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Not knowing what else to say, she simply shrugged.
“I remember once after one of your brother Kyle’s races, the two had been photographed all night—and morning—in different bars, and always with a passel of beautiful women at their sides.”
Her brother and Jack partying around the world was nothing new. The two had been close friends for as long as she could remember. Both were richer than Croesus and romance book cover handsome. Paparazzi had followed them around like puppy dogs.
“So he’s finally settling down?” Veronica asked.
“I guess.” What else could she say?
“You seem smitten.”
Heat rushed to her cheeks, but she couldn’t drag her eyes away from Jack as he climbed out of the car, circled the hood, and the moment their gazes met, waved at her through the front window. His grin as large as hers.
“Apparently, the feeling is mutual.”
She spun around to see the knowing grin on the gallery owner’s face. For sure, Siobhan’s cheeks were burning warm. Blasted Irish skin. Always betraying her when she blushed.
Veronica shrugged. “Jack’s quite the catch. If you decide you don’t want him, there’s a line of women willing to step into your shoes.”
“Nope.” There was no way she was letting this one get away. No matter how much her brothers puffed out their chests and snarled at him, Jack Preston was hers and she had no intention of letting him go.
“Hey.” Jack paused at the door, waved at Veronica then waited for Siobhan to signal if they were finished or not.
That was another thing she loved about Jack, unlike her overbearing brothers, he always respected her space, and right now, her career. She knew he would not interrupt her work.
“I guess we’re all set.” Veronica gestured to the stack of keeper prints. “You’ve got the dates, and you’re in charge of framing them.”
“Everything will be ready.” It might be a push, but she’d get it done. This showing would be perfect.
The meeting clearly finished, Jack approached the two.
“Nice to see you again, Jack.” Veronica extended her arm.
Shaking the proffered hand, he seamlessly slid his other arm around Siobhan’s waist sending delighted tingles up her spine. She loved the gentle almost territorial gesture. “Always love coming to events here. I’m looking forward to Siobhan’s show.”
“So am I.” Veronica nodded. “I’m expecting a lot of buzz, but bring all your friends. And tell them to bring their checkbooks.” She laughed.
Checkbooks. Wow. Not till this moment had it actually struck Siobhan that this was about more than exposure, this show could make her money. A lot of it.
Everyone said their goodbyes, and still arm in arm, she and Jack crossed the short distance to the car. Another chilled breeze passed over her and she paused, looking around.
“You okay?” Holding the car door open for her, Jack’s smile slipped.
“You ever get the feeling you’re being watched?”
His gaze raked up and down the street. Seeing the same empty sidewalks she had, his smile returned. “Sometimes, but it’s usually my mother staring daggers at me for forgetting something she’d drummed into me in my youth.”
That made Siobhan laugh. She knew exactly the kind of look he meant. Not that she’d ever seen his mother scolding him with her eyes, but her own mother and grandmother had done so on more than one occasion.
Taking another second to scan the street, she heaved a contented sigh. Life was good, if only she could get over the jumpy feeling.
In the short time he’d been spending with Siobhan, he’d come to trust her instincts as much as his own. He slid into the car and studied her. “Why do you ask?”
She frowned and then shrugged. “I don’t know, just a funny feeling I can’t seem to shake. I guess that stupid break-in and no real answers from the police has left me a little unnerved.”
It was his turn to frown. He looked up and down the street again, but saw nothing suspicious. “I know this has to be hard on you and your family, but you have a lot of people who care about you and are there to keep you safe.” He squeezed her hand. “That includes me.”
Her head bobbed and the sweetest smile made his heart happy. He smiled back and started the car. “Next stop, the ranch.”
