The corners of her mouth tipped up slightly. “I’ll talk to the girls.”
Adam wanted to be the guy she came home with and wasn’t taking any chances.
Chapter Fourteen
Jennifer
No boys allowed
Jennifer looked forward to girl’s night out. It was a chance to have a few drinks, get dressed up and do a little dancing. It was their time to catch up, not to mention great for their egos since it never failed for them to be hit on during the night.
Mandi and Cassandra came to Jennifer’s house to get ready. They sipped on wine and ate the fruit and cheese tray she put together earlier in the day.
“You mentioned you have a sober cab lined up. A cab?” Mandi was applying eyeliner in a long cat-like line.
“No.”
“Who, then?”
Jennifer hesitated. “Your brother.”
Mandi’s hand stopped and she whipped her head towards her. “Say what? No way, no men allowed!”
“Don’t worry, Mandi. He’ll be flying under the radar. You won’t even know he’s there.”
Mandi looked at Cassandra and raised her eyebrow. “Riiiiiight,” she said as she popped a green olive into her mouth.
Cassandra laughed and said, “What’s the big deal?”
Mandi threw daggers with her eyes. “The big deal, my dear friend, is this is a girl’s night, not boys and girls, and my brother will sneak in and spoil our fun. I’m glad you two are dating and all, but geez. Can’t you spend any time apart?”
“A sober cab is a good idea, Mandi,” Cassandra replied, looking over at Jennifer for a nod of support. “You should be happy we’ll have ride home and someone to keep an eye on us so we can relax and have fun.”
Mandi rolled her eyes and began applying her makeup again, “Fine, but I’ll bet you a shot he’ll be asking our little Jennifer over here to dance before the night is through.”
“You’re on,” Cassandra and Jennifer replied at the same time, making all three of them laugh.
Jennifer grinned. “We’ll all be winners with that bet.”
*****
“You lose! I told you he’d ask her for a dance.” Mandi looked way too satisfied.
Cassandra replied under her breath, “I wouldn’t call that losing.”
Jennifer laughed as Adam took her hand. Angel Eyes by the Jeff Healy band was on. It was one of her favorite songs. Part of the reason they chose the Whistling Pickle for Ladies night was because it was right in Zimmerman and they had great food and a fun atmosphere. On Saturday nights they played ‘80’s and ‘90’s music all night long. Nothing was better than dancing to songs by Meatloaf and Prince.
“Huh?” Adam raised his eyebrow. “What am I missing?”
“Nothing, big brother,” replied Mandi, and then she turned to look at the girls. “Now, what shot should we do?”
She tipped her head to the side and looked up to the ceiling, tapping her chin with her manicured fingers. They all knew Mandi would order B52 shots, because it was her favorite, but she pretended to think about it every time she bought a round. Jennifer had to admit the shot was creamy and delicious, with layers of Baileys, Kahlua and Grand Marnier.
Cassandra stayed at the table and Mandi started towards the bar while Adam hauled Jennifer off to the dance floor.
“So what’s the deal with Mandi?”
“She bet us that you’d ask me to dance tonight.” Jennifer smiled. “And I lost.”
Adam smirked. “Oh. I’m really sorry about that.”
“Sure you are,” she told him, laughing. “But your sister is relentless. She’ll want to keep doing shots all night. One is my limit.”
“Ha!” he scoffed. “Amateur.”
Jennifer shrugged. “I have Amber to take care of. It’s not fun to do with a hangover.”
“I’m only teasing you.”
“I know.”
Adam pulled her in close and they danced to the slow song. He whispered into Jennifer’s ear, “Have I told you how beautiful you look tonight?”
A shiver ran down her spine. “You might have mentioned it once or twice.”
Jennifer snuggled as close as possible into his chest for the remainder of the song.
After it ended, Adam hugged her close and then led her back to the table. Before he left her with Mandi and Cassandra, he gave her a toe-curling kiss and she had to sit on her bar stool before her knees buckled.
