Both women were startled when a man sat down in the chair next to Jennifer and interrupted them.“Hey, ladies, how would one of you beautiful women like to dance with me?”
Jennifer stared wide-eyed at Tessa before she turned to look at the guy.“Um.I think you need to move.We’re both here with other people.”
“Oh, shit,” Tessa spat out.Her gaze followed something over Jennifer’s shoulder.
Before Jennifer could turn, the man was lifted off the chair and dropped on the floor on his ass.Jennifer heard Tessa say something to Devon frantically, but her eyes stayed on the expression on Grant’s face.
Jennifer stood and carefully put herself between Grant and the man in a heap at their feet.“Grant.Please don’t hurt him.”She ran her hands over his chest the whole time and tried to soothe him.“It would ruin our evening, and I hate seeing blood.”
Grant froze and stared blankly at Jennifer.After a moment, he snorted and relaxed when her words bled through his violent anger.He pulled her into his arms until she rested against his chest.“Okay, baby.I get it.”He pulled Jennifer to his side with an arm around her waist.“Hey,” he growled and waited for the man’s attention.“This is mine, and that’s his.You so much as look at them, and you’ll be eating dirt.Got it?”
The man scrambled to his feet.“Yeah, man.I didn’t know they were taken.”The words faded as he moved away from their table.
Devon and Tessa were back in their seats, talking quietly to each other.Grant picked up the chair that had been knocked down and seated Jennifer before he moved his chair up against hers.He handed her a drink and proceeded to down half of his before he took a deep breath.His arm pulled Jennifer in against his side and spoke quietly.
“I’m sorry, baby.I didn’t mean to embarrass you, but there was no way I was going to let that asshole touch what’s mine.”
Jennifer took a sip of her wine before giving him a quick glance.
“I’m not sure what to talk about first.The fact that you didn’t give me a chance to take care of it, you are not trusting me, or your temper.”Her eyes stayed on her hands that encircled her wineglass.
He didn’t move but let out a deep breath.“Jennifer, look at me.”He nodded when she focused on him.“It’s not that I don’t trust you.It’s them I don’t trust.I see the way guys look at you, baby.You don’t.I know I can be jealous, but you must know I’d never hurt you in a million years, right?”He relaxed when she nodded right away.“But I can’t stand the idea of another guy touching you.I promise not to hurt anyone, but I can’t promise not to mess them up if I feel they’re a threat to you.Can you handle that?”
Jennifer saw the nervousness and vulnerability he tried to hide, some emotions no one would think he could.Her hand slid down his arm before she gripped his hand.
“Yes, I can handle that, but maybe you could give me a chance to get rid of them next time.”
He started to shake his head before she finished.“I’d rather you let me protect you.I know how men think.Let me take care of you, Jennifer.”He pressed his forehead against hers and watched her expression closely to see if she would accept his request.“Please, baby.I will take really good care of you, I promise.”
Jennifer reached up and touched his cheek gently before she curled her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
“I know you will, Grant.I’ve never felt safer than when I’m with you.”
Grant groaned and pulled her onto his lap before he took her mouth and drove his tongue between her full lips to taste as much of her as possible while his arms tightened around her.
They broke apart to pull in a much-needed breath.
“That’s good to hear, baby.You have no idea how good that makes me feel.”He took her mouth again, deeper and hungrier than ever before.
Jennifer gasped for breath as she pulled away.She lifted her fingers to touch her swollen lips before she touched his.Emotions swirled in Grant’s eyes as he grabbed her hand, turned it, and placed a kiss on her palm before he brought her hand against his face.
“You scare me.”
Coming from this man who was twice her size and strong enough to break her in two, his statement should have been funny, but she knew it wasn’t the physical pain he talked about.Her eyes clashed and held his.
“You scare me, too,” she said, barely above a whisper.
Grant took her mouth and fed on her until someone bumped against their table.
“Jesus, Jennifer.We need to stop this.I’m about ready to throw you over my shoulder and take you home with me.”He picked her up off his lap and stood her beside him before standing himself.“Come on, baby.Devon and Tessa are already out on the floor.Let’s dance so I can hold you without losing it.”His smile flashed before he said, “Maybe.”
Jennifer chuckled and let him lead her to the floor before he took her in his arms.
Grant wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight against his chest.Both relaxed and just enjoyed being together, unaware of those around them.
After several slow dances, Jennifer’s feet started to ache.She wasn’t used to wearing heels, even short ones.
“Can we sit down, Grant?My feet are getting tired.”
