Chapter Seventeen
Jennifer thought the week flew by. Grant brought lunch to her every day, and every night took her to dinner.
Jennifer still offered to make him dinner, and he always said, “Someday, when I take you to my house.” When she asked him when she’d see his house, he always just told her “Soon,” and she didn’t push it.
The fact that he didn’t want her to see his house made her insecure, and she silently asked herself hard questions. The fact that he always touched her and the look in his eyes buried her doubt. But why did Grant always pull back when their kisses and touches got hotter?
Friday night, Jennifer nervously waited for Grant to pick her up for the date with Tessa and Devon. She took another look at herself in the mirror behind the closet door and cringed. What was she thinking? She had forgotten about this dress for a reason.
Jennifer was surprised to find a black dress at the back of her closet.
Her closet mostly consisted of pants, a few pairs of jeans, and shirts she’d gotten from Goodwill.
She vaguely remembered wearing the dress once years before and hadn’t liked how snug it was or the way it showed her curves.
Thankfully, it was one of those timeless dresses that would be in fashion forever.
Jennifer jerked at the heavy knock on her door. She swallowed, made her way to the living room, reached for the handle, and froze.
“Who is it?”
Grant chuckled. “It’s me, baby.”
Jennifer opened the door and stepped back to let him in. She was instantly in his arms, unsure if he moved or she did. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was being in his arms and his mouth on hers.
****
Grant
Garett lifted his head and stared down at his woman.
It took all his strength not to pick her up and find the closest bed.
He wanted to bury himself as deep as he could inside her and never leave.
He grasped her shoulders and stepped back, putting much needed but not wanted space between them.
He let his gaze roam down her slowly. She’d left her hair loose as he liked it, and it flowed around her shoulders and down her back in a soft waterfall of colors.
She looked like she’d put on a little makeup that showed off her big, beautiful eyes and her luscious lips, but not so much that it covered her natural beauty.
Simple, small hoop earrings graced her ears.
His gaze continued down her body, taking in the simple black dress gliding along her curves.
The dress stopped a bit above her knees and showed off her great legs that he’d only been able to graze with his hands and hadn’t gotten a good look at until now.
Her tiny feet were encased in plain black pumps that only brought her height up to an inch, which made the top of her head even with his shoulders.
Jennifer’s hands gripped each other and pressed against her stomach when Grant didn’t say anything but stared blankly at her. Tears started to burn her eyes, and her heartbeat was heavy in her chest. She was ready to return to her bedroom and change.
Grant jerked his head up at her delicate sniffles and cringed at his stupidity.
He pulled her into his embrace. “Baby, you look gorgeous, but I have to tell you I’m having a problem thinking about every man trying to take you from me, and I’d have to murder a few.
You’re a beautiful woman. The most beautiful I’ve ever seen, even in jeans and t-shirts covered in animal crap.
But this? Damn. You’re showing everyone your body that I alone want to see. ”
Jennifer relaxed, stepped back, and smiled, her eyes on his. Her hands drifted down her hips and smoothed the fabric.
“So, you think this is okay?”
Grant chuckled. “It’s perfect if you are trying to drive me crazy with lust and jealousy.”
Jennifer jerked her head back in alarm. “Grant, I don’t mean...”
His hands went up, palms out. “I know you don’t, and it’s just something I’m going to have to deal with and get used to because I’m afraid no matter where we go or how you’re dressed, you’re going to get attention.”
Jennifer snorted. “You are so full of it, but I am glad you’re happy with the way I look.”
“Happy is not the word I’d use. Obsessed is closer to the truth.”
Jennifer laughed and moved away from him to get a light white dress jacket and her small purse.
The ride to the restaurant was silent, but Grant never took his hand off hers and stared at her when they were at stoplights.
In the restaurant, Grant took her hand and guided her toward the round wooden table where Devon and Tessa sat. At the table, Jennifer hugged Tessa and Devon before pulling off her jacket.
“Do you have to take that off, baby? Isn’t it a little cold in here?” Grant asked anxiously, unaware of the surprised looks he got from Devon and Tessa.
Jennifer laughed and draped the jacket over the back of her chair.
“No. I’m actually a little warm.”
Grant groaned and pulled his chair closer to hers to place his arm on the back of her chair.
“You’re trying to torture me, aren’t you, baby?” he muttered gruffly.
Startled, Jennifer looked at him. “No. I would never do that.” Her words were barely above a whisper.
Grant’s focus turned to her, and his brows creased. “I know, baby. I was just kidding.”
Jennifer smiled, leaned toward him, and kissed his lips quickly. “Just remember we’re together, and that’s what matters.”
Grant cupped the back of her head to bring her toward him. “Thank you for that.” He kissed her hard.
A throat-clearing caught their attention. Jennifer blushed, and Grant chuckled at the looks of pure disbelief that showed on their friends’ faces. Then he saw the look of approval on his friend’s face and the look of astonishment on Tessa’s.
“I’m sorry, you guys. How long have you been waiting?” Jennifer asked, uncomfortable with the silence.
Devon held Tessa’s hand on top of the table. “Not long at all. We just got our drinks.”
Grant gritted his teeth as the waiter kept his eyes on the women a little too long. The women were oblivious, talking amongst themselves. He relaxed when the waiter moved off.
Grant answered Devon’s question about work and ignored the looks on Tessa’s face as she peeked at him before her gaze returned to Jennifer. She would have to get used to them being a couple and to his affection for Jennifer, because he guessed it was only going to get worse.
Dinner was easy and enjoyable. The conversation between the group was continuous and smooth. An hour and a half later, they finished their dinner and stood to leave.
“What do you say we go dancing?” Devon asked as he helped Tessa into her coat.
Grant helped Jennifer into hers. “What do you think, baby?”
A bright smile spread across her face as she looked at Grant over her shoulder while he helped her with her jacket.
“That sounds like fun,” she agreed softly.
“Good. It’s a good excuse to hold you,” he whispered in her ear and chuckled when a rosy blush overtook her face. “I love when you blush.”
Even embarrassed, the tone of his voice was so alluring she would have melted at his feet if he hadn’t had a hold on her. His arm curved possessively around her waist as they walked out to his car.
The men took them to an upscale bar. They found a small table against the wall and took the women’s drink orders before moving to the bar to get their drinks.