But Jordan Parrish most definitely needed someone to be kind to her, to teach her that her cynicism was misplaced. That there were men with whom she could be real, men she could trust.

He wouldn’t let himself get too deep, however. To get caught up in a woman like Jordan would be insanity, pure and simple. He might be a wee bit soft in the head, but he wasn’t an idiot.

Yes, he felt more alive around her, on the edge of his seat to see what she would do next. Jordan was few things he wanted and many he did not.

But she was definitely never boring.

He chuckled again as he parked his truck in the deserted entertainment district, unloaded not only his tools but a sack of groceries. He’d been up for hours, but he’d bet his granny’s soul Jordan was still sleeping, so he’d come prepared not only to fix her faucet but feed her, as well.

He pressed her buzzer once, then again with no answer. He set down his toolbox, already peering around him for pebbles to toss at her window.

“Oh, hell, it’s you,” came the irritated voice from the speaker. “Do you know what time it is?”

Will grinned. “Let me up, darlin’. I come bearing breakfast.”

“I don’t eat breakfast,” Jordan muttered.

But she hit the button.

JORDAN UNLOCKED THE DOOR, then sank back into the nearest chair and curled up, already half-asleep.

Will strode through it seconds later, whistling.

Jordan muttered and refused to open her eyes. “Go away.”

“Now, darlin’…” She could feel, actually feel the blasted man grinning at her. She picked up the pillow beside her and covered her face with it. “I can’t believe you have the nerve to show up at, what, dawn?”

“It’s hardly dawn. I’ve been up for hours.”

She threw the pillow in the direction of his voice.

Something heavy rattled, then thumped on the floor. Footsteps sounded, along with something being set on her counter. She curled in more tightly on herself and wished just then that she’d thought to grab a blanket. It was freaking cold, and she only wore a camisole and boxers.

More footsteps, then a blanket settled over her. He even tucked it in around her legs, then pressed a kiss to her hair. “Sweet dreams,” he murmured.

Then the blasted man started humming.

Jordan dragged the blanket over her head and tried to shut him out, but how on earth did you ignore a very large man clomping around your apartment, especially if the tune he was singing was quite lovely?

Then the coffee grinder kicked in.

“I hate you,” she shouted.

“Hmm? What was that?”

I’m going to kill him. Dead. Worse than dead. As Jordan plotted the ways she could make Will die a slow, painful death, he blithely continued humming and clomping, pausing to chuckle now and again.

Then she smelled the coffee.

And whimpered.

Another chuckle.

Jordan was torn between plotting…and pleading.

Coffee won. “Please…” She stuck one arm out from beneath the blanket.

“In a bit. Anything good is worth the waiting. You mustn’t rush things.”

“Gimme.”

She heard him approach. Then…nothing.

Her eyelids fluttered. The suspense was killing her. “Well?”

The blanket was peeled back. Will sank to his haunches, blue eyes alight with humor and a trace of pity. “Not a morning person, are you?”

“Coffee. I’m begging.”

His smile widened. “And what would be the magic word?”

“I said please already.”

“So you did.” He swooped in for a quick kiss on her nose. Then he proffered a mug that smelled absolutely heavenly, holding it just out of reach. “Would this be what you’re whimpering about?”

“I don’t whimper.” Much.

“Oh, darlin’, I beg to differ. Now, what, a man has to wonder, would a creature in such dire straits be willing to give in exchange?”

“It’s too early for sex.”

A quick flash of very white teeth. “Oh, my…you certainly are out of sorts, aren’t you? It’s never too early for sex—but that wasn’t what I meant.”

“You’re going to make me beg.”

“Not exactly beg.”

“I did say I hate you, right?”

“That you did. But I know it’s simply that you’re cross, in the way of a child.” And all the while, the delectable scent of that coffee was wafting into her nostrils. “You don’t really mean it.”

“I might.”

“No, you don’t. And lucky for you, my price is quite simple and easily met. A simple ‘Good Morning, Will,’ that’s it.”

“Good morning, Will,” she droned.

“Did I mention that a little enthusiasm would help?”

“God, you’re annoyingly chipper in the mornings, aren’t you?”

He grinned unrepentantly. “That I am.”

“Good thing we’re never having sex. I’d have to boot you out during the night or kill you at dawn.”

“That, my dear, is another discussion altogether. I’ve made my conditions clear.” His smile was cocky and completely unruffled as he cupped one hand behind his ear. “Now, I don’t believe I heard you properly the first time.”

“Good morning, Will,” she said through gritted teeth.

Then she threw off the blanket and uncurled herself. “Good morning, Will.” Her voice rose as she did, and he stood, too. She walked right up to where her feet touched his boots. “Good morning, Will,” she shouted, her teeth bared in a grimace.

He smiled. “Could still use some work to convince me, darlin’, but I’m a merciful man.”

She snatched the mug and growled, then walked around him toward her bathroom.

Once inside, she slammed the door, took a healthy swallow and leaned back against the wood as her taste buds danced over the best cup of coffee she’d had in…ever.

Jordan slowly slid down the door, settled on the floor and indulged herself.

“You all right in there?” Will asked from the other side.

“Go away. I’m having a religious experience,” she answered. She sipped again and closed her eyes in ecstasy.

On the other side of the wood, Will grinned.

And tried not to think about how enticing she looked in those skimpy pajamas.

“Take your time, darlin’.”

Jordan smiled into her cup. “I intend to.”

CHAPTER SIX

IN THE GYM A FEW DAYS LATER, Jordan finished her free-weight sets and headed toward the treadmill, wiping sweat from her forehead. In the mirrored wall, she caught a glimpse of a young guy new to the gym, a long-haired god oozing rude good health and a young man’s raging hormones.

