The Rebel Returns
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“Hey, slow down.” He grabbed for her arm but she pulled away and kept on moving. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I just miss seeing you smile and laugh. You’re always so serious these days.”
“I smile.” She lifted her chin and pasted on a smile.
“I meant a real one. Not one of those practiced smiles you use for guests.”
Cleo paused at the restaurant entrance, waiting for the hostess to seat them. She didn’t know why she still let him ruffle her feathers. She really needed to loosen up.
The hostess seated them in the corner where there was dim lighting and a candle burning in the middle of the table. She inwardly groaned at the romantic setting. She glanced around, finding the restaurant empty, except for one gentleman across the room.
Jax leaned back against the cushioned bench as though the atmosphere didn’t faze him. “So tell me about him?”
“About who?”
“The guy who made you stop believing in happily-ever-afters.”
Her initial instinct was to tell him to look in the mirror. He’d been the first guy to break her heart. But she didn’t dare admit it to him. He’d think she was being ridiculous. After all, she’d just been a silly kid.
But to this day she could still remember how crushed she’d been when she’d acted on impulse. She’d stood up on her tiptoes and kissed him. He hadn’t kissed her back. He hadn’t said a word. Not even a smile. In fact, all he did was stare at her. She’d been mortified.
The next time she saw him, he’d been leaving her grandfather’s house. She’d run to catch up to him. She didn’t know what she’d been expecting him to say, but it sure wasn’t goodbye. Nor had she anticipated him leaning forward, kissing her cheek and saying, “See you, kid.”
She’d been so devastated by him leaving town that she hadn’t eaten her dinner and had hidden in her room all night. Luckily being the only girl afforded her the luxury of having her own room, where no one could see the tears she cried.
Jax took a drink of ice water and studied her over the rim. “Aw, see, I was right. It was a man who turned you into such a jaded person.”
Cleo was not about to confess her long-ago teenage crush on him nor mention her college boyfriend, who got her to trust him—to believe they might have a chance at a future—before he two-timed her with her roommate. Some things were better not discussed.
“Let’s just say I grew up and learned that people always let you down.” She had to remind herself of that hard-learned lesson when Jax was around. With him it was too easy to fall into old patterns and let down her guard.
Throughout the meal they compared notes about college life and who had it worse. When Jax claimed he lived a semester with not much more than a can of tuna for his supper, he won hands down.
Since he’d started asking questions, it was time he answered a few. “Now, tell me more about your life in New York. You’ve said very little about what you do there.”
“What can I say, I like to be a man of mystery.”
Now that she couldn’t argue with. He’d been a mystery for as long as she’d known him. He’d give just so much of himself before a solid wall would come up and block everyone out. She always thought that it had something to do with the way his father mistreated him. She inwardly cringed remembering how that man would call Jax rude names in the middle of town.
“Well, I hate to tell you this, but you aren’t as mysterious as you seem.”
“Really?” Jax propped his elbows on the table and leaned forward. “And what is it you think you’ve uncovered about me?”
“I know you work in New York City for some investment firm.”
“So far you’re right. I run a hedge fund on Wall Street.”
“That sounds very impressive.” She couldn’t hold back a big smile. “I’m so happy for you. I just wish your mother was still around to see what you’ve done with your life.”
“I think she would have approved.”
“I know she would have. She was always proud of you.” Cleo’s thoughts filled with memories of the people of Hope Springs. “Do you ever think about going home?”
“This from the girl who moved to Connecticut for college and then graduated and moved to Vegas. I don’t see you rushing back to Wyoming.”
She shrugged. “I’m not cut out to be a rancher, even if I am a Sinclair. I just wish I could have convinced my family.”
“Ah, so you’re off in search of yourself.”
After all of these years it was as if he could still read her thoughts. Before she could tell him more, shouting came from behind her followed by the sound of shattering glass.
CHAPTER FIVE
WHY NOW?