Damn but that man could kiss!
Jennifer couldn’t help but stare at Adam as he walked over to a table across the bar. He sat down at a table where his friend, Tom, was drinking a beer. Tom said something to Adam and his head tilted back into a laugh. It made her feel special to know he wanted to be here for her tonight.
Things were going well with him. Were they too good? Too fast too soon? It just felt right and she didn’t really want to go any slower.
Mandi snapped her fingers. “Yoo-hoo! Eyes on us, Jennifer!”
Jennifer shrugged and said, “Sorry.”
No I’m not. That dance was so worth any grief she gives me.
“We saved the B52’s for when you returned,” Mandi replied, handing each one of the girls their glass.
They all raised it in the air and Mandi said, “To great friends and girl’s night out!”
Jennifer downed her shot and shivered. It was yummy, but strong.
“I forgot to tell you! Noah and I booked a vacation to Florida for a winter break.” Cassandra rubbed her hands together in excitement, her eyes sparkling.
Mandi raised her eyebrow. “Just you and Noah?”
Cassandra nodded. “We’ll have enough of the cold by January. I can’t wait!”
Jennifer smirked. “How interesting. Are you getting separate rooms?”
“No, we’re sharing a room to save money.”
Mandi snorted. “Very cozy.”
Cassandra ignored their comments and said, “That means I have about six months to lose those last thirty pounds.”
Cassandra was obsessed about getting back to her pre-college weight, but in her opinion, Cass was perfect. She’d be willing to bet Noah would agree.
Jennifer shook her head. “You’re beautiful the way you are so quit worrying so much.”
Mandi nodded in agreement and said, “You’re gorgeous, Cass. And I know Noah thinks so.”
“Awww, thanks.”
Cassandra turned to Mandi. “So, how’s your e-boyfriend?”
Mandi shrugged. “He’s fine. Things are progressing slowly, just the way I want them to.”
“Has he even given you a picture yet?”
“Nope. But I haven’t given him one either.”
Cassandra’s mouth opened wide. “Uh, how do you know he’s not fugly?”
“I don’t. And he doesn’t know I’m not fugly either,” Mandi informed them. “We’ve agreed to get to know each other before we meet. Did you forget? I tell you every time you bring him up.”
“Pfft, whatever,” Jennifer said, waving her hand. “We’re just curious.”
Mandi ignored her. “So far, he’s pretty amazing. We have the same views on a lot of things, but enough that we disagree on to keep it interesting. We’ve talked about getting together early next year when he’s in town for a conference for work. If we’re even still talking by then.”
“Early next year!” Cassandra scoffed at Mandi.
“So what? Like I said, we’re taking it slow.” Mandi shook her head and turned to Jennifer. “Enough about me. What about you? How are things with Adam? They look pretty good, but I worry about both of you.”
Jennifer nodded. “I know. So far, so good.”
She didn’t say much else, but thought about what Mandi said. They were both taking a chance after their long history. She could only hope things would work out this time around.
“Well, he’s clearly into you and the way he doted on Amber the other day, well, that was something I never thought I’d see. It was really pretty sweet, even for my b
rother,” Mandi admitted.
“Fill me in.” Cassandra stuck her lip out in a pout. “Why wasn’t I told about this?”
Mandi’s mouth curved up into a smile. “Get this, Cass. Adam took them to a play, with Amber having a princess pampering before the show and then they all came to dinner at my mom’s. You should’ve seen him with her.”
Jennifer smiled, but didn’t tell them Adam was retaking the paternity test. She could do without the concerned looks or the pity she was sure to get. It was a really touchy subject between her and Mandi and she wasn’t ready to relive that part of her past.
Mandi grabbed her hand and gave it a squeeze. “What do you say we have one more drink before they do last call and then dance till they kick us out?”
“Sounds perfect. No shot for me though. Just the Bud Light Lime.”
