She Does Know Jack

by Michaels, Donna

  His brother nodded. “I rest my case.”

  “Yeah, rest whatever you want. Just do it elsewhere. I have a lot to do.” Jack scrubbed his hands over his face, refusing to think about that night.

  “I’m sorry. I know this show is demanding. You still have to sit through dinner tomorrow night when the two girls come over to meet our parents. Then you have to accompany me and Brielle on our one-on-one over-nighter Friday and Saturday.” Matthew narrowed his eyes and cocked his head. “Or will you be giving those duties to Rodriguez?”

  “No, I won’t be assigning Rodriguez to those duties, although…” Jack paused. The idea did have appeal.

  “Sorry, I like Rodriguez, but he’s not my brother and doesn’t qualify,” Matthew said, moving from the desk to the door.

  Jack frowned, watching his brother reach into the hall for something. “Qualify for what?”

  “For being a jerk.” Matthew returned with a canvas in his hand.

  “Fuck you.”

  The pain-in-the-ass chuckled. “See? I rest my case.”

  “Is there a reason you’re in here bothering me, Matthew?”

  “Yes, Jack. As a matter of fact, there is,” his smirking brother replied, walking toward the desk, painting in hand. “Look at this, and tell me what you see.”

  Jack stood and waited as Matthew approach. “Ah, the painting that has consumed your free time ever since we got back into port.”

  “Yes.” Matthew regarded him closely as he slowly turned the canvas around.

  Air ripped from Jack’s lungs, the hiss echoing through the study as he stared wide-eyed at a barefoot Brielle in her strapless blue dress caught in a dance pose with him on the yacht.

  “How did…?” He blinked, stunned at the accuracy of emotion his brother had captured in his expression. The oneness, the love, the desire he’d felt for Brielle…it was all there. Tearing his gaze from the painting, he focused on Matthew. “How? You weren’t there.”

  His brother smiled. “I was there for a moment. I came looking for you, but what I found hit me hard. It spoke to me, and I couldn’t wait to get back to my cabin to sketch it.” He glanced at his work, then back up at Jack. “Now, answer the question—what do you see?”

  Jack stared at the painting and his heart tore right open. “She’s so beautiful,” he whispered, longing to run his finger over Brielle’s face, her expression open and unguarded, gazing up at him. “She looks happy, vibrant, free…like a woman in…” He blinked, refocusing on her expression, his heart hammering so hard his throat instantly dried.

  “Like a woman in…what, Jack?” Matthew prompted.

  Jack swallowed. “Like a woman in love.”

  Chapter Eighteen

  She was ready for the end. Brielle didn’t want to play anymore. This television stuff was tiring. Granted, maybe if she’d managed more than eight hours sleep in the last five nights, she wouldn’t be so tired. So bone-dead tired. But she hadn’t, and she was. Time to suck it up. After all, the show must go on.

  Although, she’d really love nothing more than to pull the plug. And get some sleep. But every time she closed her eyes, Jack’s face taunted—accusing, hurt…shattered. She couldn’t bear to see it again. Bad enough she’d lived through it, been the cause of the utter devastation that had tightened his face, dulling the vibrant blue of his eyes to a pale, lifeless gray.

  “Let’s go, ladies.”

  Bill’s voice snapped Brielle from her inner haunt.

  “It’s getting late. It’s almost show time.” With the ever-present clipboard in hand, the producer ushered her and Mandy into the bachelor mansion.

  She glanced around the foyer and held back a smile. With the exception of Monday’s finale, she wouldn’t have to step foot inside this place again. Thank God. A smile tugged at her lips. Forever would be too soon.

  “Matthew, his parents and his brother are waiting for you in the gathering room.” The producer tapped his clipboard as he led them across the marbled floor. “You’ll mingle, have a few drinks, then head to the dining room.”

  Mandy heaved an excited sigh and squeezed Brielle’s hand. “I can’t believe we’re the final two.” The blonde turned sideways and opened her red-lipped mouth to say something else, then frowned.

  “What’s wrong?” Brielle stopped, twisted around to look behind them, but only spotted their cameramen.

  “I just thought I saw…” Mandy’s voice faded and she chewed on her lower lip. “I thought I felt someone watching.”

  Bill glanced around, then shrugged. “Probably just your nerves.”

