Jennifer was shocked.She was shocked that he asked for her help, and the fact that he liked her apartment enough to want his to look like hers astounded her.
“I can do that.Why haven’t you let anyone else help you before?”The thought of another woman in his home twisted something in her stomach, even though she knew it was unreasonable.
“I haven’t cared enough to ask.”Grant noticed her expression and cupped her face.“Jennifer, I’m not going to tell you I’ve never had relationships, but I can tell you I’ve never cared for anyone as I do for you.You’re turning into the biggest part of my life.You’re already the best.I want you in my homes, and eventually, I want you to be able to call them yours as well.”
****
Jennifer
Jennifer gripped his wrist and was speechless.She was afraid things were going too fast, and it would somehow jeopardize their relationship.
“Relax, Jen.I’m not saying tomorrow, but I hope it will happen eventually.”
Jennifer didn’t know if she was comfortable with him reading her so well.She slid her hands over his chest.“It’s not that I don’t like the idea of living with you.I’m just afraid we’ll ruin this thing between us if we move too fast.”
Grant pulled her into his arms and placed his chin on her head.“I would never do anything that would take you away from me.I’ll go as slow or as fast as you want.As long as we’re together, I’m happy.”
Her arms tightened around him.They stood silently for a few moments and just enjoyed holding each other.
He tipped her away from him so he could see her face clearly.“Jennifer, I need to get back to the office, but can we have dinner tonight when you’re done at the shelter?”
She tilted her head back and smiled.“I’d like that.”
“Good.I’ll call you later so we can make plans.”He helped her pick up the remainder of their breakfast and put it in the fridge.Grant turned from the front door.“Jen, where’s your car?”
“Oh, darn, I forgot.I left it at the shelter.Kari and I decided it was too dangerous for me to drive as tired as I was, so we called a cab.”She walked toward the table by the door and pulled her phone out of her purse.
“Baby, I’ll take you.”He frowned when she shook her head.“It’s not that far out of my way.Come on, let’s go.”
Uncertainty crossed her features, but she gave in and grabbed her purse and jacket.
****
Grant
Later that morning, Grant held the phone to his ear and slid the fingers of his other hand through his hair in frustration before he slammed his fist down on his desk.“What the fuck do you mean, the contract might fall through?”
“They have things they want to check before signing, but they want to show you in person.They want to meet you, Grant.They’re concerned you will tear their family business apart when you buy it.It’s been in the family for close to a century.This is personal to them.”
Grant sat back in his chair, frustration heavy in his veins.
“Okay, Justin.Shit.I’m going to need a day to move some things around.Tell them I’ll fly down tomorrow.”
“You got it, boss.See you then.”
Grant ran an agitated hand through his short, thick hair.He didn’t want to be away from Jennifer for a minute, much less a day.He didn’t know what he was so insecure about.He hated this feeling of uncertainty.He hadn’t felt like this since his childhood.
He knew she cared for him.Maybe he should have already taken their relationship to the next level.He wanted to claim her in the worst way but held back.He knew part of it was because he was afraid he would scare her because he wasn’t sure she was ready.He was also worried that he wanted her so desperately.He was afraid he’d lose what little control he had over himself around her, and the thought of hurting her destroyed him.He thought if they got to know each other and were given a little time, his overwhelming need to dominate and take her would lessen, but unfortunately, it only became stronger.
Grant called her later that afternoon.“Baby, I’ve got some bad news.I can’t see you tonight.I must be out of town very early tomorrow morning, and I have a lot to do before I leave.”
Her hand tightened on her phone.“Okay.When do you think you’ll be back?”She heard papers shuffle around and someone talking in the background.
“I should be back by Thursday or Friday.I’ll call you every night.”
“I’d like that, Grant.”
“I’ll miss you, baby.”
