“Hey, wait for me.” Mandy ran after them, leaving Brielle alone with Jack.
She’d never done the walk of shame, but this had to be similar. They stared at each other, awkward silence growing more uncomfortable with each passing beat. She knew she should say something—anything—to set the record straight about their kiss, but her heart wouldn’t let her mind form the words.
“Brielle, about last night...” He stepped toward her, then halted, running a hand through his hair. “Ah, hell. I’m no good at this.”
She could tell he was struggling and that about killed her. No way would she let him take the blame. She cleared her throat and feigned indifference. “It’s all right, Jack. What happened was a harmless mistake,” she said, her voice no longer a prisoner to her heart. That lie sounded believable, even to her ears. It had to. She needed to make him feel better.
He exhaled and some of the rigidity disappeared from his shoulders. “I’m glad you understand. You’re here for my brother. I had no right to—”
“Hey, I didn’t exactly push you away, either. It was a mistake, that’s all.”
“You’re right. It won’t happen again.”
He seemed way too relieved for her bruised heart and ego.
“So, are we okay? I don’t want there to be any awkwardness between us.”
Barely holding back a snort, Brielle did another throat-clearing thing and nodded. “We’re fine,” she lied some more.
They weren’t fine. Fine would be to drop the act and see where the attraction headed, now that she didn’t suspect him. But, because of the promise to keep her non-contestant status from Jack, she had no choice but to play along.
Two hours later, the six of them stepped from their limo onto a real working ranch. A real, working, gorgeous ranch. Hands in her back pockets, Brielle glanced around and inhaled. Fresh cut grass and roses fragranced the air. She drew in a second and third breath, feeling some of the tension leave her body as she exhaled, long and slow.
Endless green fields and pastures stretched in one direction while hills graced the other. A large, two-story wooden house, complete with wrap-around porch, sat in the distance, nestled against one of the hills.
Beautiful…peaceful.
“Okay, here’s how it’s going to go today,” Bill said as they headed toward food-laden picnic tables set out under a grove of oak trees. “You’re going to eat, then do the firing range, then go horseback riding.”
Danni turned to the producer when they reached the tables, her gaze bright with excitement. “Do we win anything, Bill? There’s usually something extra going on.”
“You’re a smart girl, Danni. Yes, you do win something today.” The producer walked over to Matthew and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Whoever has the best score at the firing range wins alone-time with our bachelor today.”
“Yes!” Carla smiled, fist-pumping the air.
“I don’t know how to shoot, but I’m told I’m a quick learner.” Mandy winked at Matthew.
He smiled and glanced at Danni and Brielle. “How about you two? You up for the competition?”
Danni stared directly at Carla. “Yeah, bring it.”
Great. Normally, Brielle would view competition as healthy, but in this case? Hell no. Jack quietly watched the girls, and she noticed his back stiffen at that last comment. Yeah, she wasn’t thrilled either. Was Mandy the only one who didn’t know how to shoot?
“And you? What about you, Brielle?” Bill smiled knowingly.
“I can hardly wait,” she answered with a half-truth. She’d only been on the show for four days, and already it felt like four years. She sighed, wishing something would put an end to this nightmare. As long as it didn’t happen at the expense of someone’s health.
“Great. Then, let’s eat.” Bill confiscated a piece of fried chicken from a table loaded with enough food to feed a small town, and everyone eagerly fell in line.
A little later, having eaten more than her share of the feast, Brielle got up to throw her plate away. Deep in thought, her mind was running through threat scenarios when a pair of cowboy boots came into her view.
“So, you any good with a gun?”
Jack’s sexy tone threw her pulse into a gallop. She smiled up at him, and as usual when she met his intense blue gaze, a flash of heat shot through her belly.
“Maybe.”
He studied her face for a long beat. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”
“Hey, Brielle.” Matthew approached, tossing his plate in the trash. “Can I see you a second?”
She ripped her gaze from his brother and focused on her client. “Sure. What’s up?”
He smiled. “I’m trying to steal a few minutes with each of you girls, and right now, it’s your turn, if that’s okay?” Matthew glanced at Jack.