  “Yeah, I’m sure you’re right.” The blonde giggled, putting a shaky hand to her throat. “I’m so nervous I’d even forgotten how to strap my shoes.”

  Brielle eyed Mandy’s strapless black heels and smiled. “Good choice.”

  “Aren’t they just darling? I got these Jimmy Choos on sale and—” She paused, then wrinkled her nose. “I went off in my little world again, didn’t I?”

  Brielle nodded, still smiling.

  “Thought so.” The hand model shrugged. “Well, anyway, I’m glad I brought my Jimmy’s because they were much easier on my nervous fingers.” She giggled again, wiggling her hands.

  “Yes, yes, very nice.” Bill grunted, moving toward the gathering room once again. “Come along. We mustn’t keep the bachelor and his family waiting.”

  Bachelor and his family. Which translated to bachelor and his brother in Brielle’s over-taxed mind.

  She counted to ten. I can do this. No matter how Jack reacts to me, I’ll keep my cool.

  Tonight wasn’t about dinner and mingling. It was about one of her final chances to solve this damn case. The time had come for her to add this assignment to her pile of finished jobs and put it all behind her. Of course, that didn’t include Jack. She’d never be able to put him behind her. The memory of their time together would be forever imprinted on her heart.

  When she’d returned from the yacht on Sunday in desperate need of a distraction, and with sleep out of the question, Brielle had thrown herself into the case. Many hours later, her study of video footage and audio tapes had produced nothing more than a pounding headache. So she’d switched gears. Taking advantage of the two days Matthew, Mandy and Jack were in Aspen, Brielle and her uncle’s team had searched the bachelor mansion from top to bottom. They found nothing—just like on the yacht.

  Her lips twisted. No footage of the girls being tossed overboard had been captured. What a surprise…not. The camera for that section had conveniently been unplugged.

  Whoever was behind this knew what they were doing. Had to be part of the crew or show. Her gaze bounced around, glancing at the people in the background. Hands down, it was someone here tonight. And she was determined to find that person.

  She set her shoulders, cleared her mind and continued to walk with the others, undaunted. Before the evening was through, the case would be solved. She’d never failed before and wouldn’t stop until she found the offender.

  “Maybe it’s Jack.”

  Brielle started. “I’m sorry.” She glanced at Mandy. “What did you say?”

  “Bill had asked who we thought was making the threats. I said maybe it was Jack.” The blonde brushed imaginary lint from her red dress as they walked across the foyer. She glanced up and frowned. “What?”

  “It’s not Jack.” Brielle shook her head vehemently, her heart and mind in total agreement for once.

  The blonde shrugged. “Yeah, but, he’s been so miserable lately.”

  Brielle sighed. The blonde had her there. “That just makes him a jerk, not a punk.” Why was she defending him? Oh, right, because you love the jerk, her heart shouted.

  “That’s a good one. He’s a jerk, not a punk,” Mandy repeated, laughing along with Bill and the cameramen. “You’re so funny, Brielle.” Sobering, the hand model smoothed her dress again. “Gosh, I’m so nervous. I hope Matthew’s parents are nice.”

  “They are,” Brielle reassured
, then catching the contestant’s puzzled expression she rushed to add, “I’m sure.”

  Dammit, Jack! He had her acting like a rookie again.

  “Well, I hope they like me.” Sadness entered Mandy’s blue eyes as she stared at Brielle. “I don’t stand a chance with Matthew. He’s going to pick you for sure.”

  The very fact that the hand model was the only one left with Brielle meant this funny, sometimes clueless woman was the one who’d captured the artist’s heart. She knew it. Jack knew it. Anyone who knew Brielle’s real reason for being there knew it. Of course, that wasn’t something she could share. No, Mandy was going to have to find out for herself, either once the case was closed—hopefully tonight, or on Monday’s official ‘choice’ night.

  Stopping just outside the gathering room doors, Brielle cupped the girl’s shoulder and held her troubled gaze. “Only Matthew knows what’s in his heart. You’re beautiful, Mandy. And you’ve been surviving on this show much longer than I have.”

  “Yeah, but look at you with your hair falling past your shoulders in soft curls. And that dress! It’s to die for.” She waved her hand up and down, eyeing the white, haltered-scarf dress with pale aqua tips the producers had supplied Brielle. “You look stunning.”

