by Mia Jones
Garrett laughed. “I think you’ll be just fine, baby, but you should know, I’ll take you any way I can get you.” He shut her door and walked around to his side.
Jessica leaned the side of her head against the headrest and kept her eyes on him. “That was sweet to say. You’re a very nice man.”
Garrett turned toward her and laid an arm along the back of her seat. “I’m pretty sure no one has ever used that word to describe me.”
A smile pulled across her face. “Well I guess they don’t know you like I do.”
Garrett pushed his fingers through her soft hair. “You’re right about that.” His tone of voice softened. “I will always be good to you, baby. I don’t want to scare you, but I want you to know my intensions are good.”
Her eyes widened. She stayed silent for a moment. The way he talked should alarm her. It was way too soon to talk like this, but all she felt was happiness and a sense of relief that he felt as strongly for her as she did for him.
Garrett’s lips twitched as his thumb glided over her soft cheek. “Nothing to say, baby?”
Jessica shook her head. Her breathing deepened.
Garrett groaned when her tongue crept out to moisten her lips. “One thing about me you should know is I trust my instincts. They have never pointed me in the wrong direction, and so when they tell me to snatch you up and never let you go, I’m certainly going to listen to them.”
He cupped the back of her head to guide her toward him. He was a breath away from taking her lips when he paused as he narrowed his focus on her. “You have no idea what you do to me, do you?”
Jessica shook her head and closed her eyes before she pressed forward to feel his lips on hers.
They both moaned as Garrett deepened the kiss. He plunged his tongue into the depths of her mouth before tangling with hers. He pulled his head up. “We have to stop, baby.” His chuckle mixed with a groan when her eyes stayed closed and she reached for more. “Jessica?”
“Mmmm?”
“God, you’re killing me here, babe,” he chided softly.
The tortured tone of his voice slid through her and drove her to open her eyes.
His body tightened at the hungry daze in her eyes. If he didn’t have her soon, he was going to go insane. He breathed a sigh of relief when she blinked and moved back. “Good girl. Now let’s get you home.” His thumb took one more swipe of her soft cheek before he reached across her for her seat belt and secured it before starting the car.
Jessica settled back and watched as the blocks passed by, the street lights casting moving shadows through the windshield on their way to her place. She turned in her seat. “Garrett, Angie wants to go to dinner Friday night. The four of us. What do you think?”
Garrett caught her hand in his and stayed silent for a moment as he stared out the windshield. “I think it’s a good idea. I’ll get in touch with Nick tomorrow, and we’ll make arrangements. Okay, baby?” he said as he glanced at her quickly before he turned his attention back to the road.
Jessica nodded. “That would be great. I’ll wait to hear from you or Angie.” She pulled her eyes from him to her side window but kept a tight grip on his hand.
They stopped at a stoplight. “I’m not going to wait five days to see you again. I know you’re busy, but you could spare a little time a day, couldn’t you?”
Jessica glanced at him and smiled softly. “Every day?” She thought he was kidding at first then caught the serious look in his eyes. “Yes, I’d like that, Garrett.”
Garrett nodded. “Good.” After they parked in her apartment parking lot, he walked her to her door and waited for her to unlock her door.
“Do you want to come in?” She looked back at him and kept one hand on the open door.
Garrett leaned against the doorjamb and crossed his arms. “I don’t think so, baby. I’m afraid my control is shaky, and I don’t think you’re ready for what I need from you.”
Jessica’s gaze locked on his as she nervously licked her lips. “What do you need?”
Garrett paused unsure if he should tell her the truth or try to soften it. The palm of his hand cupped her chin to make sure he had her attention before telling her softly. “Everything, baby. I want your heart, your body, your sweetness, your future, everything.”
Jessica stiffened and stood mute for a moment, her eyes wide. “Garrett, how can you say that? We’ve only just met. You don’t know if we’re going to go that far. You need to get to know me before you say things like that.”
Garrett looked down at his feet before he looked back at her. “I know what you’re saying, and I get it. I can’t describe exactly why I feel this strongly already. I just do, and I’ve never felt this for anyone before. It’s like an electrical charge zapped me the first time I saw you. I just knew you were the other half of me. The best part of my soul. We’ll go as slow as you need.” His voice radiated sincerity.
Jessica’s heart beat heavily in her chest. She did know what he was saying. She’d felt the same thing when she met him, like they already knew each other.
Garrett reached out and moved his fingers down her cheek before cupping her chin. “Have I scared you away, sweet Jessica?”
Jessica took a step toward him and set her hands on his chest. “No, Garrett, you haven’t. I feel strongly for you too, but I do agree about taking this slow. I don’t think you’ll want to stay when you really know me.”
