by Milly Taiden
“Ladies, I must admit you four look absolutely stunning,” Brannon said as he eyed Kasey with hunger clear on his face.
Garrett grinned and had to agree. All four women were wearing sundresses that outlined the sexy curves. He was happy to see he wasn’t the only one who had to discreetly adjust himself at the sight, or maybe it was the knowledge of what was underneath those dresses.
“You ladies ready?” Luke asked as he watched Kira saunter past him with an extra swing of her hips.
Bastien stopped and stared at the half-empty bottle on the counter before getting the other guys’ attention and pointing it out to them. Garrett smiled, knowing where part of the giggles were from, and that someone had good taste in their liquor.
“You guys want to split up or ride together?” Brannon called out as he opened the door for the ladies.
“Let’s go separate,” Bastien said with a wicked grin. “My mate is looking a bit too tempting tonight. I don’t know how long I can last.”
Carly blushed and winked at him as everyone else chuckled and agreed on separate cars.
Garrett rushed ahead and opened the door to his jeep for Toni to climb in. “Ladies first. I’m sorry I didn’t think about the jeep with your dress. I hope you don’t mind.”
“Not at all. I love it. It will be beautiful coming home and being able to look up and see the stars. Besides, I know how to climb into a vehicle without flashing the world.”
“Just for the record, you can flash me anytime,” Garrett replied before he closed the door and ran to get in on his side.
“Are you going to tell me where we’re going yet?”
Garrett grinned. “Nope, we all agreed to keep it a surprise. Just sit back and relax. We have a bit of a drive to get there.”
“Can we play twenty questions then? It would be a great way to get to know you and have some fun.”
Garrett pretended to think about it before giving in. “Sure, but we have to have some ground rules. Each person is allowed only two passes, but each time they use a pass, they add on three questions to their tally.”
He had to hide his laughter as Toni debated. He could see the indecision on her face, but he knew she’d give in.
“Okay, I agree.”
“Good, ladies first.” He laughed as she huffed in exasperation.
“Question one. Dog or cat?”
Garrett laughed and looked at her. “That’s where you’re starting.”
“Answer or pass,” she scolded with a laugh.
Garret shrugged. “You do realize I’m a leopard shifter, right? So, cat would be the obvious answer there.”
Toni blushed. “I didn’t think about that. I’m not used to taking into consideration what type of animal a guy changes into before I ask questions.”
“It’s all good, but it’s my turn now, and I promise I won’t be asking what animal you prefer. After last night, you’d better say cat.”
Toni burst into laughter. “You’re incorrigible.”
“But charming. Okay, question one. Do you check me out when I walk away?” Garrett hid his grin as Toni tried to hide her blush. “I wouldn’t skip if I were you. I promise the later the question, the harder the answer will be. You might want to hold on to those passes if you dare.”
“I shouldn’t have proposed this game. I think I’ll pass.”
“You love it, even if you won’t admit it. It’s your turn.”
“Fine, question two. Have you ever sent dick pics?”
Garrett wanted to die at the question. He’d bet anything Bastien had told Carly about his suggestion for him to send her a dick pic when he was wooing her. Damn, women shared everything it seemed.
“Would maybe qualify as an answer?”
“Well, it makes me think that’s a yes. Either way I got my answer, you dirty dog.”
“Hey, it wasn’t unsolicited at least. I’ve never done that, it has to count for something.”
They laughed as he tried to dig his way out of the ever-deepening hole, finally he just sighed and growled. “My turn. Question two…did you have erotic dreams last night of me?”
“Last night?” Toni grinned wickedly. “I was a bit worn out and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.”
Garrett growled, he knew as soon as he had said the words he’d asked it wrong. That question left too many nights unaccounted for.
“My turn, question number three for you. What lingerie do you love seeing a woman in?”
“Good question. I like anything on a woman. I love the female body in all its forms. Lingerie shows that off and gives the woman wearing it a chance to be daring and maybe a little sexier then she would normally be.” Garrett glanced at Toni to see her look of confusion. “I think a lot of you women misinterpret why we like it on you. It’s not the clothes, per se, but more the way you react to wearing them. You feel sexy, so it shows in everything you do. That is a major turn on for us.”
Toni smiled shyly and nodded she understood. Garrett wanted to pull over and ravish her. She looked so damn beautiful with that small, shy smile. She thought she was hiding something from him. He’d give up many things right now for a chance to pull her into his arms and steal another taste of those full lips.
“My turn again. Question three. Tell me about your ex.”
“Pass.”
Garrett shrugged. “Your call, but I’ll just ask it another way until you run out of passes. What was so bad that you don’t want to talk about him?”
“Why would you want to know about him? Isn’t it bad form to talk about another guy when you’re on a date with one?”
“But I’m not just any guy, and I know he’s been harassing you. The girls talk and the guys tell me things they think I should know about. So why don’t you fill in the gaps for me so I understand better?”
“He’s a lying, no good, piece of shit bastard. What more do you need to know?” Toni bit out in anger.
“Sore subject, got it.” Garrett reached over and laced his fingers with hers. “Can I tell you something without you getting upset with me?”
