Liam opened the door and ushered me through, leading me to the stairs. I was walking behind Liam, and about half way down, I felt as though I was being watched. I glanced to my right and down, and nearly stumbled, when my gaze clashed with the smoldering look Jack was throwing in my direction. He was hot – and – and hot. Oh God, I tried to act as normal as I could with my insides turned all upside down. I looked for Liam, but he’d left me and walked off into another room.
At the bottom of the stairs, Jack met me; we just stared at each other. His gaze and closeness had me all hot and bothered with wet panties. He was Liam’s engaged brother. I had to remember that. He shouldn’t be looking at me as though he wanted me for dinner. And I shouldn’t be returning his look.
“You must be, Jack.” I nervously held my hand out to him having found my voice.
He took hold of my hand, and the instant he did lightening shot up my arm. I lifted my eyes to his, searching for a reaction. There was no doubt that he’d felt it too.
My heart pounded, as I looked closer at his face; strong cheekbones, long lashes, over heated blue eyes. His jaw, which he held tightly as though it was about to snap with tension, was covered by what could only be described as five o’clock shadow.
“And you must be, Thalia.”
“You’ve met Jack I see,” Liam said, as Jack quickly released my hand.
Liam smirked as he walked up to me and slipped his arm around my waist. Obviously wanting everyone to think I was his girlfriend. Well, I did agree to that.
“We’ve met,” Jack said, turning away.
Liam looked at me and stepped away slightly. “Are you okay? You look flushed.” He glanced in his brother’s direction then back at me.
“I’m fine; just hungry.”
His arm tightened around my waist as he led me to the sitting room, but despite Liam’s presence, my thoughts were stuck on Jack. He looked nothing like Liam. Perhaps he took after his father, where Liam took after his mother. I needed to keep my wits about me though, because I had no right reacting to an engaged man like I did. My heart pounded and I wouldn’t have been surprised if it jumped right out of my chest.
He was like my fictional cowboy and would look damn good in well-worn denim, a tight t-shirt and hat. He was tall with short dark hair and I could imagine falling into his eyes. And what eyes – untamed, intense blue eyes and the abs – wow. He was wearing black jeans with a long sleeved pale blue t-shirt, which was molded to his body; my mouth went dry.
“Thalia, you look lovely. Come and meet my husband, Graham.” Stephanie took hold of my arm and pulled me over to where her husband was standing in what looked to be a heated discussion with Jack. “Graham, this is Liam’s girl, Thalia, and this is Jack.” Why did that sound like an insult when she introduced Jack?
“We’ve already met,” Jack said, turning his back on me.
I held my hand out to Graham, “It’s nice to meet you.”
Graham looked pissed when he glanced at Jack, then turned back to me and shook my hand.
“Call me Graham... Jack, don’t be rude to your brother’s girlfriend.”
Inwardly I groaned. The last thing I wanted was to piss Jack off via his father.
Jack turned back to me with a furious expression. If I could have moved, I’d have run, but I was frozen to the spot.
“As my brother has abandoned you, let me take you in to dinner.”
Jack turned, took hold of my elbow and pulled me out of the room. I shivered at his touch, which dragged a giggle from between my lips. What the hell had possessed me to giggle, I’d never know, but I’d also taken Jack by surprise. He stopped in his tracks and looked down at me with eyes full of heat. He pushed me away from him. “Stay away from me. My brother doesn’t bite, but I do!” With that comment he stomped off and took his seat at the table.
Liam walked over to me, looking between the two of us again. “What did he say?”
“It doesn’t matter.” I could see Jack watching us out of the corner of my eye.
After a minute Liam put his arm around my shoulders, and pulled the chair out at the table for me. The meal was going to be hell considering I was sitting opposite Jack.
I took my seat, moving my chair closer to the table then did what I’d decided was best – ignored Jack.
The meal was a very uncomfortable, silent affair and I nearly sagged in relief when I ate the last spoon of the chocolate dessert, feeling ready to burst. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d eaten so much. I leaned back in the chair, meeting Jack’s eyes from across the table.
“You enjoy that, little girl?” he sneered.
Ugh, I hated that. I gave him my ‘you’ll give me anything smile’, which Callie constantly told me made big men weep. “Very much, did you?” I replied in a sultry voice.
He shifted in his chair, glaring at me before standing up. “I’m out of here.”
Thank God.
“Thalia, please excuse Jack. He’s always been a difficult child. Believe it or not, he does have manners,” Stephanie apologized.
“It’s okay, don’t worry about it.” I took another drink of my water, standing when Liam did.
“Excuse us.” Liam took my hand and dragged me out of the room.