “Don’t you be stroking that boy’s ego, darlin’. He should be doing that to you.” “You’re right, Duke.” Jackson rubbed this thumb over her bottom lip. “She is beautiful. Inside and out.” Her big, brown eyes widened, looking glossy. It seared him straight through his chest. She smiled over at him. “Naw, you’re just sucking up because I got you delivery service.” Jackson chuckled. “That too.” She pulled away and he reached into his pocket for his wallet. “No charge, Jax.” “No. I can’t let you do that,” he tried to tell Duke, but he was already walking away. “Have fun, kids.” He called over his shoulder with a wink before he disappeared down the alley.

Brianna carried the food while Jackson held a bag that she hadn’t realized had been in his truck as they walked through the park. They made their way down to the water close to the location he’d found her at the last time they were in the park together. She couldn’t quiet the butterflies that raced around inside her. This was no longer her place, it was theirs, and she liked it. She’d never really had a guy plan out a whole day like this for her before. It felt good, one of those things you never realized you missed, until you had it. That encompassed Jackson too. She hadn’t known anything was missing from her life until she found it. “It’s not breaknic, but hopefully you’re okay with a lunch picnic?” he asked as they stopped by a tree. There went the butterflies again, dancing and teasing her insides 146

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with light brushes of their wings. He remembered her silly little vow to make him eat breakfast outside one day. It was so small, but meant so much. “It will do.” She replied with a wink. “What are we having?” “Don’t know. I told Molly to surprise me.” A wave of dizziness washed over her. He was trying, trying so hard, and it touched parts of her that she didn’t know existed. God, she loved this man. If she hadn’t known it before, she knew it now. He was so brave, much braver than her. Who knew if he really realized what he was doing, but to her he was giving up some of that control. Meeting her in the middle, and it was time she started to do the same thing. “I love surprises.” She looked down in the bag and noticed the edge of a blanket sticking out. Normally this would be when she gave him a hard time, but today she wanted to take steps toward him, not fight the magnetic pull she felt between them. “Here, if you hand me the blanket, I can lay it out for us.” Jackson looked over at her and smiled. She could do nothing, but smile back.

They ate their lunch and talked for hours. The longer they out there the shorter their silences became. Bri told him more about her and her friends, about her traveling, and about her parents and how different they were from her. Jackson talked about being a cop and more about how he’d always known that’s the life he wanted to lead. Excitement bloomed in his eyes when he talked about the academy, his first years in the field, before he told her about his partner, Martinez. She remembered him briefly from when he helped Jackson move in, but she hadn’t really taken the time to talk to the man. At the time, she’d been too busy scowling at her knew situation, knowing the devil would soon be taking up residence in her home. Now…now she couldn’t imagine living there without him. After talking for hours they did another walk around the park like they’d done the other day. Somewhere during the walk, he’d reached out and grabbed her hand, and the giddy teenage girl inside her did a happy dance. “Sunset’s coming.” Jackson looked toward the sky. “Want to watch it, and then head back to the house?” 147

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“Sure. Sounds great.” He led her over to the grass, and they both sat down, sans the blanket this time. Jackson pulled her into his arms, her back against his chest as they watched the pinks and oranges paint the sky. “It’s beautiful.” “So are you.” He whispered against her ear. Butterflies waged war inside her, as tingles shot throughout her body. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Jackson chuckled a little bit, pulling her tighter against him. “Sunsets are the one thing my mom, my dad and I always did together. They both loved to watch the sunset. As long as I can remember, we’d head to the back yard, or sometimes to the park, and watch the sun go down on another day.” “That sounds nice. Your mom still does that, you know? I’ve joined her a few times.” He let out a heavy smile. “Maybe I’ll have to catch one with her when she comes home.” Brianna smiled. She wanted Mama and Jackson close again. She knew it hurt her that she’d somehow lost her son over the years. Bri didn’t know the story. It was painfully obvious Mama didn’t like to talk about it, and she had a feeling it would be that way for Jackson too. “I think you should. She loves you, Jackson, you know that right?” “Yeah, I do. I love her, too.” “I know.” Bri held his arms which held her and gave them a gentle squeeze. She wanted him to know she was there for him. No matter what, they were in this together now, but she wanted answers, too. She wanted to know everything about him, and in turn, him to know everything about her. “What happened with him, Jackson?” His whole body stiffened. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to. I’ll understand, but--” “No. I don’t mind. I want to tell you.” He stopped talking for a minute and just breathed. His breath whispered across her face as her heart swelled inside her. He wanted to tell her, he wanted to let her in on those demons that plagued him. That had to mean something, didn’t it? Did that mean he felt the same things she did? “I’m just like my dad, Bri. He’s a good guy. Rocksteady, you’d probably hate him. He’s even more anal retentive than I am.” “I wouldn’t hate him, Jackson. Not if he’s like you.” So much was behind those words, and she wondered if he realized it. If he knew what she was trying to tell him. 148