His body tightened in need when she touched him as anger hit him with her words, even though he understood why she was insecure. This happened fast and hit them both hard. His arms pulled her against his chest, and he lay his cheek on top of her head and breathed in her addictive scent. “I will just have to show you that you’re enough for me. Now give me a kiss, baby.”
Jessica tilted her head back and met his lips with her own. As it usually did, the kiss instantly burned hot at just the touch of their lips.
Garrett groaned deep in his throat. It was nearly painful to pull away from her and got worse every time. He set her away from him with his hands on her shoulders. “Shut and lock the door behind me, baby. I’ll call you tomorrow, okay?”
Jessica raised a shaky hand to her lips and nodded.
Garrett pressed a quick kiss to her forehead before he stepped back. “Right now, Jessica. I only have so much strength.”
Jessica closed the door quietly between them before she locked it.
“Good girl. Night, baby.”
Jessica lay her forehead against the door as she listened his steps fade as he left.
Chapter 12
Jessica thought the week flew by. Garrett brought lunch to her every day, and every night took her to dinner. Jessica still asked to make him dinner, and he always said, “Someday when I take you to my house.” When she asked him when she’d see his house, he always just told her “soon,” and she didn’t push it.
The fact that he didn’t want her to see his house made her insecure and silently ask herself hard questions. The fact that he always touched her and the look in his eyes kept her doubt buried. But why when their kisses and touching got hotter did Garrett always pull back?
Friday night, Jessica nervously waited for Garrett to pick her up for the date with Angie and Nick. She took another look at herself in the mirror on the back of the closet door and cringed. What was she thinking? She had forgotten about this dress for a reason.
Jessica was surprised when she’d found a black dress in the back of her closet. Her closet mostly consisted of pants, a few pairs of jeans, and shirts she’d gotten at Goodwill. She vaguely remembered that she had worn the dress once years before and hadn’t liked how snug it was and the way it showed her curves. Thankfully, it was one of those dresses that was timeless and would be in fashion forever.
Jessica jerked at the heavy knock on her door. She swallowed and made her way to the living room and started to reach for the handle and froze. “Who is it?”
Garrett chuckled. “It’s me, baby.”
; Jessica opened the door and stepped back to let him in. She was instantly in his arms and wasn’t for sure if he moved or she did. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was being in his arms and his mouth on hers.
Garett lifted his head and stared down at his woman. It took all his strength to not pick her up and find the closest bed. He wanted to bury himself as deep as he could go inside her and never leave. He grasped her shoulders and took a step back and put much-needed, but not wanted, space between them. He let his gaze roam down her slowly. She’d left her hair loose like he liked it, and it flowed around her shoulders and down her back in a soft waterfall of colors. She looked like she’d put on a little makeup that showed off her big beautiful eyes and her luscious lips, but not so much that it covered her natural beauty. Simple small hoop earrings graced her ears.
His gaze continued down her body and took in the simple black dress that glided along her curves. The dress stopped a bit above her knees and showed off her great legs that he’d only been able to graze with his hands and hadn’t gotten a good look at until now. Her tiny feet were encased in plain black pumps that only brought her height up an inch or so, which made the top of her head even with his shoulders.
Jessica’s hand gripped each other at her stomach when Garrett didn’t say anything but just stared at her blankly. Tears started to burn her eyes, and her heart beat heavily in her chest. She was ready to return to her bedroom and change.
Garrett jerked his head up at her delicate sniff and cringed at his stupidity. He pulled her into his embrace. “Baby, you look absolutely gorgeous, but I have to tell you I’m having a problem thinking about every man trying to take you from me, and I’d have to murder a few. You’re a beautiful woman. The most beautiful I’ve ever seen, even in jeans and T-shirts covered in animal crap. But this? Damn. You’re showing everyone your body that I alone want to see.”
Jessica relaxed, took a step back, and smiled, her eyes on his. Her hands drifted down her hips and smoothed the fabric. “So you think this is okay?”
Garrett chuckled. “It’s perfect if you are trying to drive me crazy with lust and jealousy.”
Jessica jerked her head back in alarm. “Garrett, I don’t mea—”
His hands went up, palms out. “I know you don’t, and it’s just something I’m going to have to deal with and get used to, because I’m afraid no matter where we go or how you’re dressed, you’re going to get attention.”
Jessica snorted. “You are so full of it, but I am glad you’re happy with the way I look.”
“Happy is not the word I’d use; obsessed is closer to the truth.”
Jessica laughed and moved away from him to get a light, white dress jacket and her small purse.
The ride to the restaurant was silent, but Garrett never took his hand off hers and stared at her when they were at stoplights.
In the restaurant, Garrett took her hand and guided her toward the round wooden table where Nick and Angie sat. At the table, Jessica hugged Angie and then Nick before she pulled off her jacket.
“Do you have to take that off, baby? Isn’t it a little cold in here?” Garrett asked anxiously, unaware and uncaring of the surprised looks he got from Nick and Angie.