He was checking out her behind, and he didn’t look away when their gazes met.

For just one moment, she paused, letting her gaze linger, allowing sheer lust to sweep through her as if at thirty-six she weren’t a good ten years older than him. Then she smiled, the smile only an older woman has the confidence to hazard. His eyebrows rose, his grin spreading.

Jordan laughed and felt better than she had in days. She climbed on the treadmill and set it for half an hour, random inclines, and pushed the speed up a notch from usual.

Got to keep that butt firm and noteworthy.

Fiona arrived for her daily writing break. “What’s got you so cheery today?”

“Check out the long hair over by the bench press.”

“Oh, my,” Fiona drawled. “Pitty pat, pitty pat.”

Jordan laughed. “He likes my behind. I might keep him.”

“Well, it’s not like he’d be the first younger man for you.”

“Again with the digs.”

“You can’t argue with the truth.”

“I’ve apparently lost my ability to argue, period.”

“What’s that mean?” Fiona asked.

“What’s what mean?” Marly said as she approached.

“Hey, stranger,” Jordan greeted. “You haven’t been in lately.”

“I need a life,” Marly replied, frowning.

“Are you okay?” Fiona asked.

“I’m fine.” Marly’s smile wasn’t one hundred percent convincing, but her expression clearly said bug off. “What’s up with you?” she asked Jordan.

“I have a bone to pick with you, lady.”

“With me?” Marly’s eyebrows rose.

“Yes, you. That man has been to my house three times this week. He’s fixed my faucet, my windows, and changed the lock on my door. He’s driving me insane.”

“What man?” Fiona asked.

“Will,” Marly offered, grinning. “Has to be.”

“Will?”

“Will Masterson, remember, Fiona? The big Irishman who works with David. Don’t listen to a word Jordan says. He’s fabulous. Remember the beautiful doors we saw at the gallery we visited the last time we went out art-gazing? Will made those.”

Fiona nodded. “Those doors were works of art, not mere wood. So why is this artisan playing handyman at Jordan’s loft?”

Jordan made a rude noise.

Marly simply smiled. “They met at Thanksgiving at my house, and Will’s smitten. So’s she.”

“What?” Jordan all but shouted.

“Smitten? Our Jordan?”

“Marly’s lost her freaking mind.” Jordan glared at Marly. “I am not smitten. The man’s insufferable.”

“But how is he in bed?” Fiona asked. “You could certainly do worse than a strapping Irishman.”

Jordan fell quiet.

Fiona stopped her treadmill and stared. “Oh, my. Can it be? Is there one man in Austin Jordan hasn’t bagged?”

“There are lots of them,” Jordan replied. “You make it sound like all I do is have sex.”

Her friends didn’t respond but only waited.

“Oh, all right,” she snapped. “I don’t know how he is in bed—are you satisfied now? The man kisses like a wet dream and he hasn’t made a move on me since the first day. Worse than that, he’s told me he won’t take things any further until I agree to reserve myself for only him.” She snorted. “As if. I can’t stand the sight of him.”

“Now, now,” Marly soothed. “You know that’s not true. Even at that first meeting, there were sparks flying between you. But I don’t want him upsetting you.”

“Upsetting me?” Jordan snorted. “He’s driving me crazy, is what. He’s relentless and so blasted cheerful. And he’s sexy,” she growled. “I could just murder him.”

Her friends exchanged glances.

“Jordan, do you want me to have David talk to him?” Marly asked.

“No, I do not.” Jordan regained control of herself. “The man I can’t handle hasn’t been born. Will’s just—different. Not good different, annoying different. I don’t know why I’ve become his home improvement project, but he’s got to run out of projects soon and then I’ll ditch him.”

Marly stiffened. “Don’t you hurt him, Jordan. He’s a wonderful man.”

“How could I hurt someone who has the hide of a buffalo and the sensitivity of a rock?”

“Your eyes are sparkling, girlfriend.” Fiona’s own eyes were eagle-sharp on her. “This may be the first time I’ve ever seen you like this. For once, you’re not bored, are you?” Then she glanced over at Marly. Marly grinned back, lifting one eyebrow.

“Just stop it, you two. This isn’t funny.”

Marly’s peal of laughter was a welcome sound. It had been a long time since they’d heard her make it.

“It is, though. I’ve never seen a man fluster you before.”

Jordan tossed her head. “I’m not flustered. I’m pissed.”

Fiona didn’t try to hold back her own laughter.

Jordan narrowed her eyes.

“I’m sorry,” Fiona choked. “Swallowed wrong.” She quickly averted her face, turning the laugh into a cough.

Marly carefully blanked her own face, but amusement lingered.

Fiona recovered but couldn’t leave well enough alone. “You know they say that the things you fight hardest are the things you want the most.”

“Fiona, you—”

“All right, you two.” Marly assumed her peacemaker role. “Settle down, or I’ll send you to your rooms.”

“Yes, Mom.” Jordan made a face at Fiona, then stuck her iPod earbuds in her ears and increased the incline on the treadmill, pointedly ignoring them.

Will was annoying. Bossy. Overbearing.

Unfortunately, also hot.

And determined to hold out until she made the promise she would never, ever make. Narrowing your options to one man was the first step on the road to delusion.

Some people weren’t made for monogamy.

Jordan was one of them.

WILL MISSED A CUT on the trim board. “Blast it.”

“What’s up?” David appeared beside him.

“I wasted this piece, and we’re short enough on what we stripped and restored.” He knew his tone was irritable but couldn’t seem to help it. “Never mind. I’ll figure out something.”

David didn’t move on, however. “You okay?”

“Dandy.” Will eyed another piece he might be able to toenail together with this one…. He shook his head brusquely. It wasn’t like him to make such a mistake.