Free Surrounded by Secrets by Mandy Harbin Page A

and she could get herself invited back to Jack’s place for some lovin’.
    That was the plan anyway.
    She put on some jeans, sexy boots, and a light cashmere sweater. The baby blue color really complemented her eyes. She grabbed her jacket, locked up the house, and headed toward her four-wheeler.
    The ride there had been quick, the night air too cool already. Thankfully, she’d talked Jack into leaving the gate open between the old property lines, so she wouldn’t have to stop and use the keys she’d swiped when she’d left the other day. All this locking and unlocking business was just silly anyway.
    She started to park close to the house, but decided it’d be best to park close to Jack’s cabin instead. At least then if he tried to let her down gently, she’d have a reason to go to his cabin afterward.
    Then I’ll just seduce him.
    She chuckled as she parked her ride on the side of the cabin and walked toward the main house. Her little kitty cat was giving up the goods tonight come hell or high water.
    When she pushed open the door to the dining room, her eyes immediately sought out Jack. And may she be stricken down if he wasn’t gorgeous, tanned with piercing blue eyes. The others all had green or green-blue mixed, but Jack’s were startling blue. Sexy.
    And those eyes were fixed on her.
    She smirked when she headed toward him, only to hesitate when she got close. Thomas was standing by, and he turned toward her.
    “It’s lovely to see you this evening, Lillian. We have much to celebrate tonight.”
    She smiled and nodded, and then looked at Ariel and Rob standing arm in arm. “I heard. Congratulations.” Funny thing was, she’d meant it. Maybe she and Jack’s mating had been accidental—and when had she stopped blaming only him?—but Rob and Ariel had entered into theirs on their own terms. She was truly happy for them.
    Ariel stepped over to her and hugged her. Lillian startled, but put her arms around Ariel and returned the gesture.
    “Thank you,” Ariel whispered. Then she pulled back and looked at Lillian with a wicked smile.
    “Don’t be surprised if we cut out of here early tonight. I’ve doused myself with catnip.”
    A surprised laugh escaped Lillian’s lips before she pressed them together.
    “What are you talking about over there?” Rob asked as he stepped over. He was glowing, and when Ariel smiled at him, Lillian felt a little twinge of regret. Why couldn’t her mating have been as loving as theirs must have been?
    She automatically looked up, shocked that she’d even thought that, and immediately saw Jack watching her with confusion. Crap. She smiled at him, trying to forget the craziness that had just whispered through her mind. It was done. There was no going back. Besides, she didn’t want him to worry about what she was thinking. She wanted him horny. She didn’t have time for regrets of any nature.
    She quickly pointed to the bar and then mimicked sipping from a glass, indicating she wanted him to get her a drink as both a distraction for him and a balm for her sudden jitters.
    Jack nodded and stepped over to the bar to pour her a drink, when Jeffery walked in.
    “Ah, time for dinner,” Thomas said. “We can continue prying into Rob and Ariel’s business while we eat.” He chuckled as they all made their way to the table.
    “’Bout time you made an honest woman outta her,” Toby said as he lightly punched Rob in the arm.
    “Honest woman? I don’t see a ring on your mate’s finger, Toby,” Josh said.
    Toby blushed and quickly looked at Krista. She just giggled and shook her head as she took her seat.
    “Um, we’re not talking about us. We’re talking about Rob and Ariel,” Toby said lamely as he sat down.
    Lilly stood at her chair just taking in the good-natured ribbing. She hadn’t had a family like this, and it felt nice to see everyone enjoying each other’s company.
    Jack came over to Lillian’s seat and placed her beverage on the table as he slid his