******
Jax stood back to let Caroline handle the asshole roofer. He could see and hear everything going on from his position inside. He also had one hell of a hard-on and needed a minute. Holy shit, the woman could kiss and was hotter than anything he’d held in a long time. He had plenty of sex, but no feelings were involved, at least on his part. He just took care of his need, made sure the female was well taken care of, and on his way he went. Caroline Fitzpatrick was a whole different beautiful beast and he knew once he got her in his bed, and he was smart enough to know that would be happening sooner rather than later, no other woman would be enough for him. Deep inside in that dark area of his mind, he knew that was the reason he really wanted her to stay away from him, and not his brother; although, his brother was a serious threat.
“Jesus,” he cursed, shaking his head, his eyes still on her as she talked to the roof guy. “I’m truly fucked.”
When he heard the roofer guy, Gary, pressure Caroline to let him into the house to go over the estimate, he knew it was time to let the asshole know where he stood.
Stepping up behind Caroline, Jax had perverse pleasure of seeing the fear in the man’s eyes. Reaching around Caroline, he grabbed the estimate and scanned it.
“Nine thousand seems pretty high.” Jax frowned at the man, daring him with his eyes and attitude to try and screw Caroline over.
“Ah, well, actually...it’s not.” Gary cleared his throat. “The whole roof needs to be replaced and that estimate includes material plus labor.”
“I’m sorry.” Caroline shook her head. “I can’t afford that.”
Gary’s whole demeanor changed. “Well, Ms. Fitzpatrick, we’re very competitive with neighboring companies. You’re not going to find a better deal than this.”
“That doesn’t change the fact that I can’t afford it.” Caroline frowned as she walked out into the yard and looked up at her roof. “Are you absolutely sure the whole thing needs to be replaced? I mean I know the shingles do, but the wood? There isn’t any that can be saved?”
Jax knew the answer to that, but waited to see if this guy was brave enough to take advantage. He knew how these assholes worked. He would get the job, she would sign a contact, and then once he started, he would then falsely regret to inform her that more work equaling more money would have to be done. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jax waited for Gary’s answer.
Glancing at Jax, Gary hurried off the porch and started pointing out things which Jax had to give him credit were true.
“I’m sorry I’ve wasted your time, Gary.” Caroline frowned with a sigh. “I’m going to have to go a different avenue on the roof for now.”
Disappointed, Gary nodded. “I understand, but please keep my information and if you change your mind, give me a call.” Gary once again glanced up to Jax, then back to Caroline. “Is that your husband?”
Caroline was still looking at the roof when Gary quietly asked her that question. “No.” She frowned at him.
“Oh.” Gary nodded. “Your boyfriend?”
“Gary,” Jax called from the porch where he was watching and listening to every word.
Gary jumped as if guilty. “Yeah.” He cautiously approached Jax.
Jax grabbed his shoulder with one hand and squeezed enough to send a message as he leaned close to his ear. “Not going to happen.” Jax growled and could have sworn he heard the man gulp in fear.
Jax shoved the estimate into Gary’s stomach, turned him around using his one hand on his shoulder and sent him on his way. Gary hurried to his truck without even looking at Caroline, who was still staring at her roof in despair.
It had been a long time, but it looked like Jax was going to be doing some roofing. Yeah, he was truly fucked.
CHAPTER 15
Jill shoved two crackers in her mouth and wanted to gag. She had begun hating crackers with a passion because that was all she could eat, but it was keeping her going...kinda.
“Hey!” she yelled at Steve who was coming out of Adam’s room.
Steve jumped, then turned toward her like she was a monster. “What?”
Slowing her steps, she watched Steve and knew something was up. It had been two days since Pam had pulled through, and although she found Steve to tell him the good news, she hadn’t seen Adam and she really needed to talk to both him and Steve.
“Is Adam in there?” Jill went to open Adam’s door, but Steve jumped in front of it, stopping her.
“He’s not there.” Steve’s voice was a little high-pitched.
“Okay, then why were you in there?” Jill interrogated Steve, the big liar.
Steve grinned, started to say something, then frowned and grinned again. “I had to get something.”
“What?” Jill cocked an eyebrow, looking at his empty hands.
“I, ah, couldn’t find it.” Steve, the worst liar in the world, lied.