“Go ahead, knock yourself out.”
“Okay, great.” The groom grasped her hand and led them toward another grove of trees, cameraman in tow.
The area smelled like pine and was private, quiet and cooler. She’d like to blame it on the thirty-foot towering pines, but knew better. The drop in temperature had nothing to do with the grove and everything to do with her lack of proximity to a certain former Army Ranger.
Matthew stopped to glance around. “Look, I don’t know how long I have.”
Alarm instantly shot to life, stiffening Brielle’s back while racing through her veins. “Why?” Her gaze darted about, taking in their immediate surroundings. “What’s wrong?”
“Oh, nothing. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.” He squeezed her hand as he leaned against a tree, eyes crinkling at the corners. “I just wanted to pass a message to you from your uncle. He stopped by the mansion before I left and dropped off the cameras you requested.”
“Oh…good.” She nodded, noticing several gazes trained on them, including Jack’s. No doubt keeping an eye on his brother. She stepped in front of Matthew, turning her back on temptation. Literally. The act of concentrating took a hike when that man got in her head. “Where are they? In the limo’s trunk?”
“Not exactly. They’re back at the mansion. But don’t worry. I’ve got them hidden. I couldn’t sneak them with me. Jack’s been my shadow since that phone threat at the ball game. It was a wonder your uncle got them to me.”
Fighting a frown, she leaned toward him and smiled, even though it was the last thing she felt like doing. “Lovely. And Uncle Franco couldn’t drop them off in my room because of the cameras I insisted Jack place in there.” Those cameras were becoming a pain. They’d forced her to transfer her laptop and phone to the vent in her bathroom, and promptly stopped her showers. Well, hot ones, anyway. She couldn’t risk the steam. Of course, lately all she’d required were cold ones. “Do you have any idea how I can get them?”
“Yes, as a matter of fact, I do.” Matthew’s fingers tightened around hers, and he tugged until their bodies brushed. “We’re about to be interrupted, so listen up. If you want to get those cameras tonight, then you’d better win that challenge.”
“Okay, Brielle, you’ve had enough alone-time.” Carla’s angry tone echoed through the pines, interrupting nature’s tranquility. “If you want more, then you’ll just have to beat me at the range.”
Brielle freed her fingers, stepped back and confronted the brunette head on. “Well, then prepare to be beaten, Ms. Duke.” She smiled and, not waiting for a reply, walked back to the others.
Jack’s emotionless gaze held fast and gave nothing away as she passed. Had he heard them? Her heart lurched. What would he think when he saw her shoot? She’d probably be suspect number one. It couldn’t be helped. She needed those damn cameras tonight. The quicker they were in place, the quicker she might catch something and put an end to this reality nightmare.
“Okay, ladies, it’s time to start the challenge,” Bill announced, waiting for everyone to gather around before he continued, “Greg, your host, is already at the range and will explain the rules once we arrive.”
Following the crowd in silence, she watched and listened to the girls muse in front of her over what the alone-time could be. Matthew had already alluded that to her, but she kept quiet as they walked.
“Can you tell us?” Mandy asked Matthew, batting her lashes.
“No, he can’t,” Bill cut in. “I’m sure you understand.”
The blonde slowly nodded. “Yes. Show rules.” Her famous pout made an appearance. “But it’s not fair that I don’t have any experience with a gun. Can’t we have a different competition?”
Carla snorted. “Like what? See who could hold their hand out the longest?”
“Oh, could we, Bill?” Mandy eyed the producer excitedly.
“Um, I’m not sure. I’ll run it by my staff,” he said, not looking the blonde in the eye. “And here we are.”
Brielle watched Jack break away to talk to both his and Uncle Franco’s men. She scanned their faces, pleased to note the DeMarco employees showed no signs of recognition. Her cover was safe. Relaxing, she turned her attention to the competition area. It looked like your typical firing range, complete with benches, lines, stalls and targets set at what she estimated was fifty and one hundred meters. She also noted an array of weapons ranging from hand guns to rifles all stored in a cabinet behind a counter
Greg appeared near a grassy knoll. “Okay, ladies, if you’ll join me over here.”
