Still, she silently obsessed. From what little she knew, the man was perfection. She could see how talented he was from his work alone—he was hardworking and successful. Self-made was how Ethan described him. All her brothers respected him, which said a lot about his character. According to Kenzie, he was very sweet and kind.I’ll have to take her word on that.Though it couldn’t be seen when hanging, he etched his signature into the back along with his logo.
Jonah McMillian.
He wasn’t her usual type. Roxanne had a decent amount of experience with dating, but none of them were like Jonah. They were good-looking, successful in the corporate world, drove sports cars and vacationed at exotic destinations. Even with those impressive accolades, none measured up to Jonah. He was incredibly sexy and owned a construction company. If she had to guess, he was well over six-two and all muscle. Dirty blond hair that was too long on top, but he worked the tousled look with no effort. Tatted arms, one full sleeve on his left. She’d never gotten close enough to see the design, but she wanted to. Tattoos had never appealed much to her. Until him. Rugged, masculine and handsome. Was there a better combination?
She crossed her legs, ignoring the heat spreading to her core. She needed to spend less time thinking about him. But she couldn’t shake the image of his green eyes, especially when they were on her. Of course, when she’d caught him looking at her and returned his attention, he’d glanced away, squaring his jaw.
He was beyond difficult to read.
“Guys suck,” she muttered.
“Yes, they do.”
Roxanne jumped in her seat and grabbed her chest, trying to regain control of her erratic heartbeat. Between the accident and her ongoing stress, the last thing she needed was a jump scare.
Her sister-in-law, Cassie, was leaning against the door with a huge grin. Thankfully, the woman had a calming presence. Roxanne straightened in her seat, scowling at her business partner.
“You scared the hell outta me, Cass.”
“I’ve been calling your name for the last minute.” She strolled in and sat in front of Roxanne’s desk, draping her hands across her flat belly. Her body looked as if she hadn’t given birth a few months ago.Lucky bitch!
“Sorry, I didn’t hear you.”
“So listen, we’re having everyone over on Friday. Keeping it real simple. Just beers and steaks. Are you available?”
Roxanne cocked her head, scoffing. “I’m always available.”
It was a sad truth. Aside from work, she had little social life to speak of. She had a few local friends. But she was closest to her brother’s wives. Since they spent most of their time with her brothers, it’d been ages since she’d gone out with just the girls.I miss it.
“Not true. Three weeks ago, I asked you over for dinner, and you had a date, remember? How was it?”
There was a reason she hadn’t mentioned it. When did dating become such a chore? When did men become such douchebags?
“Ugh.” Roxanne shook her head, her body following suit. “Not my type. Turns out Todd’s favorite topic is himself.” Self-absorbed, and braggadocios with poor table manners.I can see your plate. I know what you ordered. Close your goddamn mouth while you chew.
“No other prospects?” Cassie asked with a bit too much enthusiasm.
“Like who?”
Cassie’s eyes glimmered, and she playfully shrugged.I should’ve kept my mouth shut. She and the rest of the girls knew about her obsession with Jonah, but had the decency not to bring it up. Well, except for Emory, who seemed hell-bent on teasing her every possible second. If Emory kept it up, she’d be shopping for a new best friend. Her auction bid didn’t help matters. She’d brought it up a few times, but Roxanne swiftly changed the subject.Just like I’m about to do now.
“What can I bring?”
Cassie stood, rounding the chair. “Whatever … chips or beer. You’re more than welcome to bring a date too. Maybe Jonah’s free.”
Roxanne glared at her. Cassie laughed as she backed out of the room, pointing to the wall behind the door. “I see you found a spot for his auction piece.”
Shit!
“Get out before I decide to gift my niece all the equipment she’d need to start a band.” Roxanne twisted her lips and grinned. “And I’ll buy a drum set first.”
“Okay, I’ll stop.” Cassie paused. “Can I just ask you one more thing?”
Roxanne sighed. She knew what was coming, and she didn’t want to hear it for the hundredth time. It would be the same thing all the Garrison women were saying over the past few months.
“No, you can’t.”
Her bottom lip fell open. “But…”