The Rebel Returns: The Return of the Rebel / Her Irresistible Protector / Why Resist a Rebel?

The way she stammered around, he couldn’t help wondering if that was what she’d originally intended to say or if there was some other hidden truth that was making her look so uncomfortable. He knew she had a crush on him way back then. And in all honesty, he’d thought she was pretty great, too. But way too young for him.

“Come on. Let’s get you out of these.” She tugged at his damp, clingy T-shirt. “Then again your new cologne, eau de coffee, might be a big hit with the ladies.”

“You think so? How’s it working for you?”

Her petite nose curled up. “I don’t think it’s your scent.”

Her soft laughter was the sweetest sound he’d ever heard. And her smile started a funny feeling in his chest. If only he could keep her smiling.

Her eyes twinkled. “Are you flirting with me?”

“If you have to ask, I must not be doing it right.”

She laughed some more. “I’m glad not everything about you has changed. You were always a great guy in my book.”

Her gaze lifted up to meet his. The tender look in her eyes touched something deep inside him—a part of him that he thought was long dead. In that moment, he felt more alive than he had in months.

Without thinking he reached out and caressed her cheek. “Thank you.”

She leaned into his touch, short-circuiting the logical side of his brain. The only coherent thought in his head was to pull her close and kiss her. And this time he wouldn’t be kissing her rosy cheek. This time he planned to find out if those cherry-red lips were as sweet and passionate as they were in his daydreams.

His head started to lower when he heard footsteps behind him. He pulled away. Frustration bound up in his gut. He’d been so close—a breath away from satisfying his desires.

His hands clenched at his sides as he worked to compose himself. A little voice in his head assured him that this was for the best, but it didn’t stop the wave of disappointment. Only a moment or two more and he’d have had a tantalizing memory to take back to New York.

“What’s going on here?” Mr. Burns demanded. “Security said there was some sort of incident.”

Cleo stepped forward. “Mr. Smith played hero. Everything is fine now.”

Mr. Burns frowned as he surveyed Jax’s stained shirt. “I’m sorry about that. Please stop by the men’s shop and pick out a replacement. Charge it to my account.”

Cleo clasped her hands together. “I can explain—”

“Trust me, you’ll get your chance in my office. I have something to take care of first, but I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cleo’s worried gaze moved from Mr. Burns to Jax. He wanted to reassure her that everything would be all right. That if he had to he would go over this man’s head because he was really starting to dislike her boss and the tone he used when speaking to her.

Not wanting to do anything to make her even more uncomfortable, he decided to wait until she was gone before he had a word with this man. Then he’d set him straight.

* * *

Talk about a long, miserable evening.

Not even the magnificent sunset with its brilliant orange-and-pink glow could lift Cleo’s spirits. She strode along the path to Jax’s bungalow, grateful for its privacy. Her steps picked up speed as she continued contemplating what had just happened.

What made everyone think they knew what was best for her? First her overbearing family. Then her two-timing boyfriend. And now Jax...

She’d been a fool to think Jax was different—that he respected her ability to take care of herself. Even if it was to learn from her mistakes. She could just add him to her ever-growing list of people who’d disappointed her.

Her lips firmed into a line, holding back a string of heated words. She only had herself to blame. When would she learn to be more cautious?

There had only been one other time when she’d been this worked up—the last day she’d argued with her father on the phone. Her stomach churned as the chilling memory surfaced. She recalled how her father had yelled and then the phone had gone dead. Not knowing what had happened to him, she’d practically climbed the walls waiting for him to call her back. Nothing could ever be that bad. And thankfully this day wouldn’t end with someone dying.

But before she was done, Jax would get an earful.

She stopped outside the bungalow and took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. Her tightly clenched fist knocked solidly on the door. She waited. No answer. She once again pounded on the solid wood door.

“I’m not leaving until you talk to me,” she shouted.

The door yanked open just as she raised her clenched hand.

“I think the entire resort heard you.” He glanced both ways. “I’m surprised no one has come running to find out what’s wrong.”

She lowered her hand and marched past him into the bungalow. “Do you know what I just spent the last hour or so doing?” Without even waiting for Jax to respond, she motored on. “I had to justify exactly why I should continue as a part of the player development team. And Mr. Burns wanted to know if there was something going on between the two of us. Otherwise he just couldn’t understand why you’d be so adamant about keeping me on as your host.”

Jax closed the door and turned. “And, gee, I thought you came here to thank me.”

“Thank you? If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be in this mess.”

“Hey, this isn’t my fault. And as I recall, in the beginning I suggested another casino host take over.”

The fact he was making perfect sense was not helping matters. “Still, did you have to threaten my boss? He already dislikes me. Now he outright hates me.”

Jax crossed his arms, his biceps bulging. “I didn’t exactly threaten him.”

She pried her gaze from his muscles and looked into his blue eyes, which were just as disconcerting. “Are you saying you didn’t mention something along the lines of if he fired me, you’d take your business elsewhere? As well as that of your friends?”

Jax shrugged. “Someone needed to put that man in his place. He couldn’t keep treating you like that.”

“But that wasn’t your responsibility. I can take care of myself. Stop acting like one of my overprotective brothers.” She started pacing through the spacious living area. “I know how to handle men like Mr. Burns.”

“Fine. Maybe I did come on a little strong, but that man is annoying. I don’t know how you can stand working for him.” Jax strode out of the room and quickly returned with some water. “Drink this. It’ll cool you off.”

She placed her sunglasses and phone on the table in the entranceway and accepted the tall glass. After a long sip, she said, “I know I should be thanking you.”

“That’s not such a bad idea.”

She drew in a deep breath and leveled her shoulders. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have blown up at you.”

“Apology accepted.”

“But you don’t understand. My entire life my brothers have interfered with everything I do, never letting me stand on my own two feet. And my mother was constantly overriding my decisions. I thought that it was all behind me when I left Wyoming.”

“I remember how your brothers policed every guy who looked in your direction. Did you ever have a date in high school?”

She nodded. “Mama finally put her foot down and made them back off on the couple of boys she approved of.”