job. And when heâd transitioned from causing trouble in town to bull riding, it had just been a more legitimate method.
And another way for him to try to get his old man to take some notice. To make his mother look at him for more than thirty seconds.
It hadnât worked. His success hadnât changed that, either.
But he had Eli and Connor.
Together theyâd knit a strange and dysfunctional group that continued on to this day. He liked to think they were all a little more functional now. Well, the rest of them more than him, he supposed.
Though he had some stability now with his ranch. He might not be married and procreating like his friends, but he wasnât a total lost cause.
And he knew that in and of itself was a big surprise to most people in Copper Ridge. Oh, sure, they were all polite enough, but he knew for a fact no one wanted him dating their daughter or their sister.
Though now they were happy to have him spending money at their establishments.
He killed his truckâs engine and got out, grabbing hold of the big metal thermos he always carried with him during the workday and two tin mugs.
This was a peacemaking mission, which meant he had come prepared. He shoved his truck keys into his jeans pocket and crossed the gravel lot, heading toward the newly built barn, Connorâs pride and joy, with the exception of his wife and unborn child.
Just then Connor walked out of the alley doors and Jack called out to get his attention. âMorning,â he said.
âYou brought me coffee,â Connor said, flashing him the kind of smile that up until a few months ago had been absent from his friendâs face.
âSorry. Youâre out of luck. The coffee isnât for you.â
âIâm hurt,â Connor said, putting his hand on his chest. âYouâre bringing coffee to another man, Monaghan?â
âNope. Itâs for Katie.â
Connorâs brows shot up. âUh-oh. What did you do?â
âNothing. But I do need to convince her to help me out planning this charity rodeo day. I can use some contacts with the pro association. Iâve been in touch with a few people since I stopped competing. But sheâs in a better position with the locals.â
âYou could probably seduce help out of Lydia. Or just ask.â
Jack thought of the pretty dark-haired president of the chamber of commerce. Yeah, Lydia would be into it, no seduction required. The charity event, not sleeping with him. He let his brain linger on that thought for a moment, if only because it had been a while since heâd seduced anyone or been seduced in return.
âSure,â he responded.
âYou donât sound enthused.â
âIâm not
un
enthused.â
âYes, you are.â
Jack shrugged. âNot interested, I guess.â
âAre you sick? Because sheâs female, so sheâs your type.â
Jack couldnât argue with that. âI donât need to seduce her into helping. Itâs a good idea. You make it sound like women only want to listen to me because of my body,â he said, arching a brow. âIâm more than just a pretty face.â
âI want to say something right now...but I have a feeling I could dig myself into a hole Iâll never get out of.â
âYou probably shouldnât say it,â Jack said. âHowever, if you were thinking that Iâm also a very sexy ass, you would be correct.â
âYou better wash your mouth out with soap before you bring that coffee to Kate. Or sheâll probably end up throwing it in your face.â
âSheâs not my biggest fan.â
Connor offered him a skeptical smile. âActually, I think sheâs a pretty big fan of yours.â Jack puzzled over the words for a second before Connor continued. âYouâre like another brother to her. Which is why she gives you hell.â
Jack let out a hard breath. âLucky me. Do you