My temper flares, mostly because I’m afraid he’s right. “Since when did you get so judgmental?”
“Since you required an intervention to see straight.” He lets out a sharp whistle between his teeth, and my brothers shuffle into the room. “You’re a fucking hazard on the worksite.”
“Great, just what I need,” I mutter. “More shitty advice from my brothers.” I stand and say in my most belligerent tone, “Lemme guess. Dylan and Sean, you’re gonna tell me everything’s going to be okay. You’ve been there, done that with the whole relationship thing, and it gets better. Which is bullshit and not helpful. And the rest of you are gonna say there’s other fish in the sea because there is. Obviously! But I don’t want another fish! So move along and just let me be.”
Connor stands and walks out.
My shoulders slump. Geez. Just because I mouthed off? We were raised to have each other’s backs.
Dylan gives me a small smile, his blue eyes direct. “It’s not an intervention, Jack. Con was joking. Chill.”
“Why’d he leave, then?” I ask.
My brothers close in on me, and an uneasy feeling courses through me. Is this payback for all the shit I pulled on them? Are they about to carry me out and drop me in the dumpster out back? Strip me and throw me naked in the East River?
Brendan grins evilly. “Look at his face! He thinks we’re about to murder him. Payback for all the shit he’s pulled on us.”
I square my shoulders. “No, I don’t, but you’re circling like you’re about to do something. I don’t know what. I can’t help it if I’ve been in a shitty mood all week.”
Beast speaks up. “She ripped your heart out and that hurts.” There’s so much sympathy in his voice, so much truth, I actually answer.
“Yes!”
“I’m sorry,” a feminine voice says.
My brothers part as Connor walks in with Riley. What the hell? I blink. Suddenly I can see Connor and Riley as a couple, both of them sensible and serious. Riley’s in a suit—navy blue blazer, white blouse, navy skirt, matching low heels. She looks like she just came from work. No, they can’t be together. He got her here somehow. She’s supposed to be at work in the city, not on a construction site in Brooklyn.
I can’t take the suspense. “What the hell is going on?”
Dylan gets in my face. “Take it down a notch. She’s about to try to win you back. Act gracious.”
I gape at her. My brothers stand back, but don’t leave. Is she going to beg me to come back to her in front of all these witnesses? That takes balls.
I’m at her side before I’m even aware I crossed the room. “What’re you doing here?”
“I wanted to show you something.” She’s carrying a canvas tote bag over one shoulder and goes to the deep window ledge, taking something out of the bag.
I follow and hear the shuffle of my brothers behind me, trying to get a look. I don’t care. I’m fixated on a napkin from the bar in Vegas.
“I kept souvenirs from our time together because it was so special.” Next she sets her bridal veil, gold wedding band, and a plastic key card from the hotel next to the napkin. “There’s more.” Next comes the screw I jokingly gave her on her birthday, a small American flag from a cupcake at my parents’ barbecue, and ripped black lace panties. I grab those and stuff them in my pocket. My brothers don’t need to see such a private thing.
She looks up at me, her heart in her eyes. “I loved our time together, dancing and hanging out at the bar, I loved being fake married to you, I loved that you were so careful to protect your family from hurt thinking they missed out on it, I love that you showed up for my birthday with my parents, and I love that you took me to meet your parents, especially since I was the first woman you ever brought home. I love that you’re spontaneous with a great sense of humor, and I love that you can be serious, too, when there’s real feelings involved. And that is the most important part. I’m sorry I didn’t see your seriousness before for the gift it really was. Can you forgive me?”
I stare at her, my mouth dry. Words fail me.
Riley
Jack stares at me blankly, and I fear I’m too late. He’s done with me. I glance at the curious faces of his brothers and gather every ounce of courage I possess. I want him to know how serious I am about him too. Now I fear he doesn’t feel the same way for me anymore.
“Jack, I didn’t know how to get close to you before. I used what you were famous for—all those crazy pranks—and I sincerely apologize for the Vegas prank because I realize that’s only okay to do when it’s in good fun, not when it can potentially involve feelings. I want you to be yourself, fun or serious, because I love all of you.”
