That she believed. They’d made a lot of progress in the last forty-eight hours, but that wasn’t enough time toundoJesse Pleasant. “Okay. I’ll call my dad.”
Jesse leaned against the counter, another rare smile spreading across his lips. “Don’t act so excited about it.”
“I gotta play it cool for August.” She dug her phone out of her bag and brought up her father’s contact information. He answered after a few rings.
“Daughter of mine.”
“Hi, Papa. I’m going to spend the night out.”
“And where will you be spending the night?” No judgment. He was just being a dad and she wouldn’t want it any other way.
“At Jesse’s. I’ll be back in the morning.”
“Okay. I know Jesse has his own place, but Leona is a little particular still about sex before marriage when it comes to her grandkids. Commitment, unwanted pregnancies, all that. I know you’re responsible, but that’s the way she feels. Just be respectful if you cross paths.”
Lily-Grace didn’t like the sound of that, but she knew better than to say anything about it to her father. “Will do. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Until then.”
She ended the call and shoved her phone in the back pocket of her jeans before she turned back to Jesse. “Am I going to have to sneak out of here at five a.m. to keep your grandmother off my scent?”
“No,” he said, serious again. “You can leave when I leave for work. I’ll talk to her.”
“Okay. I’m fine being a hussy, but I want to be a hussy she likes.”
“I’ll take care of it.”
“Okay. So walk me through your nightly routine.” A different kind of thrill ran through her as she said the words. They didn’t need a riding crop or any handcuffs. She wanted to spend the night with Jesse. She just wanted to be with him.
“I’ve successfully removed all family members, guests, and remaining dogs from my house. First, I ask Clementine if she has to use the bathroom.”
Lily-Grace looked back into the living room where the dog had been snoring on her dog bed since Clarissal’s first limo introduction.
Jesse walked back into the living room, and whispered in the softest voice, “Hey, Clementine.” The dog’s eyes snapped open and her head popped up. “Let’s go outside.”
“What if she doesn’t have to go?” Lily-Grace asked quietly. Jesse didn’t answer right away. Just waited as Clementine slowly rolled to her feet. She made a few steps of progress, then stopped to stretch and let out the most adorable doggy groan. She walked by them and headed right for the front door.
Jesse took Lily-Grace’s hand and they followed. “If she’s too lazy, she stays on her dog bed out here, but usually she knows it’s bedtime and she better relieve herself before I call it a night.” Lily-Grace watched as Jesse opened the front door and let Clementine out. They stood in the doorway and watched as she doggy-jogged over to the grassy acreage that made up the center of the cul-de-sac. She did her business then jogged back inside, walking right past them, in the direction of Jesse’s bedroom.
“She’s independent.”
“She’s the best dog on Earth,” he said, his expression deadly serious. He talked baby talk to that dog, she just knew it. “Next, I get ready for bed. If you’ll follow me. Please.” He led her down to his bedroom and into his massive closet. Her closet up north was impressive. Room for her ridiculous amount of clothes. Her handbag collection, all of her shoes, but she had a hard time keeping it organized and tidy. Jesse’s closet was immaculate. His suits all hung with care. Shoes placed lovingly on organized shelves. There were drawers she assumed were for his accessories and an assortment of Stetsons in different colors hanging artfully on the far wall. The black one he usually rocked was on the coatrack near the front door.
“I don’t think I’ve seen you wear any of these,” she said, touching the brim of a cream-colored cowboy hat. She turned and did a double take at the huge mirror just inside the closet door. Jesse walked toward her and she watched both of their reflections in the large reflective glass. Jesse stepped up behind her, pressing against her back. She leaned against him, soaking in the warmth of his body.
“I got my black Stetson from my dad. His ‘you’re a man now’ gifts to me and my brothers. We each have one from him. I’m just used to wearing it.”
“Well, it suits you. So which drawer do you keep your man jammies in?”
“When I’m home alone, I sleep naked. I came in here to grab something for you.” He opened one of the drawers and pulled out a Lakers T-shirt.
“Do you have one that comes in Golden State?” Lily-Grace said, then immediately burst into laughter at the deeply horrified look on Jesse’s face.
“Get out of my house.”
She snatched the T-shirt from him. “I’m kidding. I remember how much of a Lakers fan you are. You wore that Starter jacket nonstop. It would be like a hundred degrees and you’d be on the swings just sweating in that thing.”
“I miss that jacket. This way.” They headed out of the closet and out of Jesse’s bedroom. He showed her into one of the guest rooms and turned on the light.
