Chapter 9
Jolee
I stretch as I wake up. Rested. I feel warm and relaxed. Something I need more of, except I’m not home. My eyes adjust to the darkness of the room. Their room.
Ugh. How could I forget that I’m not at my apartment… again. Probably because I slept like the dead. Really, a miracle with everything going on in my life. I know it’s this house—these men—that are doing something to me. I just have to decide if I can accept it, maybe even like it.
I check, and the rolled-up blanket is still intact. Well, he didn’t try anything at least. Would I even know? I’d wake up right? He doesn’t seem like a guy who tries things without permission.
My eyes risk a glance over, they’re still sleeping. Entwined in each other. I swear they went to bed with sweatpants on, though. I drink in the sight of Clay’s black boxers hugging his ass and try to avoid seeing Grant’s hand there, holding him. The shine of his wedding band catches my attention.
Time to get up.
I need coffee and a dose of reality if I can find it. I need to figure out what I’m doing. Quietly, I leave the bed and head down the hall towards the kitchen.
The house is quiet except for the coffee brewing. It’s a different kind of quiet than my apartment. It doesn’t feel cold or lonely. When have I ever thought about being lonely? Probably more times than I’d admit to myself.
I grab the cup of coffee, add sugar, and creamer. I like it sweet. Then I settle at the kitchen counter.
My mind is in an eerie calm. I really don’t know what to make of it. I’m not overthinking for once, but it feels blank almost. I sip the hot coffee, letting it warm me up. I look around, and my gaze settles on the calendar. There’s something about the day circled on there.
Shit. What day is it?
I get up and hobble over. I feel a slight twinge in my ankle because I haven’t put my stupid boot on. It has to be almost healed.
It’s Friday, oh damn. How could I forget Star’s wedding? I haven’t missed it, thankfully. But I have to go. I’d feel like the absolute worst person on earth if I didn’t. What kind of personal assistant and friend doesn’t go? A shitty one. I won’t be that person.
Footsteps and voices echo down the hall, alerting me that they’re awake. A new plan is forming, and one to get me back to my apartment.
“Good morning, Jo. You sleep, okay?” Grant and Clay enter the kitchen, practically hand in hand. It’s sweet. I’m not sure I’ve seen another couple in love like they are. I ignore the extra beats in my heart.
“Yes, I did. But I need to go back to my apartment today.”
“Why?” They both say in unison.
“Star’s wedding is tomorrow, and I can’t miss it.” I straighten my posture, “No. I won’t miss it.” There. That sounded more confident. Right? God, I feel stupid. This should be easy. I’m a grown-ass woman, and I can leave when I want to. But I didn’t exactly get here on my own.
Grant smirks.
Clay frowns.
Well, at least Grant seems on board to get me out of here.
“Can you give me a ride back?” I ask Grant. Hopeful that he wants me gone.
“Can you bring a date?” He asks.
“A date?” I repeat, genuinely confused and not expecting that question. “Who would I…” I trail off as I realize he means one of them as his smile widens. Clay? Him? What is happening?
I attempt to ignore his question, “Um, anyway, my dress is at my apartment, and her gift. So, you see, I need to get back.”
They exchange a look. Why do I feel like this isn’t going to turn out the way I want? I need my space. My ground, even if that is alone.
“Okay, but we’re going with you.” Clay. “I’ll reach out to Derrick and Matt to let them know. I’m sure they will be pleased to know you’re still under my protection.”
“But… you can’t… I don’t need protection.” I stutter like a fool. “You couldn’t possibly want to come with me.”
“No arguments, Jo. We will happily accompany you and make sure you're safe.”
“Who wouldn’t want to see you in a sexy dress. You’ve got nice curves to show off, and besides, Clay cleans up pretty fine too.”
Is Grant flirting with me? What the hell?
I roll my eyes, trying to give them the message I don’t care. There’s no point in fighting over it, and it will get me out of here. Safer ground. I don’t understand them, but I won’t push it.