by Mia Jones
Jessica slowly came down and was able to take a deep breath before she opened her eyes. Her eyes widened when he brought his fingers up to his mouth and licked off her sweet cream. The sound of pleasure that came from him showed how much he enjoyed his little feast.
“Damn, I can’t wait to get my mouth on that pussy. It will take years to get my fill of you.”
Garrett chuckled at her groan, leaned down, and took her startled mouth with a hard kiss. “You okay, baby?”
She nodded as her tongue slipped out to taste her cream he left behind on her lips.
“God, baby, you’re killing me here.” He gave her one last kiss. “I’m going to clean up,” he said as he lifted her off his lap and set her beside him on the sofa. He chuckled at her confusion. “It seems I have no control when it comes to you.”
“I don’t understand.” She craned her neck to look up at him.
He indicated the wet spot on the front of his pants.
Jessica’s eyes widened. “You...” A fiery blush stole over her features.
He chuckled at her embarrassment. “I orgasmed the same time you did. I haven’t done that since I was a teenager.”
Jessica’s mouth fell open in shock then closed to bite her lip as the color on her face deepened. “I was wondering how I was going to help you.” She pointed at his pants. “You know, with your...”
“You already did.” He laughed as he walked away. He turned and stopped at the hallway. “By the way, where is Lucky? I’ve been meaning to ask.”
Jessica smiled even as a shadow of sadness swept across her eyes. “He was adopted last week. He’s doing great and loves his new family. The family sent me a picture of him. He looks so good and even has his cast off.”
Garrett watched as she tried to hide her sadness. “I’m sorry, baby.”
Jessica stood, blinked back her tears, and smoothed down her nightgown. “Don’t be. This is what I wanted for him.”
“I know. But I also know you cared for him.”
Jessica shrugged. “Yes. There are just some animals you connect on a deeper level than others.”
Garrett walked back and wrapped his arms around her before he lowered his head and took her lips in a quick kiss. “You still have me. I’m not as hairy, but I growl.”
Jessica snorted. “You’re right about that.”
Garrett chuckled as he walked down the hallway to the bathroom.
Jessica walked to her bedroom and put on a pair of jeans, a bra, and a shirt. She sat on her bed pulling on socks when she caught sight of Garrett.
He leaned against her bedroom doorjamb as his gaze roamed around her room, taking in the scents and calming feminine colors. Light blues and greens were posted all over in the paintings, the drapes, and the pillows scattered on her bed. A fluffy lace blanket spread across her queen-size bed with only one edge disturbed from her sleep. She had painted the walls a light yellow. Besides the queen-sized bed, there was only enough room for a dresser and a small chair in the corner that he wouldn’t even attempt to sit in.
He tried to imagine what her thoughts would be when she finally saw the inside of his bedroom. While hers was bright, relaxing, and small, his bedroom at his house was large with dark earth tones in the bedspread and drapes, and the furniture was immense and was made of dark walnut wood. He didn’t know anything about decorating and most of the time didn’t care what his house and condo looked like. He would have to get Jessica to help change some things, put her stamp on his places, so she’d feel comfortable there and want to stay.
“Garrett, are you okay?” she asked worriedly.
He hadn’t realized he’d been staring into space as she stood in front of him with her small hand on his forearm. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m just thinking about some changes I need to make at the house and condo, and I’m hoping you’ll help me with them.”
Jessica’s brows furrowed, and her teeth chewed on her lower lip. “What kind of changes?”
Garrett smiled down at her and shrugged nonchalantly. “I don’t know yet. I want you to see both places and help me with ideas.”
She tilted her head to the side. “Why?”
Garrett lifted a hand and combed his fingers through her wild hair. “I haven’t done anything to them since I’ve moved in. I like how peaceful your apartment is. I want to see if you can bring some of that to my places.”
Jessica was shocked. Shocked that he asked and that he liked her apartment enough to want his to look like hers. “I can do that. Why haven’t you let anyone else help you before?” The thought of another woman in his homes twisted something in her stomach even though she knew it was unreasonable.
“I haven’t cared enough to ask.” Garrett noticed her expression and cupped her face. “Jessica, I’m not going to tell you I’ve never had relationships, but I can tell you I’ve never cared for anyone the way 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.”
Jessica gripped his wrist and was speechless. She was afraid things were going too fast and it would somehow jeopardize their relationship.
