Garrett brushed his thumbs below her eyes, wiping away her remaining tears.
She asked, “So what happens next?”
“If you won’t commit to moving in with me yet, then I’d like to formally invite you to come to our home and stay with us as a guest for as long as you’d care to.”
“What?” Seth asked, raising his voice in shock.
“You heard me.”
Seth smiled. He took two steps over to Jessica and kissed her surprised mouth. “I’d like to second his invitation.”
“Is that so?”
Garrett pressed his mouth to hers gently at first, then with increasing ardor as she relaxed in his arms. Apparently, their first argument had come to an end.
Duke strolled in at that moment, catching them, which didn’t stop the kiss until he started talking to Seth. “I’m going to let my crew finish taking samples from the bridal suite. The place looked wiped down, whether from housekeeping or the burglar, I can’t tell at this point, but there are a few fingerprints we’ll check out for relevancy.”
“Can I get the room cleaned up after you’re done?”
“Yep. That’s what I came to tell you. Plus, I’ll let you know what we turn up in the way of fingerprints, if any.”
“Thanks.”
“Sure thing.” To Jessica he said, “Do you still need a place to stay? Because I’ve changed my mind and decided to offer up my house.”
Garrett said, “Because you want to die?”
“I thought if I did, you’d be so jealous that you’d unclench and let her stay with you, where she obviously wants to go anyway.”
“I’ve already invited her to stay with me, Duke, but thanks so much for your concern. If you’re truly looking for another roommate, I could suggest someone absolutely perfect for you. Her name is Victoria. She makes amazing candy and other sweet things to eat. You should go talk to her.”
Duke laughed uncomfortably and cleared his throat. “Thanks for the tip.” He left quickly after that. Seth gave Garrett a dirty look. Garrett shrugged.
Everyone in town knew that the owner of the candy shop in Old West Town, Victoria, wanted Duke in the worst way. She chased him regularly and made herself available at every conceivable opportunity, but Duke always kept his distance.
Some misguided sense of propriety made him think he was too old for her. She disagreed. Seth believed additionally that he didn’t want to explain to her about the ménage lifestyle he enjoyed. Although after living in Old West Town, she had to have an inkling of what was going on with all of the pairs of men escorting only one woman around afterhours.
Not to mention that of late, there had been a series of weddings among several of the owners at Old West Town. Unexpected since all the newly married men had also previously sworn off women and permanent relationships for one reason or another. At least until they’d met a woman they apparently couldn’t live without.
Seth looked at Jessica and realized that she might very well be that woman for him. Garrett looked at her right now like he felt the same way. It was true that their ex had done a number on them, but Jessica was the first woman they knew who had also endured a similar predicament. At least they hadn’t planned a big extravagant wedding.
Garrett’s invitation to let her live with them was unprecedented, but Seth had new confidence that this relationship might be enduring. Thus far in his mind their connection was definitely one to treasure and not dismiss so easily. He intended to do his best to make a permanent relationship a reality. While he certainly remembered the hurt Gina had caused, Jessica wasn’t like her. It was long past time to move on.
Jessica kissed Garrett one last time. “I’ll go get my car from the diner parking lot.”
Garrett followed her out the door, saying, “I’ll get mine, too. Then I’ll let you follow me home.”
She said, “I know you’re the boss and everything, but don’t you still have to go back to work eventually?”
His friend looked at his watch and cursed under his breath. “Damn it. I do. I have an important Skype call in less than an hour.”
Seth said, “I’ll drive over with her and get her settled in to our place.”