All Jacked Up (Rough Riders #8)(4)

Whose fault is that?


His. Hers. Who the hell knew why they threw atomic sparks off each other?


“So, did you follow me just to glare at me? Or have you already formulated a nasty comment to fling at me before you leave?”


“Maybe I’m formulating an eviction notice.”


Keely’s lush lips parted, then flattened.


“Tell me, Miz McKay, why was I unaware you were renting the Sandstone apartment?”


“Tell me, Mr. Donohue, why was I unaware you were my landlord for the Sandstone apartment?” she lobbed back.


Jack ignored her taunt. “I hate that you pulled one over on me.”


“I imagine so. But that sort of makes us even for you pulling one over on me today, doncha think?”


“Not even close.”


“Besides, it’s hardly my fault you are unaware of your individual renters. I sent references, which your company approved. I paid the security deposit, which your company still has.”


“That doesn’t change the fact had I known, I never would’ve rented to you.”


Keely shifted to an aggressive posture. “Why not?”


“Because I don’t like you. I don’t trust you.”


“Ditto, but your personal dislike is a moot point because I’ve never been late paying rent. It’s not like I’m throwing wild parties or staging orgies.”


When he quirked a questioning brow at the “orgies” comment, she cocked her head pertly. Like a trained dog. Right. Keely McKay was more pit bull than pampered poodle and he ought to brace himself for her biting sarcasm. “Being rude to me is not helping your situation,” Jack pointed out.


“Just how could my situation get any worse? The apartment I’ve lived in for two years—”


“Two years? My property management company doesn’t offer two year contracts.”


Her defiant chin lifted a notch. “I finished the term of Domini’s lease after she married Cam. I applied the following year under my own name when the lease came up for renewal. Like I said, your company could’ve denied me then.”


During that crazy time, not only had Jack dissolved his partnership with Baxter Ducheyne, his father had also died unexpectedly. Jack’s attention to his rental properties had been nearly nonexistent. Owning properties in three states meant he couldn’t remember every tenant, but Keely’s name would’ve jumped out at him like a rabid skunk.


“As the building owner, I can terminate any lease agreement at any time, for any reason.”


“Is that your way of telling me to pack my shit?”


As much as he wanted to bark out a gleeful yes! he hesitated. Carter McKay would be livid if Jack unceremoniously booted his beloved baby sister from the apartment, particularly when Carter discovered


Jack hadn’t disclosed that he owned the Sandstone Building. The same building which housed the restaurant Carter’s wife managed as well as three other businesses owned by various McKay spouses.


Talk about a clusterf*ck.


“Hello? Earth to Jack.”


Jack refocused. Keely glared at him. Jesus. She was gorgeous when she was pissed off. Maybe especially when she was pissed off.


“You gonna answer me? Or do you have a limp tongue as well as a limp—”


“Careful what you say next, cowgirl,” Jack warned. “You’d be wise not to tick off your landlord.”


She snorted. “You’re kicking me out anyway, so what do I have to lose?”


“I haven’t decided if I’m kicking you out.”


Keely’s razor-sharp gaze pierced him. “Now are you going to tease me and claim you’re not passing on the project?”


He shrugged, knowing his non-response would drive her crazy.


She waited.


So did he.


“Answer me. Why are you dicking with my head, Jack?”


“Because I can. Because I get off on it.”


“I’ll tell you where to get off, bucko.”



“Big talk. I suspect you’re all talk.”


“I am not all talk,” she huffed.


“Then take your best shot.” Jack grinned nastily. “But you’d better make it count, because what goes around, comes around.”


Her eyes flicked over him from head to toe. “Such macho trash talk from coming from a guy who’s dressed like he just stepped off the cover of GQ. ”


“Says the woman who’s a candidate for What Not To Wear,” he volleyed back.


“Ooh.” Keely snapped her fingers in a Z shape. “You told me, girlfriend. Will your boyfriend be jealous we’re tossing bitchy banter back and forth?”


Jack laughed. “That’s your best shot? Accusing me of being gay?”


Keely snorted again. “Accusing? Dude. My gaydar goes haywire around you.”


“And you’re an expert in all things gay because you live in Buttf*ck, Wyoming?” he said with amusement.