Simple Arrangement Read online

  Table of Contents

  Legal Page

  Title Page

  Book Description

  Dedication

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  New Excerpt

  About the Author

  Publisher Page

  A Totally Bound Publication

  Simple Arrangement

  ISBN # 978-0-85715-684-6

  ©Copyright McKenna Jeffries 2014

  Cover Art by Posh Gosh ©Copyright March 2014

  Edited by Rebecca Douglas

  Totally Bound Publishing

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental.

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Totally Bound Publishing.

  Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Totally Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution.

  The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork.

  Published in 2014 by Totally Bound Publishing, Newland House, The Point, Weaver Road, Lincoln, LN6 3QN

  Warning:

  This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has a heat rating of Totally Sizzling and a Sexometer of 1.

  Intentions

  SIMPLE ARRANGEMENT

  McKenna Jeffries

  Book one in the Intentions series

  The arrangement was simple but what happens when emotions change things?

  Iona McKingley is used to being in control and likes it that way. When she finds herself drawn to Jackson, she knows exactly what she wants—him. But on her terms. Like any good businesswoman, Iona lays out the terms of her arrangement. When he challenges her to ask him not as if she is proposing a business deal but as a woman wanting a man, she wonders if it is a good idea to deviate from the plan.

  Jackson Carlyle’s attraction to Iona has been growing but he doesn’t plan to act on it. He’s been there and done that and with his busy schedule, relationships don’t work. Iona’s offer of an arrangement that takes out the emotional entanglements surprises him and he knows that it can give them both what they need—each other. As they get deeper, Jackson realizes that although their relationship started with no strings, things have evolved to so much more than a simple arrangement.

  Dedication

  To my mom and sister, whose love of reading made me pick up my first book, which ultimately led me on this path to become an author. Thanks for passing on your love of reading and your support.

  Trademarks Acknowledgement

  The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of the following wordmarks mentioned in this work of fiction:

  Taser: Taser International, Inc.

  Chevy Traverse: Chevrolet, General Motors Company

  Alone: Mary J. Blige and Dave Young

  Criminal Minds: CBS Television Studios

  Chapter One

  Iona McKingley lifted the glass of champagne, taking a sip as she gazed at the people partying. A glance around showed that everyone seemed to be having a great time. She lowered her glass and lifted her other hand to rub her fingers along the bridge of her nose. She’d almost missed the event with the flight delays she’d encountered in her rush to return to McKingley. When she’d barely made it, it had caused the one person she didn’t ever want to chance pissing off to almost have a meltdown. She’d also tried to snatch her bald, although not intentionally. Iona rubbed the side of her head, where it still ached from the yank on her hair.

  “We’ve got to stop meeting like this.” A man spoke behind her in a deep baritone that made a delicious heat fill her.

  Christ, I must be more tired than I think to be getting turned on by him.

  In the next moment, she contradicted herself. Liar, you’ve been noticing way too much about him each time you all run into each other. Which is a lot, considering you all are at the same events.

  “It’ll probably be the last time we will for a while. That is, unless Dimitri decides to finally ask Shannon to marry him.” Iona smiled, wondering how long it would take her good friend Dimitri Wright to ask the woman he was dating to become his wife. His siblings had all fallen in love over the last year or so and gotten married. She sipped from her drink once more.

  She swallowed hard as she met Jackson Carlyle’s blue-eyed gaze, which was filled with concern. The man lifted a broad-fingered hand then placed it over hers where it rested against her hair.

  “Deyon really got you good there.” He moved her hand away as he rubbed the side of her head.

  “She was feeling a little stressed to make sure everything for her wedding went off without a hitch.” Iona stifled a moan that she knew would be loud as well as sound horny, and lowered her eyelids as she pressed closer to his touch. “When she reached for me, she didn’t mean to yank my hair. Her ring was caught in my hair and when she pulled, I was pulling the other way. It led to a tug of war. Thank God it wasn’t worse. I could have lost some hair.” She opened her eyes and met his gaze. “It might have just been worth it to have you feeling me up and in public too. You better be careful we don’t start rumors, Jackie.”

  “Rumors could become fact.” He flashed a devilish grin.

  Iona’s breath caught at the smile and the twinkle in his gaze that matched it. She glanced down his muscular body. His expertly tailored suit emphasized his tall, broad-shouldered frame. His craggy face, framed by hair in various shades of blond and brown, made him even more appealing. Jackson’s laid-back personality and his ability to encourage people to confide in him made him an excellent doctor.

  “They could.” Iona smiled and stared at him. “Are you flirting with me, Jackie?”

  “Would I dare flirt with Iona McKingley?” Jackson deepened his voice. “One look from you and any man who tried to pick you up—if it was unwanted—they would find themselves frozen in place. I only like ice in my glass.” He shook the glass he had in his free hand while he continued to rub gently at her aching scalp.

  “Maybe it wouldn’t be unwanted.” Iona winked then laughed. “Then again, I don’t think I could handle you, Jackie.”

  “I’m sure you could.” Jackson returned her wink then leaned close to her ear. “I’m the poor sap who would have circles run around him, trying to keep up with you.”

