First Sight_Never Give Up, Never Give In Read online

  Nick pulled her resisting body against his chest. “I don’t know why you’ve always been terrified of Garrett. I know he can be intimidating and arrogant, but he would never harm Jess. He would be the first person I’d want you to call if something happened to me. He’s the only one I’d trust to help you, baby. That tells you something about the guy. I don’t trust anyone else with you. Give him a chance.”

  Angie lay her head against Nick’s chest. “I just don’t think they would be good together. They’re nothing alike. And he sleeps around a lot. You’ve said so yourself, Nick. Jess doesn’t do that. I’m sure she’s never had a relationship or a lover. He’ll end up hurting her.”

  Melanie’s gaze stayed glued to the dance floor. “I’ll take a one-night stand with that man.”

  They both ignored Melanie. “What makes you think anything else will happen between them? He just asked her to dance.”

  “You didn’t see the way he was looking at her, Nick. Like she was already his. It was intense and kind of weird and definitely scary.”

  Nick rubbed his hand up and down Angie’s back while his head turned toward the dance floor. Damn. Angie was right. Garrett held Jessica very close, and his head was bent to Jessica’s as he listened to something she was saying. There was an intimacy that surrounded them, like they’d been together for years instead of just having met a few minutes ago. Nick frowned and started to get a little concerned himself. He’d never seen Garrett look at a woman like this, ever, and they’d known each other for over twenty years, since growing up in the same small town. But then his gaze went to Jess. She seemed very relaxed and didn’t show any fear or of being uncomfortable.

  “We have to stay out of it, Ang. Look.” Nick released Angie enough to turn toward the dance floor. “Look at them. Somehow, they look like they belong together. They fit. And just think, if something does come from this, maybe she’ll mellow him out, and he’ll bring some life into Jessica’s life. Something you’ve been trying to do forever. Hell, that’s why she’s here at the club with us tonight, right? I don’t know how you did it, but you somehow pulled her out of that shelter of hers.”

  Angie nodded and gritted her teeth. She wanted to get Jess out for some fun, but Garrett was the last person she’d want around her sweet friend. “He just better not hurt her unless he likes his balls tied in a knot and shoved down his throat.”

  Nick grimaced and burst out laughing. “Ouch. Jesus, Ang. I didn’t know you could be so bloodthirsty.” He nuzzled his lips across her ear. “I think I like it, as long as I’m not the victim.” His voice was a soft purr. “Let’s go dance. It’s a slow song, so I can hold you close.”

  Angie focused stayed on Jessica as she was led to the same dance floor.

  What about me? Melanie complained silently, her lower lip pushed out into a pout. No one ever thinks about me. Melanie’s gaze was glued to Garrett and Jessica. “If Jessica hadn’t been here, he would have asked me to dance,” she said under her breath. “I know it. Why in the hell did he pick white trash? I’m the prettiest and more sophisticated by far between the two of us.”

  Chapter 3

  A few minutes earlier

  Garrett nodded at Nick when he and his wife, Angie, came through the outside door. He was talking business and didn’t immediately go over to them. He caught a quick look at the women who followed them into the club and froze when a burst of attraction hit him with an irrational, instantaneous need.

  She was small and beautiful. She had long, dark red hair that framed a pale round face. From where he sat, he could see she had full lips and large eyes. Every emotion showed on her delicate face, and she didn’t seem happy to be here. She was one of the prettiest women he’d ever seen. His mouth twisted in a grimace as his eyes traveled down her. She wore the ugliest outfit that was too big on her, and it made it hard to see her figure.

  If he had to guess, that’s the way she wanted it. She tried so hard to fade into the background, not wanting any attention, which was funny since several men in the room saw her and took a second look. She tried to blend in, while the other woman with them was flashy and overly unconstrained.

  The black pants Jessica wore were baggy on her, and the gray shirt had some kind of design in front. He could tell she tried hard to look as unappealing as possible. It had to take effort to want to look like that. The funny thing was, she failed. She was one of those women who didn’t have to dress nicely. She was tying knots in his gut, and his groin tightened painfully. She could wear a paper bag and still be beautiful to him—his gaze swept across the room, catching sight of the other eyes that were trained on her—and unfortunately, so did a few other guys.