“Love?”
I nod, my throat nearly closed with emotion. “I wanted more fun in my life, and I realize now you’re not just about that, and that’s good because sincere and serious bodes well for the long term, which I hope we have.” My voice cracks, and I pull in a deep shuddering breath. Is it too late?
He studies me for a long moment.
I don’t think I got through to him yet, but I’ve got one last thing in my bag. I pull a brick out. It’s the kind you can get engraved to be in the new sidewalk for the playground they’re going to build here. He got me one with my name for my birthday. I had it modified with his brother’s help.
I hold it up to show him.
“Riley Walsh-Rourke,” he says, reading the engraving. “How did you—”
“I helped her out,” Conner says.
“He was at the construction office when I showed up yesterday,” I say.
Jack stares at me for so long my eyes well. I’m not sure I’m getting through to him. Maybe it’s too late.
My eyes are hot, my throat painfully tight. “In conclusion, I love all of you, and I’m so glad I got the chance to get to know you, and if, at some point down the road, you could forgive me, I’d very much like to spend time with you again and for the long term. I’m serious about us.”
I offer him the brick, but he doesn’t take it. He just stares at it.
Slowly, I set it down on the window ledge with all my souvenirs of our time together, my vision blurring with tears. Souvenirs are all I have now.
The room is utterly silent.
Everyone’s staring at Jack, waiting for his reaction. I can’t hold his gaze, knowing he’s done with me.
Jack
She loves me. The heavy gloom I’ve been carrying around drops from my shoulders, and I’m suddenly light. Heat radiates through my chest. My heart is back in place, whole again. I’m not floundering in the deep end alone. She loves me. I want to shout it to the world from the tallest rooftop in Brooklyn. It’s that big a deal. But first I have to make her understand just how much I love her too.
“Ry, that brick was hella presumptuous,” I say, jabbing a finger at it.
She stares at it. “I know. Connor says he can sand it over if you don’t like it.” She goes to put it back in her bag, and I take it from her, setting it down next to the line of souvenirs from our time together.
I let out an exaggerated sigh. “You knew I never have relationships. That’s why Sam didn’t want me messing around with you in the first place.”
“I know.”
“But you tricked me into one.”
“I’m sorr—”
“Do not apologize. It was probably the only way we could’ve worked around Sam, and I didn’t realize what I was missing out on, until I had it with you. That prank let me get to know you better, and I can only see that as a good thing. The best thing, actually, that’s ever happened to me.”
Her eyes widen, her voice soft and hopeful. “You forgive me?”
I pull her into my arms. “Forgive not forget. Prepare to be pranked back.”
She smiles and wraps her arms around my neck. “This could get out of hand. You prank, I prank, on and on.”
I smile against her lips. “I love you, Riley Walsh, one day to be Rourke.”
“I
love you too!”
A deep chorus of cheers and whistles go up around us. I glance over at my smiling brothers. I almost forgot they were here. I can’t believe Riley made this big declaration of love in front of everyone. She must really be crazy about me.
I pull the key card to my building out of my wallet and the key to my apartment from my pocket. “Move in with me,” I say, palming her hand to give them to her. “I’ll meet you there right after work.” Living together is the next step for a serious committed relationship, and that’s exactly what we have.
“You can cut out early,” Dylan says with a wide smile. “It’s Friday and Jack’s in love. If that’s not a holiday, I don’t know what is.” He grins. “Riley cleared it with me first.”
My lips curve up as I turn back to Riley. “Sure of yourself, huh?”
She smiles, shaking her head. “Hopeful, not at all sure.”
I gather her close in a tight hug. I never want to let her go. Relief floods me. She feels the same way I do. I’m not alone in this serious relationship business and that makes me relax. She likes both sides of me—serious and fun. I don’t have to try so hard to prove myself as serious boyfriend material. I’ve already proven it.
“My God, he’s a hugger now,” Brendan says.
