Page 47 of Forbidden Kisses
Jack smiled. “You look like you’re feeling a little sick, I think. Maybe you’ve had just a touch too much beer,” he suggested.
“But I only had one.”
“Okay.Well then, you’ve got an excruciating headache. No time to wait for Krista’s brother to come pick you up.”
“How did you know—?”
“Small town. Krista and Abby have been using Joey for a good decade.”
Grace nodded as the song ended. “I’ll tell Abby. She’ll tell Krista. You’re just being a nice guy by taking me home.”
“Exactly.”
She pulled her lower lip between her teeth. Jack wanted to nibble on it himself, but he’d wait until they were out of the public eye, for Grace’s sake. Then there’d be no holds barred.
Jack followed Grace to the bar and tried to look the part of a good friend, nothing more, as he stood beside her.
“Hey, Abby. I’m not feeling well all of a sudden.”
Abby turned and frowned at Grace. “Really? What’s wrong?”
“Monster headache,” Grace said.
Jack stared down at his hands on the bar, trying not to give away the lie.
“I’m going to head home, I think,” Grace continued.
“What? Are you sure?” said a young blond bartender standing in front of Abby. Jack had never seen her here before. “I have ibuprofen in my purse if you want some.”
“No, thanks. Jack said he didn’t mind driving me, so…”
“Let me do it,” Noah said, stepping up beside her.
Jack looked up.Where was everyone coming from?
“It’d be an excuse to end my date early.” Noah drove his gaze to the side, gesturing at the table behind them.
Was he serious?Jack had put up with his younger brother cramping his style and his sex life when they were young, but tonight he needed Grace in his bed. As soon as possible.
“Your date isn’t going well?” Grace asked, looking concerned.
“No. Every word out of that beautiful woman’s mouth is about how wonderful she is. I swear, finding a down-to-earth girl is like discovering a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. You might be the last good catch out there,” he told Grace. “If you weren’t my sister…”
Grace punched his shoulder. “Eww! That’s gross.”
“Definitely.” Noah laughed.
“And I’m sitting right here, you know,” Abby complained. “You don’t think I’m down to earth?” she asked.
“You’re gross, too. You used to be my sister-in-law.”
Jack massaged the throbbing spot in his left temple. “So I’ll just take you home now,” he said, reaching for Grace’s hand and pulling her away from the newly formed clique.
“Right.” Grace winced. “My head does hurt. Sorry, Noah. Maybe Krista needs your help,” she offered as Jack led her to the door. When they were outside, he took a deep breath. “Finally,” he growled.
Grace laughed.
Taking her hand, he led her to his truck. “What is it with you throwing Krista at my brother?”
