Murphy's Law by Lori Foster

the impressive stone fence surrounding a generous proportion of acreage and a sizable mansion. “It’s beautiful.”
    â€œYeah, just wait till you see the inside. Or…” She frowned at him. “Is your house as big as his?”
    Her lack of tact didn’t insult him because he knew she hadn’t asked out of prurient interest. Ashley wasn’t a gold digger. In fact, she looked almost accusatory as she waited for him to answer.
    On a groan, she said, “It is, isn’t it?”
    The idea obviously didn’t please her. “How about you tell me, after I’ve taken you there tonight?”
    The reminder of the evening to come had her straightening in her seat again. “Okay, I will.” She looked out the windshield. “Pull up to the intercom and push the button to let them know we’re here.”
    Quinton did as directed, and a second later the gate opened. A voice he recognized as Denny’s said, “Nice car. Come on in, then. I’ll walk out front to show you where to park.”
    Quinton accelerated through the tall gates, which immediately clanked shut once the car was clear. All along the tree-shaded drive, monitors picked up activity. Jude Jamison’s home had good security. He liked that.
    Wide porches wrapped around a two-story brick and stone structure with a six-car garage. A sweeping cobblestone walkway led to double columns at the entrance. Fall colors bloomed in the landscaping around the house, grounds, and a large fountain.
    Instead of Denny stepping out, as he’d said he would, Jude Jamison himself strode down the porch steps. As a fan of the SBC, Quinton was anxious to meet Jude. But as a man soon to be intimately involved with Ashley, he wanted to talk to Jude about threats, security, and any plans that might be in the works.
    Leaving the car running, Quinton opened his door and stepped out. He couldn’t help grinning as he extended his hand. “Jude Jamison. This is a pleasure.”
    Jude smiled, too, and accepted the handshake. “I can say the same. Never in a million years did I think to see Ashley with a date. How’d you do it?”
    Ashley yelled out the window, “Just look at him, Jude. It should be obvious.”
    Jude laughed. “It’s Quinton Murphy, right?”
    â€œI take it Denny filled you in.”
    â€œHe’s a regular chatterbox.” Jude nodded at the Bentley. “Mind if I take a look? I’m a bit of a car nut myself.”
    â€œFeel free.”
    Jude opened the door and slid behind the wheel. “I almost bought one of these, but since meeting May, cars haven’t been the first thing on my mind.” He flexed his hands on the wheel, then turned to Ashley. “May is anxious to see you. Why don’t you go on in?”
    â€œOh, I get it.” Lip curled, she opened the door and flounced out. “The boys wanna talk shop. By all means. I don’t want to get in the way.”
    Jude rolled his eyes. As Ashley started past Quinton, he caught her arm, pulled her around, and gave her a sound kiss on her mulish mouth. A breeze caught her hair, and he tucked it back, then smoothed his hand over her cheek to her shoulder. “See you in a bit.”
    New color bloomed in her face. Her lashes fluttered and one side of her mouth tipped up. “Yeah. Sure. In a bit.” She sighed, turned, and strode away in that long-legged, impatient way of hers.
    Satisfied but also anxious, Quinton watched her go up the front steps and through the entry doors. He’d never tire of looking at her, just as he’d never tire of her mood swings.
    â€œI see your interest in cars is about to wane, too.”
    Pulled from his introspection, Quinton grinned at Jude. “Convince Ashley of that if you can.”
    â€œShe scares me, so you’re on your own.”
    â€œYeah, right.” Quinton studied Jude through the open driver’s door window. He was big and lean