“Bet he’s a cuddler too,” Beast says.
Everyone laughs. I shake my head, smiling as I gather her collection of Jack and Riley souvenirs, tuck them in her bag, and carry them for her.
“Let’s go home,” I say, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.
“I like the sound of that.”
By the time we get back to my place, I’m so relieved to have her all to myself again, to know she wants the real deal with me long term, that I carry her over the threshold like she’s my bride.
She nuzzles into my neck. “Romantic prince.”
“Hey, you’re not so bad yourself with your grand gesture in front of all those witnesses.”
“It was grand, wasn’t it? And also sincere.”
I set her down next to my bed and kiss her, breaking the kiss only long enough to get her clothes off. I strip too and tackle her, tumbling into bed with her and rolling her under me.
I prop up on my forearms over her. “You’re the first woman to actually like the different sides of me.”
Her fingers play with the hair at the nape of my neck, and she smiles. “I’m the first woman to see them, I bet.”
“Probably right. I missed you so damn much.”
“I missed you a ridiculous amount. It was pathetic. I cried and moaned and ate way too much chocolate.”
“Pathetic, huh?” I stroke her hair back and cradle her jaw. “I kinda like the sound of that. Heartbroken over me. You’d be the first for that too.”
“I’m sure you left a string of broken hearts. You just weren’t around to know it.”
“Not like this. No one ever meant to me what you do. I was pathetic too.”
She kisses me tenderly. The kiss escalates as I take over, needing to join with her. I pause only long enough for the condom and then slide home.
“Next time I’ll go slow,” I promise her. “I need this. I need you.”
She arches her hips, rising to meet each thrust. “Yes. Jack.”
My mouth claims hers as I thrust deep, my heart full as our bodies and souls join. I lift my head, gazing into her warm brown eyes. This is the love I was waiting for my whole life. My perfect match.
She wraps her ankles higher on my waist. “More.”
I give her what she needs. Her hips buck under me as she goes off, and I let go, shuddering with my release.
A long moment later, I lift my head. “You know what’s great about monogamy in a committed relationship like this one you wanted so badly with me?”
She laughs. “What?”
I bite her lower lip. “Sex whenever I want it.”
“I’m not sure that’s how it works exactly.”
“It does when your woman finds you so irresistible that she declares her love in front of all of his brothers. That took balls, woman.” I kiss her neck, smiling against it. I love her so damn much.
She strokes my back. “True. But I wouldn’t say sex whenever. I mean, what if I’m at work?”
I lift my head. “Simple. I’ll lock the office door and bend you over your desk.”
She flushes. “What if you’re at work?”
“Simple. I’ll lock the bathroom door and then blowjob.” I kiss her smiling mouth. “You’re so good at that.”
“Hmm…what if we’re at a family party?”
“Simple. I’ll lock the bathroom door—”
“And then blowjob,” she finishes for me.
“I was gonna say take you up against the wall, but I won’t object to your version. In fact, I will never, ever turn a blowjob down. Feel free whenever you want.”
“Or the reverse.”
I roll to my back and pull her with me, settling her on top of me. “Under one of your sensible dresses at some crowded event. Ry, you naughty girl.”
“Oh, Jack, I feel like I got you back, all of you. You’re smiling and joking with me again. Calling me Ry. It’s wonderful.”
I kiss her. “I may have gone too far in the other direction, thinking I needed to prove myself as a serious guy. It worked out. Now you’re mine, all mine.” I flip her to her back and pin her hands to the mattress. “Prepare for surrender.”
“Again?” she asks, her eyes dilating. “I mean, yes, please.”
“I promised you slow the second time.”
“Your eyes are lit with an unholy gleam.”
“Now you know you’ve got the real deal with me. That’s my natural state.” I kiss her and gaze into her eyes. I swear there’s stars in her eyes, shining back at me. It’s love.
“You’re mine, all mine,” she whispers.
I hug her, holding her close, overwhelmed by the depth of emotion that swamps me. This is the kind of love that makes a guy do ridiculous things for his woman, with a big goofy smile on his face because he doesn’t realize what a dope he looks like. I’ve seen it in other guys.
