All Jacked Up (Rough Riders #8)(28)

Jack crowded her until they were nose to nose. “Because I imagined you f*cking my little brother. I realized I didn’t want sloppy seconds.”


Keely shoved him and scrambled off the couch. “That’s an interesting lie, Mr. Limp Dick. Keep believing it if it serves your self-deluding reputation as a stud.”


“Don’t believe me?”


“You just pegged my bullshit meter to an all time high. It’s called ‘whiskey dick’ for a reason, Jack- off.”


Silence.


Jesus. Man up. She deserves better.


As Jack started to apologize, to admit his shame about the incident and plead for another chance, Keely loomed over him, shaking with fury.


“Have an awesome f*cking time in Iowa. But if you pull a no show Saturday night, I’ll track you down and skin you alive—starting with your squishy dick. Not a threat, a promise.” She retreated to her bedroom and slammed the door.


Not what he’d been angling for tonight. Not at all. And yet, he wasn’t surprised. Turned on, but not surprised.


Viagra.


As if.


Jack adjusted his erection. He considered breaking down her damn door and dropping his pants to prove “squishy” wasn’t in his goddamn realm of existence when in her company.


Right. Terrific plan. The mouthy cowgirl probably had shotguns under her bed.


Screw that. Jack wasn’t backing down. However, pushing her tonight smacked of harassment.


But this was far from over.


Chapter Seven


She was going to f*cking kill him.


Jack wasn’t here yet.


His plane had been delayed leaving Des Moines. They’d spoken briefly once and not about the farce they were presenting to their family and friends…in less than an hour.


“Nervous, dear?”


Keely turned and smiled at Jack’s mother, Dorothy “Doro” Donohue. “Yes. I’ve been to engagement parties before, but never mine. I tend to get nervous in new situations.”


“Jack does too, if that’s any consolation. But I’m sure you already knew that.”


No, she hadn’t a clue the infallible Jack Donohue experienced anxious moments. Who better than his mother to share his foibles? “Really? He’s kept that from me. He’s always so…poised.”


“I’m sure he’s gotten over it. We all overcome adversity.” Doro fussed with the strap on Keely’s dress. “My Jack is a good man. We couldn’t have kept the farm after Marvin died if not for Jack’s financial support.”


Keely was speechless. Obviously Doro wanted to connect with her, regardless of whether Jack would be livid she’d spilled intimate details of his family’s financial struggles.


“Listen to me blather on. I know I’ve said it a hundred times, but I’m happy he’s settling down with you, Keely. Hopefully he’ll take time to enjoy his life with you. You’ll be good for him.”


“Why?”


“I imagine you call him on his b.s.”


“Doro!”


“Oh, please. Jack is a man who expects to be in charge all the time. He needs a strong woman who’ll stand up to him. You knocking him down a peg or two will keep him grounded and your lives interesting, that’s for sure.”


Keely smiled. She genuinely adored the plump, sweet widow with the gentle disposition. Pity the only thing Jack inherited from Doro were her green eyes. “Thanks for coming to help my mom get ready for this.”


She waved off Keely’s thanks. “It’s been a treat to be around your family. Your brothers’ wives certainly are a fertile bunch.”


“Ain’t that the truth.”


“You’ll have to draw straws for the ring bearer position.”


Because she was feeling ornery, Keely said, “I’m hoping the fertility blessing holds true for Jack and me. He wants a pile of kids. Right away.”


Doro’s entire face lit up. “Really? Well, Jack isn’t exactly a pup, is he? And I would love to have grandbabies to spoil.”



“Be sure and ask Jack about it when you see him.” Keely winked and sauntered off, feeling…guilty. It was dirty pool dragging his sweet mother into their warring ways.


“Keely, sweets, can I see you for a second?”


She plastered on a smile to hide her guilty look before she faced her mother. “Sure. What do you need?”


“Follow me.” Her mom led them to a small office down the hallway from the main room. After she closed the door, she sagged against the metal desk.


“Ma? What’s wrong?”


“Nothing.” Carolyn McKay sighed. “That’s not true. With all the party preparations I haven’t had time to talk to you alone.” She pinned Keely with a probing look. “I’d be lax in my mothering duties if I didn’t ask if you’re sure about marrying Jack.”


Keely’s stomach clenched. “Why?”


“It doesn’t exactly seem to be a love match, and when you’re together…”