Spring Training (3 page)

Chapter Four

Jessa nursed her hot tea while she waited for Garrett to join her in the limo. She was filled with nervous energy, not knowing what to expect this morning. She’d spent half the night aroused and the other half worried about where things stood between them. They’d hardly been intimate, but they’d done enough to cause problems with their working relationship if they weren’t careful.

A kiss. God, one kiss and she’d been lost. She’d never begged anyone to touch her, but last night with Garrett, it was the only thing she could do. He’d stolen her need for anything but his next touch. The things she’d said, the things she’d done …

And now she had to face him.

Good lord.

She palmed her flaming cheeks, feeling like a silly teenager with her first crush.

They had to talk about what happened, because it couldn’t happen again. Her dad would freak the hell out. She wouldn’t risk Garrett’s job that way, no matter how badly she wanted him.

And speak of the devil. Garrett jerked opened the door and she suppressed a laugh as he all but fell inside. He tossed a canvas bag on the floor, several baseballs falling out and rolling around her feet. He passed her a heated glance and slid onto the seat next to her.

“Nice digs,” he grumbled. “Though I’d much rather have a regular old car. I hear they rent those nowadays.”

“Let me guess.” She scooted to the side, his grumpy mood setting her further on edge. “Not a morning person?”

He turned his head toward her, his eyes narrowing. “I didn’t sleep well. Stayed up signing baseballs. Then … well, let’s just say it was a restless night. Normally, I’d forgo caffeine during training, but I’d kill for a cup of coffee right about now.” He eyed her travel mug for a second before reaching over, snatching it from her and taking a drink. Tiny droplets spewed from his lips, misting over the floor and seat across from them. “Ah, damn! What the hell is this shit?” His face scrunched up as he wiped the back of his hand across his mouth.

“It’s green tea. Very good for you.”

Garrett gave her mug a dirty look before passing it back. “I don’t care how good it is for me, that shit is nasty.”

“Big baby,” she teased, and produced a large cup of coffee she’d gotten from the hotel. “I thought you might need this.”

His face lit up and stole her breath. He slid close, taking the cup out of her hands. His eyes gleamed and he held the cup as if she’d given him something precious and fragile. “There is a God, and she’s the prettiest thing I’ve ever seen.” He took a drink and sighed. “Thank you, darlin’.” His head fell back and he closed his eyes.

“You’re welcome, sweetie pie.” She did her best to mimic his accent.

He cracked one eye open. “Cheeky.”

Jessa studied him, wishing she knew him well enough to understand his moods. His eyes were closed, his face relaxed. She studied the contours of his face, the stubble on his cheeks and chin giving him a rugged look. He raised the cup to his mouth and she watched, fascinated, as his lips pursed to blow over the hot brew. His tongue darted out to lick the edge of the lid before he sipped, all the while keeping his eyes shut and his head tilted back. God, only Garrett could make drinking coffee sexy.

“You know, it’s impolite to stare.” His lips curled up, but otherwise he remained still. “But, I’ll tell you what.” He moved then, setting his coffee aside and patting his lap. “Climb on up and stare all you want.”

“Be serious.” He had no idea how much she wanted to take him up on his offer.

“Oh, I am serious.” He patted his lap again. “Come on, princess. You know you want to. If you’re gonna make me ride to the park in this God-forsaken vehicle, then I need some perks.” He eyed her breasts and her traitorous nipples jumped for joy.

“The limo’s not a perk?”

“Hardly.”

“Well, then that coffee’s the only perk you’re getting this morning, so you better enjoy it while it’s hot.”

He grumbled again, but grabbed his cup and resumed his position.

“Garrett, we need to talk about last night.” Butterflies erupted in her stomach as she broached the subject.

“Sit on my lap and we’ll talk.”

The roughness of his voice sent a shiver up her spine. The sensation branched out, coursed through her veins as if he’d touched her.

“You’re not helping.”