I can’t wait.
Epilogue
Riley
It’s been almost two months of living with Jack and falling a little further in love with him every day. He’s just everything. Playful and funny, while also looking out for me, doing thoughtful things like making me buttered toast and tea in the morning. He’s just the sweetest, sexiest, most wonderful man I’ve ever met in my life. I’m so glad he forgave me and let me back in. Thank God he doesn’t hold a grudge.
He even won over my mom, the last holdout against him. My dad was cool with us as soon as Sam explained it was the real deal and how committed Jack was. Anyway, after we moved in together, Jack invited my parents to a family dinner at his parents’ house, saying it was time the families meet because he planned on sticking around. I think it helped my mom to see Jack surrounded by his loving family that he obviously loves back. She saw what I’ve always known and what Sam knew too—Jack’s good people.
Now it’s Labor Day weekend, the last long weekend of summer and our first long weekend together in a while. I hope to spend it mostly in bed with my sexy muscleman with a heart of gold. I sigh happily and gaze at him across the little round bistro table we managed to squeeze into the kitchen. It’s late Saturday morning, and we just finished up breakfast. I made us French toast with bacon and eggs. I moved into his place because it’s so much more affordable than Manhattan. The commute isn’t bad from here. Okay, the real reason is because we couldn’t bear to be separated. Yup, we’re one of those disgustingly sappy joined-at-the-hip couples. I’ve never been happier.
He stands and clears our dishes for us, rinsing them and putting them in the dishwasher. There’s still a pile of pans I’m hoping he’ll wash, but he’s used to leaving them until he runs out of things to cook with. He’s a decent cook. Better than me, anyway. I mostly do breakfast foods.
“What do you w
ant to do today?” I ask. “I mean, after the kitchen is cleaned up.”
He turns, his blue eyes twinkling with amusement. “So subtle, honeybunch. But—” he holds up a finger “—the pans will have to wait. I’ve got something I want to give you.”
I beam. “What is it?” He’s a great gift giver, so thoughtful and in tune to what I really like. There was the engraved brick he got me for my birthday (which Connor modified for me for a romantic gesture), a closet organizer so I could fit my wardrobe neatly into his closet and take up most of it, and a photo of us dancing in Vegas in a gaudy Vegas souvenir frame (apparently, Alison took a picture of us that night on the dance floor).
He pulls his chair over next to me and takes a seat. I shift to face him, and he holds both my hands in his. “Now don’t freak out,” he says.
My heart hammers. I’m freaking out because he told me not to freak out. It must be a fantastic insanely awesome present.
One corner of his mouth lifts. “Breathe, okay?”
I nod and take a slow deep breath.
“I’ve been saving and, okay, I went into some debt too, but when I saw it online, it just felt right. Then I went to see it in person, and I knew I had to get it for you.”
My mind whirls between excitement and worry. I’m excited because it could be a diamond engagement ring! He’s talked about our future together like it’s a sure thing. I’m worried because I don’t want him to go into debt.
He cups my jaw and kisses me. “I bought you a house.”
“What!”
He smiles. “It’s by a lake in New York. A great place to raise kids, great school district.”
My heart races, my eyes tearing at the same time. He went beyond a ring to the future family and settled future we’ll have. I think I’m in shock. I can’t seem to find my voice.
“Well?” he prompts. “Do you wanna go see it?”
I nod, unable to speak over the lump in my throat. He pulls me out of my seat and hugs me.
By the time we’re in a rented car on our way to a cute town in the suburbs of New York, I’m still not over my shock. It’s just so romantic. Obviously, he’s committed to us. I’ll need to go over the numbers later and make sure I contribute to the bottom line, so we’re not carrying too much debt on this house, but geez. The man has really thrown me for a loop. A house! I never would’ve guessed this city guy would even want to settle at a lake house in the suburbs.
Rogue Rascal (The Rourkes, Book 9) Page 16