Mandi nodded and jumped off her barstool to grab the drinks. It was hard to believe the night was coming to the close. She’d be thankful in the morning Mandi talked her into just the one shot.
They made their way up to the small dance floor and danced until they were kicked out, just as they said they would.
*****
Jennifer’s body felt warm and fuzzy as Adam drove them all home a little after 2:00 in the morning. She didn’t drink a lot, so she wasn’t sure if she was buzzed from the drinks or from the attention she was getting.
Even thought it was out of the way, Adam dropped Mandi and Cassandra off first, which made her smile and her body tingle.
She reached up and touched his cheek. “Thank you for driving tonight.”
“You’re welcome.” He laughed. “I actually had fun watching the three of you dancing and fighting or talking or whatever you want to call it.”
“We can get a little crazy, I guess.”
“And the slow dance made the entire night worth it.”
Jennifer gave him a small smile and nodded in agreement.
Adam’s grin highlighted his dimple as he said, “I’ll walk you up to the door so you can give me that long kiss goodnight you promised.”
As they walked together, he asked, “Are you and Amber still coming over tomorrow? I bought more toys for her, this time for inside the house.”
Jennifer’s mouth dropped open. “Yes, we’re coming, but you have to quit buying Amber so many toys, Adam. You’re totally spoiling her and she’ll start expecting it.” She wasn’t as upset as she sounded, but she couldn’t help teasing him.
“Nah, she needs some spoiling. Plus, I want her to have fun at my house and not be bored. I got a few movies too.”
“Movies, too?” Jennifer rolled her eyes. “I’m bringing the burgers and fries, remember. At least I can spoil you a little with food.”
“Yum, my favorite,” he told her, licking his lips.
Jennifer giggled, thinking how Amber was exactly the same way. “Everything’s your favorite.”
He shrugged. “What can I say? I love food.”
They reached her front door and he wasted no time pulling her into his arms. She stared into his gorgeous, brown eyes as he leaned in closer.
Every time he kissed her, it got better and this time was no exception. A current of pleasure went from her head to her toes as it intensified the buzz she already had.
After several minutes, Adam gave her a tight, heart-warming hug. “Sleep well. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
She nodded her head and then watched as he walked back to his car.
Jennifer laid in bed that night, trying to fall asleep, but her mind was swirling. If his kisses were better than ever, she couldn’t wait to take it to the next level.
*****
After a lovely day with Amber and Adam to round out the weekend, Jennifer’s week was flying by. Between running Amber to daycare and preschool, and her new job having the additional responsibilities, she was busier than ever making the time go by in what seemed like blink.
It was Tuesday and aside from their game on Wednesday evening, she didn’t have plans with Adam again until Saturday night. She frowned when the realization hit. She missed him.
Although there was no practice on Friday, he made plans with his friends. He was ignoring his friends and they were starting to give him crap about spending too much time with her. She understood but she didn’t have to like it.
After their nightly routine of dinner, bath and reading stories, she got Amber to bed and Jennifer started to flip through the mail. Her stomach dropped.
There was a package from HomeDNA.
Jennifer tucked the small package away in her purse, figuring Saturday would be the perfect time for him to take the test.
Her phone started to ring and she frowned when she saw a phone number she didn’t recognize. She almost didn’t answer, but on a whim decided to answer.
“Hello?”
“Jennifer?”
The caller’s deep voice sounded vaguely familiar, but she couldn’t quite place it.
“Yes, who’s this?”
“It’s Sam Taylor.”
Jennifer’s mouth dropped open and she could feel her face flush. She was thankful he couldn’t see her right now.
“Oh, wow, hi! How are you?”
“I’m good. And you?”
“Doing well.”
“So how’s Minnesota treating you? Snowing yet?” Sam chuckled at this, a deep, sexy laugh. “I bet you’re ready to come back to sunny Arizona.”
Jennifer laughed with him. “Considering its summer, it hasn’t snowed quite yet.”
“How’s your new job?”
“It’s really good. Thanks for asking. So, to what do I owe the pleasure?”