“I didn’t know I was supposed to be.”

She threw her hands up. “Jesus, you’re impossible!”

His expression was one of pure male irritation. “Fine. Talk.” He cocked a brow as he waited for her to say something.

She scowled. She hadn’t slept well either, but she wasn’t taking it out on him. “You don’t have to be so testy.”

“I’m running on no sleep and very little coffee. I’m gonna get shit like you won’t believe for showing up in this fancy rig every day when a fucking rental car would have suited me just fine.” He blew out a breath and ran his hand over his head. “Now, you’re about to give me all the reasons why last night was a mistake. You’ll rationalize, throw my job and your father at me. Then, you’ll tell me it can’t ever happen again. I’d be surprised if you didn’t try to give me the ‘let’s be friends’ bit. I get it. Hell, I’ll probably even agree with you.” His eyes turned dark, his voice strained. “And then you’ll expect me to forget how you burned in my arms and that I’m so hard for you right now I can’t see straight. So, yeah, Jessa. I’m a little fuckin’ testy.”

Stunned, Jessa bit her cheek. Her gaze darted to his lap, eliciting a growl from him as he shifted to the seat across from her. The move poked at her temper. “You know, you aren’t the only one who had a rough night so you can shove the attitude. You can have a
fucking rental car
after I leave. The limo wasn’t my idea. Dad insisted.” Tears threatened the edges of her lids and Jessa rolled her head back in an effort to keep them from trailing down her cheeks. Garrett had been right, about most of it anyway. Deep down, she knew he wasn’t mad at her. It wasn’t her fault, hell, it wasn’t anyone’s fault. Things were how they were and that meant it sucked to be them right now.

“Great. Talk over?”

She turned to the window. “I guess that pretty much covers it. I wish …” She didn’t know what she wished. That he played for a different team? That her dad wouldn’t have a coronary at the thought of her dating a ballplayer — one of
his
ballplayers? That the sight of Garrett didn’t make her weak?

Yeah, that about covered it.

He cursed and sat forward, his arms braced on his knees. “Jesus, Jess. I’m sorry. I’m a total bastard without sleep. I didn’t mean to attack you like that.”

She nodded. “You were wrong about one thing.”

He raised a questioning brow.

“I wasn’t going to tell you last night was a mistake.”

He seemed to consider her words before he sunk back into the seat. “That’s good, because I’m not sorry about last night either. So, that leaves us … where exactly?”

She cringed at what was about to come out of her mouth. “As friends, I guess? We both have jobs to do, and at the end of next week I’ll be back in New York and you’ll be in the thick of pre-season games. It’s better if we stay focused on what we’re here to do. But, you’re right.” She smirked and blinked her eyelashes at him. “You are a total bastard.”

Garrett barked a laugh, the sound ringing her ears as the tension around them lessened. “Now that we have that cleared up, some of the guys and their wives are going out to dinner tonight. You wanna go?”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Like a date?” Hadn’t they just been over this?

“Nope. Like dinner.
Friends,
remember?”

She shook her head. “I don’t think so.”

“Why not?”

The playful spark in his eyes made her grateful his mood seemed to be improving. She hoped it lasted. “No.”

“I thought you were supposed to keep an eye on me.” He gave her that smile again. The one that promised long, slow, deep pleasure.

Damn him.

“Oh, that’s right, Jessa. I know all about why you’re here. So, what’s to stop me from doing something stupid if you aren’t there to make sure I behave myself?”

Jessa knew what he was doing. Using that wicked Southern charm to goad her into going. “I have responsibilities, Garrett.” She leveled her gaze on him. “I can’t go out drinking with a bunch of ballplayers.”

“And their wives,” he added. “For dinner. If you don’t want to drink, don’t drink. Eat, dance, laugh. Blow off steam like the rest of us. Besides, I’m one of your responsibilities. And I’m going out tonight. Sure would be nice to have a chaperone.” His sing-songy voice trailed off as he watched her.

