All Jacked Up (Rough Riders #8)(29)

“Mom. You haven’t seen us together except the one time we told you we were engaged.”


Her gaze narrowed. “Maybe that’s why I’m concerned.”


Damn. Redirect. “We’re both busy. He’s been gone—”


“That’s another thing that worries me. I’m selfish enough to want you to live here with the rest of our family, but I’m enough of a realist to understand that might not be possible with Jack’s job. He’ll be your husband. You’ll need to be with him, wherever that is, and I doubt that’ll be in Wyoming.”


How was Keely supposed to allay her mother’s fears when they were groundless? “My clinic is here.


My life is here. My family is here. I’m not going anywhere.”


“As much as it pleases me to hear that, promise me you won’t marry Jack if you’re not absolutely sure he’s the right one.”


Keely frowned. “Why do you say that?”


Her mother brushed the hair from Keely’s cheek. “Because contrary to popular opinion in our family, you are not impulsive. This engagement blindsided everyone. I recognize the wild look in your eyes, Keely.


I wore that same fearful look when I became engaged to your father. Since you were a little girl I’ve worried you’d never find a man who’d measure up to the pedestal you’ve placed your brothers and your father on.”


“You don’t think Jack measures up?”


“Sweetie, you oughta be asking yourself that question, not me.”


A knock sounded and a second later her dad stuck his head in. “People are startin’ to arrive, Caro.


Who’s on meet and greet detail?”


“AJ and Channing.”


“Have any idea where they are?”


“No. Hang on, I’ll be right there.”


He nodded and closed the door.


“Snoopy damn man,” her mother muttered. “Last thing, I promise. Hold out your arm.” A silver bracelet dangled from her fingertips. She wrapped it around Keely’s wrist and fastened it. “My mother gave this to me when I became engaged to your dad and now I’m passing it on to you.”


Between each crystal bead was a steel link giving the bracelet a strength that belied the delicate look.


Keely’s eyes swam with tears. Her throat tightened. “Oh, Mama, thank you. It’s beautiful.”


“So are you. You’re welcome. I hope it brings you good luck.” She kissed Keely’s forehead. “I love you, girlie. Be happy with Jack. If that means you’ll be living with him in Denver or the Congo, so be it.


Happiness in your own life is all I’ve ever wanted for you.” Her mother shuffled out.


Confused by the myriad of emotions, Keely hid in the office for another ten minutes. When she’d stalled long enough, she ventured out. She and Jack entered the main room at the same time.


Oh. My. Freakin’. God. Talk about being on a pedestal. No, the man was in a class by his handsome self. He wore a black suit that looked casual but the cut and fabric screamed expensive. No tie. He’d left the last button on his pristine white shirt undone, exposing the thick column of his throat. Keely had the uncontrollable urge to run to him, press her lips to the vulnerable spot above his collarbone and taste his skin.


But Jack didn’t flash her the smile that turned her knees wobbly. He scowled at her. Scowled. At her.


At her own damn engagement party.


Jerk.


Indifferent to their audience, Keely strolled across the room acting like she couldn’t give a crap he’d finally shown up. Which would tick him off.


Still, his heated eyes never left hers.


She latched onto his lapels, using them to draw herself to her tiptoes. “Perfect suit for a funeral, GQ.”


She smashed her mouth to his for a brief, hard kiss.


Jack’s hands circled her upper arms. He appeared to be hauling her closer, when in actuality, he was pushing her back. “You determined to piss me off first thing?”


“Yep. Is it working?”


“You have no idea how much.”


“Oh joy, my life is complete.” She spoke against his throat. “If you would’ve pulled a no-show, I would’ve tracked you down and castrated you, Jack- off.”


“Big talk.”


“How so?”


“I guarantee if you ever put your hands on my junk again, chopping it off will be the last thing on your mind, buttercup.”


She snorted. “Cocky much?”


“Only when it’s warranted.” Jack kissed her temple and nuzzled his face against her head. “Don’t f*cking push me, Keely, I’m not in the mood.”


“Aw. And I so give a flying f*ck what kind of bad day you’ve had when I’ve been here alone for the last three goddamn days, fielding questions about our supposed relationship.”


“For Christsake, it wasn’t like I was on vacation. I’ve been in Iowa. In cornfield hell.”


“Did you say you got cornholed in Iowa?”