Playing for Keeps (Texas Scoundrels) by Denton Jamie

Author:Denton, Jamie [Denton, Jamie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2013-10-03T00:00:00+00:00

Eleven

GRIFFEN DOUBLE CHECKED the inventory list one last time. Satisfied she had it as comprehensive as possible, she started adding a list of personal items she’d selected from the house to sell, as well. The bungalow in town didn’t have half the square footage of her current home, so downsizing was a must.

From her place at the kitchen table, she looked over at the family room and Austin, who lay sprawled on the sofa watching a sit-com on television. Jed dozed in the recliner. A lock of dark hair fell across his forehead, softening the hard lines of his face. She should send him on his way, but he looked so peaceful, she didn’t have the heart to wake him.

That, she decided, was her problem. Her heart. Jed infuriated her, made her edgy and confused. Made her want to be reckless and daring. When she was with him she felt anger, passion, emotions she’d never really understood were missing from her life—until him.

After supper, she’d offered to clean the kitchen since he and Austin had cooked. They’d gladly relented, but instead of disappearing at the first sign of real work, Jed offered to help Austin with his pre-algebra homework. So while she’d put a semblance of order back into her usually organized kitchen, Jed described the algebraic theory behind exponents. For someone with a short fuse, his patience had amazed her as he’d carefully explained the why’s behind each equation until he was certain Austin understood.

The entire scene had been so domesticated, so homey, and it bothered her because she knew it was temporary. Apparently she was the only one willing to admit they weren’t a real family and the domesticity definitely wouldn’t last.

The problem was, when Jed wasn’t being pigheaded or trying to shove a crap ton of cash at her, she could easily get caught up in all that wicked charm. While he hadn’t raised the money issue again, she wasn’t fooled. So far, Jed Maitland hadn’t taken no for an answer on anything. No reason to believe he’d start now.

“Mom?” Austin quietly called to her. “Do we have to sell all the dirt bikes? Can’t we keep at least one?”

She sighed and looked at him over the lid of her laptop. “I’m sorry, Austin.” She kept her voice down so as not to awaken Jed. “But we need the money. Maybe later I can manage to pick up a used one for you, but for now every penny counts.”

Austin’s dark brows creased, making him look like a much younger version of his father. “This sucks, Mom. Everybody’s going to be riding this summer and I’ll be stuck at home.”

Just take the money.

“I know, honey, and I am sorry.” Guilt slammed into her. She’d make it up to him somehow. On her own.

Other than a dramatic sigh, Austin didn’t argue and turned his attention back to the television. She looked over at Jed. He looked back. Her stomach tightened at the sight of the hard line of his jaw coupled with the intensity in his eyes.

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