“It’s weird for me,” she blurted. She hated to admit it, but she wanted him to understand.

“Dinner is weird?”

“Jesus, Garrett.” She laughed, amazed at the difference a few ounces of caffeine could make. “No. People are different around me, you know, because of my dad. It’s really hard to get to know someone when they’re always afraid to speak their minds for fear I’ll run and tell him every word. I don’t want to spend the evening with a bunch of people being fake nice to me.”

He put a hand over his heart. “I give you my word it won’t be like that. Come on, Jess. Live a little. You
do
know how to have fun, don’t you?”

The challenge was clear. She pinched the bridge of her nose. It was too early to have a headache but she was fast on her way. Her dad had accused her of never having any fun, and now Garrett. Well, to hell with both of them. She could have fun. And she’d go all out, too. Hair, makeup, new outfit. The works. Which meant she’d have to get busy.

“All right, Garrett.”

His smile morphed into a frown. “What is that look? And why am I suddenly scared?”

She reached over and patted him on the knee. “It’ll be okay. You’re right. I’ll go. It’s about time I stepped out.”

* * *

Jessa cocked her head to the side and stared at the woman in the mirror as if she were a complete stran
ger.

I can’t do this.

She’d managed to get a little work done that morning, but with Garrett spending the majority of the day with his strength coach and working the PR schedule his agent had set up, she hadn’t felt too guilty about slipping out early.

She’d spent the first two hours at a local spa she’d found that could work her in. She’d walked out waxed and buffed and feeling more relaxed than she had in days.

Until the shopping.

Jessa hated shopping. She didn’t consider herself a tomboy. She wore makeup — okay, maybe not on a regular basis, but still. She highlighted her hair and enjoyed getting her fingers and toes painted. That was where her girly-ness ended. She was way more comfortable barefoot, wearing jeans and a T-shirt than in one of the fancy dresses that were stored in the back of her closet. She rarely dressed up for work either, since she did most of her stuff remotely, whether from a sky box, a hotel room, or the home she still shared with her dad.

Jessa didn’t know much about fashion, and didn’t really care. Another thing that made her weird to the women she’d tried to develop friendships with over the years. To save herself time and frustration, she’d walked into a fancy department store, found the nearest sales person who looked about her age, and gave herself over.

Now she had another dress for her collection. She chewed on her bottom lip, her stomach flipping end over end.

The salesgirl had sworn the dress was perfect for dinner. It wasn’t the dress that made Jessa nervous; it was the lack of it that gave her pause.

She studied her reflection. The shimmering, black halter dress glittered as she swayed her hips from side to side. The plunging neckline accentuated her breasts, the material forcing them into cleavage she’d never have otherwise. The fabric was snug along her trim waist, only to flair out into a flowing skirt that ended right below her knees. Sexy, yet not over the top.

She’d balked at the salesgirl’s suggestion for new lingerie. It’s not like she could wear a bra, since the dress was open to the curve of her lower back. But the girl insisted and Jessa had to admit it was a rush — the thigh-highs and garter a secret only she knew.

Jessa leaned in and reapplied a light pink gloss to her lips. The woman who’d done her hair also happened to do makeup — lucky her — so she’d willingly let others put on her armor for the evening. And the truth was, she felt pretty. Not something she usually worried about much, but as she smoothed her hands over the shining ringlets that tumbled over her shoulders, she wondered how she’d appear through Garrett’s eyes.

Not that she cared. She didn’t. Nope.

A knock on her door startled her out of her musings.

It wasn’t too late to back out. She could throw on some shorts and a T-shirt and curl up with a movie.

No. She wasn’t a coward. Garrett hadn’t told her who was joining them, but he’d assured her everything would be fine. And even if it wasn’t, she’d been down this road thousands of times. It came with the territory when you had a father who was not only rich, but famous as well.

She grabbed the tiny purse that held her essentials, pasted a smile on her face, and jerked open the door.

