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The deep, rough voice coming from behind had her turning on her heels. The big, strong body encased in a black T-shirt and jeans sent her blood pressure into the dangerous range.
“Sam?” Julie asked. She was surprised to see him at the diner. Although with Wanda in the hospital, Julie should’ve expected one of the Jennings men to take over. When Sam didn’t so much as glance her way and all his attention seemed focused on Bryan, she remembered his question. “Uh, there’s no problem.”
His gaze flashed ice as he balled his hands into fists at his sides. “Planning to order anytime soon, Delaney?”
To her utter shock, Bryan paled. The man had always appeared so confident, a little too confident in her mind, but there was no mistaking the fear in his eyes as he looked at Sam now. “Sam Jennings,” Bryan said. “I didn’t know you were working at the diner.”
“If you’re looking for a date, find it somewhere else, Delaney,” Sam advised. “The waitresses are off limits.”
Bryan turned a rather ugly shade of green. “Of course. My apologies.”
Julie glanced over at Sam and noticed his expression hadn’t changed. He still looked ready to commit murder. She smiled and did her best to diffuse the volatile situation. “How about I get you a slice of that apple pie you like so much, Bryan?”
“Sure. Thanks, Julie.”
She turned to go but realized Sam didn’t budge. She got all the way to the counter before her curiosity got the better of her. When she looked back over her shoulder, she saw Sam leaning close to Bryan, their faces mere inches apart. After a few seconds, Sam straightened, and Bryan slid out of the booth and practically ran for the door. All Julie could see was the money Bryan would’ve spent all but vanishing into thin air.
She glared and waited for Sam to reach her before blasting him. “I hope you realize that you just cost the diner a regular customer.”
His eyebrows shot up. “You want that asshole around?”
“That’s not the point. The point is, the diner can’t afford to lose even one customer. No matter how annoying he might be.” She paused a moment, then added, “And don’t curse.”
“I’ve known Delaney since high school, and he’s nothing but trouble. Always has been. He chases every woman under the age of fifty. Trust me, we’ll get by without him just fine.” He leaned close and whispered, “Unless you enjoyed him staring at your chest.”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t be crude. He was a pain in my backside, but he was still a paying customer. And one with a really big mouth too. You could’ve cost us a lot more than just one customer.” Curious, she asked, “What’d you say to him anyway?”
“I told him that you were especially off limits.”
Julie’s stomach did a little somersault at the way his voice dropped to a more intimate, sexy tone. “Why would you tell him that?”
Sam cupped her chin in his palm. “Mom is fond of you, so that makes you one of us. And the Jenningses tend to be damned protective over those we care about.”
She jerked away from him. “Wanda is not the one who chased Bryan off just now.” Julie realized she hadn’t asked how his mom was doing and said, “Speaking of your mom, how is she?”
“She’s better. I’m heading over there later to talk to her doctor. And she might not be the one to get rid of Delaney, but for damn sure she wouldn’t have been too happy if she’d seen the way he was salivating all over you.”
Julie didn’t believe for a second that his motives were so innocent. She stepped closer and squinted up at him. “So you’re looking out for me for Wanda’s sake?”
He ran a hand through his hair before stepping back a few feet. As if needing the distance to think clearly? Julie wondered. “Look, I owe you for everything you did for her. For us. I thought maybe you and I could have dinner together.”
The fact that she had the big bad Sam Jennings on the run sent a little thrill up Julie’s spine. “A simple thank-you would suffice. No need to suffer through another meal with me.”
“Suffer?”
“I got the distinct impression you didn’t want me at your Thanksgiving celebration. In fact, I sort of thought you didn’t want me anywhere near you or your family.”
He shook his head. “Why on earth would you say that?”
“Oh, gee, I don’t know. Maybe it was because of all the nasty looks you sent my way?”
“You misunderstood.”
“Really?”
“Really.” He held his hands out to his sides as if in surrender. “It’s only dinner, Julie. Let me make it up to you.”
Julie bit her lip and looked down. She hadn’t dated much since her grandmother’s death. And never someone as potent as Sam Jennings. You are way out of your depth, sister.