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“Honestly, I don’t know how they ended up together. They’re so different. Day and night. I think that’s why they liked the sunset. It’s when the two halves came together, and dawn was just too early for my mom to get up.” He laughed gently, but it wasn’t real. It wasn’t the deep, loud laughter she’d come to recognize from him. “So yeah, they were young, so different in so many ways, yet somehow, they fell in love. I don’t doubt that. I know how much my mom loved him, and I believe he loved her too. Despite their differences, I’d like to believe they were both in love with each other at one point. I don’t know how, because of their differences, but they were.” This time it was Bri who stiffened. His words were like a slap to the face. They burned her to the core. She knew he didn’t mean them in regards to their situation. Hell, he probably didn’t even realize the similarities between his parent’s relationship and theirs, but his words told her he could never want anything more between them. If he didn’t understand where his parents had come from, then there’s no way he could be feeling the same way about her that she felt about him. “He’s an accountant. Can you believe that? My mom fell in love with an accountant. He is a few years older than her. Anyway, they got married. By then my grandparents had already passed away, and mom got the big house. I know she and his parents never got along. She was just too wild for them. “I remember when I was younger, they were happy. We were happy, but I think as time wore on, the differences just became too much. Like I said, they were young, too damn young to get married. She was only twenty when she had me, still a kid herself. The older I got, the more I’d start to notice. He’d come home from work and they’d fight. He’d complain that she wasn’t growing up. That she let me get away with too much, or forgot to pay a bill. “She’d tell him to lighten up. They always got paid even if there was a late fee attached. Being a money man, he wasn’t okay with that, I guess. When I was about eight I think it was, they divorced. I stayed with Mom, and took over making sure the bills were paid on time.” His words shocked her. That wasn’t the Mama Love she knew. She may be a free spirit, but she was responsible. Things always got done. “She’s grown up a lot,” he said as if reading her mind. “That 149

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sounds funny to say. That my mom grew up, but she has. I don’t want to make it sound like she was a bad mom, Bri. I mean, I always knew she loved me, but she just wasn’t ready for the responsibilities she took on. She’d get busy with her art and forget to pick me up from school. She’d fed me chocolate chip waffles for breakfast, lunch and dinner if I wanted. It became where I was more the parent, and her the child. “I was never mistreated, but I didn’t have a typical childhood, either. Then I’d go spend time with my dad, and it would be so different that I started resenting her for it. I wanted that normalcy that she couldn’t give me. I mean, I was a kid when she started renting out rooms in our house. People came and went. The kids at school gave me a hard time. I went to a private school, and I was the kid with the crazy mom who dyed her hair pink.” And she knew it then, that he feared Brianna would be the same way. He wouldn’t let them ever have anything else between them, because to him, she was just like his mom. She’d forget their children at school, do crazy things to her hair, let strange people live in their house; all the things she’d never seen fault in Mama Love for in the past. In some ways she still didn’t. It wasn’t as if she wanted to change who she was. Why should anyone else care what her hair looked like or how she wanted to dress? On the other hand, it pained her to know that Mama hadn’t been able to give her little boy what he needed. That she’d been too obsessed with being different, and setting herself apart, that she gave a little boy way more responsibility than he needed. She’d made him grow up too fast. Not nurtured what he’d needed nurtured. And then she came along, wild and crazy and putting him down for the way he led his life. It’s a wonder why he sat here with her today. She couldn’t help but wonder when he wouldn’t be there anymore. When he’d realize they’d come too far and that he couldn’t handle being with her anymore. Water spilled from her eyes. “I’m sorry, Jackson. I didn’t know. This whole time.” He turned her around so she faced him. “Shh, there’s nothing for you to be sorry for. Don’t cry, Brown Eyes.” He wiped the tears from her face, before kissing her lips softly. In this moment, she needed him. Needed him more than she’d ever needed anyone in her life. She wanted to try and show him, to remind him how good they were together. That despite their differences there was something between them that couldn’t be 150

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denied. “Take me home, Jackson. I need you. I want you to make love to me.”

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Chapter Fifteen

Jackson had her to his truck in no time flat. They were on the road to the house just minutes after her plea to him. He didn’t even give himself much time to think about the fact that he’d just opened up to her more than he had anyone in his whole life. He didn’t want to think about what it meant that he did so, and that on so levels it felt so right. She was like family to him, not only because she was so close with his mom, because more importantly, she was close to him. Closer to himself than he’d ever let anyone get. Deep down, he knew he loved her. It wasn’t something he expected or something he needed to sit around and try and figure out. He knew it. Probably had for a while, but then, how did he ever expect it to work? Telling her the story about his parents hit that home to him, just as it probably had to her, too. If they took this thing any farther than they already had, years from now they’d end up in the same exact place his parents had. Opposites may attract, but in his experience, that attraction didn’t last. But fuck, could he let her just walk away from him? Could he keep this up without falling any deeper? Jackson wasn’t sure he could handle either of those options. For the first time in his well orchestrated life, he didn’t know what to do. What he did know is he needed her just as much right now, as she seemed to need him. As they pulled up at the house, Jackson realized she’d been right. This was no longer just sex. They were indeed about to make love.

Jackson’s mouth molded with hers the second they cleared her bedroom door. He kicked it closed with his foot, as he deepened the kiss. Kiss…that wasn’t a strong enough word for what he was doing right now. With each tangle of their tongues, their lives tangled together so intricately she didn’t think it would ever unwind. He touched her soul with each sweep of his tongue. She went straight for his shirt, pushing it up so he realized she 152