Garrett’s eyes went wide at the sight of her. His gaze made a slow descent from her face to her feet, then — with the same agonizing pace — headed back up. She stood still, forcing herself not to fidget as he took her in.

Her hand shook as she placed it in the one he offered and he eased her into the hallway.

“Holy shit.” Garrett whistled as he spun her around.

Jessa laughed, pleased with his reaction. “Such the Southern gentleman.” She bobbed a curtsy. “You like it?”

His eyes turned dark and her chest constricted. “Princess, that dress is gonna make me forget my manners.”

She raised her chin. “I’m going to take that as a compliment.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Garrett?” A thrill of excitement shot through her as his tongue swept across his lips. It was wrong to delight in his reaction, but she couldn’t keep the smile from her face. “We don’t want to be late.”

Chapter Five

The restaurant was crowded, but not packed like she’d expected. She’d never been here before, but, at first glance, Jessa knew it was her kind of place.

Comfortable-looking leather chairs accompanied mosaic tabletops in rich, warm colors. Exposed beams were stained dark, and candles lit every table, giving off an intimate, romantic feel. A huge brick oven and open fire grill took up an entire wall. The delicious array of aromas made her mouth water.

Soft sounds drifted from an area where people were dancing. Not the bump and grind one would expect in Tampa, but a more classic style that complemented the smooth, Sinatra-esque music playing. Jessa was instantly enchanted.

Her three-inch heels clicked against the mismatched stone floor and she prayed she wouldn’t fall and break her neck. The pretty hostess fawned over Garrett, casting flirty glances over her shoulder as she escorted them to their table. Garrett was all smiles, chatting with her about her favorite food and drink selections. The girl acted as if she might actually swoon at the attention.

When they arrived at their table, Garrett took the girl’s hand and brought her knuckles to his lips. “Thank you for the assist.” When he winked, Jessa saw he’d placed a bill in her palm. It was sweet of him to tip the girl, but did he have to be so blasted charming about it?

Jessa leaned over and kept her voice low. “You slip her your room number, too?”

Garrett looked at her as if she’d grown horns. “You kidding? She’s a baby for chrissake. I’m not going to jail over a piece of ass.” He shook his head. “I can’t believe you asked me that.”

Jessa shrugged him off and turned to greet the others at the table. Jim was there, along with his wife, Joanna. Jim’s constant sidekick and catcher Miles Sturdivant sat next to them with his wife, Amy. Renowned bad boy and first baseman Tyler Brady, who was also one of Garrett’s closest friends from college if she remembered correctly, rounded out the group.

Jim stood and reached for her hand. “Jessa, it’s nice to see you. I was surprised when Garrett said you’d be joining us tonight. You remember my wife, Joanna?”

“Of course.” Jessa shook Jim’s hand. “It’s lovely to see you both again.” She extended her hand to Miles, then Amy. “It’s good to see you, Miles. Amy.” She smiled at the men and fidgeted with the strap on her purse. “You guys are looking good out there.”

Well, this isn’t awkward.

Garrett signaled to the waiter and pointed Jessa toward an empty chair.

“What about me, pretty girl?” Tyler stood, making Jessa crane her neck.

Tyler’s smile was so beautiful it made her teeth hurt. It was easy to see why women fell at his feet. His hair was longer and a shade lighter than Garrett’s, but they had the same piercing blue eyes. Growing up in neighboring states, Tyler even had the same smooth, Southern lilt that Garrett sported. Hell, they could’ve been brothers.

Tyler was way too handsome for his own good. Good thing she was immune. There was only one man here tonight who made her pulse race.

Tyler took her hand and pulled her close. “Nice dress.”

Garrett made a noise as Jessa pushed at Tyler’s chest. “Uh, thanks, Tyler. Nice to see you, too. Now, get off me.” She laughed nervously, giving him a shove. She’d known him for a few years, but he’d never tried to hug her before. She had no idea what had prompted the display now.