For the first time in forever, Jax had been enjoying himself. Instead of worrying about his test results or the upcoming trial, he’d taken time to enjoy a good meal and an easy conversation. Cleo was perfect, from her sparkling smile to the way the candlelight made her blond curls shimmer. This was the closest he could ever envision himself getting with a woman and he hated that the moment had come to an abrupt end.
Stifling a groan of frustration, he turned his head. A man stumbled to his feet while berating a young waitress as she set a cup on the table. The woman’s face was splotched with color while all around her on the floor were shards of broken glass.
“I’ll get security,” Cleo said, scrambling to her feet.
Jax wasn’t about to stand by and watch the scene unfold. He strode across the empty dining room, hoping to reason with the man. “Is there a problem here?”
“What’s it to you?” The man slurred his words.
“It looked like you might need some help.” He’d had his share of experiences with men in this guy’s condition and knew they could be unpredictable.
“Yeah, get her to bring me another drink.” The man’s bloodshot eyes glared at him and then turn to the young waitress. “I don’t want this coffee.”
“I’m sorry. I can’t serve you any more alcohol,” the waitress stammered.
Before the man could move, Jax situated himself between the two of them. He’d seen enough of this thing when he was a kid, when he was too young to do anything about it. Now he wouldn’t just stand by and let a man take his frustration out on this woman.
“Why don’t you try the coffee?”
“Fine.” The man glared at him before grabbing a large brown mug from the table behind him. “If you’re so interested in the coffee, you have it.”
The next thing Jax knew warm liquid hit him in the face. His hands balled at his sides and a growl started deep in his throat. With every muscle tensed, he stood there soaked as coffee continued to drip from his chin.
“Enjoy.” The man staggered away.
Jax took a step in the man’s direction then stopped. More than anything he wanted to go after him, but he knew better. Nothing good would come from exacerbating the situation.
He glanced over in time to see Cleo standing at the entrance to the restaurant with two burly security guards. “That’s the guy.”
While security dealt with the obnoxious man, Jax turned to the waitress. “Are you okay?”
She nodded and handed him a towel. “Thank you. I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t been here.”
He proceeded to dry his face. “Glad I could help.”
“I tried to make him understand that I have to follow the rules. I—I wasn’t sure what to do. I’m new and no one has ever acted like that before. I should have handled it better.” The girl grew flustered and he felt bad for her.
“You did fine. He was just a difficult man. Here, let me give you a hand cleaning up.” He knelt down and started placing the big pieces of glass on the tray.
“If there’s ever anything I can do for you, just ask for Marylou.”
“Thank you.” He flashed her a reassuring smile. “I’ll keep your offer in mind.”
Cleo returned with a mop and bucket. She looked him over. “Are you okay? Did you get burned?”
“I’m fine. Luckily the coffee had time to cool down. I’m just a little wet.”
She gave him one last look as though to determine whether he was telling the truth. Then she started mopping the floor. The three of them worked together until the mess was nothing more than a distant memory.
“Well, hero,” Cleo said, smiling up at him, “let’s get you back to the bungalow and into some dry clothes.”
He shook his head. “I’m no hero.”
“Yes, you are. Just like all those years ago when you stood between me and Billy Parsons when he insisted I hand over my lunch money. You’re still playing the modest hero. That’s one of the things that I always—” She clamped her lips together and glanced away.
His black mood started to lift. “That you always what?”
“That I...I always admired about you.”
The way she stammered around, he couldn’t help wondering if that was what she’d originally intended to say or if there was some other hidden truth that was making her look so uncomfortable. He knew she had a crush on him way back then. And in all honesty, he’d thought she was pretty great, too. But way too young for him.
“Come on. Let’s get you out of these.” She tugged at his damp, clingy T-shirt. “Then again your new cologne, eau de coffee, might be a big hit with the ladies.”
“You think so? How’s it working for you?”
Her petite nose curled up. “I don’t think it’s your scent.”
Her soft laughter was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. And her smile started a funny feeling in his chest. If only he could keep her smiling.
Her eyes twinkled. “Are you flirting with me?”
