“I’m a big boy, I can make my own decisions. Let me worry about it.” He sighed. “And this topic of conversation is over.”
She studied the rigid line of his jaw and she knew he’d won. He wouldn’t give up and she didn’t want to resist. God forbid, if they got caught. But if they did, she’d make damn sure Garrett wasn’t blamed. He would not pay for her selfishness.
Her mind made up, Jessa couldn’t do more than nod. “I’d better get back to my room. I don’t want to take a chance that someone sees me leaving at an inappropriate hour.” She tried to smile. “And wearing your T-shirt.”
“You’re not staying?” He checked the time. “I’d hardly say eight o’clock is an inappropriate hour.”
“No, but any later would be hard to explain. It’s best if I go now.”
He stiffened, obviously unhappy with her answer. “What about dinner?”
“I’m not hungry anymore.”
“Jessa. You’re over-thinking this. It’s not as though we’re having sex where anyone can see us.”
She gave him a hard look.
“Okay.” He stood and wrapped his arms around her. “This afternoon at the ballpark notwithstanding. I promise to be more discreet. No handholding, no secret touches, and definitely no ass grabbing unless we’re alone in this room. Come on, princess. We’re safe here.” He pressed his mouth to her ear. “You know you wanna,” he whispered.
“Your charm won’t work on me.”
“No?” His boyish grin had her biting back her own.
“No.” His grin morphed into a full-on smile and it was obvious he didn’t believe her. With good reason. He probably got everything he wanted by flashing that handsome smile of his. Yeah, she was done for.
She poked him hard in the chest. “If your game slips, I’ll kick your ass.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“And I’m still not staying the night.” She raised up and gave him a quick kiss. “Goodnight, Garrett.”
Chapter Eleven
“Jessa, I’ve been looking all over for you.”
Jessa looked up from her laptop, blinking a few times to focus on the cute little redhead standing in the doorway.
“Amy!” Jessa couldn’t hide her surprise. “It’s good to see you.” Jessa waved her in. “I had a really great time at dinner the other night. I’ve been meaning to call you to say thanks for letting me crash the party.”
Amy was about as sweet and real as they came. She’d treated Jessa like a long lost sister, something Jessa wouldn’t forget. For the first time in longer than she could remember, she’d tasted genuine friendship from a woman who didn’t see her as anything but herself. Plain ole Jessa.
It was refreshing.
But it didn’t explain why Amy had sought her out. Or why she was out of breath. “Not that I’m not happy to see you, but what are you doing down here? Are you okay?”
Amy put her palm to her chest and drew in a deep breath. “I think the better question is, what are you doing down here? I mean, really, Jessa.” Amy scrunched up her perk little nose. “It smells like wet socks.”
Jessa laughed and looked around the cramped little office. Not an office so much as a closet with a desk and a couple of chairs. There were no personal items scattered about, no file cabinets or any other items that would make this anything other than a space for the transient. It was buried in the catacombs of the stadium, but it was quiet and empty. Two things she’d needed in order to catch up on the work she’d neglected while “watching” Garrett.
“Take a seat before you have a heart attack. Did you run all the way down here?”
“No, of course not.” Amy slid into the chair, concern etched on her face. “I ran all over down here. Well, walked actually, and I’m feeling very out of shape. I didn’t realize how many places there are to hide around here.”