Tyler released her, laughing so loud several people turned to stare. “So, Jessa Montgomery,” he drawled. “Out with the little people, huh? You decide to do a little slummin’ tonight?”

Garrett stiffened at her side. “Damn it, Tyler.”

Jessa gripped Garrett’s forearm as he tried to step in front of her. She glanced around the table. Wide eyes were on her, as if waiting for her reaction. She turned to Tyler again, his eyes gleamed with amusement. Testing her, was he? Setting the tone for the evening? She didn’t know whether to be grateful or to kick his arrogant ass.

“You know,” she tapped her chin with her finger, “that thought never crossed my mind.” She tilted her head and considered him. “Until I saw
you
, that is.” She put her hand to the side of her mouth and whispered to Garrett, loud enough for everyone to hear. “Tyler definitely qualifies as slummin’, don’t you think?”

Garrett laughed and gave Tyler a smug smile. “You got my vote on that one, darlin’.”

“Mine, too.” Miles chimed in.

“Hear, hear!” Jim pounded his fist on the table.

“Any girl that can call Tyler on his bullshit is a girl I want to know. Here, Jessa.” Joanna had the guys move around until the chair next to her was empty. “Sit. Let the boys have their beer and whiskey and talk shop while us girls get better acquainted. Amy and I have decided to make our way through the list of girly, fruity drinks. What’s next on the list, Ames?”

Amy’s smile was so sincere, Jessa almost cringed. God, she was such a bitch for expecting the worst from them. If she didn’t want to be judged, then she needed to stop judging. She returned Amy’s smile, promising herself then and there that she’d do better.

“Something called a Bellini. It’s got champagne in it. You game, Jessa?”

Jessa glanced to see Garrett already had a beer in hand and was in some sort of heated discussion with Tyler. “Sure, count me in. I’ll have a couple with you.” She’d hold fast to her two-drink rule. Three tops.

Joanna placed their drink order and turned back to discuss dinner options. Her shoulder length chestnut hair swayed as she talked, her hazel eyes sharp. Jessa would bet there wasn’t much that got past her. She wore a dark blue sundress that showed off her ample cleavage and toned arms, making Jessa wonder if she spent as much time in the gym as she did.

Amy, on the other hand, was stunning with her bright red hair, blue eyes and pale skin. Her yellow halter and short skirt made Jessa feel much better about her own wardrobe choice. And Amy liked to talk with her hands when she got excited. Apparently, the prime rib was definitely wave-worthy so Jessa decided to trust Amy’s choice and ordered that, along with a salad and another drink. A Cosmo was next, because, Amy had explained, the menu listed the drinks in alphabetical order.

Once their orders were taken and drinks delivered, Joanna clapped her hands together and turned her full attention on Jessa. “So, what brings you to spring training this year, Jessa? I’ve never known you to hang out in the trenches this time of year.”

“Dad sent me.” She jutted her chin toward Garrett. “To keep an eye on golden boy over there.” Her heart fluttered. He was so handsome in his black slacks and dress shirt, paired with a gray sport coat.

Joanna and Amy shared a look, then stared at Garrett.

Jessa turned back to Garrett and judging by the scowl on his face, he’d heard her ‘golden boy’ comment. Too bad. Not like she hadn’t said it before. She faced the women again. “What did I miss?”

“He’s never done that before? Your dad, I mean.” Amy asked.

Jessa sipped her drink, enjoying the warmth that infused her belly. “Hmm. Nope, first time. That’s weird, right?”

One would think she’d have attended at least one spring training by now, so the fact that this was her first seemed very odd indeed.

The ladies shared another glance that had Jessa gritting her teeth. She was definitely missing something.

They were interrupted by salads and Joanna rearranged them again, putting her between Garrett and Tyler. Jeez, Jessa hoped she could eat surrounded by all that testosterone.

