Page 9 of Jack of All Trades (The Morrison Brothers #4)

"So am I." He steps closer, lowering his voice so only I can hear. "Maya's not just my sister. She's the only family I've got. The only good thing I've done in my life was raising her right after our old man drank himself to death. She deserves better than being your latest distraction."

"She deserves someone who sees her for who she is," I counter. "Someone who values her mind as much as her beauty. Someone who wants to know her hopes and dreams and fears. I want to be that someone, Rex. I want to try."

"You really believe what you're saying, don't you?"

"I do." I hold his gaze, willing him to understand. "I know my track record sucks. I know I've never been the guy who sticks around. But Maya... she makes me want to be that guy."

Rex sighs heavily, running a hand over his face. "Jesus, Jack. Of all the women in Pine Haven, you had to fall for my sister."

"I didn't plan it," I say with a rueful smile. "It just happened."

"Things don't 'just happen' with Maya," Rex says. "She's cautious. Guarded. Takes forever to trust people. And you're telling me you've already made this connection?"

I nod. "Crazy, right? But it's real, Rex. At least on my end."

He shakes his head, looking torn between anger and resignation.

"You know she's leaving in less than two weeks, right?

Back to Seattle, back to her job and her apartment and her life there.

What exactly are you planning here? A long-distance relationship?

Weekend visits? Or are you just going to enjoy her company until she leaves and then go back to your usual routine? "

The question hits a nerve because I haven't thought that far ahead.

"I don't know," I admit. "I just know I want to find out where this could go."

Rex is quiet for a long moment, then he looks around at the clubhouse, at his brothers watching our exchange with varying degrees of interest and concern. Finally, he turns back to me.

"Out of respect for our friendship," he says slowly, "I'll make you a deal. If you can promise me, right here and now, that if you hurt Maya. you'll give up rodeo competitions for good, then I won't stand in your way."

I stare at him, stunned. "Give up rodeo?"

"That's the deal." Rex's eyes are hard, challenging. "You say Maya's worth fighting for. Prove it. Put something on the line that actually matters to you."

My mind reels at the ultimatum. Rodeo isn't just what I do. It's who I am.

It's been my identity since I was twelve years old, the one thing I excelled at when my brothers were outshining me in every other arena. The thought of giving it up sends a cold wave of panic through me.

But then I think of Maya. The way her eyes light up when she's passionate about something. The sound of her laugh when she finally lets her guard down. The way she looks at me like she's trying to solve a puzzle, seeing past the surface to the man beneath.

I clench my fists, my decision made before I even finish weighing the options.

"Deal," I say, extending my hand. "If I hurt Maya, I walk away from rodeo. For good."

Rex looks genuinely surprised, like he expected me to back down. After a moment's hesitation, he takes my hand, his grip firm.

"You're serious about this," he says, not quite a question.

"I am." I meet his gaze steadily. "I don't know what's happening between me and Maya, Rex. But I know it's worth finding out, even if it means risking something I love."

Rex releases my hand, shaking his head slightly. "I never thought I'd see the day when Jack Morrison put a woman above rodeo."

"Neither did I," I admit with a rueful smile. "Guess that tells you something about how I feel about your sister."

"I guess it does." Rex sighs, then gestures to the bar. "Come on. If we're doing this, I need a drink. And you probably need some ice for that jaw."

I follow him to the bar. Rex orders two beers, then leads me to a quiet corner away from the main group.

"You know, if someone had told me a week ago that I'd be sitting here giving my best friend permission to date my sister, I'd have said they were crazy."

"If someone had told me a week ago that I'd be willing to give up rodeo for a woman I just met, I'd have said the same thing." I touch my jaw gingerly, wincing at the tenderness. "You've got a mean right hook, by the way."

"Years of practice." Rex's expression turns serious again. "I meant what I said, Jack. If you hurt her—"

"I know." I meet his gaze steadily. "I understand what's at stake."

And I do. I'm risking not just my friendship with Rex, but the career I've built, the identity I've crafted for myself. All for a chance with a woman who's supposed to be leaving town in less than two weeks.

It should terrify me. Instead, I feel a strange sense of calm, like I've finally made a decision that aligns with who I really am, not who I've been pretending to be.

As Rex and I fall into easier conversation, I find myself increasingly distracted, checking my watch and glancing toward the door.

The sooner I can get out of here, the sooner I can find Maya and tell her what just happened, that I stood up to her brother, that I've put everything on the line for a chance with her.

Rex notices my restlessness and shakes his head with a knowing look. "You're itching to leave, aren't you?"

"Sorry," I admit, not bothering to hide it. "I just—"

"Want to go find my sister," he finishes for me. He sighs, then drains the last of his beer. "She's at my place, by the way. Said something about organizing her notes for work."

My heart rate kicks up a notch. "She is?"

"Yeah." Rex's eyes narrow slightly. "And if you're thinking about heading over there right now, you better behave yourself. My neighbor sees everything, and she has my number on speed dial."

I can't help the grin that spreads across my face, despite my still-throbbing jaw. "Are you giving me permission to go see her?"

"I'm acknowledging I probably can't stop you," Rex grumbles. "But I swear to God, Morrison, if you hurt her—"

"I know, I know. Goodbye rodeo." I stand up, unable to contain my eagerness any longer. "Thanks, Rex. For understanding. For giving me a chance."

He waves me off, but there's a reluctant acceptance in his eyes now. "Just remember our deal. And don't make me regret this."

"I won't," I promise, already backing toward the door. "See you tomorrow?"

"Apparently," Rex says dryly, giving me a look that makes me wonder again just how much he suspects about the surprise party.

I don't wait around to find out. With a final nod to the club president, who watches our exchange with knowing eyes, I head for the exit, my steps quickening with each foot closer to the door.

Outside, the bright midday sun feels like a spotlight on possibilities I never saw coming.

I climb into my truck, my mind already racing ahead to what I'll say to Maya when I see her.

How much should I tell her? Everything? Just that Rex knows I'm interested in her?

That I'm willing to give up rodeo if things go wrong?

As I start the engine, I realize it doesn't matter what I plan to say. With Maya, the conversation never goes as expected anyway. She challenges me, surprises me, keeps me on my toes in a way no one else ever has.

And that, more than anything, is why I'm willing to risk it all for her.

I pull out of the Outlaw Order' parking lot, pointing my truck toward town, toward Rex's apartment, toward Maya.

Toward whatever comes next.