  Garrett tried to stay seated and listen to the guy he’d come to meet, but everything in him drove him to go straight to her, not even considering or caring that he might be walking away from a potential client, and that was the purpose of even coming to this cocktail party tonight.

  When he couldn’t take the space between them anymore, Garrett was beside them in seconds. Jesus. Once he’d got close to her and got to look in her dazzling blue eyes, it sent his already sensitized body into overdrive. Her brows were delicately arched, and long dark lashes framed her bright, soulful eyes. It took him a moment of him trying to act casual as he caught his breath. He didn’t even try to pull his gaze from her.

  When he was asked to be introduced, an irrational spear of white hot anger raced through him when Angie tried to keep her from him.

  It shocked him to his bones how much it had affected him. His only thought was to get her somewhere he could talk to her and put his hands on her, and the closest place was the dance floor. It was perfect. He could hold her and feel her against him, and it wouldn’t alarm her because they were dancing.

  Within moments of having met her, Garrett pulled her onto the dance floor. The breath stalled in his chest at the first contact of their bodies and the first full lungful of her feminine scent. Garrett could tell it affected her too, when she tried but failed to stifle a gasp and an involuntary instinct to move back. He tightened his arms but murmured softly and tried to push down his reaction to her before he scared her. He kept her torso flush against the hard planes of his chest but put a little space between their groin areas to keep her from feeling the hardness of his dick that pressed against his pants.

  He didn’t try to question his over-the-top reaction or the possessive feeling he already had toward her. He’d always followed his gut instinct, and it was telling him to snatch her up before anyone else did. One arm was wrapped around her waist and held her close to his chest. He could feel the trimness of her body that she tried to hide from him. Garrett ran his hand slowly across her back and her hip where her body flared out into a curvy, womanly body. The type of body he and most men enjoyed.

  His other hand held her tiny hand in his much larger grip. He ran his thumb over the back of her hand and was amazed at how soft and pure her skin was. The skin was so fine, he could see the small blue veins that ran over the back of her hand.

  Garrett pulled her closer to him and bent to whisper in her ear. “Are you enjoying yourself tonight, Jessica?”

  Jessica had had her eyes half closed since she stepped into his arms. She attempted to control the way her body responded to him. The feel of his large, hard body pressed firmly to hers made her feel things she didn’t understand. When she tried to put space between them, he just pulled her with a soft warning—a rumble of displeasure that startled her and sent a shiver down her spine.

  “Jessica?” Garrett tried to keep the satisfaction in check when she trembled, but it was hard not to show how it affected his already hard body. “Jessica?” He chuckled and squeezed her waist to get her attention.

  Jessica lifted her head away from his chest and looked up at him, but the dim light on the dance floor made it hard to see. She blinked a few times before she could focus on him. “I’m sorry. What were you asking?”

  Garrett leaned down again and nuzzled his chin aga
inst the top of her head then bent farther to whisper in her ear. “I asked if you’re having a good time?”

  A shiver ran down her spine when his hot breath blew on her ear. Her brows knitted in confusion. “I...I’m. Yes.”

  Garrett smiled. He liked the dazed look in her eyes. He let go of her hand to wrap his other arm around her, and his hand slid up under her mass of hair to cup the back of her neck. “Look at me,” he said when her eyes started to slide shut again.

  Jessica’s eyes opened to focus on his. The fiery look in his eyes sent shards of heat down her body, tightening her sensitive nipples and dampening her underwear. Then fear coursed through her when a slight trembling that she couldn’t control took over her body.

  At first he looked concerned, until he took in the signs her body displayed, which could also be arousal—the way her body trembled, the flush that covered her face and neck, and her accelerated heartbeat against his chest. His concern quickly turned to a painful hunger that hardened his gut.

  Garrett’s eyes scanned her features. He didn’t like the confused, slightly alarmed look in her eyes. “Baby, take a deep breath and hold it in for me.”

  Jessica immediately took in a lungful of air, breathing in his scent at the same time, and held it for a second before she released it slowly.