As it turned out, she could. The prime rib had been as delicious as Amy had promised, the conversation flowed easily, and Jessa relaxed, feeling at ease in their company. Even Tyler, who was attentive and flirty, made her feel comfortable and welcome in their little group.

Garrett, she’d noticed, hadn’t said much once they’d settled in to eat and she’d asked him more than once if he’d been feeling well. She got grunts and nods of affirmation, but not much else so she’d given up trying to talk to him.

After she finished her second drink, it was her turn to order up the next round. She consulted the menu. “What’s next on the list?”

“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 w
itnesses.

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?”

“You sound a little jealous.” She wasn’t even trying to hide her amusement.

He bent to her ear, letting the warmth of his breath caress her. “And if I am?”

Her skin erupted in goose bumps and her breath hitched. “Don’t do that.”

“Do what?” He pressed his cheek against her hair, enjoying the silky feel of her curls against his skin. Curls he was dying to fist as she sucked him into the heaven that was her mouth.

She jerked her head away. “Stop it, Garrett.”

She wiggled, moving her arm until it hooked his, successfully removing his palm from the heat of her skin. She grabbed his wrist and brought his hand to the back of her neck. “Keep your hand there.”

Oh, so Tyler could touch her, but he couldn’t?

He tightened his grip on the hand he held. “Something about my touch bother you, princess? You didn’t have a problem with it last night.”

“Can we just dance, please?”

Before he could respond the music changed and Amy was there, pulling Jessa from his arms. “Let her go, Garrett. Go back to the table with the guys. Us girls are gonna get our groove on!” Amy laughed as she tugged on Jessa’s hand.

Garrett watched as the women went to the center of the floor and started swaying with the music, oblivious of the couples dancing around them. He couldn’t help but smile at the delight on Jessa’s face. She seemed to be enjoying herself and he’d been a total ass. Resigned to the fact that he wouldn’t be dancing with her anytime soon, he went back to the table.

“What the fuck are you doing?” Tyler eyed him as he slid a tumbler of whiskey into Garrett’s waiting hand.

“I could ask you the same question.” Garrett’s eyes were glued on Jessa. She moved her body like she’d been made to dance. He didn’t think it possible to get harder than he already was, but that’s what she did to him. Two fucking days he’d known her and she’d turned him into a walking hard-on. She raised her arms over her head and rolled her body from her shoulders to her hips. Fuuuuuuck.

“Are you listening to me?” Tyler punched him hard in the arm.

“Ow! What the hell?”

“Pay attention. Stop drooling over Jessa. And don’t worry. Jim and Miles are too busy ogling their wives to notice the eye fuck you’ve got going on. Seriously man. Tone that shit down.”

Garrett didn’t take kindly to being told what to do, not by Tyler. Especially when it came to Jessa. “How about you mind your own fucking business.”

“Or what?” Tyler sneered. “You gonna kick my ass? We aren’t in fucking college. You need to get control of yourself. And I mean now.”

“Leave it alone, Ty.”

Tyler shook his head, his mouth drawn into a thin line. “You stupid motherfucker. We’ve been friends a long time. I’m gonna give you a break since your dick seems to be overriding your brain tonight. You need to get your shit straight, Garrett. You’re playing with fire with that one. Christ man, this isn’t how you want to start your professional career. She isn’t some chick you can play around with and then walk away from. You hear me? If you need to get laid, there are plenty of women in town that would jump at the chance. Find one, get your rocks off, and forget about Jessa Montgomery.”

Garrett gripped his glass so hard he feared it’d break. It was either that or he was going to punch Tyler in the face. Repeatedly. “When did you get so damned self-righteous? You wouldn’t know what to do with the same woman twice. Now you think to lecture me about my sex life?” Garrett downed the rest of his whiskey, ignoring Tyler’s threatening growl. “Save your speeches. I’m done listening.” Garrett pushed back his chair.

In fact, he was done with this whole fucking night.