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.
