All Jacked Up (Rough Riders #8)(51)

A number of kids stayed on and rode their sheep, but the only one who crossed the finish line was Gib.


“That kid is a natural bull rider. Channing ain’t gonna keep him outta the chutes when he gets old enough to ride bulls,” Cord said.


Anton piped up, “Just wait ’til you see me’n Ky ride bulls. We’re gonna be world champs.”


Domini shook her head. “No way am I letting you get on the back of a bull, Anton McKay.”


“Aw, but Mom, if I get hurt Aunt Keely can fix me up, can’t ya?”


Way to put her on the spot. “Wow. Look at the time. And you guys have school tomorrow.” Keely pushed up and threw her arms open. “Who’s givin’ me some love?”


Liesl was the first one in line for a hug. Followed by Ky and Anton. The twins were cranky and refused to let go of Cam, but sweet Foster peppered her face with kisses. She reluctantly handed Cord his youngest son. When Keely looked over at Jack, he wore the oddest expression.


Colby and his boys were waiting at the bottom of the stairs. After more congratulations were passed around to Gib and Braxton, Colby said, “Keels, you still on for tomorrow night?”


“Yep. I’ll be there with bells on.”


“Come on, boys, let’s get your brothers so we can go home and see how Mama is farin’ in an empty house.”


Everyone dispersed. Keely and Jack were stopped a dozen more times as they walked through the crowd. They finally reached Keely’s truck and Jack leaned against it with a long-suffering sigh.


“You hated coming to the junior rodeo that much?”


“No. You know everyone in town, don’t you?”


“Uh, yeah. I have lived here most of my life, Jack.”


“I can’t imagine how you kept purchasing the Brewster Building under wraps. Not only from the community, but from your entire family. From what I’ve seen, the McKays live in each other’s pockets.”


Did that bother him? “It isn’t like we don’t have secrets from each other within the McKay family, but we do spend a lot of time together.”


“By choice?”


Keely bumped him with her shoulder. “Yes, by choice. I’ve always hero-worshipped my brothers, even when they weren’t around. For years we followed our own paths, but it’s no surprise our paths converged back here. They drive me crazy sometimes and treat me like I’m twelve, but it’s fun even when it’s total chaos with all the kids.


“I love bein’ the cool aunt who takes them to the park. Or brings them to my place for a sleepover. Or buys them gifts that annoy their parents. I pinch hit as a babysitter whenever they need me. But I mostly like being around them all the time. Watching them grow and change. Watching how marriage and parenthood has changed my brothers. Seeing them happy…” Her voice caught and she turned away. Jack wouldn’t understand the struggles her brothers faced to wind up where they were. How thrilled she was every damn day she got to watch them living their lives and being a part of it.


“Are you happy, Keely?” he asked softly.


“I’m happier now than I’ve been in a long time. Most days I don’t think about it. Why?”


“No reason. Wondered if you’d heard that biological clock ticking.”


“I’m not exactly over the hill.”


“I know. I’m curious. Since your brothers have so many kids, does that mean you want a bunch of your own?”


“I don’t know. Do you?”


He shrugged. “I like kids. I just never really thought about having them.”


“Maybe that’ll change when you find the right woman.”


Jack gave her that odd look again. He pushed off the truck. “I’ll see you back at the apartment.”


Weird dismissal. But nothing new when it came to Jack’s moods. She’d just opened the door, when Jack said, “Keely. Wait.”


She half-turned toward him, hating his face was obscured by shadows. “What?”


“Don’t ever change. Not for your family. Not for your career. Not for the community. Not for a man.


Definitely not for me. You’re perfect just the way you are.”


How had Jack beat her home?


Because you sat in your truck for a good fifteen minutes trying to figure out what Jack meant.


Was that little speech Jack’s way of telling her he liked her? Or worse, he respected her even when she wasn’t his type?


Pointless to fret about now. She trudged up the stairs, not knowing which Jack she’d find. Angry?


Demanding? Sweet? Aloof?


The apartment was dark. No TV. No blue glow from his laptop. She wandered to the small bedroom, wondering if he needed alone time. She honestly couldn’t blame him; her family was overwhelming, especially to a loner like Jack.


Nope. Not there either.


Her bedroom was pitch black. He’d even closed the curtains, cutting off the lone sliver of light from the streetlights at the front of the building.


“Jack?”


No answer. Rather than risk waking him by turning on a light, she rummaged in her pajama drawer in the darkness and grabbed the first thing she’d found. She stripped and yanked on the oversized T-shirt. As soon as she’d crawled between the sheets and situated herself, Jack spoke.