  “You better be careful, Jackson, or I might someday take you up on your flirting.” Iona narrowed her eyes. “Although you’ve never flirted with me before today, I find that I like it.”

  Jackson’s chuckle made heat fill her belly. Not going there, Iona. She tried to convince herself.

  “Isn’t my Divalicious beautiful?” Jackson looked to his left.

  Iona followed where his attention was and a soft smile curled her lip as she spotted Deyon and Leonardo Wright—Deyon’s new husband. Jackson and Iona were close friends with the Wrights, as well as Deyon, and the Wrights viewed all of them as family too. There were many people whom the Wrights considered their extended family. Iona thought of her own clan, the McKingleys, and the closeness between them. They had grown up together and also gathered people who they took into their fold and claimed as theirs.

 
; Today had seen the union of Deyon and Leonardo—the last wedding so far that had been in the works for the Wrights. Leonardo and his siblings had fallen in love with their partners then married fairly fast. The people in town were talking about who would fall next and which wedding would be forthcoming. Some wondered if the Wrights would continue the trend of the single ones getting married.

  “She is a lovely bride.” Iona ran her hand down her bridesmaid dress, which Deyon had designed for the wedding. “But I, for one, am glad we don’t have any more weddings anytime soon. Even though I got some beautiful clothing out of it.”

  Deyon had created the clothing for all the nuptials that had taken place so far for the Wright clan. She’d had help with the designs for the last two ceremonies, when her friends, who were ex-models, had moved to town. Deyon’s store was even busier now, since brides as well as grooms were clamoring to get their own custom-designed gowns and tuxes from Deyon’s. She didn’t usually make wedding finery.

  “Me too,” Jackson said wryly.

  Iona returned her attention to him. Jackson smoothed the lapel of his suit, smiling and shaking his head.

  “I don’t go anywhere often enough to use all the suits that I now have in my closet.”

  “Doesn’t the hospital have functions?”

  “It does.” Jackson rolled his eyes. “I tend to avoid them when I can. I hate politics.”

  “As the co-head of the emergency room for McKingley General, you have to know how to use politics in your favor.”

  “I didn’t say I don’t know how to use politics when I need to. I just hate it.” Jackson chuckled. “When they hired Rissa and I,” he said, referring to Arissa Wright, “to be co-heads, I don’t think they realized what they were getting into. We’re there to make sure our department runs efficiently and to serve the people of McKingley, not to kiss some bureaucrat’s ass. Rissa and I have never been good at kissing anyone’s ass to get ahead. We tend to go hard after what we believe and do it bluntly. Schmoozing takes too much effort.”

  “But the effort is sometimes worth the pay-off. You can still be blunt, but it’s the way you are blunt.” Iona glanced at Deyon and sighed. “Like now. I’m going to have to save Leo from sleeping on the couch on his first night as a married man. Excuse me.”

  Iona strolled toward Leonardo and Deyon, who stood in a group of people. Deyon glared at Leonardo while an extremely handsome man with sun-kissed skin on her right looked like he was trying not to laugh. A gorgeous dark-skinned woman standing on Deyon’s left chuckled, and Iona noticed that the sultry, melodious sound made more than one man stare.

  “You better not be saying what I think you are.” Deyon lowered her voice. “I thought we already cleared this shit up. Chandler”—Deyon slapped her hand against the chest of the man on her right—“is my friend, and you even agreed for him to be one of your groomsmen in the wedding. He is now a designer at Deyon’s, after I convinced him to come on board. I assured him that my future husband wouldn’t be an asshole and be jealous of him.” She poked Leonardo in the chest. “Hell, he designed your suit for the wedding and those of your groomsmen.” Deyon flung her hand at the woman on her left and she ducked in time to not be knocked upside the head. “Sorry about that, Kendrix.”

  “No problem.” Kendrix ‘Queen’ Brandon shrugged.

  “I view Chandler like Kendrix—as a friend. Spell it with me—F-R-I-E-N-D—or better yet, family.” Deyon enunciated each letter as she spelled it too. “I want to fuck Chandler as much as I would want to fuck Kendrix. Never.” Deyon looked at Kendrix. “No offense, Kendrix, but you’re not my type. I like men.”

  “I know you do, Diva.” Kendrix winked. “I love men too. Besides, the idea of kissing you is ewweee.”

  “I don’t mind kissing either one of you.” Chandler leered.

  “Behave, Chandler,” Deyon and Kendrix said together.

  “I’m just telling the truth. You both are beautiful women and kissing either of you was never a hardship.” Chandler grinned, a devilish look on his face.

  “You are not helping, Chandler.” Deyon slapped him on the chest again.

  Chandler caught her hand and lifted it to his lips, staring at Leonardo as he did.

  Leonardo growled and stepped forward, fist clenched.