  “Thanks, Mandy, but you look killer in that red dress. I know Matthew’s going to pick you in the end.” Finally, she could spout a truth. Alleluia, sound the trumpets!

  Mandy’s face lit up. “You think so? How do you know?”

  “Let’s just say, I have a gut feeling.” Too bad the one tightening her stomach wasn’t as happy. No, this feeling had an ominous bite. Shivering, she ran a hand over her bare shoulder. Something big was going to happen tonight.

  “Okay, ladies. Time to meet the parents.”

  And before either girl could respond, Bill ushered them through the double doors and into the gathering room without giving them time to blink.

  Mr. and Mrs. Anderson and their sons stood talking by the corner bar. All heads turned in their direction when they entered. Brielle’s heart skidded to a halt. Dressed in a black tuxedo, Jack had one hand in his pocket while the other held a drink that paused in mid air when he spotted her. His gaze widened.

  Pain, longing and regret shot through his eyes before a guarded expression claimed his face. Brielle blinked, her pulse returning to normal after the initial connection.

  Had Matthew been right? The hostility and betrayed look were gone. It’d only been a few days. Did Jack no longer regard her as one of society’s sores? Or was he just being polite because of his parents?

  Probably the latter, she reasoned, but it didn’t matter. Her grip tightened on her small beaded purse, the Glock hidden inside firm under her fingers, reminding her that this was a case, not a date. She summoned a fake smile and followed his lead.

  “Wow! You both look stunning. I’m the luckiest man.” Matthew set his glass on the bar and rushed forward to embrace them each separately. “It’s hard to believe this journey is almost over.”

  “Yes, I was just saying that to Brielle.” Mandy returned his smile, her face flushed.

  The way they stared at each other, Brielle got the impression that if the rest of the room’s occupants disappeared, they’d never notice.

  A pang resembling envy hit her heart. She brushed it aside and lifted her chin.

  “Matthew? Aren’t you going to introduce us?” Sophia spoke up.

  “Yes, of course. Sorry, mom.” He guided them toward the bar, his eyes bright. “Mom, dad, this is Mandy.” He waited while his parents kissed Mandy’s cheek in greeting. “And this is, Brielle.”

  Not bothering to look at Jack, she greeted his parents, murmuring pleasantries and thank-yous accordingly.

  “Jack.” His mother glanced over to him. “Why don’t you get these pretty ladies something to drink so we can sit down and chat?”

  “Of course.” He nodded at Mandy. “What would you like?”

  “I’ll have a Slow Screw, please.” The blonde smiled, unaware of the difficulty she’d caused everyone to keep from laughing. Then, mistaking Jack’s dazed look as one of ignorance, she went on to explain in a patient voice. “You just have to add sloe gin to vodka and orange juice. I would’ve asked for Sex on the Beach, but I figured you didn’t know how.” She seemed to think he needed clarification. “To make it, I mean.”

  Brielle was in trouble. If she looked at Jack, she’d lose it. If she peeked at Matthew, she’d lose it, and if she even entertained the thought of glancing at the Andersons, she’d have to leave the room like the crew members rushing toward the hallway.

  Not afforded that luxury, Brielle did the next best thing. Placing her purse on the bar she moved Jack out of her way. “Don’t mind me. I’ll just help myself to some white wine while you give Mandy her Slow Screw.” Smiling at his grunt, she poured a hefty dose, took a sip, then joined his parents.

  “Brielle.” His mother grasped her hand. “Why don’t you and Matthew come sit with me and talk while Matthew’s father and brother get to know Mandy. Then we can switch.”

  “Sure.” Brielle allowed Mrs. Anderson to lead her across the room to settle on a pair of couches out of earshot.

  Sophia spoke first. “Brielle, please tell me that adorable woman over there is not a threat to my son.”

  She glanced into Matthew’s anxious eyes, then back at Sophia. “I haven’t found any evidence to tie Mandy to the threats,” she answered honestly.

  “Yes!” Matthew smiled next to her.

  “But?” Sophia stared at her. “What aren’t you saying, my dear?”

  An astute woman. Now she knew where Jack got it. “That I haven’t found evidence to point to anyone else, either.” She sighed, placing her wine on the coffee table. “I’m sorry, but I can’t give a definite answer.”

