“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.
Chapter Eighteen
“I’ve got to tell you, Jen.I never in a million years would have thought I’d see Grant head-over-heels for a woman.”Tessa’s face clouded with worry.
Jennifer tensed, and a feeling of unease swept through her.
“You make that sound like a bad thing, Tessa.What exactly don’t you like about him?”
Tessa twisted her wedding band for a moment before she looked back at Jennifer.Tessa looked toward the bar and caught Grant’s gaze on them.“It’s not that I don’t like him.Maybe it’s a trust issue because he’s so private, or maybe his arrogant attitude and massive size scare me a little.But I worry about you.You’ve never had a relationship.And to have your first one with someone as intense and large.Jen, you’re so tiny, you only come up to his collarbone.”
Jennifer’s mouth turned down.“The size difference shouldn’t matter to you if it doesn’t matter to us.As far as a relationship goes, I never had time for one, Tessa.”Jennifer kept her voice soft with understanding because she knew her friend cared and was just scared for her.
Tessa leaned forward earnestly.“Oh, God, I know that, Jen.It’s just that I’m concerned your first real relationship is with someone as intense as Grant.”
Jennifer’s gaze moved to where Grant stood at the bar.A happy bubble expanded in her chest when she found he was watching her even as he listened to something Devon said.She turned back to Tessa.
“I understand what you’re saying, but I’m asking you to give us a chance.”
“No matter what, I’ll stand behind you.Just keep in mind he’s a hard man, and I’ve caught glimpses of his ruthlessness.”
Jennifer reached across the small table and clasped Tessa’s hands.“He’s not like that with me.He’s the gentlest, most protective, caring man I’ve ever met, and—” She held up a hand when Tessa tried to interrupt her.“I know I don’t know a lot about men,” she went on, ignoring Tessa’s snort.“But he makes me feel beautiful, good about myself.”
Tessa’s head dipped in agreement.“I see that.He’s different with you.”
Jennifer couldn’t stop herself from asking, “And that makes you nervous?”
“Yeah, a little.Just please be cautious.I don’t want to see you get hurt.”Tessa’s voice was rough with concern.
Jennifer smiled.“I will be okay.I want you to stop worrying.”
Tessa nodded.“I can’t help worrying about you.You’re my best—”