  Iona slid between them and glanced up at Leonardo. “Quit it. You know Deyon would never cheat on you. Just like she knows you would never cheat on her.” Iona glanced at Deyon, studying her steadily. “If either of you ever even contemplated it, I would kick both of your asses myself. Now, Leo”—she met Leonardo’s gaze again—“play nice with Chandler, who will behave.” She turned her attention to the man in question and his smile widened. “Or I will kick his ass instead.” Iona pulled Deyon from between Chandler and Kendrix, putting her with Leonardo. “Now apologize, Leo, unless you like the idea of not sleeping with your new wife tonight. Because knowing Deyon as we all do, she will make you suffer for not trusting her.”

  “I trust her. I love the damn, pain-in-the-ass woman.” Leonardo glared at Deyon then Chandler. “It’s him. He likes to mess with me to make me get angry.”

  “And you let him.” Iona clucked her tongue. “What happened to the contained sheriff who protects our town?”

  “He gets stupid when it comes to me,” Deyon muttered.

  “Exactly. And Chandler knows that.” Iona smacked Leonardo on the chest. “He wants Deyon as much as he would want me. Not. So now you two go and make friends so Deyon won’t have to Tase you then lock you up to become friendly.” Iona scowled at Leonardo and Chandler. “You both know she would do it too. I’m surprised she hasn’t already.”

  “I’ve thought of it. But Rissa and Kendrix wouldn’t help me lure Chandler or Leonardo someplace so I could.” Deyon pouted then smiled at Iona. “Maybe I should have asked you instead.”

  “Yeah. I would have helped.” Iona grinned. “We could have wired the room for sound and video. Ate popcorn while they blustered about killing you for it then eventually made nice with each other.”

  “Hey,” Leonardo and Chandler said.

  “Tell me more.” Deyon ignored them and led Iona away to stand a few steps from the men. Kendrix joined them, chuckling.

  “Men are so silly. I married the oaf.” Deyon frowned. “God knows why.”

  “You love him,” Kendrix said.

  “I do, but I swear I want to kill him too.” Deyon rolled her eyes.

  “That’s all part of it. You love him one moment then want to strangle him the next. He taps into your deeper emotions.” Iona patted her shoulder. “You poor thing.”

  “That’s Miss You Are One Lucky Poor Thing. Since I have the man that I love, even if he makes me nutty as a fruitcake.” Deyon shrugged her off then grinned. “I can’t wait for when you find the man who is the one for you. I’m going to enjoy watching him drive you crazy.”

  “Not going to happen.” Iona shook her head. “No man would do that to me. I’m too controlled for that.”

  Deyon blinked slowly then laughed in her face. “Oh my God, you really believe that. When you fall it will be hard, Iona, and I am so going to enjoy reminding you of this conversation.”

  “Love is overrated. Just give me a man who I’m at least attracted to and can hold a decent conversation with without being a babbling idiot, and I’d be glad. Love not needed,” Kendrix said then looked at Iona.

  They nodded at each other then focused on Deyon.

  “Ladies, you don’t know better now but someday you will know how you both are lying to yourself.” Deyon shook her head.

  “This wasn’t about me or Kendrix,” Iona pointed out. “It’s about the stupidity of men.”

  “I think it’s time to get out of hearing distance before they insult us anymore,” Leonardo said, as he came over. He grabbed Deyon and kissed her hungrily then patted her ass before he headed away. “Let’s get a drink, Chandler. I might even make it through it without wanting to punch you.”

  Chandler moved cl
oser, standing by Iona. She glanced up and his expression made her pause.

  “What?” She lifted an eyebrow.

  “You said something earlier that was false.”

  “Really? What was it?”

  “That I would want you as much as I want Deyon. Not at all.” Chandler leaned closer. “You are wrong about that. Deyon is like my sister but you are not. You would be someone I would want.” He lifted her hand and kissed the back of it. “Everything about you, I find fascinating.” He looked past her. “But I don’t poach.” He released her before walking away.

  Confused, Iona turned her head and her eyes widened as she met Jackson’s impassive face.

  “I see what you mean about being blunt.” Jackson touched her waist briefly. “Very well done, saving Leo from himself.” He turned to Kendrix. “You looked very sexy in the wedding.”

  “I’m glad Deyon paired us up for you to escort me down the aisle for the wedding.” Kendrix touched his arm. “It was good getting to know you. Chandler has said so much about you, since you all have become good friends. I’m glad I got to finally spend some time with you.”

  Iona stared at Kendrix’s hand resting on Jackson’s arm and wanted to rip it off. How dare she touch him? A picture of her punching Kendrix filled Iona’s mind and she blew out a breath as shock filled her.

  What the hell is wrong with me? Jackson can touch or, hell, fuck whoever he wants. Damn it, Iona, why did you even think they are fucking? She didn’t really pay any attention as Jackson finished speaking with Kendrix then spoke with Deyon. He turned to Iona again and winked before he strode away. She stared after him, watching the loose-limbed way he moved. He was all strength and sleek like a cat. Immediately her thoughts went to how he would be in bed. Iona pushed those away before they could fully form.

  “Someone has been holding out on us.” Deyon bumped shoulders with her. “Not just one but two men who are vying for the attention of Iona McKingley.”

  “I wonder which one she’ll pick?” Kendrix bumped against her other shoulder.