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needed it off. She craved skin to skin contact. Hungered to feel the hardness of his skin. “In a hurry, Brown Eyes?” Half his mouth rose in a smile. Damn she loved that smile. When they first met, he almost never showed it. Now, she couldn’t imagine his face without it. He was still the same old grumpy Jackson in some ways, but in others he’d changed so much. They both had. “Yes, now hurry the hell up.” Fierce hunger lit up his blue eyes as he ripped his shirt over his head. Bri did the same with hers. “Jesus, you’re beautiful. Do you know that?” Jackson traced the edge of her bra as he spoke. His finger slowly moved over the swells of each of her breasts. Anticipation ballooned inside her, pumping her up until she thought she would explode from his simple touch. “This is beautiful.” His hands cupped her. Bri looked down and watched him palm her breasts, kneading them. “Us…together.” As if she’d lit a fire inside him, Jackson jerked her into his arms. Bri wrapped her legs around his waist as their mouths met again. Jackson laid her down on the bed, never severing their contact as their mouths mated. He sucked on her tongue, her lip, as they gave and took from each other. His heavy body laid over hers with the right amount of weight. Not too heavy, but she could also feel every inch of his hard body lining up with hers. Jackson pulled away from her and slid the strap of her bra down her arms. The man was good. She hadn’t even noticed he’d unlatched the thing. He tossed it to the floor, and at the same time, sucked one of her nipples deep into his mouth. Bri cried out in ecstasy as her body bowed toward him. She wanted him to eat her whole, to touch, tease and taste every part of her, and she wanted to do the same thing to him. “Mm, it feels so damn good to have my mouth on your body again, Brown Eyes. To touch you.” He pinched one of her nipples. “To lick you.” Jackson lashed his tongue over her other hardened peak. “And soon, to be inside you.” Then he ground his jean clad erection right over hers. Even though their clothes separated them, she felt his length, his heat, as he rubbed her and wondered if he could feels hers as well. “So good, Jackson. You feel so good.” And he did, even though he hadn’t even really done anything yet. Just the anticipation and feeling his weight on top of her almost did her in. 153

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Jackson nipped at her nipple, as another cry ripped from the back of her throat. Jackson looked down at her and smiled as his hands went straight to work, getting her naked. He removed her pants and panties at the same time, looking at her, desire and hunger darkening the blue of his eyes. “Damn you’re beautiful.” He stroked his finger up and down her center before he parted her lips and pushed two fingers inside. “Damn, I almost forgot how tight you are. How wet you get for me. You’re so responsive, Brown Eyes.” Jackson pumped his fingers in and out of her. Her whole body felt alive like only he could make it. “For you, Jackson. For you.” “Fuck, what is it with the way you say my name.” he pushed his fingers faster as his other hand moved to one of her breasts. “I love hearing my name fall from your lips, Bri. Love that sexy, breathless way you call to me.” Bri let her eyes fall closed as she reached out, stroking him through his jeans. He was so hard, so thick. She couldn’t wait to feel him filling her. “Jackson…Jackson…” She wanted to bring him as much pleasure as he gave her, so she gripped him tighter through his jeans, saying his name over and over again. Jackson’s thumb pressed down on her clitoris, rubbing the swollen nub as his fingers pumped. It was all too much. Tingles turned to an explosion as her body let loose in orgasm. Wave after wave pummeled her as she rode out her completion, and over and over, she called his name. He didn’t give her time to recover. Jackson pushed to his feet. His jeans hit the floor a second later as his long, swollen erection sprang free. Bri reached up to grab him, but he stopped her, clutching her hand. He brought it to his lips and kissed it. “Not right now, Brown Eyes. I won’t last.” He had a condom on a second later. He positioned himself between her thighs and thrust, filling her perfectly with one smooth drive of his hips. “Oh, God, Jackson.” “You like that, do you? I do too. You feel so good, Bri. So tight around me. God, I don’t think I will ever get enough of you.” “So don’t…” Their sweat-slicked bodies moved together, meeting each other thrust for thrust. Jackson whispered in her ear: told her how good she felt, what she did to him, and how much he wanted to please her. He took her nipple in his mouth, first one, then the other, as he continued making love to her. And that’s just what 154

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they were doing, she realized. Right now, nothing else mattered; not their differences, not their fears, their fighting. Nothing but the two of them, and how perfectly their bodies moved together as one. Her orgasm started to build again deep inside her. It blossomed, gaining strength with each of his thrusts. When he took her right nipple between his teeth and bit lightly, she let go. Bri came again, her body tightening and contracting with bliss. “Your turn. Let me please you, Jackson.”

Jackson groaned as he rolled over, pulling Brianna on top of him. They never separated, as he flipped them so he was treated to immediate pleasure as she started to ride him. Jackson gripped her hips as she slid up and down on top of him. His muscles stiffened in anticipation. Damn, this woman had him on a hair trigger. He wanted this to last, but his orgasm already threatened as he looked up at her. “Fuck, Brown Eyes. I could come right now.” Jackson cupped her heavy breasts, slowing their bouncing as he palmed them. Pinching her nipples he thrust upwards, burying himself to the hilt. He needed her to come again. Hell, he needed them to come together. It didn’t matter how different they were, they could always share this pleasure. Here, they met in the middle, each giving the other what they needed. This isn’t the only place she gives me what I need. He thrust again. Trying to push all thoughts except this moment, except her, out of his head with each pump of his hips. Brianna leaned forward enough so he could suck one of her buds into his mouth. As he did, she reached behind her, cupping his sack. Jackson couldn’t take it anymore. His orgasm took him over as he flexed his hips and sucked her nipple deep into his mouth. They both jumped over the edge into ecstasy…together. After cleaning up the condom, Jackson climbed back into bed with Bri. She immediately curled right up next to him like they’d done this their whole lives. Her head rested in the nook of his arm. They faced each other. Jackson tickled the pads of his fingers up and down her back. Things were different for them in this moment. It’s like they’d crossed some invisible line that he feared he would never be able to 155

