Perfectly Ms. Matched(36)

He leaned down and whispered, “I’ll bet you’ve never even had a one-night stand.”

Damn him. He knew her too well. “Well, maybe it’s time I did!” He wasn’t the only one who could enjoy a night of mindless, faceless sex. She could too. Maybe.

What appeared to be sadness shone in his eyes. “I’d rather you didn’t. You’re not cut out for them, Jo. You talk tough, but you’re just a marshmallow too, underneath all that bluster. I’d hate to see you get hurt.” He turned and walked away. “Have a nice time tonight.”

Have a nice time? He wasn’t going to fight with her like he usually did? Did he really care that much if she had a one-night stand? He could’ve at least tried a little harder to convince her to come over after her date. What had she done to make him so sad?

Guilt rushed through her with the intensity of a flash flood. She wasn’t going to have a one-night stand. And he needed her help. He’d even almost asked nicely. That part could use some work, but that was Chad.

“Okay, wait.”

Chad stopped walking and turned. Hope shone on his face. “So you’ll do it?”

She kissed Black Jack’s face good-bye and then caught up with Chad. “Yes, but no touching tonight, or you’ll get double the strikes.”

“Deal.” He took her hand and weaved his long fingers with hers. “So let’s see. We’re even right now. That means if I have a lapse in judgment and earned a double strike, that’d still leave me with one?”

“Yes. But I’m serious, Chad.” She lifted her finger to drive her point home in his good shoulder but stopped. “You just did that on purpose, didn’t you? So I’d poke you, and you’d be in negative numbers again.”

“Busted.” He laughed. “Now look who’s training the trainer?”

“Keep it up, and I’ll just stay home tonight.” She poked him in the shoulder anyway. Just because it felt so good.



Since they’d returned from the ranch, Chad had done everything he could to avoid Linda. He’d worked out, taken a swim, shut the door behind him in his study, and then made them all a quick dinner. Luckily Heather had come back to distract Linda, who eyed the kid up and down, not at all liking there was a younger, prettier woman in the house. He’d texted Heather earlier and explained what was going on so she wouldn’t blow their cover.

Back in his study again, he reached for his phone and realized he’d left it charging in the kitchen, so he got up from his swivel chair to retrieve it. The display said eight thirty, and panic set in. Ryan’s bedtime. What would he do with Linda after Ryan was asleep? Where the heck was Jo?

He started for the den where Heather, Linda, and Ryan all watched some animated movie. Linda looked up and smiled. “Sit here, Chad.” She scooted over on the couch. His eyes darted around the room. Heather lounged in the big chair, so he had no choice but to sit beside Linda on the couch. “It’s Ryan’s bedtime. He has school tomorrow.”

Ryan wailed, “Nooooo. It’s almost over.”

Linda whispered, “Let him finish it. Then I’ll tuck him in. After that, I’ll tuck you in.”

The chime announcing the elevator’s arrival couldn’t have come at a better time. “That must be Jo.” He leaned his head back and called out, “We’re in the den.”

Linda hissed, “Why is she here?”

“Because she’s my fiancée and sometimes spends the night.”

After a few moments, Jo appeared in the doorway, wearing another pretty dress, with an overnight bag slung over her shoulder. “Hey, guys.” She looked around for somewhere to sit, and because there wasn’t a place, she flopped down on his lap and then kissed him. “Hi, baby.”

When Linda’s face clouded with anger, he couldn’t help his grin. “If you guys will excuse us, please. Jo has to get up very early for work, so we’ll say good night. Lights out by nine, Ryan.” He stood up with Jo still in his arms and made her yelp. She probably hadn’t expected him to be able to do that with his wounded knee. It hadn’t been easy, but it was the quickest way to get the hell out. “Not a minute later, Linda. Night, Heather.”

“Night, Mr. Jenks.”

He carried Jo out of the den and headed for his bedroom. They were both silent until they were inside and he closed the door behind him.

Jo grinned as he put her down. “I thought the top of Linda’s head was going to explode. I take it you didn’t mention I was spending the night?”

“No. And I might have implied she’d be doing me a great favor by keeping Ryan occupied so I could catch up with some much needed business in my study. And that I’d be very grateful later.”