  “That’s a good girl. Do that a few times,” he murmured close to her ear.

  Jessica did what she was told, feeling relieved when the shaky feeling started to diminish. A deep blush swept over her face. “I’m sorry. I’m so embarrassed. I think I need to go home. I only had half a glass of wine, and it doesn’t usually affect me like this. I’m afraid I might be coming down with something. A few people lately have been sick at the shelter.”

  Garretts brows creased in concern. Maybe he was wrong. “Do you have a headache?”

  Jessica’s gaze met his as she shook her head and bit her lower lip.

  “Stomach ache?”

  Again she shook her head. She had no fever and certainly didn’t look sick, but could she really not know what was happening to her? A chuckle of disbelief slipped out. Damn, she was adorable.

  Jessica frowned up at him and tried to take a step back. “That’s not very nice to think it’s funny when someone is getting sick.”

  Garrett choked back another chuckle but couldn’t keep the smile off his face. He squeezed her. “I’m not laughing at you getting sick. I would never do that. But, Jessica, I don’t think you’re getting sick.”

  “How would you know?” She looked irritated and confused.

  “Trust me. I just know.”

  Jessica stared at him. He sounded so sure, that she started to believe him. “I thought it might be the wine or maybe lack of food. I’m glad. I can’t get sick. I am so busy right now at the shelter. I have a meeting to go to on Monday, and I have a lot to do to prepare for it.” She looked back up at him, uncertain. “Now tell me why you think I felt sick suddenly?”

  Garrett wanted to explain her body’s reaction, but now wasn’t a good time. Later, he would show her in detail how his touch affected her body. But this wasn’t the time, as they only just met. Garrett decided to change the subject. “What shelter? What do you do?”

  Jessica shook her head and her hands flattened against his waist. “I’m the director of an animal shelter.”

  That fit with the type of person she was turning out to be. Sweet. He’d never had a sweet woman before. Hell, he couldn’t remember actually talking to one. Usually he was attracted to the more sophisticated career woman. Ones who were tough like him and didn’t like the emotions of a relationship as much as he disliked them. He tried to stay away from any involvements. He chose to take a woman one or two times and then move on.

  Garrett kept her talking. He liked the smoky timbre of her voice. “I bet you have a lot of stories. You’ll have to tell me some.”

  Jessica chuckled. “Oh, I’ve got some doozies, but I won’t be here too much longer.”

  The second slow song ended, and another one started. Garrett thought he could dance with this woman all night, as long as she was in his arms. “I would like to take you to dinner tomorrow night.”

  Jessica stiffened. She leaned away from him so she could see his expressions, and her eyebrows puckered. When he asked questions, it sounded more like commands. “Are you asking me?”

  He looked confused. “I thought I was?”

  “It just sounded more like an order.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m used to being a boss, I guess. I like being in charge.”

  “What do you do, Garrett?”

  Garrett tensed. “I’m what you would call an entrepreneur, I guess.”

  Jessica looked a little apprehensive. “So, what exactly does that mean?”

  “I mainly buy and sell businesses but I also play with stocks.”

  “Why does Angie not trust you?”

  Garrett looked over the dance floor at Nick and Angie. “I’ve been told I’m not an easy man to be around.”

  “Why?”

  Garrett snorted and looked down into her upturned curious face. “Because I’m a hard man, I suppose.”

  “Why?”

  Garrett smiled, surprised. Few people questioned him like this. He liked that she didn’t seem intimidated by him. She was just curious. “How about I take you to dinner tomorrow night and I answer all your questions then?”

  Jessica looked down at his chest and tried to think. She was drawn to this man for some reason. She wanted to be with him. She liked making him smile. She could tell he didn’t do that often. But Angie’s reaction to him bothered her. Angie was not a mean person and liked about everybody, so why didn’t she like him?

  “Can I think about it?”

  Garrett tightened his arms and narrowed his eyes. “Are you worried about Angie and what she will think?”

  “A little. You terrify her.”

  He grimaced and shook his head. “I certainly don’t mean to. What about you? Do I scare you?”

