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job. And when he’d 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 hadn’t worked. His success hadn’t changed that, either.
    But he had Eli and Connor.
    Together they’d 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 wasn’t 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 truck’s 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, Connor’s 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. “Morning,” he said.
    â€œYou brought me coffee,” Connor said, flashing him the kind of smile that up until a few months ago had been absent from his friend’s face.
    â€œSorry. You’re out of luck. The coffee isn’t for you.”
    â€œI’m hurt,” Connor said, putting his hand on his chest. “You’re bringing coffee to another man, Monaghan?”
    â€œNope. It’s for Katie.”
    Connor’s brows shot up. “Uh-oh. What did you do?”
    â€œNothing. 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. I’ve been in touch with a few people since I stopped competing. But she’s in a better position with the locals.”
    â€œYou could probably seduce help out of Lydia. Or just ask.”
    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 he’d seduced anyone or been seduced in return.
    â€œSure,” he responded.
    â€œYou don’t sound enthused.”
    â€œI’m not
un
enthused.”
    â€œYes, you are.”
    Jack shrugged. “Not interested, I guess.”
    â€œAre you sick? Because she’s female, so she’s your type.”
    Jack couldn’t argue with that. “I don’t need to seduce her into helping. It’s a good idea. You make it sound like women only want to listen to me because of my body,” he said, arching a brow. “I’m more than just a pretty face.”
    â€œI want to say something right now...but I have a feeling I could dig myself into a hole I’ll never get out of.”
    â€œYou probably shouldn’t say it,” Jack said. “However, if you were thinking that I’m also a very sexy ass, you would be correct.”
    â€œYou better wash your mouth out with soap before you bring that coffee to Kate. Or she’ll probably end up throwing it in your face.”
    â€œShe’s not my biggest fan.”
    Connor offered him a skeptical smile. “Actually, I think she’s a pretty big fan of yours.” Jack puzzled over the words for a second before Connor continued. “You’re like another brother to her. Which is why she gives you hell.”
    Jack let out a hard breath. “Lucky me. Do you