To some who know him, Jax -- under the name Jackson Martin -- is a reputable restorer of antiquarian books. To others, in various guises, he's a man who double-crosses thieves, relieving them of what wasn't theirs to begin with ... although he doesn't return the stolen goods to their original owners. That isn't his thing.<br><br>When he's hired by Donovan, a book collector, to restore a damaged atlas, Jax meets the young man who runs Donovan's side interest, a no-kill animal shelter. Noel is wary of Jackson for reasons he can't explain. It doesn't stop him from finding Jax interesting ... an interest Jax returns despite knowing it will go nowhere.<br><br>Then Keegan, Jax's mortal enemy, appears bent on killing him. Will Jax be able to stop him before that happens? And will what he and Noel learn about each other end their budding relationship before it can become something more?

A Man of Many Parts

They didn’t talk much until after the waitress brought their coffees and they’d ordered dinner. The silence wasn’t uncomfortable, though. More like they were getting used to being together again—at least that’s how Jax thought of it.


“What are you going to do to keep busy during the day while you’re here?” Noel asked after taking a drink of his coffee.


“You mean you don’t want me hanging around the shelter?” Jax replied with very feigned dismay.


Noel grinned. “You could. I’ll set you to cleaning the kennels.”


“Uh-huh. I’ll pass on that and see what trouble I can get into going through Donovan’s library. I’ve got my basic kit with me so if there are any minor repairs, I can do them. Don’t worry, I won’t charge him.”


“That doesn’t surprise me in the least. Not to sound all mushy, but you’re a good man…mostly.”


Leaning forward with his elbows on the table, Noel said softly, “I’m glad you’re here. I wasn’t certain I’d ever see you again.”


Chapter 41