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find again. Forever, he’d be on this side of the line, loving a woman with whom he couldn’t stay. If they did, they’d only end up dragging each other down. No matter how much they meant to each other now, their differences would never change. Eventually, it would be too hard for them. He would drive her crazy for something as simple as wanting oatmeal for breakfast, or he wouldn’t be able to handle eccentricities. They may have the best intentions, just as his parents had, but eventually, it would all fall apart. It was better to end it now than later, right? When they had more ties to one another, maybe children, or rings on their fingers. Wow. Where had that come from? Did he want those things with Brianna? Hell, did she want that? Even if they did, would it ever work? “So, I almost got engaged once.” Her words snapped him out of his thoughts. Jealousy surged inside him. He had no right to be jealous. This was probably some time before they were ever together, but he was. “I didn’t know that. I’m surprised Mom never mentioned it.” Jackson tried to sound much calmer than he felt. “She doesn’t know. No one did. Kay and Tabby know a little bit of the story, but not the whole thing.” Her breathing was heavy, like she was nervous, Jackson pulled her tighter to him, hoping she knew he was here for her. Frankly, he was a little shocked that she was about to share something with him that his mom didn’t know about, and apparently, her best friends didn’t even know the whole story. It made him excited and nervous at the same time. But his feelings didn’t matter right now. Hers did, and she obviously wanted to get something off her mind and he wanted to be there for her to do it. “What happened? How did you manage to have a relationship they didn’t know about?” “I met him in Europe. I did this whole travel thing for six months. I met him my first night there. We talked all night. He was different than anyone I’d ever met. I mean, he was completely different than me. I’m talking suit and tie kind of man, but he seemed to like me. Like, really like me, and it felt good.” Jackson moved his hand to the back of her neck, kneading the muscles there. “He’d be a fool not to.” She laughed a little bit. “You didn’t like me at first.” “And I am a fool.” He whispered against her forehead before dropping a single kiss there. “So what happened?” 156

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“I extended my stay and spent all my time with him. Finally after seven weeks there, I knew I had to get going. I couldn’t spend my whole vacation in London. When I told him, he asked me to marry him. He told me he loved me, and that he didn’t want me to leave. I’m not going to lie, it freaked me out at first, but then I realized, I didn’t really want to leave him, either. I had this man, a man that no one would have ever thought would pay me any attention. Hell, a man I never thought I would want attention from, who wanted me to stay in London and marry him. It was amazing, and I loved him. I really thought I did.” His heart squeezed a little bit hearing her talk about another man this way. She was his woman, in his arms, and he hated the fact that she’d loved someone else. That she felt the same way about this guy that he felt about her. “So, yeah, I told him I couldn’t agree to marry him yet, but I would stay. We would try and make our relationship work. He brought me home to meet his parents the next day, and they all pretty much ganged up on me. If we were going to stay together, and live together, we needed to be married. Sam was wealthy, his parents were big names, and they didn’t want their only son to ‘slum it’.” Jackson tensed. “Yeah, and they used those words, too. They started telling me what I would have to do, how I would have to act, and Adam just fell into line with them. He was so different than the man I thought I’d loved. From the man that I thought loved me, for me. When we left that night we fought. It’s crazy, Jackson. He really didn’t see anything wrong with his actions. He told me I could dress how I wanted when we were at home. “That I just had to put on an act in public. Maybe change my hair, but I would still be me. He wasn’t trying to change me.” He let out a deep breath. “So, needless to say, I ditched him and became bitter against all men, besides a quick roll in the sack.” Jackson chuckled with her. She amazed him. She was so brave, so strong. Much more so than he was. “He sounds like a prick, Brown Eyes.” He kissed her forehead. “I have to tell you, I’m glad you got away. You deserve better than that. You deserve someone who can appreciate you for who you are. Who sees how amazing you are, and who can match you that, not someone who wants to stifle you.” And that’s really what he was afraid of; that he would end up 157

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trying to stifle her. The same way he’d wanted to change his mom when he was younger. The same way his father had hoped to do to his mom, before the divorce. He’d always wanted that typical, normal, picket-fence life, and Brianna was anything but typical. She was bright and unique. In the world of black and white that he longed for, she was that splash of color that both excited him, but scared him at the same time. What if one day he tried to do the same thing her ex had done? What if they drove each other crazy until they couldn’t stand the sight of each other any more? He couldn’t handle thinking about that. He couldn’t do the same thing to her that asshole had done. Bri pulled away from him enough to look him in the eyes. That electric attraction that always danced between them connected them again, as fierce and intense as ever. “What about you, Jackson? Could you be that man? Honestly, do you think you could?” His whole body tensed at the question. This was it, this was where they’d both realize that they couldn’t keep things going the way they were. “I don’t know, Brown Eyes.” He hated the words the minute they’d come from his mouth, but he loved this woman, and she deserved the truth. “I want to, but I just don’t know.” She nodded her head at him, understanding without any more words. Jackson pulled her tighter against him. Brianna put her head on his chest, twisting her fingers through the dusting of hair there. It could have been five minutes or hours later, he didn’t know, but soon, she drifted off to sleep. “I love you, Brown Eyes.” He kissed the top of her head. Jackson lay in bed awake all night, taking advantage of the last time he would hold her like this.

“Hey, Bri, Nico wanted me to make sure you brought Jackson with you to Luciano’s tomorrow night,” Tabby told her as the three girls sat in Tabby’s living room on what she didn’t know would be her last night as an unengaged woman. When Nico decided to pop the question, he didn’t waste any time. He’d put off the move for the week, much to Tabby’s dismay, while he and Luciano made plans for the whole family to meet at Luciano’s the next night. Like they always did any time they had a big family gathering, 158