Jessica laughed and draped the jacket over the back of her chair. “No, Garrett. I’m actually a little warm.”
Garrett groaned and pulled his chair closer to hers so he could place his arm on the back of her chair. “You’re trying to torture me, aren’t you, baby?” he muttered gruffly.
Startled, Jessica looked at him. “No. I would never do that.” Her words were barely above a whisper.
Garrett’s focus turned to her and his brows creased. “I know that, baby. I was just kidding.”
Jessica smiled and leaned toward him and placed a quick kiss on his lips. “Just remember we’re together, and that’s what matters.”
Garrett cupped the back of her head to bring her back toward him. “Thank you for that.” He kissed her hard.
A throat being cleared caught their attention. Jessica blushed, and Garrett chuckled at the looks of pure disbelief that showed on their friends’ faces. Nick’s face turned to a look of approval when he saw his friend’s happiness, and Angie’s was pure astonishment, her eyes racing back and forth between the two. She’d never seen this soft side of Garrett in all the years she’d known him.
“I’m sorry, you guys. How long have you guys been waiting?” Jessica asked, uncomfortable with the silence.
Nick held Angie’s hand on top of the table. “Not long at all. We just got our drinks.”
Garrett gritted his teeth as the waiter kept his eyes on the women a little too long. The women were oblivious, talking amongst themselves. He relaxed when the waiter moved off.
Garrett answered Nick’s question about work and ignored the looks on Angie’s face as she peeked at him before her gaze returned back to Jessica. She would have to get used to them together and his affection toward Jessica, because it was only going to get worse.
Dinner was easy and enjoyable. Conversation between the group was continuous and smooth. An hour and half later, they finished their dinner and stood to leave.
“What do you say we go dancing?” Nick asked as he helped Angie into her coat.
Garrett helped Jessica into hers. “What do you think, baby?”
A bright smile spread across her face as she looked at Garrett over her shoulder while he helped her with her jacket. “That sounds like fun,” she agreed softly.
“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 it 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 they moved off to the bar.
“I’ve got to tell you, Jess. I never in a million years would have thought I’d see Garrett head-over-heels for a woman.” Angie’s face clouded with worry.
Jessica tensed, and a feeling of unease swept through her. “You make that sound like a bad thing, Ang. What exactly don’t you like about him?”
Angie twisted her wedding band for a moment before she looked back at Jessica. Angie looked toward the bar and caught Garrett’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 scares 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. Jess, you’re so tiny; you only come up to his collarbone.”
Jessica’s mouth turned down. “The size difference shouldn’t matter to you if it doesn’t to us. As far as a relationship goes, I never had time for one, Angie.” Jessica kept her voice soft with understanding, because she knew that Angie cared and was just scared for her.
Angie leaned forward earnestly. “Oh God, I know that, Jess. It just I’m concerned your first real relationship is with someone as intense as Garrett.”
Jessica’s gaze moved to where Garrett stood at the bar. A happy bubble expanded in her chest when she found he watched her even as he listened to something Nick was saying. She turned back to Angie. “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.”
Jessica reached across the small table and clasped Angie’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 Angie tried to interrupt her. “I know I don’t know a lot about men.” She went on, ignoring Angie’s snort. “But he makes me feel beautiful, good about myself.”
Angie’s head dipped in agreement. “I see that. He’s different wi
th you.”
Jessica couldn’t stop herself from asking. “And that makes you nervous?”
“Yea, a little. Just please be cautious. I don’t want to see you get hurt.” Angie’s voice rough with concern.
Jessica smiled. “I will be okay. I want you to stop worrying.”
Angie nodded. “I can’t help worrying about you. You’re my best—”
Both women were startled when a man sat down in the chair next to Jessica and interrupted them. “Hey, ladies, how would one of you beautiful women like to dance with me?”
Jessica stared wide-eyed at Angie before she turned to look at the guy. “Um. I think you need to move. We’re both here with someone.”
“Oh, shit,” Angie spit out. Her gaze followed something over Jessica’s shoulder.
Before Jessica could turn, the man was lifted off the chair and dropped on the floor on his ass. Jessica heard Angie say something to Nick frantically, but her eyes stayed on the expression on Garrett’s face.
Jessica stood and carefully put herself between Garrett and the man in a heap at their feet. “Garrett. Please don’t hurt him.” The whole time she ran her hands over his chest and tried to soothe him. “It would ruin our evening, and I really hate the sight of blood.”
Garrett froze and stared blankly at Jessica. 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 Jessica 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.
Nick and Angie were back in their seats, talking quietly to each other. Garrett picked up the chair that had been knocked down and seated Jessica before he moved his chair right up against hers. He handed her a drink and proceeded to down half of his before he took a deep breath. His arm pulled Jessica 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.”