“Yeah,” Tarryn added. “Don’t hesitate to contact us about anything you might need, okay? Even if you just want to talk or vent.”
I recalled what they’d shared earlier and countered, “What if I just want to order some doughnuts or a sandwich?”
“You can do that, too,” Mallory assured me with a big smile on her face.
“And Jagger and I are always available for a double date,” Lily offered. “Jagger and Jesse are already really great friends, and I’m always looking for some friends to add to my small circle here in Steel Ridge.”
Wow.
This was even better than I could have imagined. I felt so grateful for these women and their willingness to pull me into the fold. It was kind and sweet, and it gave me hope about what might be in store for me here.
“That’s sweet of you to offer. I’ll keep that in mind,” I assured her.
I’d barely gotten the words out when my attention was pulled away from the women in front of me and toward the entrance to The Steel Pub.
Jesse had walked in with five handsome men. They didn’t come close to doing anything for me when it came to physical attraction, but I couldn’t deny they were all very good-looking.
Jesse’s eyes immediately sought me out, and the moment they connected with mine, I watched the tension leave his body as a smile formed on his face. I hadn’t realized he was still so worried about the physical threat I had looming over me.
Or, perhaps that wasn’t what had him all worked up. Maybe he was simply nervous about the girls coming to visit with me, because there wasn’t a doubt in my mind that he’d done something to facilitate all of this.
The guys made it to where we were seated, and Jesse didn’t hesitate to speak. “I see you’ve made some friends,” he noted.
Grinning, I confirmed, “I did.”
“Want a few more?” he asked.
Warmth moved through me as I nodded.
Pointing to each guy as he introduced them, Jesse declared, “Royce, Nixon, Jagger, Damon, and Brixton.”
“It’s so nice to meet all of you,” I said.
I received a round of chin lifts or similar sentiments before the guys pulled up a couple of extra chairs and sat down with us. If I thought things would be awkward now that the guys had joined us, I was wrong.
It was a wonderful time. Everyone got along, had great conversation, and shared a lot of laughs.
As I took stock of the situation, I realized just how much my life had changed in such a short time. Considering my new job, coworkers, friends, and Jesse, it was no surprise I felt like the Grinch the moment his heart had tripled in size.
That was why I didn’t hesitate to take a second to lean into Jesse and quietly share, “You’ve made me the happiest woman in the world.”
His features warmed as he wrapped his arm around my back until his hand settled on my opposite shoulder, where he gave me a loving squeeze.
I didn’t know how I’d managed to live without this man for all these years.
FIFTEEN
Sawyer
The whisper-soft touch of Jesse’s lips against my cheek forced a smile to form on my face. The strong hold he had on me with his arm wrapped around my waist made me feel protected and loved. And the warmth I felt with his body pressed close to mine from behind brought me a sense of comfort and peace I hadn’t realized I’d been needing for so long.
“Morning,” I murmured.
“You’re awake,” he said after pressing another kiss to my cheek. “Did I wake you?”
My eyes fluttered open, and I twisted my neck in his direction. “Do you honestly believe I was awake on my own after all that happened last night?”
As Jesse’s arm tightened around my waist, I felt his lips smile against the skin on my neck. “You didn’t enjoy it?”