Chapter 5
Grant
Finally. Clay texts me that he is on his way. And with Jolee.
Now that does surprise me, but I finally get to meet the feisty redhead who’s had my husband’s balls in a knot from day one.
He hasn’t been able to leave her side. I know about the incident and her injuries, but this is more than that. More than him being a natural caretaker.
This is him falling, and he doesn’t realize it. I’m just glad he’ll be home. I’m not jealous but intrigued and truly curious.
I’m not going to lie either. I miss his cock.
At first, we shared women. No one has ever felt like they could be a third in our relationship. Somehow, I already feel like that’s what Clay wants. I can’t put my finger on it, but it’s a hunch. His work has never had this kind of effect on him.
But he hasn’t touched her. Hasn’t kissed her. The temptation is there. I hear it in his voice when we talk at night.
I hear the crunch of his tires on the snowy driveway, and I throw my boots on.
From the sounds of it, he’ll need help getting her and her bag inside.
Clay said that clumsiness is one of her stronger attributes.
I don’t need them both on the ground. I’m also a little eager to meet her and to find out what he’s told her about me.
Clay jumps out of the truck and throws himself in my arms, laying a big kiss on me. We might have an audience, but I’ve missed him too much to hold back. I take him in my arms, dipping him back, deepening the kiss—maybe a little for show too—but damn, I missed this. Missed him.
“I needed that,” Clay says as I release him.
“Me too, love. Now time to introduce me.”
“I hope you’re ready. It wasn’t easy getting her here, but her heat is out, and she thinks she can shovel snow in her condition.”
My eyebrows raise, and I hold in a laugh because I can only imagine what he did to get her into his truck. It must have been a sight for the neighbors.
Clay opens the door, her eyes wide as she takes us in. Did she know Clay is married? I’d think so with the thick gold band on his ring finger. I squeeze his hand, feeling for his ring. It’s right where I put it. Maybe she didn’t know it was to a man? Yeah, that might be a bit of a shock.
“Hi. I’m Grant. Clays’ better half.” I smile at her. I don’t want her to run, and she has flee written all over her face. Not that she’d make it far in the cold and one good foot.
She nods, swallowing and seemingly trying to get herself together. “Hi. Jolee Fern. Um… I really don’t mean to intrude. I can go back to my apartment.”
“It’s no intrusion. We are happy to have you here. We are due for more snow, and Clay says you’re without heat. We can’t have a beautiful woman like yourself freezing.” My eyes take another long look at her. She is stunning even with that pout on her face.
I move around to her side of the truck and open the door, extending my hand to help her down. But she doesn’t take it. Just stares at me in confusion. Have we shocked her that much?
“Here, let me help you into the house.”
“I’ll get her bag.” Clay mutters, “Good luck.”
He forgets how charming I can be.
“Alright, let’s get you inside where it’s warm.”
I don’t wait for her to say anything. I scoop her right up out of the truck and into my chest. I’m also assuming it’s how she got in here in the first place. She would’ve had to crawl up to get into this thing.
“I can–”
“Nope. You can’t. It’s snowy and icy. Besides, you aren’t exactly tall, and I couldn’t risk you falling out of his truck.”
She looks over my shoulder at the truck. “Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s big. I’m sure he’s compensating.” Jo mumbles.
“The truck is trying to keep up with him, Hun.” I wink at her. No way am I letting her think anything but the truth about his dick size. That would be a crime against husbands.
Jolee wraps her arms around my neck as I continue towards the house. I like the feel of her against me.
“Here we are.” I let her slide down my body, unintentionally, of course.
She’s a sexy, curvy siren. And I think she might have my attention, too.
“Um.” She clears her throat. “Thanks.”
I like to see that I have some effect on her. She might want to be immune to us, but she’s not.
“Living room is this way, and we can get you settled. I’m sure you’d like to be off your feet for a bit.”
Jolee limps down the short hallway to the living room.
She settles on the oversized chair. I hide my smile.
She’s trying hard for some space, which is a challenge when there are two of us.
I sit on the couch, the end that is closest to her.
I just met her, I’m not ready to leave her.
I have so many questions, but I don’t want to overwhelm her.
It might be too late for that already, after watching us kiss.
“Again, I can go home. This is ridiculous, really. I have a space heater and can call someone to fix it quicker. My apartment isn’t that roomy.”
I raise my eyebrows at her. I know the few men in this town who do heating and cooling units; they are swamped. There’s no faster way unless you pay at least twice as much for someone in another town.
“Like calling your boyfriend? Or someone who’s going to charge you triple?”
Her posture straightens. “I don’t have a boyfriend.” She shoots back. “And I’m not in the market for one.” She attempts to turn away, but her giant boot gets in the way. I can see the annoyance written all over her face.
God, she’s cute, and I’m seeing for myself how deep her stubborn streak goes. I can work with that.
But I wonder what has her guard up so high, and I’m starting to understand what Clay has been working with. What’s been driving his fierce need to protect her.
“Good to know. When’s the last time you had a man in your bed, Jolee?” I really shouldn’t push, but call me interested.
Without hesitation or looking at me, she says, “Eight years.”
And she’s dead serious.
Well, fuck me. There’s so much she’s not saying. I decide to move on to safer topics as I don’t want her to shut down. This seems like progress.
“Where do you work?”
She relaxes and is probably thankful that I didn’t question that topic further.
“I work at Platinum Pleasures. I’m Star’s personal assistant. I really have enjoyed working for her. Keeps me busy and I’m pretty much the one in charge, but don’t tell her that.” Giving me a hint of a smile.
“I have a feeling she already knows that. I’m assuming you aren’t back to work yet, though?”
“No.” Jo pauses and takes a deep breath. “I’m not sure I’ll ever be ready to go back. It’s not the job, but how this happened.” She points to her foot. “I know it’s not her fault, but I don’t know…”
“I’m sorry that you were caught up in that and became used as a pawn. Makes me sick, but I’m happy to hear he’s behind bars.”
“Me too.”
There’s another long pause. I want to get to know her, but I know she needs rest, too.
“How about I put a movie on? It might be a nice distraction?” That seems to perk her back up.
“I can’t even remember the last time I watched a movie. Usually consumed by work, then crash in bed.”
“Then you’re overdue. Besides, you’re supposed to be resting so that your foot can heal. Clay gave me the impression you haven’t been doing a lot of that.”
She rolls her eyes as I search for a movie. Something light and funny.
Barely fifteen minutes into The Hangover, and she’s asleep. She needs to rest. I get up and cover her with a light blanket.
Sigh.
Now, time to see what Clay’s been up to.