“If you have to ask, I must not be doing it right.”
She laughed some more. “I’m glad not everything about you has changed. You were always a great guy in my book.”
Her gaze lifted up to meet his. The tender look in her eyes touched something deep inside him—a part of him that he thought was long dead. In that moment, he felt more alive than he had in months.
Without thinking he reached out and caressed her cheek. “Thank you.”
She leaned into his touch, short-circuiting the logical side of his brain. The only coherent thought in his head was to pull her close and kiss her. And this time he wouldn’t be kissing her rosy cheek. This time he planned to find out if those cherry-red lips were as sweet and passionate as they were in his daydreams.
His head started to lower when he heard footsteps behind him. He pulled away. Frustration bound up in his gut. He’d been so close—a breath away from satisfying his desires.
His hands clenched at his sides as he worked to compose himself. A little voice in his head assured him that this was for the best, but it didn’t stop the wave of disappointment. Only a moment or two more and he’d have had a tantalizing memory to take back to New York.
“What’s going on here?” Mr. Burns demanded. “Security said there was some sort of incident.”
Cleo stepped forward. “Mr. Smith played hero. Everything is fine now.”
Mr. Burns frowned as he surveyed Jax’s stained shirt. “I’m sorry about that. Please stop by the men’s shop and pick out a replacement. Charge it to my account.”
Cleo clasped her hands together. “I can explain—”
“Trust me, you’ll get your chance in my office. I have something to take care of first, but I’ll be there shortly.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cleo’s worried gaze moved from Mr. Burns to Jax. He wanted to reassure her that everything would be all right. That if he had to he would go over this man’s head because he was really starting to dislike her boss and the tone he used when speaking to her.
Not wanting to do anything to make her even more uncomfortable, he decided to wait until she was gone before he had a word with this man. Then he’d set him straight.
* * *
Talk about a long, miserable evening.
Not even the magnificent sunset with its brilliant orange-and-pink glow could lift Cleo’s spirits. She strode along the path to Jax’s bungalow, grateful for its privacy. Her steps picked up speed as she continued contemplating what had just happened.
What made everyone think they knew what was best for her? First her overbearing family. Then her two-timing boyfriend. And now Jax...
She’d been a fool to think Jax was different—that he respected her ability to take care of herself. Even if it was to learn from her mistakes. She could just add him to her ever-growing list of people who’d disappointed her.
Her lips firmed into a line, holding back a string of heated words. She only had herself to blame. When would she learn to be more cautious?
There had only been one other time when she’d been this worked up—the last day she’d argued with her father on the phone. Her stomach churned as the chilling memory surfaced. She recalled how her father had yelled and then the phone had gone dead. Not knowing what had happened to him, she’d practically climbed the walls waiting for him to call her back. Nothing could ever be that bad. And thankfully this day wouldn’t end with someone dying.
But before she was done, Jax would get an earful.
She stopped outside the bungalow and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her tightly clenched fist knocked solidly on the door. She waited. No answer. She once again pounded on the solid wood door.
“I’m not leaving until you talk to me,” she shouted.
The door yanked open just as she raised her clenched hand.
“I think the entire resort heard you.” He glanced both ways. “I’m surprised no one has come running to find out what’s wrong.”
She lowered her hand and marched past him into the bungalow. “Do you know what I just spent the last hour or so doing?” Without even waiting for Jax to respond, she motored on. “I had to justify exactly why I should continue as a part of the player development team. And Mr. Burns wanted to know if there was something going on between the two of us. Otherwise he just couldn’t understand why you’d be so adamant about keeping me on as your host.”
Jax closed the door and turned. “And, gee, I thought you came here to thank me.”
“Thank you? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”
“Hey, this isn’t my fault. And as I recall, in the beginning I suggested another casino host take over.”
The fact he was making perfect sense was not helping matters. “Still, did you have to threaten my boss? He already dislikes me. Now he outright hates me.”
