Tessa sat down next to Devon.“Maybe we can double-date again for the cancer benefit at the club next Saturday?”
Grant looked down at Jennifer.“If Jennifer says okay, we’ll be there.”
Tessa smiled.“Good, I’ll buy some tickets for us.”
Grant’s arm was a steel band around her waist as he led them out of the building and to his car.He turned to her only after she was buckled in his seat.
“What did she say to upset you, baby?”
“Please don’t get mad at her.She’s worried about me.She’s like the only family I have in the world, and she knows it, so she’s protective of me.”
Grant leaned across the console and cupped her face.“You have me now.”He moved toward her and placed a light kiss on her lips.“I’m your family, too, Jen.I’ll do whatever it takes to protect you.”
She reached out and ran her fingertips along the side of his face as her eyes searched his.“Am I your family, too, Grant?”
He nodded.“Hell, yes.You and Devon are all I’ve got.I have a sister somewhere, but I have no idea where, and I don’t give a shit.”
“You’ve never said anything about your family or childhood.”
“Baby, I know you haven’t told me everything, and that’s okay.It’s something we will talk about eventually, but it’s not important now.Right now, it’s us I’m thinking about.You’re what’s important to me.”
Jennifer frowned but continued studying him and softly ran her fingers over his face before tracing his lips.
Grant saw what looked like concern cross her face and nervously pulled back.“I’m scaring you, aren’t I?Shit, baby.I’m sorry.”
Jennifer pressed her fingers to his lips, then sat back to let him concentrate on driving.
“No.I’m sorry.There is so much I feel I can’t find words for, but I swear to you, none are fear.”
Grant visibly relaxed.“Then what?Good feelings or bad?”His heart jumped in his chest at what she might say.
“Mostly good.”
“Mostly?”His voice was tight.
“The only thing I’m having a problem with has nothing to do with you but the way I see myself, and that’s something I have to work on.”
A frown pulled his eyebrows together.He didn’t like the sound of that.
“We can work on that, Jen,” he said before he pulled her toward him for another heart-stopping kiss.“We can deal with anything if we’ve got each other.”Grant landed another quick kiss.“Let’s get you home, baby.You look tired.We’ve got plenty of time for us.”
****
Jennifer
Jennifer smiled.She watched the streetlights and shadows dart across his masculine face as he drove, showing the many sharp angles of his cheekbones, nose, and chin.She could never get tired of looking at him.
Later that night in bed, Jennifer thought about the feelings Grant generated in her.She’d told him the truth about her positive feelings toward him, but what she didn’t say was that the strength of her emotions for him unsettled her.There didn’t seem to be a minute of the day that she didn’t think about him and want to be with him.They’d only been seeing each other for a few weeks, and already she couldn’t imagine her life without him.
Jennifer turned to her side and pulled the blanket up around her shoulder.She closed her eyes and imagined Grant loving her, and her body tightened painfully.She pictured his hands and lips on her.She wished she had more experience with men and was afraid she would disappoint him.
Sometimes, she wondered why he hadn’t tried more than kissing and holding her.There had been a few quick touches, but she wanted more.She couldn’t find the courage to ask him.A small corner of her heart was afraid he didn’t want her like that, but his actions spoke of wanting her.Then why hadn’t he tried for more?
She knew he found her attractive.His gaze never seemed to leave her.Tonight, his eyes took on a certain heated glow that sent shivers up her spine, her cunt contracted, and wetness gathered in her panties.But even when she was dressed as usual in her grubby clothes, his gaze was always fiery.
Maybe she’d get the guts to ask him someday, but hopefully, she wouldn’t have to if Grant took the next step.Jennifer closed her eyes as sleep slowly claimed her.Grant was the last thought in her head.
