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It’s just work, I reminded myself.Not a real date. We were presenting a united front tonight. That was all.
Over the next few minutes, our table filled quickly. Holden sat next to me with Kayden on his left. Cal and Jax were seated there as well. Even though we’d been at this for six months, it was still a little strange to see Bridger and Kessa sitting at another table with the former beta and their inner circle. The old guard.
Conversations picked up all around us, but the seat next to me remained empty. Just as I was about to ask Kayden where Jessica was, she walked through the double doors. For a moment, all I could do was stare.
I’d witnessed the entire Contention and had seen her dressed up plenty of times, but never had I seen her look likethis. The glittering pale pink gown she wore hugged her curves in all the right places, the neckline dipping low enough to make my throat tighten at the sight of her full breasts. This wasn’t the shy, demure look of the Jessica I knew.
My gaze roved up and down her body, coming to rest on her deep blue eyes—eyes that locked with mine for a heartbeat before flicking away quickly. I swallowed and turned my attention back to the table, only to find that everyone else was watching her as well.
From the corner of my eye, I watched her approach, barely resisting the urge to openly stare. Only then did I realize this was no way to treat my date—though until this evening, I hadn’t really considered Jessica as more than a friendly companion. Unsure what to do with that thought, I shot to my feet and strode toward her, intercepting her midway across the room.
“Good evening,” I murmured, raking my eyes over her once more before offering my arm. “You look beautiful tonight.”
Jessica blinked, her pink lips—a shade darker than her dress—parting slightly before curving into a friendly smile. “Thank you, Garrett.” She swept her gaze over me, and a jolt of awareness raced through me, the heat of unexpected desire taking me by surprise. “You clean up pretty well yourself.”
I grinned at that, winking and straightening my tie as I said, “I do my best.”
She chuckled and rolled her eyes, but the smile remained as I led her to our table. Pulling out her chair for her, I barely noticed the others watching us. “Thank you for coming as my date tonight.”
Jessica hesitated, glancing around the table before offering a timid smile. “It’s nice to participate as a guest, though part of me feels like I should be with the assistants, making sure everything goes off without a hitch.”
“They’ll be fine,” Kayden said. “I can’t imagine that you’ve left a single detail to chance. Everything looks beautiful.”
Everyone murmured their agreement, and I couldn’t help but think how beautiful the woman sitting by my side was. How had I never noticed that before?
The first course was brought out, wine flowing freely. Conversations at the surrounding tables grew louder, everyone enjoying themselves as the dinner got underway.
“The food is excellent,” I commented once the main course was served, turning to Jessica. “Did you use the kitchen staff?”
She shook her head and took a sip of wine. “I hired Helen to cater the event.”
“Nice call. Nothing but the best.” I lifted my glass and clinked it against Jessica’s. Helen was a friend of the family who owned Holden’s favorite restaurant. She had often been called upon for events before Holden became alpha. It seemed Jess wanted to stick with tradition there, and I had no complaints.
“Thank you.” She smiled as she brought her glass to her lips, and I found myself unable to look away.
Leaning closer, I said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you show up late to anything.” I gave her a teasing smile. “I hope being my date tonight isn’t so unpleasant that you were trying to avoid it.”
Her eyes widened slightly. “No! I wasn’t.” She shook her head. “I mean… I just needed to check in with the staff to make sure they had everything they needed. You aren’t unpleasant.”
I arched a brow. “How reassuring. I’ve always hoped a woman would find menot unpleasant.”
She laughed, her cheeks flushing slightly. “Pretty sure plenty of other women would be quite pleased to be sitting here next to you.”
But I wasn’t thinking about other women right now. Jessica wasn’t anything like the women I typically dated. So many of them were just interested in me because of my power and position. I didn’t get that vibe from Jessica, though.
“And what about you?” I pressed. “How do you feel about being my date?”
She blinked, her mouth opening slightly, but she didn’t say anything. I knew this was a work event, and we were a convenient match for tonight. But for some reason, I found myself wondering what she really thought about me.
Jessica took another sip of wine then grinned. “Honestly? I think you’re a shameless flirt who doesn’t know what to do with a woman that isn’t throwing herself at you.”
I leaned back in my chair, holding my hand against my chest. “Ouch.” I shook my head and laughed. “Are you always so direct?”
“Not usually,” she admitted. “But I’m trying this new thing where I say what I’m thinking.”
Interesting. Jessica had always come across as shy and quiet. “How’s that working out for you?”
She raised one delicate brow. “You tell me.”