Impeccably dressed as usual, the handsome host oozed charm and managed to not look out of place despite his suit and tie.
“Welcome to today’s alone-time challenge. As you know, the lady with the best shooting score will win, but what you don’t know is where the alone-time takes place.” He scanned their faces, as did the many cameras surrounding them. “The winner of today’s challenge will spend time with Matthew, alone…in the hot tub at his mansion.”
Mandy squealed, the other contestants clapped, but all Brielle managed to do was force a smile. Oh joy. Another excuse for the world to see her in her bathing suit. If she won, of course. And of course, she’d win. She had to. She needed those damn cameras. And just like the old saying, failure was not an option.
“So, now that you know what you’re competing for, I’ll let Jack explain the rules to you. Jack.” Greg stepped aside to give the former Ranger the spotlight.
“The rules are pretty simple, ladies. For safety reasons, you will take turns shooting at the target my men will set, using the gun my men will load. Any questions?” He hit each of them with a direct look.
“I have one,” Brielle said, staring right back. “Will you give Mandy a few pointers and some extra time to practice? It doesn’t seem fair, otherwise.”
His head tipped ever so slightly. “I think that can be arranged.”
He nodded to one of his men. Correction. The walking wall. Jeez, that guy was huge. His biceps were bigger than her thighs. She sure as hell hoped he wasn’t the culprit. It would take three men and a lady to bring that guy down. With a bulldozer. And even then it would be sketchy.
“Rodriguez,” Jack said. “Why don’t you run through the basics with Mandy on range one?”
“Yes, sir. If you’ll come with me, ma’am.” Rodriguez motioned to the blonde to join him.
Mandy turned to glance behind her, then swiveled back to the large man. “Oh, you mean me!” She giggled as she followed. “Sorry, I’m not used to being called ma’am.”
Carla sidled up next to Brielle and whispered, “You’re only postponing the inevitable.”
Chapter Eight
Brielle had lucked out, drawing the smallest straw which put her last in the line up to shoot. Exactly what she’d hoped. This gave her a huge advantage. Now, she knew what score to beat. The girls shot at the closest target—fifty meters—using a 9 mm and were allowed a full clip of seventeen rounds. Way too easy for her. It really wasn’t fair.
Carla’s target held the best score so far; six bulls-eyes and eleven in the surrounding circle. Danni’s had three bulls-eyes, seven in the surrounding circle and the rest scattered on the target. Even Mandy had managed to nick the bulls-eye before the gun’s recoil knocked her on her barely concealed behind.
“You’re up, Brielle.” Greg motioned toward the now vacant stall.
“Good luck.” Danni nodded.
Mandy raised a fist and a smile. “Yeah, beat Carla’s butt.”
Despite being impressed with the way Jack and his men were handling the competition, Brielle had kept a watchful eye on the women the whole time. Surprisingly, the air held no vestiges of threat. One at a time, the contestants held the gun, shot at the target, then placed the weapon down. They never even glanced at the groom. Now, only Jack and his men were near the guns. But, she’d still feel better getting Matthew away from the range. And if it weren’t for the damn cameras sitting at his mansion, she’d be placing her bullets as far away from the center as possible.
“Here, Brielle.” Jack handed her the gun, safety on.
A Glock G17 9mm. Well what do you know? Her weapon of choice. She took the gun from him and hid a smile. Those cameras were as good as hers.
“Do you need me to walk you through it?” Jack asked, eyebrows raised, gaze watchful.
“No thanks. That won’t be necessary.” She waited for him to move away and assume the stance he’d adopted during each of the contestants’ turns. Feet shoulder-width apart, arms crossed behind him in an at-ease position, he stood just off to her right.
Damn man was even sexier when he gave off this confident, in-charge aura. Heat flooded her body, lingering in all the good places he’d lingered once-upon-a-dressing room. Must be the mirrored, aviator sunglasses he’d donned at the start of the competition. Cripes. She was hopeless.
This was no time to be a woman.
