Taking Control (Babysitting a Billionaire #3)

He grinned. “I like the description.” His gaze dropped to wander over her body. It was weird; they looked so alike, but her body responded to Declan’s gaze like a touch. With this man, she felt nothing. “I can’t believe we never got to meet all those years ago.”


“I believe you were a little indisposed.”

“Shit, yeah. I was in the clink at the time.” He studied her. “You know, you and I would make a much better team. Declan’s way too stuffy for a woman like you.”

“You know nothing about me.”

“I’ve heard enough.”

She couldn’t begin to imagine. “And I’ve had my fill of the McCabe men, thank you.”

“Oh well. It was worth a try to rile baby brother up a little.”

“Do you do that often?”

“Whenever I get the opportunity. He was an insufferable little brat growing up. Always perfect, never in trouble.”

“Unlike yourself.”

“Yeah. At least come and meet the rest of the family. They are dying of curiosity.”

“Really?” She wasn’t sure she was up to satisfying that curiosity, but she followed him anyway. She found the whole idea of Declan’s family unsettling. Maybe because she had demonized him for so long.

The little group opened as they approached. The three women watched her with cool expressions. She was guessing however curious they were, they were all far too well bred to make it obvious.

“Jessica, this is my step mama, Judith McCabe, my sister, Tamara, and”—he paused, a smile flickering at the corners of his mouth—“Penny, Declan’s ex-fiancé.”

Jess had been studying Declan’s mother, now her gaze flashed to the younger woman, and she pursed her lips. “I hear you dumped him. Good move.”

Logan choked back a laugh, but Penny merely smiled serenely.

“Ms. Bauer.” Declan’s mother stepped forward and held out her hand.

She so didn’t need this right now. Why hadn’t she made some sort of excuse and run away and avoided the whole fiasco?

Because she couldn’t resist one last look at him.

Where the hell was he anyway?

She realized Declan’s mother had been standing arm outstretched for long seconds and she reached out and shook it briefly. What was she supposed to say—nice to meet you?

It wasn’t. This woman was responsible for what Declan was today. And as far as Jess was concerned, she’d done a crap job.

“It’s wonderful to meet you,” Declan’s mother said graciously. “I do hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of you in the future.”

She’d been staring at the black door; now she turned back, a frown drawing her brows together. “You do?”

“I’d like to think past differences can be forgotten and we can all move on. Be friends. I’m glad I’ve had this opportunity to welcome you to the family.”

Had she stepped into some weird alternate universe?

“I’m not sure what Declan has told you, Mrs. McCabe, but I assure you I have no intention of becoming a member of your family.”

“Call me Judith,” the woman said. “And I’m sure Declan will clear up any misunderstandings you may have.” She reached out and rested a hand on Jess’s arm. Jess stared at it through narrowed eyes. She didn’t want to call her Judith. She didn’t want to call her anything. After tonight, she had no intention of being within talking distance to this woman again.

She wondered just how much Declan’s mother knew of their “misunderstandings.” And how the hell had a woman like this gotten mixed up with Rory McCabe?

And how the hell dare she welcome Jess to the family as though it was a possibility.

It wasn’t. She could never be part of this.

Even if she wanted to.

Which she didn’t.

And in that moment, she hated Judith McCabe for even suggesting the idea. For putting it in her mind.

Beside her, Logan leaned in close and whispered in her ear. “You look like you want to shoot her right now.”

She cast him a sideways glance. “Maybe. And I do have a gun.” She forced a bright smile on her face. “Well, it was very nice to meet you all, but I’m working tonight, and now I really have to go and check the place out for bad guys.”

She didn’t wait for anyone to say anything else, just whirled around and stalked off across the room.

Welcome her to the family? Was the woman crazy?

“Never going to happen,” she muttered.

“What’s never going to happen?” an amused voice said from behind her. She glanced around, to find Logan still close by. As she opened her mouth to answer him, the black door opened and this time Declan stepped out.

“Holy shit.”





Chapter Thirteen


For a moment the room faded, the sounds of the music and voices muting.

Tall, dark, and dangerous. This was the bad-boy Declan she’d only ever dreamed about.