“That depends.”
“Fair enough. I had a visit from some people today. They told me to keep an eye on you, that your ex has been seen skulking around your place when you’re not home.”
Toni gasped. “Who told you that and how did they know?”
“The FBI and because they’re watching him closely. I know you don’t know me well, but let me stay in your guestroom or on the couch, or come to my place and you can sleep in the spare room. Just don’t stay alone, please. I won’t be able to sleep or work knowing you’re there alone with him coming and going like that.”
The next half hour passed in silence as they were both lost in their thoughts. Garrett slowed to make the turn and he squeezed Toni’s hand. “You ready for part one of our first date of many?”
Toni sat up straight in her seat and let out a laugh full of joy and excitement at the carnival in the field before her.
“Are you going to win me a prize?” she asked coyly.
“Baby, I’ll win anything for you.”
“Maybe I’ll win a prize for you. What do you think of that?”
Garrett leaned over and pressed a quick kiss to Toni’s lips. “I’ve already got the best prize in the world and she’s sitting here holding my hand.”
17
Toni couldn’t remember the last time she’d been to a carnival. Toni jumped out of the jeep and laughed in delight at the music and lights that lit up the sky in front of her. “This is going to be so much fun!” she said in excitement.
Garrett chuckled and threw his arm around her shoulders. “Come on, beautiful, let’s have some fun.”
Toni couldn’t believe how much fun she was having as they walked and talked, ate cotton candy and candied apples. They acted like the teenagers they used to be.
Toni stopped dead in her tracks as she came to one of the fun houses. “Let’s do this one,” she said as she pulled Garrett up the stairs to hand
over their tickets.
“No, please, anything but this one,” he pleaded.
Toni laughed until she turned and saw his features had gone a little bit paler. “What’s wrong?”
“I just don’t like these. Can we please do something else?”
Toni tried not to laugh, but she was struggling. “Are you afraid of the fun house?”
“No,” he growled, “it’s just those stupid mirrors. I always get lost and when I was a kid, I got scared and my mom had to rescue me. I’ve never liked them since then.”
Toni leaned and pressed herself tightly to his body. “What if I promise to hold your hand and not let go? I won’t let you get lost and maybe I’ll give you a reward at the end.”
He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her even tighter. “You promise?” he asked with a quick peck on her lips as she chuckled.
“Wow, what does he see in her? She’s huge. Baby, come with me. I’ll show you a good time without breaking your back,” a woman said a few feet behind where Toni and Garrett stood.
“I know, right? He’s gorgeous as hell, and look at her,” another woman replied.
Toni felt Garrett tense as he released her and started to face the woman. “No, let me handle this,” Toni whispered as she stepped around him to face the women.
“He sees that I’m not a catty bitch who makes fun of other people,” Toni shot back as she glared at the two Barbie wanna bes.
The first one scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Like men give a shit about that. Once they’ve been with me, they won’t ever forget.”
Toni laughed. “Why would you boast about that? I don’t think sending guys to the doctor to get over your snatch crabs is something I would be telling the world. Hell, they probably have to have therapy after they’ve been with you, too. PTSD caused by deranged Barbie. I can see it now.”
“You’re a bitch,” Barbie’s friend snapped as she glared at Toni.
“Because I was waiting in line with my boyfriend minding my own business and you two whores decided to talk trash about me? Or is it because you’re jealous you’ve never had a man who was willing to kiss you in public? I’m sorry, honey, if they’re ashamed of you.” Toni flashed a fake smile and turned back to a gaping Garrett.
Toni blushed. “Too much?”
Garrett grabbed her, pulled her into his arms, and kissed her for all he was worth. “You called me your boyfriend,” he growled when he came up for air.
“I...yeah, I guess I did. I’m sorry. I just wanted to put them in their place,” she stammered.
“Don’t ever apologize for that. I loved the sound of that coming from your mouth. Now take me through this thing so I can get my reward.”
Toni couldn’t believe the man at her side. True to his word, he’d been nothing but a gentleman all day. Dusk was settling in and the eight of them had decided to sit and listen to the band and relax under the tent to give their feet a rest. The only table they could find required them to straddle the benches to see the band. Garrett sat behind Toni and pulled her to lean into his chest.
“Use me as your back rest. I don’t mind. Besides, all the guys in here are going to be jealous as hell when they see you’re mine.”
Toni smiled and leaned back. His heat enveloped her like a cocoon. She felt safe, secure, and protected. It was an odd feeling, but she loved every second of it. She glanced to the side to see Carly and Kira sitting the same way she was. They turned and winked and then nodded to Kasey.
Poor thing was stiff as a board sitting next to Brannon. Whenever he glanced away, she’d stare at him with such longing, it almost hurt Toni to see it.
“Beautiful, you need anything? A drink, a snack, anything at all?” Garrett whispered in her ear.
She shook her head and gasped when he planted a kiss behind her ear before straightening. “I’ll have to remember that spot.”
