Page 18 of Jack of All Trades
*I'm starting to see that, Morrison.*
My heart beats a little faster at her admission. Before I can respond, another text comes through:
*Rex is done. I should go. See you at the party if not before.*
*Goodnight, Maya.*
*Goodnight, Jack.*
I stare at my phone for a moment after our exchange ends. Despite Rex's clear warning to back off, despite Maya's insistence that she's leaving town soon, despite all the reasons this is a bad idea… I can't deny the pull I feel toward her.
There's something about Maya Torres that gets under my skin in the best possible way. She doesn't fall for the charm that usually works so well for me. She challenges me, questions me, sees past the surface to something deeper.
And I want more of it. More of her sharp wit and reluctant smiles. More of those moments when her guard slips and I catch a glimpse of the woman beneath the armor.
But Rex's words echo in my mind: "My sister's off-limits."
Rex Torres has been my friend since we were kids throwing rocks at abandoned buildings and riding our bikes through creek beds. He was there when my dad died, when Mom got sick, when I won my first rodeo competition. He's family in all the ways that matter.
Can I risk that friendship for what might be nothing more than a passing attraction? Is it worth it for two weeks of Maya's company before she returns to Seattle?
I don't have answers to these questions, just a growing certainty that Maya Torres is going to complicate my life in ways I never anticipated when I first agreed to help plan her brother's surprise party.
As I finish my beer and head inside, I realize I'm actually looking forward to the complications.
And that, more than anything, tells me I'm already in trouble.
Chapter 6 - Maya
The morning sun streams through Rex's kitchen window as I slam my coffee mug onto the counter, the hot liquid sloshing dangerously close to the rim.
"I can't believe you're still on about this," I say, glaring at my brother across the small kitchen. "It's been twelve hours since your little scene at the fairgrounds."
Rex leans against the refrigerator, arms crossed over his chest. He looks tired, like he hasn't slept well, but his jaw is set with that stubborn determination I know all too well.
"I'm just looking out for you, Maya," he says, his voice softer than his stance suggests. "Jack's my best friend, but I've seen how he operates with women."
"So you keep saying." I take a sip of my coffee, trying to calm the irritation bubbling inside me. "But I'm not some naive teenager, Rex. I'm a grown woman who can decide for herself who to spend time with."
"It's not that simple." Rex pushes away from the refrigerator and begins pacing the small space. "You don't know him like I do."
"Then enlighten me," I challenge. "What terrible thing has Jack Morrison done that warrants you making a public scene and embarrassing both of us?"
Rex stops pacing and looks at me directly. "He hasn't done anything terrible. That's not the point."
"Then what is the point?"
"The point is that Jack doesn't do serious relationships." Rex runs a hand through his hair in frustration. "He dates women, charms them, makes them feel special, and then it ends. Everytime. And usually, they're the ones left hurt while he moves on to the next rodeo or the next woman who catches his eye."
"Maybe I'm not looking for a serious relationship either," I counter, though the words feel hollow even as I say them. "Did you ever consider that?"
"Maya, I've known you your entire life. You don't do casual. You never have."
The accuracy of his assessment irritates me further. "People change."
"Not that much." He sighs heavily. "Look, I think of Jack like a brother. He's had my back more times than I can count. But as your actual brother, I'm telling you he'd be a terrible boyfriend."
"Who said anything about boyfriends?" I throw my hands up in exasperation. "We were eating funnel cake and talking about rodeo. That's it."