  Matthew leaned forward, hands clasped together, forearms resting on his knees. “Well, I don’t think she’s done any of it. My gut says she’s innocent.”

  “What does your gut say, Brielle?”

  Shoot.

  Sophia asked the one question Brielle had hoped to avoid. She wanted to leave her gut out of this. Glancing across to the bar, she watched Jack answer his cell phone and leave the room.

  “My gut may be out of order. I’m not sure it’s working.”

  “It’s because of Jack, isn’t it?” Sophia leaned forward and squeezed Brielle’s hands.

  How did she know about them? Brielle’s gaze snapped to Matthew. Had he told his mother?

  “Don’t look at me.” He smiled, holding up his hands. “I didn’t say a word.”

  “It wasn’t Matthew, sweetheart,” Sophia said softly.

  Brielle stared at the woman and frowned.

  “Don and I watched some of the security footage with Franco.” Her fingers tightened on Brielle's hand when she would’ve pulled away. “We saw the two of you dancing on the yacht.”

  Lovely. Brielle couldn’t decide which was worse—the embarrassment brewing in her stomach or the sadness of losing Jack’s trust the day after that unforgettable dance. Swallowing, she lifted her head. She was a professional. This was about Mandy, not Jack.

  “I’m sorry, Brielle. I can’t help but feel responsible.”

  Sophia caught her off-guard again.

  “When I made you promise not to tell Jack, I didn't foresee the two of you getting together.”

  Crud. Now her chest tightened with a painful tug. She needed to get off this subject before the tears heating her throat found their way to her eyes. God, would the pain ever go away? She swallowed again.

  “My son’s being Jack-The-Donkey again.” Sophia released her with a squeeze.

  Brielle laughed. The woman certainly had a way with words.

  “He has a hard time with trust, but I know he’ll come around to you. Please don’t give up on him.”

  Swallowing a third time, Brielle nodded.

  “That’s what I told her.” Matthew smiled encouragingly. “Although, I think my words were
a little more colorful than Jack-The-Donkey.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me.” His mother shook her head, then slid her attention back to Brielle. “So, now that we know your gut is working, Brielle, what does it tell you about Mandy?”

  She studied the blonde laughing up into Jack’s amused face as he slipped back behind the bar. “It tells me she’s hiding something, but she isn’t the one causing the threats.”

  “Oh, thank goodness.” Matthew closed his eyes and leaned back, smiled curving his lips.

  Brielle turned to him and frowned. “Did you hear me, Matthew? She’s hiding something.”

  “I know.” He opened his eyes, happiness swimming in their brown depths. “But I trust Mandy. Whatever she’s hiding, I’ll deal with it.”

  Envy tightened Brielle’s still swollen throat. Her gaze locked with Jack’s. What she wouldn’t give to hear him say that to her.

  Jack caught her gaze and frowned, his eyes searching hers, delving deep inside and stopping her heart. She knew what he sought—trust. The one thing she couldn’t give to him. He had to find it within himself to trust her.

  Until he did, they had no future together.

  She refocused on Matthew and lifted her glass. “Here’s to our trip to San Francisco tomorrow. I could use a change of scenery.”

  Matthew grinned. “Yes, and I promise no donkeys or horses while we’re there.” He chuckled and clinked glasses.

  “I can live with that.” She turned to his mother. “Well, I guess we should probably switch now.”

  Sophia nodded, and they rose to their feet. “I’m glad to hear you don’t suspect Mandy. It sets my mind at ease.” The woman kissed her cheek and smiled. “Thank you, Brielle. I know this has been a difficult job.”

  “You’re welcome, but I want you to know that if this case isn’t solved by Monday night, I’m not quitting until it is.”

  Sophia nodded.

  “Hang in there,” Matthew urged, with a squeeze to her arm.

  Drowning her snort with a sip of wine, she headed toward the others, then pasted a smile on her lips as Jack's eyes followed her approach. She hadn’t talked to him since Sunday and only saw him briefly on Monday when he and his brother had stopped at the bachelorette mansion to pick Mandy up for the Aspen trip. They hadn’t said a word. He’d been as frigid as his destination. But now…not so much. His expression was guarded. No hostility. No warmth. Just neutral. Some of the heaviness evaporated from Brielle’s chest. She could deal with neutral.