Jax crossed his arms, his biceps bulging. “I didn’t exactly threaten him.”
She pried her gaze from his muscles and looked into his blue eyes, which were just as disconcerting. “Are you saying you didn’t mention something along the lines of if he fired me, you’d take your business elsewhere? As well as that of your friends?”
Jax shrugged. “Someone needed to put that man in his place. He couldn’t keep treating you like that.”
“But that wasn’t your responsibility. I can take care of myself. Stop acting like one of my overprotective brothers.” She started pacing through the spacious living area. “I know how to handle men like Mr. Burns.”
“Fine. Maybe I did come on a little strong, but that man is annoying. I don’t know how you can stand working for him.” Jax strode out of the room and quickly returned with some water. “Drink this. It’ll cool you off.”
She placed her sunglasses and phone on the table in the entranceway and accepted the tall glass. After a long sip, she said, “I know I should be thanking you.”
“That’s not such a bad idea.”
She drew in a deep breath and leveled her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up at you.”
“Apology accepted.”
“But you don’t understand. My entire life my brothers have interfered with everything I do, never letting me stand on my own two feet. And my mother was constantly overriding my decisions. I thought that it was all behind me when I left Wyoming.”
“I remember how your brothers policed every guy who looked in your direction. Did you ever have a date in high school?”
She nodded. “Mama finally put her foot down and made them back off on the couple of boys she approved of.”
“But not the guys you had your eye on.”
She shook her head. “You know how old-fashioned my family can be, and Kurt is no better. He doesn’t understand why I had to get away to try different things and find what makes me happy.”
“I guess I hadn’t thought of it that way.” Jax placed his hand over his heart. “I promise in the future to let you fight your own battles.”
“Thank you. But you do realize once you check out, Mr. Burns will find a way to get rid of me.”
“Are you saying that I have to stay here indefinitely?” Jax smiled, causing her heart flutter.
“Yes. But in order to do that, you’ll have to start winning.”
He rubbed his jaw. “I suppose you’re right. Maybe we should go give it another try. I’m feeling lucky now.”
“Are you serious?” There was still a chance of turning things around if Jax continued to test his luck at the tables.
The light from his smile snuck between the cracks in her dark mood and lightened her spirits. She was drawn to him, but she steeled herself against the desire. There was still so much she didn’t know about him.
She’d never met anyone who could affect her so deeply. She’d come in here ready to tell him what to do with the job he’d secured for her, but instead she was walking out the door with a smile on her face, anxious to prove Mr. Burns wrong.
In the warm evening, the lights along the pathway gave off a soft glow. Jax was just behind her and she could sense his gaze on her. What was going through his mind?
Was he remembering how he’d almost kissed her in the restaurant? Drat Mr. Burns for ruining the moment. After all, it wasn’t as though they were starting something serious. It would have been a simple kiss.
“It’s a beautiful evening,” Jax said from behind her.
“Yes, it is.” But it wasn’t the darkening sky or warm breeze that held her interest.
When Jax made another comment, she couldn’t quite catch his words. Afraid she missed something important, she stopped short. He bumped into her. His hands reached and wrapped around her waist. She automatically turned in his arms.
Her gaze met his and her heart skipped a beat. “I didn’t hear you.”
“I said the sunset wasn’t nearly as beautiful as you.”
He was so close. She could smell his male scent combined with a spicy aftershave. A much better fragrance for him than the coffee.
Her good intentions evaporated as his intense gaze held hers. In his eyes, she detected mounting interest. She reveled in the fact that she could evoke such a reaction in him. She moved a little closer and heard the swift intake of his breath. He might fight it, but he was as attracted to her as she was to him.
Then she did something spontaneous. She lifted up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips to his just the way she had all those years ago. But this time she didn’t stop there. She was no longer young and inexperienced. And she fully intended to make an unforgettable point.
Her lips moved against his very still mouth. Surely he couldn’t be that surprised. This had started long ago and tonight she wanted to turn her fantasy into reality. So that when they each went their separate ways, she would have this memory to hang on to during those sleepless nights.
