Page 50 of Jack

But he couldn’t ignore the fact that his gut said that Penelope might actually be in big trouble.

SIX

Jack was here for awedding.

Just in case his brain had forgotten. But standing in front of the three-way mirror at Dapper Duds Rentals in his penguin suit should jolt him back to reality.

Not here for a hunt. And definitely not here for romance.

Although, his instincts argued with him on at least one point, and his heart had thoughts about the other.

A midtwenties female clerk named Shelly stood behind him, smoothing down his shoulders, his arms, pulling on the back of the jacket. “Good fit.”

“If you like sweating, strangulation, and fear.” He mumbled it, but Doyle looked at him from where he stood, next in line for the fitting for his usher role.

“Fear?”

“Have you seen the price tag on this rental?” Jack lifted his arm and took another look at the rental price.

“Since when does Mr. Reward care about money?” Doyle looked every inch the kind of guy who hobnobbed with billionaires, comfortable and dashing in his tux. He wore an easy, relaxed smile and had cut his dark hair to a perfect trim. Mom always said that Doyle and Jack could be twins, with the same hair color, the stormy blue eyes, although Doyle had a hint of hazel in his. But that was where the resemblance stopped—Doyle had the easy charm and refinement of a humanitarian philanthropist. Jack preferred to get to the point, although he did know how to ease into it, when needed.

The rest of the groomsmen—Steinbeck and a guy named Shep—were still changing.

Apparently, Conrad had kept his word and stopped by earlier on his way to Minneapolis.

“Since Aggie decided her days were numbered.”

“Whatever. Like you don’t have a tidy ETF gaining millions,” Stein said, coming out of the dressing room, something of a warm smile in his countenance.

And the terrible fist inside loosened even more. Maybe Jack would survive coming home. After all, he’d survived the last six hours with Harper.

More than survived.

Enjoyed.

Oh boy.

But she was smart and easy to talk to. They made a good team, and that thought jolted him. There was a reason he worked alone, and her name was Sabrina.

“You need to stop pretending you’re a hobo,” Doyle said. “I’ve seen your house in Florida. On the ocean.”

“Not on the ocean. I’m two blocks off.”

“Whatever.”

“Fine, yes—I invested the money from the book sales, but showing up in a bus puts people at ease. I’m not a slick operator—I’m just a guy trying to help. Besides, I like having my own place to stay when I’m on the road.”

Professional nice guy. Okay, maybe.

And now Harper’s words found him.“Just saying that maybe the professional nice guy deserves some grace.”

It wasn’t that he didn’t want grace—he just didn’t believe it could ease the grip of his mistakes.

“Or you’re desperate,” Steinbeck said.

“Which makes them think I’ll put everything into getting the reward.”

“You’re all set,” said Shelly, and stood up. “Let’s get this jacket off you.” She pulled it off his shoulders.