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the Valenti cousins were closing the restaurant down for the night so they whole family could get together for Tabby’s surprise engagement. Of course she didn’t know that. As far as she knew it was a birthday party for some long lost cousin or something. That was the easy part. The hard part would be bringing Jackson. She wasn’t really sure where they stood. They’d been cordial to each other all week. None of their usual bickering and fighting which, surprisingly, she missed, but there’d been none of their new found affection, either. Stolen glances, yes, touching of any kind, no. It wasn’t as if they’d even really seen each other all that much all week. It was like they both came to some kind of unspoken agreement and didn’t spend too much time around the house. Hell, maybe it was just her who wasn’t around the house much, but when she was there, he wasn’t there very long. For her, it was just the fact that she missed him, and she wasn’t sure how or if she should tell him. That last night they spent together was a cluster of emotions. He’d made love to her, real love, not just the casual sex she was used to. They’d talked, held each other, and she’d let him see sides of her that she’d never shown to another man. It had been overwhelming, both in a good and a bad way. She’d never felt so close to someone, yet so far away at the same time, because no matter how strongly she felt for him, and how much she suspected he might feel the same way, he just wasn’t ready to make that step. He was conflicted just like she was. The only difference is, no matter how scared she was, she finally felt like she was ready to take that step. She would have risked it, but he just couldn’t do it, and that hurt. “Bri? You in there?” Tabby waved her hands in front of her face. “I asked if you could bring Jackson with you tomorrow night.” No, I can’t. He wasn’t willing try for me. I’m not enough for him. Bri shook her head. “Not sure about that one, Tab. You might want to just plan this whole birthday party shindig without him.” Both her friends turned and looked at her, their eyes wide with understanding. That’s how it always worked with the three of them. Most of the time, they didn’t need words. They just understood each other, giving each other whatever they needed, sometimes without even realizing they were doing it. “Um, he’s working?” Bri tried to cover, but of course it didn’t work. “Yeah right, girl. Try again.” Kaylee crossed her arms over her 159

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chest. She could tell it wasn’t in frustration, but just a way to prepare herself for whatever Bri had to say. “We’re kind of…not together any more. I mean, it’s not like we were ever really together, but now we’re even less together than we were before.” Hell, she didn’t even know if what she just said made sense, but she didn’t know any other way to explain it. Bri stood up and walked over to Tabby’s fireplace, knowing she had some explaining to do. Instead of her usual reluctance, she actually wanted to share this though. She hadn’t realized it until this second, but she wanted to talk about what happened with Jackson, and to her friends. She needed, them and this time she wasn’t going to hide. “I love him.” Bri turned her head to look at them while she spoke. They didn’t look quite as surprised as she thought they would at her news. “Did you guys hear me? I said, I love him.” “We know you do, sweetie, and I think he loves you too.” Tabby smiled at her. She wanted to think so, but couldn’t bring herself there. Yes, she knew he had feelings for her, but they couldn’t be as strong as what she felt for him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been able to turn her down as easily as he had that last night they spent together. “No, I don’t think he does. I mean, he has some feelings for me, but they can’t be the same as I feel for him.” “Did you tell him?” Kaylee asked. “Not in as many words. I asked him if he could be the man I needed, and he said he didn’t know. Ever since then, we’ve kept our distance from each other.” Tears pricked her eyes. Both Kaylee and Tabby walked over to her and pulled her into a hug. Tabby pulled away and spoke first. “He’s scared, Bri. You have to know that. I’m not excusing what he said, but look at how I reacted with Nico? It took a drunken margarita night with my best friends to bring me to my senses. It didn’t happen all at once.” Kaylee piped in next. “Hell, my husband ran away before we got together. Actually, we both did. I knew how much that man meant to me, and he knew the same thing about me, but we were both scared. Fear makes you do some pretty messed up things sometimes, Bri.” Brianna wiped her eyes. God, she hated to cry. Right now, she couldn’t stop the steady trickle. As much as she thought she had this 160

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under control. She loved this man, and she missed him. It hurt to have him so close, yet so far away. Every night she heard him walk the house, heard him talk to the dogs, on the phone, whatever. He was in her grasp, but she couldn’t make herself grab onto him. “But we’re not the same as you guys are. Things are different for Jackson and me.” “Do you think I didn’t think the same thing about me and Luciano? Or that Tabby didn’t feel like that about her and Nico? You’re not the only one to ever fall in love. You’re not the only one who ever fell in love with someone they never thought they would, Bri. I’m not going to say it would ever be easy between you and Jackson, but you have to ask yourself if it would be worth it.” Was he worth it? Hell yes, but what if he didn’t feel the same way about her? “I love him. Of course he’s worth it. He’s the one who doesn’t want to try.” Bri crossed her arms in frustration. Love sucked. She’d never felt so unsure about herself in her life, even with the prick, because as much as she’d thought she’d loved him, what she felt about him was nothing compared to the feelings she felt for Jackson. “So make him.” Tabby told her. “You’ve never back away from any challenge in your life, Brianna. Don’t walk away from your most important fight.” “But should love be a fight?” “You’ve said it yourself a million times, love isn’t a fairytale. It’s hard, and it takes work. Nothing worth having is easy, Bri.” Tabby added, “We’re not saying you need to be the only one giving, Bri. You shouldn’t have to chase the man down, but don’t run either. Not until you know you at least told him how you feel.” Part of her wanted to run out the door right now and do exactly what they said, but then, if she’d learned anything where Jackson Montgomery was concerned it was her spur of the moment thinking usually didn’t do too well for her. “We’ll see you guys. I’m going to sleep on it. This is important to me. I want to make sure I figure out where I’m going before I try and get there.” She smiled at her friends. “Now come on and get me drunk like every good best friend does when their friend has a broken heart.” She had a lot to figure out, but right now, she needed her friends too.

