Page 25 of Jack of All Trades
My heart rate kicks up a notch. "She is?"
"Yeah." Rex's eyes narrow slightly. "And if you're thinking about heading over there right now, you better behave yourself. My neighbor sees everything, and she has my number on speed dial."
I can't help the grin that spreads across my face, despite my still-throbbing jaw. "Are you giving me permission to go see her?"
"I'm acknowledging I probably can't stop you," Rex grumbles. "But I swear to God, Morrison, if you hurt her—"
"I know, I know. Goodbye rodeo." I stand up, unable to contain my eagerness any longer. "Thanks, Rex. For understanding. For giving me a chance."
He waves me off, but there's a reluctant acceptance in his eyes now. "Just remember our deal. And don't make me regret this."
"I won't," I promise, already backing toward the door. "See you tomorrow?"
"Apparently," Rex says dryly, giving me a look that makes me wonder again just how much he suspects about the surprise party.
I don't wait around to find out. With a final nod to the club president, who watches our exchange with knowing eyes, I head for the exit, my steps quickening with each foot closer to the door.
Outside, the bright midday sun feels like a spotlight on possibilities I never saw coming. I climb into my truck, my mind already racing ahead to what I'll say to Maya when I see her. How much should I tell her? Everything? Just that Rex knows I'm interested in her? That I'm willing to give up rodeo if things go wrong?
As I start the engine, I realize it doesn't matter what I plan to say. With Maya, the conversation never goes as expected anyway. She challenges me, surprises me, keeps me on my toes in a way no one else ever has.
And that, more than anything, is why I'm willing to risk it all for her.
I pull out of the Outlaw Order' parking lot, pointing my truck toward town, toward Rex's apartment, toward Maya.
Toward whatever comes next.
Chapter 8 - Maya
I pace the length of Rex's small living room, unable to sit still, unable to focus on the work notes I'd claimed to be organizing. My mind keeps circling back to Jack Morrison and our conversation in his backyard…
The way he looked with sunlight filtering through the oak tree, casting dappled shadows across his face as he admitted to having a less-than-stellar relationship history.
"This is ridiculous," I mutter to myself, running a hand through my hair. "I’ve known him for less than a week!"
It shouldn't be enough to develop this level of... whatever this is. Attraction? Interest? Obsession? Whatever label fits, it's annoying as hell.
I drop onto Rex's worn leather couch with a frustrated sigh. This isn't me. I don't get swept away by charming smiles and muscled chests. I'm practical, cautious, the girl who makes pro and con lists before deciding where to order takeout.
But every time I close my eyes, I see Jack. Shirtless in his backyard, muscles gleaming with sweat as he moved that heavy table. The memory alone is enough to send heat coursing through my body.
I scold myself, standing up to resume pacing. "He's just a man. A very attractive, surprisingly thoughtful man who makes everything feel easier somehow... but still just a man."
A man who probably flirts with every woman who crosses his path. A man with a reputation for brief, intense relationships that inevitably end. A man whose best friend—my brother—explicitly warned me against.
I'm not special. I'm just new in town, a novelty, something different from the women he usually dates. Once he gets to know me… My stubbornness, my insecurities, my sharp edges, the interest will fade. It always does.
A knock at the door interrupts my spiral of self-doubt. Three sharp raps, urgent and decisive.
I freeze, somehow knowing exactly who it is before I even reach the door. My heart hammers against my ribs as I check through the peephole, confirming my suspicion.
Jack Morrison stands on the other side. His hair is windswept, like he's been driving with the windows down, and there's a darkening bruise forming along his jawline that definitely wasn't there this morning.
I open the door, raising an eyebrow at his disheveled appearance. "What happened to your face?"
He's slightly out of breath, like he's rushed to get here. "I need to talk to you."
"About what? Did something happen with the party plans?" A jolt of panic runs through me. "Did Rex find out?"