“Well, I’m actually in town for a medical conference. I know I should have called sooner, but this week just snuck up on me. I was hoping you’d be free Friday night for dinner? The conference goes really late each night during the week, but that night we get out earlier and I’d really love to see you before I head back home.”
“Oh! I had no idea you were in town,” she said, and then regretted the words. Of course she didn’t know. Why would she?
“Yeah, it was sort of a short notice for the conference, but a really good opportunity I didn’t want to pass up.”
“Friday, let me think. I should actually be able to get together, but it would have to be a little later at night. I’m heading out to my mom’s to drop off Amber for the weekend and won’t be back until at least 7:00.”
Why did I just tell him that?
Amber was going to stay with Jennifer’s mom and dad that weekend, which she hadn’t done for a while. She was begging to go every weekend since and Jennifer finally agreed.
“That’s not a problem.”
“We could meet somewhere. Where’s the conference? Downtown Minneapolis?”
“Yes. How about Manny’s Steakhouse? It’s pretty close to the conference location and my hotel.”
Um, whoa. Spendy. Is he going to expect more than dinner?
“Sure.”
She could practically hear his smile from the other end of the phone coming through his voice when he responded.
“Great! Let’s meet at 8:00. I’ll make reservations.” Sam’s voice went impossibly lower, sending shivers down her spine as he said, “I’m really glad you can make it on such short notice. It hasn’t been the same without you.”
Warning bells went off in her head.
“It’ll be nice to see you.”
“See you Friday.”
After she hung up, she realized she was going out with one man on Friday night and another one on Saturday. Although she didn’t technically consider going out with Sam a date, it was still a first for her.
Should I mention it to Adam?
It felt a little wrong to go out with Sam, considering he may have more expectations about their night that she did. Plus, she’d been spending a lot of time with Adam and it seemed like they were dating, but hadn’t committed to being exclusive yet.
She’d just push those guilty feelings asid
e because it would be good to see Sam and she didn’t know how to classify her relationship with Adam anyway.
*****
Jennifer walked into the restaurant shortly before 8:00 and it didn’t take her long to find Sam. He was waiting for her in the front entryway of the restaurant.
She forgot how incredibly handsome he was.
His suit was a dark gray and the blue tie over the crisp white shirt made his ice blue eyes shine. He’d grown out his scruff into a goatee and she had to admit it made him look incredibly sexy.
The second he saw her, he smiled wide and started walking her way.
“Jennifer! You look fantastic. Absolutely beautiful,” Sam told her, as he pulled her in for a hug. “I’ve missed you.”
She missed many of her old co-workers and friends from Arizona and he was definitely one of them.
As good as it was to see him, however, Adam popped into her mind. Her feelings confused the hell out her so she attempted to push thoughts of Adam aside and enjoy her time with Sam.
“I’ve missed you too. How was your conference?”
“Riveting,” he said, and then started laughing at the skeptical look she gave him. “No, I mean it. The conference was about new surgery techniques on several of the surgeries I perform. I learned a lot.”
“A success, then.”
They heard his name called indicating their table was ready. “Shall we?”
She felt his hand at the small of her back as they walked towards the table. It felt…wrong.
Dinner went well and they caught up on the nurse who took her place and how she was fitting in to her new position.
As they walked out the door of the restaurant, she dreaded this part of the night.
“It was so good to see you, Sam. Thank you for dinner.”
“Thanks for coming on such short notice. Minnesota isn’t such a bad state,” he replied, laughing.
“No, it really isn’t so bad now, but you should see it with a foot of snow.”
They were standing in the middle of the sidewalk, and Sam was looking at her intently. He had been glancing at her mouth at the restaurant, and now he was blatantly staring.
Before she could react, he reached out, grabbed her hand and pulled her close.
“You don’t have to leave already, do you? My hotel is just around the corner. We could go have a drink in the lobby?”
Second Look (A New Beginning Book 3) Page 15