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Chapter Sixteen

Brianna lay in bed, staring at her plain white ceiling. How boring the stark white was against the multitude of colors in her room. She’d have to do something about that. But then…she kind of liked it. It was the calming center of her room. The part that wasn’t loud or bright. It was kind of relaxing…comforting if that made any sense at all. She loved the crazy, but staring at that plain white ceiling, she realized she loved the calm too. Her walls and ceiling co-existed well together. They complimented each other. Each brought something different to her life. She thought about Kaylee and Luciano; how both of them had been so determined to stay away from love. How they threw themselves into their work, so they didn’t realize what they were missing. But once they met, there was no turning back for them. No matter how hard they ran, they somehow still ran right to each other. She let her mind wander to Tabby and Nico. The ladies’ man and the princess in the castle who wanted nothing more than to find that price charming to sweep her off her feet. They met in the middle, each realizing that they hadn’t ever known what they really wanted, until they found each other. Her friends found a way to make it work. Despite any of the shit they’d been through in their pasts, they found a way to make it work. And they were happy. They hadn’t given anything up in their lives, only gained. They had their colored walls and their damn white ceiling, and they loved it. Maybe she and Jackson could be like them. Maybe she wasn’t as different as she tried to make them believe last night. Bri wanted her mixed up bedroom, too. She wanted the wild and the calm. She didn’t want to feel weak like she had been lately. Weak is what she’d been with the prick, but this, this was different. Kaylee and Tabby were right. She wasn’t the type to give up. She fought for what she wanted, and she wanted Jackson Montgomery. Was there a chance he couldn’t get over his past? Yes, there was, but there was also the chance he could as well. She was a player; she played the game, and there’s no way she would count herself out 162

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now. She couldn’t sit back, feeling left behind, because her friends had the balls to go for what they wanted, and they now had it. She’d fallen in love with the white ceiling, and one way or another, she’d make the damn thing fall in love with her, too. Bri clambered out of the bed and went straight for the door. Stud Muffin ran under her bed, apparently very aware that the shit may be hitting the fan. Who knew how Jackson was going to react to her. It could be another one of those situations like when she propositioned him in his bedroom weeks ago, but she’d like to think they were past that. That they’d somehow understood each other better, despite the differences between them. Bri knocked at his door and didn’t get an answer. Unwilling to give up, she pushed the door open to find an empty bedroom. Heading back to her bedroom, she grabbed her cell phone. Of course, she got his voicemail. “Jackson, its Bri. I’ve made an important decision, and you’re part of it. I’m not taking I don’t know as an answer. Get your ass to Luciano’s tonight at six-thirty.” She closed the phone and headed for her bathroom. She’d promised Nico she’d help him prepare for the party tonight. This day was important to him, and it would be important to Tabby too, so she couldn’t let them down, but one way or another, she’d be getting her man tonight, too.

Jackson tossed his phone on the bed after a long day at work. He’d risen early and gone straight for the gym, trying to work out some of the pent up energy inside him begging for release. It didn’t work. Nothing seemed to work without her. His simple, planned out life felt chaotic. It wasn’t right as it should be, and it was all because he missed her. He saw her every day, but she wasn’t his. Her scent overwhelmed him when they were in the same room together, so familiar, but out of reach. His life should be back to normal now, yet everything felt wrong without her. Jackson sighed, running a hand through his hair. He took a shower, but still didn’t feel better. Got dressed, got something to eat, yet he still felt restless. It was Friday, which meant in a couple hours, she’d be with her friends, laughing without him. He’d miss her smiles, miss her tipsy snark as she drank her apple martini’s. 163

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He’d missed the camaraderie between the five of them that he’d felt such a part of lately. And it was all his fault. Jackson paced the house. Five o’clock turned to six. He took the dogs out, fed them, all the while his mind on a pair of dark brown that made him come undone. How had they gotten to this place so quickly? How had he fallen in love with her so quickly? How was it, that within a few weeks time, his well orchestrated life left him feeling alone? I don’t know, Brown Eyes. At the time that felt like the only answer he could give, but really what it had been was a cop-out. A way for him to keep himself in his perfect little bubble, without risk. But now the bubble wasn’t so perfect. Or maybe it was, but maybe he just didn’t want perfect anymore. He wanted her. He wanted chocolate chip waffles for breakfast. He wanted grumpy mornings if the coffee ran out and surprise meals at Duke’s. Fridays with friends, whether he had to work the next day or not. Feeding the ducks. Hell, he’d even take the damn dog, because it was hers. Jackson missed laughing, missed her sarcasm, missed that lightness he felt when he was with her. The door slammed in the next room. Jackson went straight for it. He didn’t know what he would say right now, if they could find a way to make this work or not, he just knew he needed her. “Hey! I’m home early.” His mom spoke to him as he rounded the corner. His face must have shown his disappointment because she then asked, “What’s wrong?” “Nothing, I just thought you might be Brianna.” “Don’t tell me the two of you are still at each other’s throats. I’d hoped things would change while I was gone. You know she’s a good girl, Jackson. Special.” She dropped her bags in front of the door. Yes, she was special. And he wanted to be with her. He wanted to be able to give her what he deserved, and he had to come to terms with his mom to be able to do that. “I need to know why it was so hard for you, Mom. I look at you now, and even though you’re still young at heart, you have your shit together. Your bills are paid, your responsibilities are taken care of. Why couldn’t you grow up when I needed you to? Why now?” It was the first time in all these years he’d come out and asked her the question. It always hung in the air between them, thick and 164

