The Next Mrs. Blackthorne (Bitter Creek Book 6) by Joan Johnston

in a situation like this. Donnie’s reaction was very likely typical. If you’d cheated once, you’d probably cheat again. “It must be awful,” she said.
    Jack didn’t even pretend that he didn’t know what she was talking about. He simply said, “It is.”
    She didn’t insult him by asking if he’d cheated on his taxes. Somehow she knew he hadn’t. Which made no sense, because the whole world believed he’d shaved points in the Super Bowl.
    Then she realized why she believed in Jack’s honesty. Because he had been—still was, apparently—North’s friend. It was impossible to believe her infallible uncle could be fooled by anyone.
    It was the man’s charm that worried her. Maybe he had North—and a lot of other people—bamboozled. Because, despite his tarnished reputation, Jack had managed to run a successful sports bar where the political powers of the state felt comfortable having lunch. She would have given a great deal to know whether he was honest or not.
    “I didn’t know you and North kept in touch,” Kate said.
    “We didn’t,” Jack said. “This situation just came up and we happened to cross paths and he offered to help me out.”
    “You can’t really hide from the IRS, can you?” Kate said.
    “Not for long,” Jack conceded. “I just need time to collect some documentation to help me prove my case.” He smiled again and said, “You let me get distracted from your problem. How can I help?”
    “How are you at performing miracles?” she asked.
    “I did it all the time on the football field,” he said. “I was famous for it.”
    Kate grimaced. “I don’t think my problem can be solved by throwing a touchdown pass. I need some disaster—not a real one—to get my mother, who lives in Jackson Hole, down here, something that requires her to talk to my father.”
    “Will I do?”
    Kate’s brow furrowed in confusion. “What do you mean?”
    “You were going to date Bomber Boy. How about me, instead?”
    She eyed Jack suspiciously. “Did my uncle send you to that courtroom today? I mean, that’s pretty coincidental, you showing up like you did.”
    “Believe me, I’d never volunteer to baby-sit,” Jack said with a laugh.
    “Baby-sit? I’m hardly a baby,” Kate retorted.
    “More like a babe in the woods,” Jack said.
    Kate rose and threw down her napkin. “I don’t need anyone to take care of me. I can take care of myself.”
    Jack rose and put a hand on her arm to keep her from fleeing. “I thought the point here was to find a way to get your parents back together. Walking out on me isn’t going to solve your problem.”
    Kate felt angry and frustrated but was still enough in control of herself to realize he was right. She jerked her arm free and sank back into her chair, as he sank back into his. She crossed her arms and said, “I’m listening.”
    “I think I fit the bill,” he said. “I mean, as someone your parents would not approve of.”
    Kate stared at him, her eyes going wide as she realized he was right. Not only was Jack McKinley a known playboy, his life was tainted by scandal, and he was running from the tax man. To top it off, he was much older and North’s friend, both of which were sure to upset her father. “You’re perfect!” she said.
    She heard Jack breathe what she thought was a sigh of relief but knew that couldn’t be right. She frowned and said, “Why are you so willing to help me out?”
    “Let’s just say I owe your uncle a favor he would never let me repay.”
    “I really can use your help,” she said, “but I’m not exactly sure how we should go about this.”
    “I’m up for anything. So long as I don’t end up at the altar in a shotgun wedding,” he added, flashing her that charming grin.
    “Don’t worry,” Kate reassured him. “That isn’t going to happen.”
    He met her gaze and said, “Where Blackthornes and Grayhawks are involved, I wouldn’t bet the farm on anything.”
    “I promise I won’t agree to