Ruthless by Gillian Archer Read Free Book Online Page A

ride.”
    Rolling my eyes, I got out of her car and shut the door behind me.
    Nic opened her door and got out. “Ah, come on, Jess. I was just teasing.”
    Nic’s eyes were soft and troubled. Dammit, she really had perfected the doe-eyed wounded look. I’d seen her use it a thousand times on parents, teachers, and boyfriends. After fifteen years of friendship, I thought I’d developed immunity to it. Apparently not.
    “But are we good?”
    I let out a sigh and nodded. I could never stay pissed off with her for long. “Yeah. We’re fine.”
    Nic slumped in relief. “Okay. Good. Wanna meet up at Mackay Mocha House later?”
    “Yeah, sure. Just give me a few to go home and shower and change.”
    “Let’s say ten-thirty?”
    “Sounds good.” I gave her a one-handed wave, unlocked my car, and got in. Then watched from the rearview mirror as she got back into her car and pulled away.
    I put the car in reverse and backed out of the parking space. Whatever. We were friends—sisters, practically. I could forget this morning and her annoying judgments. She meant well and had been worried about me Wasn’t that what friendship and sisterhood were really all about?
    Of course it’d be a while before I introduced her to my next guy. Especially if he happened to be someone like Zag.

Chapter 4
    J UNE 8
    With more than a little trepidation, I pulled up at my parents’ house a few blocks over from my own. I probably could’ve walked but it was unseasonably hot for early June. Call me a prima donna, but I live for air-conditioning in the summer.
    Stepping past the two extra cars in the driveway, I gave a fervent prayer that my nephew, Kaden would distract my mom today and leave me free and clear on the blind date interrogation. But I wasn’t holding out much hope.
    Before I made it onto the front steps, the door burst open and the whirlwind that was my nephew descended. Kaden threw himself off the top step and I caught him with a grunt. “Geez, kiddo, you trying to break a bone?”
    “Aunt Jess! Guess what?”
    I had to laugh as I hoisted him up on my hip. He might’ve only been five, but the kid already had the entire family—including me—wrapped around his little finger. I snuggled him close and breathed in that scent that was undeniably his—dirt and sunshine. “What?”
    “I’m getting a puppy.” His little face was alive with glee as his brown eyes danced. He was the spitting image of my brother—dark hair and eyes and a mischievous smile. On Kaden, it was impossible to resist.
    I stepped through the door and gave my brother Brent an incredulous look. “Really? A puppy?”
    Brent closed his eyes and shook his dark head. “Kaden, what did I say about the puppy?”
    Sensing the kid wasn’t totally on the up-and-up, I let him slide down my side and stepped away. I was not getting into the middle of this.
    Kaden hung his head and refused to look up at anyone.
    “No dog until you can keep your room clean for a week.” Brent stared down at the top of Kaden’s head. “Got it?”
    Kaden nodded glumly. And my heart broke. What little boy didn’t want a puppy? Life was just so unfair sometimes.
    Brent patted the top of his son’s head. “Why don’t you go see if Pop needs any help with the yard? I’m sure he’s got a few holes you can dig.”
    And just that quick, Kaden’s embarrassment and sadness were gone. The prospect of hole digging was the perfect distraction.
    After the back door slammed behind him, I turned to my big brother. “A whole week? How fair is that? I don’t remember you making your bed once when we were little.”
    “Hey, when you have a kid you can tell me what I’m doing wrong. But until then butt out, little sis.”
    “Whatever. You wouldn’t listen to me even then.”
    Brent laughed. “You’re probably right.”
    But still I couldn’t leave it entirely alone. “Every little boy deserves a dog, Brent. It’d make him so happy.”
    “Yeah, well, with Amy gone it’d just be