Garrett watched as pure happiness ran through her eyes before she stiffened. She was so expressive. “Relax, Jess. I’m not saying tomorrow, but I hope it will happen eventually.”
Jessica didn’t know if she was comfortable that he read 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.”
Garrett pulled her into his arms and set his chin on the top of 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 us too. 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, but his body demanded he lay her down and take her. He could feel his control lessening. “Jessica, 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. Garrett turned from the front door. “Jess, 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 out a phonebook.
“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.
***
Later that morning, Garrett held the phone to his ear and slid his fingers of his other hand through his hair in agitation 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 change before signing, but they want to show you in person. They want to meet you, Garrett. They’re concerned you’re going to tear their family business apart the minute you buy it. It’s been in the family for close to a century. This is personal to them.”
Garrett 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.”
Garrett ran an agitated hand through his short thick hair. He didn’t want to be away from Jessica 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 w
orst way but held back. He knew part of it was 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 given a little time, his overwhelming need to dominate and take her would lessen, but unfortunately it only became stronger.
Garrett called her later that afternoon. “Baby, I’ve got some bad news. I can’t see you tonight. I have to 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, Garrett.”
“I’ll miss you, baby.”
“I’ll miss you too, Garrett. Be safe.”
“You too.”
Jessica hung up her phone. She was surprised how miserable she was, knowing she wouldn’t see him for a few days. Maybe it was the fact that they hadn’t been able to spend any time together because of the animal hoarding case, and this morning they had a limited time because of work.
She straightened. There was nothing she could do about it but keep busy and hoped that helped and tired her out enough to sleep at night.
Chapter 14
Thursday and Friday passed with only phone calls. As hard as he tried, the business that took him out of town was taking longer than expected. She could hear the frustration in his voice get deeper every time he called and tried to reassure him it would be okay.
They decided that Nick and Angie would take her to the benefit if he didn’t get back in time, and he would meet her there and then drive her home.
***
Angie called early Saturday morning. “Hey, Jess. How about we go to a salon and pamper ourselves and then go shopping for a new outfit for tonight?”
“Oh wow, Angie. You have no idea how good that sounds.” She ignored Angie’s surprised outburst. “All I have is that black dress I wore last time, and I haven’t had my hair cut in months.”
They decided to meet at a salon Angie got them into that morning.
It was many hours later when they finally left.
“God, Jessica. Garrett is going to fall all over you when he sees you tonight.”
Jessica could still hear some concern in her friend’s voice but was pleased she was trying. She held her hands out to admire the nail polish she had picked. She couldn’t remember ever painting her nails. “I think we went a little overboard, Angie. I understood the hair cut was a must, but then we decided on highlights for my hair, then manicures and pedicures, waxing, facials, and makeup. Do you know how much I just spent?”
Angie laughed. “When’s the last time you’ve spent money on yourself? You deserve it, Jess. You never think of yourself. Now stop whining, and let’s go shopping.” She laughed at Jessica’s pained groan.
An hour later, Jessica turned abruptly in the dressing room when the curtain was pushed aside.
“Oh, damn, girl, that’s the one.”
Jessica couldn’t take her gaze off her image in the mirror. She felt truly beautiful for the first time in her life. The deep-red dress was fitted at the top, cupping her breasts, but flowed gently down her body, just skimming her hips and stopping just above her knees. Angie had found black high heels that weren’t too high but still looked sexy as hell. With her hair, makeup, and now the outfit, she didn’t know if Garrett would even recognize her or even like it.
“Jess, quit worrying. Garrett’s going to love this.”
Jessica’s eyes met Angie’s in the mirror. “Do you think so? I look so different.”
Angie snorted. “Actually, you don’t. Everything you’ve done today has only enhanced your beauty.”
It was Jessica’s turn to snort. “You have to say that; you love me.”
“Have I ever lied to you?” Angie turned serious.
Jessica knew Angie meant business when she crossed her arms and her chin jutted out. She coughed to hide her smile. “No, you haven’t.”
“All right then. Shut up and let’s get out of here. I’m starving.”
Jessica looked her friend up and down. She looked gorgeous in a tight black dress that stopped an inch above her knees, and she paired the outfit with four-inch black high heels. “Angie, if I’m half as pretty as you are, I’ll be thrilled.”
Angie rolled her eyes. “Yeah, right. As long as Nick finds me attractive, I’m good.”
