Gran took a sip of her tea. “Should have just told him no.”
“Well, it’s over, so water under the bridge and all that.”
Gran raised an eyebrow. “But that isn’t why you’re happy.”
Bree ducked her head and scuffed her heel on the floor, afraid if she gave voice to her budding feelings for Jase, she might jinx it somehow. “I met someone. It’s still really, really new and really early, but I like him. He’s…” she tried to think of a way to describe Jase. “Strong.”
Gran smiled at Bree. “I liked your grandfather from the first moment I laid eyes on him, too. He was so handsome and confident. I knew, almost from the very beginning, I was going to spend the rest of my life with him. When your heart knows, your heart knows. Just don’t go letting your mind talk you out of it.” She gave Bree a pointed look.
Bree smiled and shook her head at her fanciful grandmother. She wasn’t sure where it was going with Jase. It had really only been two days since she’d met him, not counting that first night. It seemed like it had been so much longer, but she had only run into him again the day before. How had so much happened in such a short amount of time? Her house had been broken into, she’d willingly let Jase manipulate her into staying with him, and he was pretty much holding her dog hostage to guarantee she returned to his house. His high-handedness should infuriate her, but it was actually kind of nice. She had always felt like the dominate personality with Chad and had always made all their plans. She liked that Jase had taken charge, packed her up, and made sure she was safe.
Gran interrupted her thoughts. “What’s your new young man do?”
“He runs a non-profit for veterans. He organizes hunting, fishing, and camping trips.”
“Did you meet through work?”
“Kind of. One of my patients mentioned Jase’s company and I went by to see if I could get some information for referrals.” It was partly true, anyway.
“That’s lovely. You’re both passionate about helping others. When are you seeing him again?”
“Tonight. I actually need to run by the grocery store. I’m cooking him dinner at his house and I’m not sure what all he has.”
“Well don’t let me keep you, my dear. I’m sure that will be much more interesting than spending time at the old folks’ home,” Gran said as she stood.
“Don’t be silly, Gran. You know I love coming to visit.”
“I know, dear, but if I were you, I’d rather spend time with a stud muffin than my grandmother.”
Bree laughed. “Gran, no one says ‘stud muffin’ anymore.”
“What do they say?”
Probably not appropriate to say she and Denise had called him a walking orgasm. “I’m not sure. I just know it’s not ‘stud muffin’.”
“Well, whatever it is, go spend time with him.”
Gran sent Bree off with a kiss and hug and waved as she drove away. Bree pulled out her phone as she walked into the grocery store. She had left it in the car while she was at the retirement community. Twenty-three texts from Chad.
“Ugh. Take a hint.” She selected them all and hit the delete button. She received three more texts by the time she was finished shopping. Disgusted, she turned off her phone and threw it in her purse.
Jase woke slowly, his hand already stroking his morning hard-on. Why stroke himself when he had a lush, willing woman in bed who could do it for him? He smiled to himself and reached for Bree. He eyes snapped open, blinking against the early morning light, when he found the bed empty. He glanced toward the bathroom - the light was off and there were no sounds coming that might indicate Bree was in there.
“Son of a bitch!” He scrambled out of bed, searching for his jeans and shirt he had discarded the night before. He glanced around the floor, looking for his shirt. He yanked open a drawer and grabbed a new one out of the dresser. He couldn’t believe she had taken off again. What the hell? He thought things were going well.
When she’d come back to his house yesterday, he’d been out in the yard playing fetch with Charlie. He’d been Jase’s shadow all day and his company actually made the day easier. It’d been nice having someone to talk to, even if it was just a dog.
Bree had made stuffed peppers and salad for dinner. He couldn’t even remember the last time someone had cooked for him - other than his mom on holidays. It was nice. Easy. They had relaxed on the hammock after dinner for a while before going to bed. The sex was phenomenal. Not so rushed, but Bree was still the hottest thing he could remember. She was so responsive and eager. Unselfconscious and, shit, when she came around his cock it was like a vice grip.
He turned the corner at the bottom of the stairs and stopped short as he came into the kitchen. Bree stood at the stove in his shirt - the one he couldn’t find. The smell of sautéed onions and mushrooms mixed with bacon and coffee filled the room, while the dogs sat perfectly still by her side, watching her every move.
She glanced over her shoulder, the smile she had for him fading as she caught sight of his thunderous look.
“What? What’s wrong?”
“You weren’t in bed.” His heart was pounding.
“I couldn’t sleep. And I was hungry, so I figured I’d come down and make breakfast. I was going to bring it up to you.”