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heavy, but this is the first time he vocalized it. She looked at him wide eyed and turned for the living room. Jackson followed her, but didn’t take a seat like she did. “I always wondered when you’d ask. I’m surprised it wasn’t sooner.” Her voice cracked. “I’m asking now.” “The truth is, I don’t have a good answer for you, Jackson. There’s no excuse. I was the parent, and I should have acted like it. I can blame it on my parents never being there for me when I was a child, on the people I surrounded myself with, on my ideals about society and the way I wanted to live my life. There are so many excuses I can use, but none of them would be right. The fact will always remain that I failed my son when he needed me the most. “That I was too selfish to see that I wasn’t giving you what you needed, or deserved, until it was too late. I wasn’t ready to become a mom when I did, but that’s no excuse. I should have grown up, but I didn’t. If I had then your father and I would probably still be together, and you would have been raised the way you deserved to be.” Her comment about his father surprised him. “You really think you and Dad would have stayed together?” “I do. I loved him, and he loved me. We were different as night and day, but we still loved each other.” She took a couple deep breaths before she continued. “I see, now, that he never really wanted to change me, he just wanted me to grow up. He worked so hard to try and make a life for us, and I just wanted to have fun. I didn’t think about the future like he did, and when I finally realized that I could take care of my responsibilities and have a good time, I’d lost you both.” She started to cry. “But I have always loved you, Jackson. I never realized I was doing wrong by you until it was too late. I’m so sorry. I just wanted to give you the childhood I never had, while trying to get it back myself, and it just didn’t work out.” Jackson pulled her into his arms and hugged her tightly. She cried both their pasts away. He held her, thinking about his childhood. While it hadn’t been what he wanted, it hadn’t been terrible. She’d loved him. He’d never suffered abuse or neglect. They’d both spent their lives just doing the best they could. She grew up wealthy, with parents who were so busy with hauling her around the world, she never had a childhood. 165

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She tried to make up for that as an adult and in turn, inadvertently did the same thing to him. Jackson squeezed her tighter. “Can we start over? I want to be close to you, Jackson. You’re my boy, and I love you.” A whirlwind of emotions swelled up inside him: sadness, happiness, hope, fear, all spun together with hurricane force. “I’d like that, and I love you too.” They held each other for God knew how long before he pulled away. “I love her, Mom. I love her, but I’m so scared I screwed things up.” She looked up at him and smiled. “Honey, Brianna’s not me.” She somehow knew exactly who he was talking about. “You guys aren’t your father and I. She’s got her head on so much better than I ever did at her age.” “I know.” And he did. Brianna was so much more than he’d thought at the beginning. “Even if I didn’t know it, I don’t think I’d be able to stay away from her anymore. It’s like nothing makes sense without her, but I screwed up. I was scared, and I told her I didn’t think I could be what she needed.” A new pool of tears filled her eyes. “Go to her. She will forgive you. Bri loves big, honey. She’s got a big heart and if she’s given it to you, she won’t take it away so easily.” She was right. Wasn’t he always telling Bri that she cared for people more than anyone he knew? He refused to believe it was too late for them. She was his laughter, and it couldn’t take a lifetime without that, no matter how many bumps may be in the road ahead of them. Jackson kissed his mom on the cheek and pulled away from her. “I have to go.” He wouldn’t wait any longer. Jackson returned his mom’s smile as he ran for the door.

Brianna stood in Luciano’s watching Tabby and Nico hug and kiss each other. The whole restaurant erupted in cheers, congratulating the couple-to-be. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place, including her own, as Nico lowered himself on one knee and asked her best friend to be his wife. Tabby hadn’t even replied, but launched herself at him right there on the floor. They kneeled, 166

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hugging and kissing, both so in love it made her heart ache and cheer at the same time. Tabby found her happily ever after. Kaylee already had hers. Her best friends were happy, and she was happy for them, despite the ache of loneliness in her chest. Jackson hadn’t come. He hadn’t called. He didn’t want to try. Bri turned to walk toward the door when Kaylee pulled her into her arms. “You okay?” she asked. “He didn’t come. It’s almost eight, and he hasn’t come.” Her tears streamed harder now. “Shh, it’s okay.” “No, it’s not. I’m angry. It’s the biggest day of my best friend’s life, and I can’t help but be more pissed off and hurt at my own life than I am happy for her.” “You’re hurting, Bri. There’s nothing wrong with that. Tabby would understand. She loves you just like I do. I’m so sorry, you’re hurting, Bri, but maybe something came up. Maybe he’ll still be here.” The room was so busy with commotion for Tabby and Nico that no one paid any attention to them. Still, Bri tried to hide her tears. The last thing she wanted is to ruin this day for Tabby and Nico. “I wanted to do it now before I lost my nerve. I’m so scared, Kay, and I hate it. This is what I do. I go for what I want, but the stakes have never been so high. I don’t want to lose him. Hell, I probably never really had him.” “You have me. You always have. From the day you jumped me in that yard, Brown Eyes, you’ve had me.” Brianna froze, too afraid to turn around incase this was a dream. Her heart pumped frantically as she watched Kaylee’s lips stretch into a smile, before she turned and walked away. “You will never lose me. Even if you don’t want me, you’ll never lose me. How does someone live without laughter? Without smiling? That’s what you are to me, Brown Eyes. My happiness.” Bri spun around and came face to face with Jackson. She opened her mouth to speak, but he stopped her with his own words. “I love everything about you. This whole time I thought you weren’t what I wanted, but I was wrong. You’re not only what I want, you’re what I need. We balance each other, Bri. Somehow, we make sense.” 167

