“Dances with Wenches!” Amy looked around the table in obvious glee. “Get ready boys, cause we’re the wenches and you’re going to dance with us!”
And just like that, Jessa found herself part of the club. “What the heck is a Dances with Wenches?” She wasn’t drinking anything without knowing what was in it. With her luck, it’d be some home-brew mead or something equally gross.
Amy waved her off. “It’s got cranberry juice in it, so it can’t be all bad. Live a little!”
Jessa was sick and tired of people saying that to her.
Joanna tugged at Jim’s hand. “Come on, husband. Dance with your wench.” Jim laughed as he spun her away, followed closely by Miles and Amy.
Tyler stood and extended a hand to her. “Well, how about it, pretty girl? You up for a spin?”
Jessa glanced at Garrett. His scowl was starting to piss her off. This whole evening had been his idea. She pushed her chair back and put her hand in Tyler’s. “Let’s do it.”
*
Garrett was going to kill his friend. Right here. In front of witnesses.
Dinner was not going at all like he’d planned. Of course, his expectations had been blown to shit this morning in the limo, so the fact that he’d planned anything was ridiculous. But he had, and not once did it include Tyler-fucking-Brady’s hands all over Jessa’s back as they danced. Her bare back. Nor did his plan include Tyler whispering something in her ear that caused her to throw her head back with laughter, exposing the sleek line of her neck, and God knew what else, to Tyler’s gaze.
Jesus fucking Christ. There was only so much a man could take. He pushed away from the table. If Jessa was going to dance, she’d damn well do it with him.
He propped himself against a beam close to the dance floor and waited. He wasted no time making his move once the song came to an end. “My turn.” He extended his hand. Jessa’s cheeks were flushed a pretty pink and it was all he could do not to kiss her right then and there.
Garrett bristled as Tyler brought Jessa’s knuckles to his lips. “Thanks for the dance, pretty girl. I enjoyed every minute of it.”
Jessa’s laugh was one of pure delight, which only added to Garrett’s irritation. “Oh, no, the pleasure was all mine. Thank you,” she cooed. She clutched her fists over her chest. “I don’t remember when I’ve had so much fun! You’re a great dancer, Tyler.”
Tyler winked at her. “Save me another?”
Jessa nodded. “Absolutely!”
Garrett pulled her into his arms, turning her away from Tyler. The music was slow and Garrett was grateful for it. “Aren’t you supposed to be watching me?” He couldn’t stop himself. He was being a total dick, and yet, with the image of Tyler’s hands on her still fresh in his mind, he couldn’t seem to care.
Jessa gave him a wary look. “Why, are you about to do something stupid?”
Very, very stupid, according to the size of his erection. “You know, Tyler only wants one thing from you, princess.”
The minute the words left his mouth, he’d regretted them. His own thoughts about Jessa over the last twenty-four hours weren’t exactly pure and innocent either. Oh no, his thoughts had been more of the naked and wet variety.
So, what would be his claim? That he’d seen her first? Wanting Jessa in his bed, knowing it would be nothing more than a night or two, didn’t make him any better than Tyler for the one-nighters he enjoyed.
Garrett needed to face the facts. A few days from now she’d be on the way back to New York and he’d have a season to play out.
He should walk away from her right now.
Yeah. Not fucking likely.
“People always want something from me,” she murmured. “But, this ought to be good. Please, do tell.”
“Jessa,” he warned. “I’ve known Tyler a long time. Love him like a brother.” Except when he has his hands on you. “But, he’s not the kind of guy that sticks around, if you know what I mean.”
She pulled back. “Are you jealous?”
“Of Tyler?”