She drew in a breath, flipped off the safety and aimed the gun. Keep your mind on work. She thought about hitting the bulls-eye with seven bullets, just enough to win, but then Carla’s snicker and lethal ballerina remark drifted to her ears. That did it. Her competitor side took over. Time to win some cameras. Emptying her mind of everything but her goal, she squeezed off all seventeen rounds in succession before exhaling. Done. Satisfied with her effort, she slipped the safety back on, then turned to Jack.
Mouth opened, he ripped off his glasses and stared wide eyed at her. She would’ve laughed at his stunned expression, but the suspicious gleam entering his eyes held her back. Idiot! She should’ve stuck with seven.
“Here you go.” She smiled, and he barely moved when she placed the spent weapon in his hand. Still nothing. Way to go, Brielle. She swiveled to face the group. “Now, what about that horseback riding?”
“Wait! What was her score?” Carla stomped forward, frowning at the dumbfounded men blinking at Brielle. “Well?”
Jack cleared his throat. “Rodriguez, go get the target,” he ordered, voice gruff, eyes dull and leery.
Yeah, placing eight would’ve been much smarter. Too bad she had her dumb on today. Uncle Franco always said her competitive streak was going to get her in trouble one day.
Today could be that very day.
Rodriguez retrieved the target and marched back to the group. “It looks to be a perfect score. Seventeen out of seventeen,” Rodriguez replied, handing the paper to Jack.
Carla scowled. “Jesus, ballerina. What do you do, sleep with that thing?”
It was on the tip of her tongue to say ‘yes’ because, until she’d suggested to have those damn cameras installed in her room, Brielle had in fact slept with her Glock under her pillow every night.
Danni smiled. “Where’d you learn to shoot like that?”
Shoot. The one question she was hoping to avoid. Refusing to give into the urge to glance at Jack, Brielle grasped at the first thing that came to mind.
“The pier.”
Which wasn’t a lie. Brielle had spent a lot of teenage days relieving her anger in the arcade at the pier.
“Holy shit. Let me see that.” Matthew swiped the target from a silent Jac
k. “Brielle. You shot out the bulls-eye!”
She shrugged. “Yeah, well, he didn’t need it anymore.” Everyone laughed—except Jack and Carla.
“Okay, ladies.” Greg stepped forward, finally putting an end to the bulls-eye discussion and a hand on her shoulder. “It looks like Brielle is today’s alone-time challenge winner.” He turned to Matthew and clamped his other hand on the groom’s shoulder. “She will be returning with you to your mansion tonight, where the two of you will spend some alone time in the hot tub.”
Matthew’s smiled broadened and, having no choice but to look thrilled, she smiled back while the other contestants sighed.
“And now, Matthew, Jack, if you’ll join me.” The host motioned for the brothers to stand next to him.
Only too happy to hightail it out of the spotlight, Brielle quickly rejoined the other contestants eagerly eyeing the brothers. She, on the other hand, eyed them wearily. Now what?
“It’s time to reveal who Jack has decided Matthew should take on the next one-on-one date,” Greg announced, garnering cheers from the girls.
She added hers while studying the women. Excitement and hope filled their expressions. What motivated them? Love? Hate? Winning? She tried to decipher, but got nothing. Damn. If the stalker was one of these women, she was good. Brielle needed to up her game.
“Well, Jack, you spent last evening with three of these lovely ladies, Carla, Mandy, and Brielle. And it was your job to determine who is best-suited for your brother.” Greg turned and looked apologetically at the fourth contestant. “I’m sorry, Danni, since you were out with Matthew on a one-on-one at the time, you’re not eligible for Jack’s vote.”
Danni nodded, her shoulders slumping with her sigh. Brielle felt bad for the woman, and once again, like a fraud for even being considered. She returned her attention to Jack. Her pulse jumped. Please don’t say my name. After their explosive kiss, surely he wouldn’t recommend her.
“Well, ladies,” the handsome former Ranger paused to look at each of them. “I want you to know, this was a tough decision. But, taking my brother into consideration, I feel the woman that should go out on the next one-on-one with Matthew is…Mandy.” Jack slapped his brother’s back and smiled.
She Does Know Jack Page 12