The lobby was packed with people. Jessa only recognized a few as being from the ball club. She’d be surprised if the majority of the men weren’t locals, here to get in on the action. There had to be at least three women to every man. Add a little music and the hotel could charge a cover to get into the lobby. Good lord. There was more skin showing than in all the strip clubs in Vegas.
Jessa dared a glance at Garrett, wondering if he’d react. It was more than obvious that most of these women were here for one purpose. To land — or lay — a baseball player. And she’d thought men were bad. Jeez.
It didn’t take long for the horde to notice them. Conversations halted and heated glances were tossed their way as Garrett lead them into the hotel. Jessa’s cheeks grew warm as she realized men were watching her as much as women were leering at Garrett. Her heart fluttered when he entwined their fingers, his expression fierce, possessive, and he tugged her closer to his side. She flexed her hand, his hold cutting off the blood supply to her fingers. He growled a warning, but at least he eased his grip.
He was making her crazy.
He’d dragged her from the dance floor, insisting he had an early day tomorrow, saying it was his job to get her back safely. She hadn’t missed his not-so-subtle dig about their relationship being about a job. He’d waited, not so patiently, while she said her goodbyes to everyone before he hauled her out of there, only to remain silent the entire way back to the hotel.
The tension between them was palpable. She couldn’t read him. Had no idea what had his jaw clenched and his shoulders tight. But if he kept dragging her around like an errant child, she was going to scream.
They passed the front desk and a woman stepped in front of him, impeding their progress. Tall and slender, the woman tossed her long auburn hair over her shoulder, revealing the top curve of her breast. The woman leaned in, boldly sliding her hand down Garrett’s chest. “Aren’t you Garrett Donovan?” she asked, her fingers gliding down to toy with the buckle on his belt.
Jessa fumed at the blatant display, irrational jealousy biting at her heart. The woman ignored her, choosing instead to wrap herself around Garrett’s other arm and making the most ridiculous giggle sound Jessa had ever heard. “You’re so much bigger up close.” The brazen hussy actually licked her lips, not even trying to hide the fact that she was peeking around to stare at Garrett’s crotch.
Jessa rolled her eyes. For chrissake, did the woman have no shame?
To make matters worse, Garrett transformed, the angry lines of his face gliding into a charming smile. “I’ll take that as a compliment, darlin’. Thank you.”
Ever the fucking gentleman.
“You want company tonight?” The woman’s voice was low, seductive. She squeezed his arm between her breasts. “I’ll put a smile on that handsome face of yours.”
He passed a hot, angry glance at Jessa. “Oh, I definitely want company tonight,” he murmured.
Jessa sucked in a breath. She had no claim on him, but that didn’t stop her heart from seizing at the thought of him in this woman’s arms. Well, if Garrett wanted to stand here and flirt, that was his choice, but she damn sure didn’t have to stay here and watch. Her stomach jumped, her dinner threatening to make a reappearance.
“I can get back on my own.” Her voice shook, her nerves on edge. She didn’t want him to stay here, but she really didn’t get a say in that, now did she? Goddamn it, she wouldn’t cry.
Would. Not.
He didn’t belong to her, couldn’t belong to her. She yanked her hand from his. “Have fun.”