  Jessica bit her lip. How could she explain the riot of emotions cascading through her, when she didn’t understand them herself? “No. I don’t think you do.”

  “I would never, ever hurt you. And I would never hurt Angie. She’s a part of Nick, so she will always have my protection and support.”

  “But why is she afraid of you? Are there people you have hurt?” She regretted the words immediately when a fragment of anger flashed across his eyes. She felt bad that she might have insulted him.

  His eyes hardened, and his arms tightened even more around her. “I think we’ve talked enough about me. I’d like to hear about you.” His voice was silky smooth but had an undertone of steely control and displeasure.

  Jessica stiffened as she stared into his shadowy eyes, a woman’s flight instinct and insecurities pulsed through her. “It’s getting late, and I have to wake up early.” She pulled away from him and was slightly surprised that he let her, when at first, he’d constricted his arms before he released her.

  He stared down at the hand she held out for a long moment and then back up to her eyes. No way was this over. His hand engulfed hers, the calluses rasping over her soft skin.

  “It was nice meeting you, Garrett, and maybe we’ll see each other around sometime.”

  “Oh, I can guarantee it, Jessica. Drive safe.”

  She frowned, swallowed nervously, and pulled her hand away. Somehow, he made that sound more like a promise with a hint of threat. She lifted her chin and gave him a frosty smile before the turned away from him.

  He watched her go with a look so predatory, he knew it would scare her if she saw his expression at that moment and make her run. It took an immense amount of strength to keep from yanking her back into his arms and carrying her out of here. Did she really think this was over? Oh, hell no. She’d learn soon enough that when he wanted something he usually got it. He knew he was an arrogant, selfish bastard and already thought he’d be going to hell for some of the things in life he’d had to
do to survive, so what was one more strike? He was willing to take it to have her.

  He watched until she was out of sight. The edgy, sexually-charged feelings she drove through him made him a little unsettled, but it certainly wouldn’t keep him away from her. If there were signs that she wasn’t attracted to him, he would have backed off, but he saw the wonder and the same heat in her eyes that were reflected in his.

  Melanie smiled in glee. She was so delighted when she had seen Jessica and Garrett break apart on the dance floor. Both looked a little pissed. She thought it would be the perfect time to make her move, since it looked like the two of them weren’t getting along. Melanie unbuttoned another button from the top of her dress to show more of her cleavage and lace of her bra.

  He turned to walk off the dance floor and collided into the other woman that had come with Angie and Nick. He couldn’t remember her name. “Excuse me.” He moved to go around her.

  Melanie clutched his arm and smiled. “No, I’m sorry, Garrett. Would you like to dance with me?” She lowered her voice to sound sexy.

  Garrett lifted his arm away from her and tried not to show his distaste. “No, I’m sorry. I was just headed out. Maybe another time,” he said smoothly and walked off.

  She watched his wide shoulders as he walked out. “Goddammit,” she said softly under her breath. Jessica must have ruined his night, or he wouldn’t have left. Her dislike for that women was rapidly growing into a depth of hate she had never felt before.

  He was not only gorgeous, but from what she’d heard, extremely rich. The perfect man in her book. Why would he pick Jess over her? It didn’t make sense. She knew she looked good. Jessica must have spoiled his night.

  Melanie took a deep breath. She had more chances. The club had this cocktail party every Friday night and gave professional people a way to unwind and gather contacts. She’d guessed he’d be there since it was good way to meet potential clients.

  Melanie shook her head, dumbfounded. She couldn’t understand why men would go for Jessica over her. Jess was cute in her own frumpy way, but she didn’t take care of herself, didn’t try to make herself look appealing at all. The outfits she wore were usually atrocious, and Melanie wouldn’t be caught dead in them. Jess was several inches shorter than her and a little plump, while she was tall and slender, and she always made sure she was perfectly put together. Jess didn’t even wear makeup or try to fix her hair. Melanie admitted Jess’ one good allure was that she had long beautiful hair. The deep red tones reflected the light and brought out the other colors like a light mahogany and a chestnut brown mixed in. But Melanie liked her own light-colored hair. Men seemed go for blondes, so she paid a lot of money to make it this brilliant platinum shade