Page 16 of Riding Dirty for Christmas

But they don't notice. They're too wrapped up in their own happiness to see the tension crackling between their children.

After Mom serves dessert—something decadent with chocolate and candy canes—I realize my mission has completely derailed.

I came here to expose Robert's flaws, but didn’t find any. Instead...

“Oh!” Mom claps her hands. “We should take a family photo!”

Family photo. Right. Because that's what we are now. Or what we're supposed to be.

“Everyone squeeze in!” Mom directs, positioning us by the fireplace. Jack steps behind me, close enough that I can feel his warmth. “Smile!”

Before the flash goes off, Jack's phone chimes. He steps away, checking the screen with a frown.

“I should probably head back to the bar. Staff problems again.”

“On Christmas week?” Mom pouts. “That's terrible timing.”

“Worst time of year for it. Two staff down sick, one with some stomach bug from their kid's school, and another who stopped showing up. Four weeks now.” He runs a hand through his hair. “Hard to find reliable help these days.”

Mom's eyes light up. “Eden used to tend bar!”

“Did you now?” Jack's eyebrow lifts, challenge glinting in his eyes.

“Jesus, no. I haven't done that since college.” I shoot Mom a look. “I'm here to help with wedding preparations.”

“Oh, honey, don't worry about the wedding,” Mom waves her hand, giggling as Robert kisses her temple. “It's a simple registry ceremony. Nothing fancy.”

“I could use the help. Although Friday nights get pretty intense at the tavern,” Jack says, shaking his head. “Wouldn't want to stress you out.”

The dismissal in his tone hits a nerve. “Oh, you don't think I'm up to handling your small-town bar?” The wine and the memory of his hands on me make me reckless. “I'm better than you think.”

“Are you now?” His eyes darken. “Let's see about that.”

“Tomorrow night it is.” I stand, needing distance from his heat, his scent, everything about him.

“I'll walk you out,” Mom tells Robert and Jack, while I busy myself gathering plates, desperate for something to do with my hands besides grabbing that leather jacket and?—

“Eden,” Robert's voice stops me. “It was wonderful to finally meet you.” His genuine smile makes guilt twist in my stomach.

“You too,” I manage.

Jack lingers in the doorway while Mom and Robert head to the car. “Six sharp, Princess. Don't be late.”

“Wouldn't dream of it, big brother.”

His eyes flash dark at the title, and for a second I think he might—but no. He turns away, leaving me with nothing but the ghost of his cologne and the promise of tomorrow night.

“What have I gotten myself into?” I mutter, pressing my forehead against the cold glass.

Through the window, I watch them leave—Robert down the icy steps, Jack swinging onto his motorcycle. My mother's delighted laughter drifts up as Jack revs the engine.

Tomorrow night can't come soon enough. Or maybe it's coming way too fast.

I'm either going to prove I can resist temptation and play happy families—or spontaneously combust trying.

Chapter 5

Jack

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