Chapter 15
“Hot damn. I’m the envy of every man, walking in with the two hottest women here,” Nick said and made Angie snort and Jessica laugh. “Garrett’s going to flip.” He held up his hand when he caught Jessica’s concerned frown. “In a good way, Jess. I promise. Here you go ladies. Here’s our table. What can I get you to drink?”
Nick walked off with their orders.
“Jess, he’ll be here,” Angie said and laid a hand on Jessica’s arm.
Jessica stopped looking around the room to focus on her friend. “I know. I just miss him. Isn’t that crazy? We’ve only been together a little over a month.”
Angie chuckled. “I can’t say anything. Remember, Nick asked me to marry him on our first date and every date after that until I said yes?”
Jessica laughed and her shoulders relaxed as she remembered the early days of Angie’s relationship with Nick when they were all in college together.
“Jess, here is your wine and Angie your margarita.” Nick moved a chair so it was up against Angie’s before he sat down and put his arm over the back of her chair. “So, what were you two talking about?” His brows puckered together when both women burst out laughing. Nick’s head snapped up. “Oh, shit, don’t look now, but here comes the beast to Jessica’s beauty.”
Jessica jerked, turned, and stood as she watched Garrett close the distance between them. She smiled at the way he would brush people off; his whole focus was on her. She started to get nervous when the closer he got, the deeper his frown. Her smile faltered, and she ran her suddenly sweaty hands down her hips.
Garrett stopped a few feet from her. He gave her body a raking gaze as his breath seized in his lungs before they landed on her face again. Damn, she’d been the most beautiful woman before tonight. But now, he didn’t have the words. Her dark reddish hair had been cut differently. It was the same length; it just had more layers and body. The color had changed a little too. Now there were more colors than before that caught the light and made her hair shimmer somehow. Her beautiful features were enhanced with makeup. It wasn’t a lot− just enough to bring out the structure of her face and her pretty eyes. The outfit was new and fit her to perfection. The heels she wore weren’t tall but enough to put the top of her head against his shoulder instead of under his chin, and they showed off the perfection of her long, slightly tan legs.
He closed the distance in two strides and pulled her into his embrace as he lowered his head. His lips took hers in a kiss very close to desperation. Garrett jerked his head up and back when a heavy hand gripped his shoulder. He was ready to blast whoever had the nerve to interrupt him but encountered Nick with a huge smirk on his face.
“Man, you got to pull back a bit. You’re practically making love to her in the middle of a ballroom with a hundred people watching.”
Garrett took a deep breath. The last thing he wanted was to embarrass her. He nodded but turned back to the tiny woman in his arms. He couldn’t seem to let her go. His arms seemed to be glued to her and unable to release her. He wondered if she would be upset if he picked her up and they left. Shit. He couldn’t do that to her, at least not yet, and that would definitely mortify her. Later in the night, he’d sneak them away.
“Hi.” Jessica’s voice was slurred and hesitant.
“Hi, yourself.”
“I guess
I don’t have to ask if you missed me.” Jessica smiled shyly and tried to straighten and take a step back.
His grip tightened. “You have no idea how much I missed you. Then I come home to you and you’ve sexified yourself enough to drop every man in the building.”
Jessica tilted her head to the side and laughed. “Sexified isn’t a word, is it?”
He shook his head slowly. “No, I just made it up for you.”
Jessica tightened her arms around his waist. “Thank you. I’ve never had anyone make a word just for me.”
“That’s not the only thing I’m going to make for you.”
He almost made it sound ominous, but she knew better, and it drove a massive bolt of heat through her. “I’m excited to find out what you have in mind.”
He set his forehead on hers and closed his eyes. “I really did miss you, baby. More than I thought was even possible. I never want to go a whole day without kissing you or touching you.”
Jessica shook her head. “I don’t either, Garrett.” After a minute, Jessica looked around and finally noticed all the attention people gave them. “Everybody’s staring at us.” A blush moved across her cheeks as she ducked her head and hid her face against his chest.
Garrett didn’t take a moment to look around but kept his eyes on Jessica. “I don’t give a shit.”
“Can we sit down please, Garrett?” she said and pulled away from him a bit.
Garrett set his jaw against denying her. “Sure, baby.” He tightened his arm around her waist. Garrett nodded a greeting to the other two couples at their table and pulled her chair out for her to sit before maneuvering his chair as close as he could to hers. One of his hands landed heavily on her knee before sliding up and under the edge of her skirt.
She loved that he was touching her this time, but he was pushing it tonight. She set her hand on his and waited, watching to see what he’d do.