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Bri crossed her arms to hide her shaking hands. “No, we don’t, but maybe that makes us all the more right for each other. We don’t make sense, but somehow, through it all, that doesn’t matter. What matters is we love each other.” Then she realized he’d never really come out and said it. “That’s what you’re saying, right? You love me?” “So much that I fucking hurt without you. Bri, my life is dark without you. You’re my light. You make me want things I never thought I would want, and I will spend the rest of my life sitting in the grass without a blanket, or painting the walls of our house crazy colors, or even calling the damn dog Stud Muffin, if it means I can have you.” Bri couldn’t hold back her smile. Her heart danced in her chest. The butterflies Jackson always brought from their cocoons played in her belly. “We can bring a blanket. It’s kind of nice to lay back on something soft.” It was her way of telling him she’d meet him halfway. As long as they were both in this together, they’d find a way to make it work. “From now on, you have me to lie back on.” Bri launched herself at Jackson, much like Tabby had just done with Nico. “I love you so much, Inspector.” She winked at him. “Not as much as I love you, Brown Eyes.” The restaurant, which she hadn’t realized had gone completely silent, erupted again in cheers and laughter. Jackson pulled her into his arms as Bri wrapped her legs around his waist. He held her, rocking back and forth, whispering in her ear how much he loved her, while everyone in the room cheered for them. Her eyes immediately connected with Tabby and Kaylee. Standing behind them with their arms wrapped around them stood Luciano and Nico. The girls were crying and Nico and Luciano smiling. Bri mouthed, “I love you,” to her two best friends in the world, while the man she loved still whispered the same thing in her ear. In unison, they both mouthed the words back to her.

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Epilogue One year later….

Luciano clanked a fork against his wine glass to quiet everyone at the table. They continued their Friday night tradition, except now they didn’t even give it the pretense of calling it girls’ night. It was couples’ night. Nico now took Fridays off, so all six of them spent the whole evening together. “We have an announcement to make.” Luciano set his glass down. It seemed like the whole year something was going on, so she wasn’t surprised to find out something else was going on. It started with Nico and Tabby’s wedding just a month after their engagement. They hadn’t wanted to wait. They had a small ceremony at Nico’s parents’ house, with just immediate family and close friends. Then they not only had to move Mama Love down to Palm Springs, but also attend her wedding to the friend she’d gone down to help after surgery. Apparently, Bri and Jackson hadn’t been the only ones being naughty those weeks. Now, they had the whole house to be naughty in. Mama had signed it over to them when she left to be with William. Under the table, Jackson squeezed her hand, making her heart race. He still had that effect on her. He always would. Kaylee took over where Luciano left off. “We’re having a baby!” she shrieked. “What the hell? You stole my line!” Nico said. Tabby socked him in the arm. “Hey, I thought we weren’t saying anything yet!” Everyone at the table broke out in laughter. The rest of the night they spent talking about the two new babies joining their family. Nico and Luciano boasted back and forth about how strong their swimmers were, and who knocked who up first. Tabby and Kaylee wondered if they’d have girls or boys, hoping they both had the same thing so they could be as close as the three of them were, or cousins who were more like brothers, like Luciano and Nico. She and Jackson held hands, making bets with the one who 169

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would have a girl or who would have a boy. It was perfect. Just like every Friday at Luciano’s was. Just like her life was now. When she and Jackson left a little while later, he stopped her outside his truck. “Are you happy?” “Completely. Are you?” Jackson cupped her cheek. “Happier than I’ve ever been.” He leaned forward and took her mouth in a kiss. Their tongues dancing together in familiarity. “I had plans for tonight, but they kind of one upped me in there.” “What is it? You want to take me home and ravish me?” Bri asked. “Well of course, but there’s more.” He reached into his pants pocket and pulled out a ring. “We can go back for a diamond if that’s what you want, but I thought this was more us.” Bri’s eyes began to water, her hands shaky as she reached for the simple gold band. In the center sat an oval orangish-yellow stone. “Hey, let me at least make some of this traditional and put it on your finger.” Jackson grinned at her as he grabbed her hand. Heat trickled up her arm at the contact as he slid the ring on her finger. “Marry me, Brown eyes. Give me a reason to smile every day for the rest of my life.” Tears flowed steadily down her cheeks now, as her heart paraded in her chest. “Our sunset,” she whispered, knowing immediately he’d chosen this stone for what it represented. “It’s Citrine. I did a lot of research before picking this stone. They say it brings happiness, joy and optimism into your life, and that’s what you do for me.” Bri smiled. “You did do your research. Only you would research an engagement ring.” She looked down, admiring the ring on her finger as her hand rested in his hand. It was perfect. He was perfect. “And, I love you for it.” “I love you too, Brown Eyes.” He ran his finger over the ring. “You’re right, it is our sunset too. Bringing together day and night. It’s where we meet in the middle.” God, she loved this man. With everything in her, she loved him. “Can we get married at sunset? Just us, Mama, Tabby, Kaylee, Nico, Luciano, and that damn crazy partner of yours?” Jackson chuckled. “That depends on one thing.” “Only you would give stipulations during a marriage proposal.” She laughed. 170

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“You haven’t told me yes yet, Brown eyes.” Bri smiled, warmth and love coursing through her body. “Yes. I want nothing more than to be your wife. Just don’t think you’re knocking me up as soon as those two in there.” Jackson pulled her into his arms, laughing. She loved the sound. It was her laugh. As she felt it vibrating through her, she knew it did it for her. For them. That she made him as happy as he made her. Her fiancé pulled away from her enough to bring his lips to hers. He kissed her deeply, their souls merging together with each sweep of his tongue. “Can I take you home and ravish you now?” he asked when he pulled away. Bri kissed him again. “I thought you’d never ask.”

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About the Author

Kelley has been writing for as long as she can remember. Life got in the way and she wasn’t able to work on accomplishing her goal of becoming a published writer until 2005. When she became a stay at home mom for the first time she decided to start working on her dream again. Since she’s always been a romantic at heart she took her two passions, romance and writing and started her very first romance novel. Her life hasn’t been the same since. Life couldn’t be more wonderful. She has a job she loves, two beautiful little girls who always bring a smile to her face and her husband and soul mate Dominic who supports her beyond belief.

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