Page 73 of Highball and Chain

“Vaguely.” Hunting cabins everywhere would take offense to him using their name to describe the old shack on stilts. How the place had survived a thunderstorm, let alone a handful of hurricanes was anyone’s guess, but I suspected it was held together with duct tape and super glue.

He handed me two keys. “One’s to the cabin, the other is to my boat at the marina. I’ll call and let the guys know you’re coming down. Ask for Otis. He’ll give you directions.”

While I appreciated the offer, May in the bayou meant nothing but gators, copperheads, and water moccasins. I think I’ll take my chances with the mafia. “Thanks, but I can’t.”

“You can and you will.” He grabbed my wrist, turned it over, and set the keys in my palm. “I’ll stay here and look for Mr. Boogerre, see what I can save from your place, and meet you in a couple of days.”

“I can’t ask you to do that for me.” I needed to get back to the mansion before Enzo ordered the mob version of the secret service to drag me out of the shop. No way on earth could I explain that to Jack.

“You didn’t ask. I offered.” Brow furrowed, he stared as if trying to solve a jigsaw puzzle. “Don’t be stupid, Shanna. Someone shot at you.”

“I’m not being stupid.” Okay, I am being stupid, but I’m not going to let him fall down the rabbit hole with me. “I have a place to hide out.”

Jack narrowed his eyes. “Where?”

“It’s best you don’t know the details.” I had no idea why I evaded his question, but I didn’t want to tell him I’d shacked up with Enzo Marchionni. “I have my cell. Call me if—”

“Screw that.” He grabbed my upper arms again.

I thought he might try to shake some sense into me. Instead, he laid one hell of a kiss on me. Dumbstruck, I stood there unable to think or move.

If Jack noticed my lack of response, it didn’t bother him. The man I’d considered a dear friend for years plundered my mouth like a freaking pirate searching for buried treasure. The situation shocked me, but it wasn’t entirely awful. As far as kisses went, Jack delivered a solid performance, but my heart wasn’t in it. Enzo had ruined me.

I planted my hands on his broad chest and pushed him away. “Jack, stop.”

He wobbled and grinned like a drunk. “You have no idea how long I’ve wanted to do that.”

My brain misfired. A million questions pinged around in my skull, but I only managed one word. “Why?”

He cupped my face in his hands. “Shoshanna Isaac, I’ve been in love—”

“Don’t!” I jerked free. “Don’t you dare say it. You’ve been pushing me to date for months. You’re the one who told me to cozy up to one of the Marchionnis.”

He flinched as if I’d struck him. “Is that what this is about?”

This can’t be happening.I folded my arms, bowed my head, and nodded.

Jack lifted my chin. “Are you happy?”

Am I?I hadn’t stopped to think about it. In fact, I’d spent most of my time with Enzo wondering when the other five-thousand-dollar Italian leather loafer would fall. A week ago, I would have considered seeing where things went with Jack, but now? The thought of dating anyone except Enzo made me queasy.

“Shit.” I plopped into the chair. “Shit. Shit.”

He knelt in front of me. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

I’m in love with Enzo Marchionni. I stared into Jack’s dark chocolate eyes and wished, more than anything, I could tell him the truth. “I don’t want this to mess up our friendship.”

He offered me a smile, but I knew him well enough to know I’d broken his heart. “I’d ask which part, but it doesn’t matter. Nothing can ruin our friendship, Shanna. Nothing.”

I threw my arms around him and buried my face in his chest. “Thank you.”

Holding me close, Jack said, “I meant what I said. I love you.”

I opened my mouth to tell him I loved him too, as a friend, but I never got the chance.

Enzo Marchionni rounded the corner and folded his arms.

I sat frozen like a mouse before a snake. In fact, his eyes held the same amount of warmth as the reptile.

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