She’d kept her family in the dark about the purchase of the building and her career plans. Keely admitted there was a certain appeal in his off-the-wall proposal. After it’s over we can go back to hating each other, same as always.” If you say yes, we’ll both get what we want: you’ll get the building remodel approval, I’ll have a chance at the Milford project and we’ll both have our pride. You really believed I’d morphed into a creepy scuzzball, huh?” “Not trying to turn you on, just proving I can act. “Is this greasy used car salesman act supposed to be turning me on? Because it ain’t working, bucko.” “There’s no shame in admitting you want me.” He nuzzled the skin in front of her ear and a shiver trilled down her neck. Want to ride on the Jack-hammer? Guaranteed to rev you up all night long.” “An ego isn’t the only thing that’s big about me, baby.

Keely shrieked but he held tight, jerking her lower body to his. “See? Sarcasm is a defense mechanism to mask your fear.” With each word he’d closed the distance between them. The only thing you make me want to do is punch you in the face.” “Maybe you’re afraid I can make you fall in love with me for real.” I never imagined wild child Keely McKay was afraid.” “I thought you said you weren’t all talk. His deep, sexy laugh unfurled an unwanted reaction low in her belly. Don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out. So thanks for stopping by personally and ruining my life.” Keely ducked under his arm and started walking away. Not for an hour, not for a day and certainly not forever.

“See what I mean? No one who knows us will ever believe we put our differences aside. Which means we have to convince my entire family that we’re a couple.” “I have no doubt the story is plausible for the Milford crowd, but you’re forgetting one teensy tiny detail. Jack gave her that devil-may-care grin and bestowed a deep bow. Each hour we spent together built on our past as a bridge to our future until bam-change of heart.” It turned into something more than a working relationship. But we crossed paths again when you needed my help with this restoration project. I saw you as my best friend’s pesky little sister you were dumped by my little brother. “The reason we didn’t go public with our relationship-even with families-was because of our rocky past. But there has to be a way we can convince them we’ve secretly been together for the last few months…” He snapped his fingers. “I didn’t share specifics on my personal life. “Didn’t you tell me the committee is aware you’ve been single for a while?” During this engagement you’ll travel to Milford with me and convince the committee we’re madly in love.” “I’ll need a minimum of one month commitment from you.

All jacked up by lorelei james