Her hands slid up over his solid chest and his muscled shoulders and wrapped around his neck. Her fingertips slid through his hair. With a moan, he tightened his hold on her, drawing her closer. His lips moved beneath hers. And like a timeless dance their mouths opened and their tongues met. Was it possible that this kiss—that Jax himself—was even better than she ever imagined in her dreams?
His kiss became frenzied with need. She met him stroke for stroke. His excitement increased her pleasure. Time slipped away. The only thing that mattered now was the man holding her.
Then as quickly as the kiss had started, it ended. Jax released her and stepped back. His breathing was as rapid as hers but his gaze lowered. He refused to look at her. What was that all about?
“That shouldn’t have happened.” He raked his fingers through his hair, scattering the short strands.
This was not the reaction she’d expected. She inwardly groaned. Why should this time be any different? He didn’t want her. The acknowledgment stung.
“You’re right.” What had she been thinking? “It was my fault. It won’t happen again.”
She went to turn away when he reached out to her. “Hey, this has nothing to do with you. You’re beautiful. Any man would be crazy to turn you down.”
“You’re making too much of it.”
When would she learn to think before acting? Every time she put herself out there, she’d been rejected, first by her ex and then by her very own mother. People couldn’t love her as is. They always wanted her to be more outgoing, more compliant, more something. There was always an area where she fell short in their eyes. She didn’t even know what Jax found lacking in her and she wasn’t about to stick around to ask.
She sucked down the bruising ache in her chest. It wasn’t as though she still carried a torch for him. The kiss had been nothing more than a passing fancy, not something serious.
Swallowing hard, she levelled her shoulders and met his gaze. “I have some stuff to do. You can go ahead without me. I’ll call and make sure your blackjack table is ready.” It was then that she realized she didn’t have her phone. “I must have left my phone back at the bungalow.”
Jax turned as though to walk with her.
She held up her hand to stop him. “Just go into the casino. I’ll get it.”
He looked as though he was going to argue but then thought better of it. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Go ahead into the casino. You should be all set up at the same table as earlier.”
“Cleo, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you—”
She waved away his platitude. “I’m fine. It was a mistake kissing you all those years ago and it was a mistake tonight.”
His mouth opened but she didn’t wait around to hear anything he had to say. She strode away, completely mortified by the way she’d thrown herself at him. What in the world had gotten into her? She’d like to blame it on a full moon, but there was none. This mortifying disaster was all her fault.
When she arrived at Jax’s bungalow, she realized her pass card was with the phone locked inside. She expelled a sigh. Just what she needed now was to tell him that she had forgotten not only her phone but the hotel pass card, as well. Could she look any more incompetent this evening?
The sound of footsteps had her taking a calming breath. A shadow fell over her. She turned, expecting to find Jax, but instead a tall, muscular man dressed in a dark suit stood before her. The stranger was built like a linebacker and under different circumstances this might have intrigued her, but tonight she didn’t want to be bothered.
Her gaze rose to his face. She was caught off guard by his dark, menacing eyes. “I’m sorry but this is a restricted area. Are you a guest of the hotel?”
The man’s tanned face creased with an intimidating frown. “I’m looking for someone. A Jax Monroe.”
She had no idea who this man was or who had pointed him in this direction, but the first rule about being a casino host was abiding by their client’s wishes. And Jax had no wish for anyone to find him here.
“I can’t help you. Did you try at the front desk?” She knew that they wouldn’t release guest information, but she hoped this man didn’t know that and would go away. “Maybe they can give you some information.”
“Just tell me where I can find him.”
An uneasy feeling inched down her spine. Was this the man Jax was avoiding? If so, she fully understood why Jax wouldn’t want anything to do with him. Her mouth grew dry. The guy looked as though he could bench-press a car. And the menacing look in his eyes gave her the creeps.
Something definitely wasn’t right here. Her palms grew moist. Standing alone with this man was not a good idea. It was time to get moving.