She was in so much trouble. This man had made this day one of the best she’d ever had. Every time she turned around, he was trying to buy them food, drinks or more tickets. She’d laughed and accused him of trying to make her gain more weight. His response was one that would linger in her heart for the rest of her life.
“I couldn’t care how much you gained. I love every inch of your body. Your curves make my blood boil and my mouth water. You’re the woman of my dreams in every way. I only see before me the woman who has made my life complete the day she rescued me. You will forever be my goddess.”
The band started to play a slow love song and Garrett stood and held out his hand. “Dance with me, love.”
Toni tentatively took his hand and let him pull her onto the floor. He wrapped her tightly in his arms and hummed to the music as they glided across the floor. She rested her head on his shoulder and sighed in contentment. She had never felt the way she did when she was with this man.
“Thank you for dancing with me again,” Garrett said as he gave her a quick kiss. “This might be our song. It’s the second time we danced to it, you know.”
Toni gaped at him in surprise. How had he remembered that when she didn’t even have a clue? “It is?”
“Yes,” he laughed, “when I heard it starting tonight, I knew it was a sign and I couldn’t resist having you in my arms again.”
They walked to their table, hands laced together and smiles on their faces. Kira winked with a knowing smile as they sat down.
“It’s getting about time for part two. Ladies, if you will sit tight, we’ll be right back,” Garrett said as they guys stood and begin to head out of the tent.
“Anyone know what’s planned?” Carly questioned.
“Nope. Luke was extremely tight lipped. All he would do was smile when I asked him,” Kira replied.
Toni stood and glanced around. “I’m going to the ladies’ room while we wait for them. I’ll be right back.”
A few minutes later, Toni was finally on her way back to her friends. The line, as usual for a woman’s room, was long. They really needed to make all women’s bathrooms bigger.
“Toni,” a voice called, stopping her in her tracks.
“What do you want?” she snarled as her ex approached.
“I only have a second. Do me a favor, please. Don’t stay home alone. Go to a friend’s. You’re being watched and so am I. I can’t say more, just please, be safe. I’ll explain when I can.”
With that, Jared turned and melted into the crowd, leaving Toni confused and conflicted on what to do. What was that about, and why was she being watched, and by whom? Nothing made sense.
“Toni,” Garrett called out as he gently placed a hand on her shoulder. “Are you okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“It was Jared, my ex. He seemed freaked out and told me that he and I were being watched, and not to stay alone. He took off before I could ask details or say anything really.”
Garrett scanned the faces around them and scowled. “You won’t be alone. I’ll sleep on your couch or you can come to my house. I have a spare room or two. Besides, there are some things I want to talk to you about.”
18
“Like what? You can’t just say that and not finish,” Toni said in frustration.
“I know, but right now we have six of our friends over there waiting for us. Let’s have fun tonight and we can return to the real world tomorrow.” Garret smiled and pulled her toward the waiting group.
Toni growled but gave in. “Tomorrow, no holding back. Deal?”
“I promise. I have plans and they don’t involve you scowling at me.”
“Hurry up. We have to get in position,” Bastien yelled as the group turned and headed away.
Within a few minutes, they were leaving the carnival grounds behind and wading through the grassy expanse behind it. “Where are we going?” Kasey asked curiously.
“Trust us. You will love this,” Brannon replied as the guys chuckled and kept walking.
“I don’t know about the rest of you ladies, but when a guy says that it usually means a trip t
o the ER or something that leaves us wondering about their maturity factor,” Carly bantered back.
Bastien snorted. “Oh, ye of little faith, sometimes even men can surprise you.”
“Here we are,” Garrett said as he spread his arms like showing something off.
“Um, where is here?” Toni inquired hesitantly.
“Come here, babe,” Garrett said as he offered her his hand.
Toni tentatively took it and let him pull her a few feet forward. She paused and frowned. On the ground was a blanket and just behind Garrett was a picnic basket. She glanced at him in confusion. “I don’t understand.”
“Sit down and let’s have a bite to eat while I explain.” Garrett smiled and moved to get things situated.
Toni watched as the other couples moved into the distance with their own blankets. She sat on the ground.
“I assume you have a plan and explanation on why you brought us to the darkened part of the field for a picnic with us all spread out like this.”
Garrett smiled and pulled a small lantern out of the basket and turned it on. “I promise, no nefarious purposes. A quiet dinner where we can enjoy the nightlife, and afterwards, I promise you will see why this particular spot.”
They ate and talked about their childhoods, their favorite movies, music and even the little things like their favorite color, scent, and places to travel. Toni couldn’t remember a time she’d had so much fun and felt at ease while on a date. Garrett was funny and self-deprecating at times, even sarcastic, but she didn’t mind since she could be accused of that trait.
“You done eating?” Garrett asked as he put the items away and moved to turn off the light.
“Yes, it was wonderful. You surprised me, Garrett.”
“I love the way my name sounds on your lips.”
Toni blushed and glanced away from his lust-filled eyes.
“Now we wait. It shouldn’t be long now.” He laid back and put his arms behind his head. “Lay down and relax. I promise this will be the best position for the next act of this date.”
