Why did she even care? He was still a bastard.
“So, this is going to be strictly a professional relationship,” she said, needing to clarify the boundaries so she didn’t start envisioning a future they would never have. “I promise I’ll take the training seriously and listen to instructions.”
He chuckled again. “You think you can manage that?”
“Of course I can,” she snapped indignantly.
“Glad to hear it. And hey, here’s another thought.” He leaned forward, muscular forearms resting on his thighs. She refused to let her gaze linger on those gorgeous limbs. “Why don’t you look for a sponsor? Someone to cover the cost of travel and equipment?”
She blinked at him, bemused. “You think someone would be willing to sponsor me?”
“Hell, yeah.”
She loved his tone. Full of confidence.
“It’s an inspirational story, and a great publicity opportunity. Especially since you have a successful blog.”
Still, she was skeptical. “I’m not so sure about that.”
He reached over and laid a hand on her knee. The heat from his touch diffused throughout her entire body, turning her muscles languid.
“Brooke, look at it from a potential sponsor’s point of view. You’re a smart, enthusiastic woman, with a face the camera would love. You’ve had it a little rough, but you’re not letting that keep you down, and your motivation is pure gold. People will love it.”
“Um, thanks.” She couldn’t take her eyes off him. He’d entranced her with his intensity.
“And you know what else?” he continued. “If you find a sponsor who’ll cover my costs, I’ll go with you.”
Her heart stuttered. “Oh my God, really? All the way to Everest?”
He squeezed her knee. “All the way.”
She squealed and threw her arms around him, hardly able to believe it. He’d do that for her? Training was one thing, but to go all the way there… it was a whole other level. Since Olivia had died, she’d assumed she’d be making the trip alone. But now, she might not have to. How special was that?
“That would be amazing.” She could explode from excitement-overload. With extreme difficulty, she managed not to kiss him. He returned her hug, then released her, and she drew in a breath. He smelled good. Like pine needles.
“Does this mean I’m forgiven?” he asked.
She wrapped her arms around herself. She really ought not to hand out forgiveness so easily. He’d hurt her, insulted her, and generally been an ass. She should hold out for longer, just to punish him. But this was Jack. She’d never been able to resist him, even when wanting him filled her with shame and self-doubt. And the gesture he’d made was huge. It showed he believed in her, and that was rare.
Finally, she nodded. “I suppose I can forgive you.”
He smiled, the expression almost tender. “Thank God for that.”
Jack loved the feeling of Brooke in his arms a little too much and had to remind himself the hug didn’t mean anything. She was excited, nothing more. And goddamn, it felt good to be responsible for her wide grin and cheerful chatter as she talked about the upcoming trip and the plans she was making. He watched her lips move and tried to focus on what she was saying, but the sun streamed through the window and turned the darker streaks of her hair to spun gold. With her glasses magnifying those gemstone eyes, she hypnotized him.
A line formed between her brows and he wanted to smooth it out with his thumb. How had he not realized she was his Khaleesi when her eyes were that singular shade of blue? Had a layer of makeup and mascara really made her look so different? Or, once again, had he just seen what he wanted to see?
“Jack,” she said. “Are you listening to me?”
He blinked, clearing his head. “Sorry, what was that?”
She rolled those wonderful eyes. “Never mind. I’ll explain later.”
He nodded, then checked his watch. “Hey, I’ve got to go soon. You should come. I’ll be taking some of the fitter guests rock climbing. It will be a good chance for you to learn.” Plus he’d enjoy her company. He wasn’t ready to say goodbye to her yet.
She flashed her white teeth. “Sounds like fun. Just let me change and I’ll be there.”
Stifling a groan at the thought of her stripping out of her jeans and t-shirt, he adjusted his position to hide his growing erection. He’d love to stay and help. To see what she had on beneath. Learning she was his mystery woman had only fueled his lust for her. But she wasn’t inviting him, and he wasn’t a creep, so he nodded.
“I’ll get a drink. Come find me when you’re done.”
He headed out before he could change his mind. In the dining hall, he poured himself an instant coffee, then wandered onto the back lawn, where Tione was throwing a tennis ball for his dogs. Trevor, the bull mastiff, tripped over a patch of uneven ground and plowed through one of the flowerbeds, flattening a row of purple pansies. Jack winced. Betty would have Tione’s head when she found out. Bella zipped alongside him and snatched the ball up before Trevor could recover. Zee, the rescue pup, bounded beside her, and Pixie trotted at the rear.
“Hey, Tee,” Jack said, jerking his chin in greeting.
“Kia ora,” Tione called back. He took the ball from Bella, who’d returned it to him, and lobbed it in the other direction. The dogs took off, except for Trevor, who paused to shake himself off. Tione turned to Jack. “Saw you go into Brooke’s room earlier. Is that the reason you’ve got a big-ass grin and look pretty pleased with yourself?”
Jack shrugged and fought the urge to look away so his friend didn’t see his cheeks redden. “She’s a nice girl. I like talking to her. Nothing wrong with that.”
Tione’s tattooed arms crossed over his chest. “She’s one of the good ones.” His expression darkened. “Don’t play with her feelings. If you upset her, you’ll answer to me.”
Jacked gave a strangled laugh. “Is that so?”
He nodded. “Just thought it was fair that I warn you.”
“Consider me warned. But honestly, man, I doubt anything will happen, and if it does, she scares me more than you do. She really let me have it yesterday.” Tione would punch him out and consider the job done, while another verbal bashing from Brooke would deliver more lasting damage.
Tione’s lips twisted into a smug smile. “Bet you deserved it.”
“Too right, I did. Won’t let it happen again.”
The door to the garden opened and he smiled as the subject of their conversation emerged, looking fresh and pretty. “You good to go?”
“I sure am. Who else is coming?”
Jack checked his watch. “Not sure. Give it five minutes and we’ll find out. I let the Bridge Club know that today’s outing would be beyond their ability.”
Brooke snorted, and clapped a hand over her mouth. “They must have loved that.”
He melted on the inside. God, she was adorable. His new mission in life was to hear that snort-laugh again. “Mavis was prepared to go three rounds to prove me wrong.”
“I’m not surprised. She could probably take you.”