Part 10 (1/2)

The man had a gift.

”What about my wife's smile?”

I stiffened when I heard Royal's voice behind us. There was a definite tense edge to his voice. That was not the first impression I wanted Jason to have of my husband, so I turned quickly and begged him with my eyes to be nice.

Thankfully, Jason wasn't fazed by Royal's att.i.tude one bit. In fact, he didn't miss a beat and swiftly moved forward, hand out.

”You must be Royal. Jason Hutchens.”

I watched, mortified as Royal stood stoic, arms crossed over his chest and lips tight. I wanted to kick him in the s.h.i.+ns and then twist his t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es until they looked like raisins.

I was horrified.

Jason took it in stride. His hand went back to his side and a genuine smile pulled at his lips. There was understanding in his eyes, something I'd never understood about men.

”I really appreciate you inviting me to spend the evening with your family.”

”I didn't invite you. My wife did.”

My hands shook. G.o.d, I was so embarra.s.sed. One night. That's all I asked for was one d.a.m.n night for everyone to act normal. It wasn't a lot to ask, but apparently for my husband, it was.

He was acting like a jealous a.s.s. Jason was far from a threat, but I guess to him, he was. Yes, Jason was an attractive man, but I had no interest in him whatsoever. There wasn't even a moment of attraction for me. We hit it off but in such a friendly way.

I was trying to set him up with my best friend for crying out loud!

”Yes, well, just the same. I'm glad she took pity on a lonely old man and offered him a home cooked meal and company. You've married a very special young lady, Mr. Grainger. She's been like an angel.”

”Yes, she is.”

Jason gave him a short nod, and the air swirled around us thick and tense like a testosterone cloud. I felt sick. The girls stood to the side, watching the entire thing unravel with wide eyes. It was like a twisted tennis match-entertaining and bizarre.

My party was already turning into a disaster. Of course it was.

”Macy, can you take his wine into the kitchen? Girls, help her get the wine gla.s.ses from the cabinet in the dining room.”

They nodded and scuttled off, anxious to escape whatever-the-h.e.l.l it was going on between Jason and Royal.

”Let's go into the living room. Glenn and Sarah are already here. Dinner will be on the table shortly. We're just waiting on Tara and Abbie.”

I led Jason into the living room where he was, thankfully, greeted warmly by Glenn and Sarah.

While I got dinner on the table with the girls help, Tara and Abbie showed up and I was finally able to introduce Abbie to Jason. I'd been waiting a long time to see the look on her face.

”And this is my oldest friend, Abbie. Abbie, this is Jason Hutchens.”

You could hear crickets sing in the silence of the room, but the sparkle in Abbie's eyes... oh yes, she owed me one. Forever.

Jason had a little twinkle in his eye as he took in the wonder of Abbie, too. She's gone all out for the occasion-not that she ever looked frumpy-but she looked gorgeous. Her chestnut hair fell around her shoulders like silk, and her dress hugged each of her generous curves.

Just perfect.

”It's a pleasure to meet you, Abbie. Jenna's been singing your praises.”

She lifted an eyebrow in my direction and smiled. ”Well, I'll have to thank her for that later.” She winked and reached for his hand. ”It's really nice to meet you, too. So, Jen tells me you just moved into town...”

I took that as my cue to let them get better acquainted.

”Would anyone like something to drink while I set the table? Jason? A gla.s.s of wine?”

He turned and smiled. ”No, thank you, Jenna. I think I'll wait for the meal.”

”All right, then, I'm going to finish up in the kitchen.”

I glanced over at my fire-breathing husband, who was burning holes in the side of my head from across the room.

”Do you need any help in there?” Jason asked.

”I've got it,” Royal snapped before stomping out of the room.

I mouthed sorry on my way out and followed Royal into the kitchen.

He stood against the counter scowling, hands on his hips.

”An old widower, huh?”

I scoffed. ”I never said he was an old widower, Royal. Maybe if you actually listened to me once in a while. Yes, he's a widower, but I never said he was old. I said older. Why are you being such a b.a.s.t.a.r.d? I begged you to be nice, Royal.”

He took two long strides forward until I could feel his breath on my cheek.

”He's a f.u.c.king chump, and he was flirting with you. In my f.u.c.king house.”

I shook my head. ”He was not, Royal. He's very charming, that's all. He was flirting with your mom, though.”

That p.i.s.sed him off, to the point he trembled. Somehow, I had to shut my mouth and get him settled down before he did, or said, something stupid.

I had to admit, though, that for a moment it felt fantastic having him look at me with such a fierce possessive gleam in his eyes.

”Jenna, I'm this close to breaking that guy's neck. He f.u.c.ks with my mom, and it's over.”

I let out a small snicker. ”I'm playing matchmaker, Royal. Remember? He's here to meet Abbie.”

”Great. That's not much better, Jenna. The guy is... ”He took a deep breath and shook his head.” I don't like him. He's not Abbie's type.”

I rolled my eyes and grabbed his face between my hands. ”Royal, you adorably, stupid man. He is Abbie's type. Trust. Me. Did you see her reaction? She's happy.”

He pinched his lips together tightly and narrowed his eyes. ”I don't like you hanging out with him. We don't even know this guy.”

I dug my fingers into his cheeks and growled. ”Ugh! That's why I invited him over, Royal! So we can get to know him! Be nice, d.a.m.n it!” I released my grip on his face and patted his chest, giving him a sultry smile and trying to divert the conversation. ”Play nice now, and maybe we can play nicer later.”

His eyes sparkled before laying a scorching kiss on me. His hands fisted into my hair, and he pushed his pelvis against mine, forcing me back against the countertop. I groaned when I felt his tongue brush against my lips and opened my mouth, eager to let him in.