Jared (The Protectors #2)(21)

“I want to take Adam on.” Jeff called Adam out.

Adam’s grin was full of arrogance. “Bring it.” He rolled up his shirt sleeve this time and sat back down across from Jeff.

After many rounds of arm wrestling everyone had a turn, some twice after being called out by someone else, except for Jill. “Jill, who do you want to go up against?”

Glancing up surprised that Jared had spoken to her, she shook her head and went back to doodling on the notebook she always carried with her.

“Ahhh, she’s just a girl anyway. Girls can’t arm wrestle.” Jeff snorted blowing off the fact that Jill didn’t have a turn.

To Tessa’s surprise, Jill stood her eyes narrowed with anger. “I’ll take him on.” Her words were spoken lightly, but had a confident edge to them.

Jeff snorted again taking a seat across from her landing his elbow hard on the table in an attempt to intimidate. Once they clasped hands Jeff’s eyes widened slightly. As soon as Jared’s hand lifted from the top of theirs Jill moved so fast and hard that the table cracked and the match was over before anyone could cheer. Everyone was frozen in shock with their mouths wide open.

“She cheated!” Jeff recovered first rubbing his elbow. “I wasn’t ready.”

“No, she didn’t.” Jared replied a grin replacing his shocked expression. “You both had the chance to start at the same time. I didn’t feel any movement while my hand was on top of yours.”

“We can go again if you want?” Jill threw that out on the table. Jeff just gave her a hard glare, stomping back to his chair where he plopped down holding his arm.

“Well I guess my point was proven. Size or sex doesn’t matter. It’s what’s in here…” He pointed to Matt’s head. “and here.” He pointed just above his heart.

Tessa was so excited she wanted to give Jill a knuckle bump when she passed but she just smiled at her. “Good job Jill.”

“Thanks.” Jill headed back to her chair to start doodling again.

“Tessa hasn’t gone yet.” Adam announced with a huge grin.

“Oh no.” Tessa stood grabbing dirty dishes, ignoring the urging from the kids. “I’m too competitive to take on a sure loss.”

“Ah come on Tessa” Matt pouted. “You gotta do it.”

“Yeah, Tessa.” Jared teased. “You gotta.”

“Uhm, I can’t compete with any of you.” Tessa rolled her eyes. “I’m not a vampire and like I said there is no way I’m competing on a sure loss. I’m way too competitive.”

“Come on.” Jared sat down putting his arm up on the table. “You can use both hands.”

Tessa snorted sounding like one of the kids. “Oh and that will make a difference.”

“What kind of example are you setting for them?” Jared smiled at the look she threw his way. “Remember it’s not the size or sex if you want it bad enough.”

Her eyes flew to his in shock, but his innocent look made her think her mind was the only one in the gutter. “Everybody scrape your plates and set them in the sink.”

“Chicken.” Jared teased, then laughed out loud when someone made a clucking noise.

Tessa slammed the dishes in the sink, rolled up her shirt sleeve and headed toward Jared. “Adam.” She nodded toward Jared’s large hand that swallowed hers.

Cheers and bets were already bouncing around the room. Tessa looked up at Jared who gave her a smirk. Taking a glance around to make sure everyone’s attention was up on their hands Tessa toed her shoe off. As soon as Adam lifted his hand Tessa found Jared’s leg with her bare foot running it up the inside calf heading toward his knee and higher. His eyes shot to hers as she slammed his hand down on the table. Screams and shouts echoed throughout the room.

Jared’s head snapped back, his laughter booming in the small kitchen. When he finished laughing he shook his head. “You cheated.” He whispered across the table.

“You bet I did.” Tessa grinned not feeling the least bit embarrassed. “Told you I was competitive.”

Chapter 9

Tessa tiptoed downstairs wearing her teal colored sundress. She was hoping that everyone would be gone, but from the sounds coming from the kitchen her hopes were dashed. Taking a deep breath she prepared herself with what was about to come.

“Little overdressed to go to watch us train, aren’t you?” Adam frowned staring at Tessa.

“I’m not going to watch you train.” Tessa replied glancing at the clock uncomfortable with everyone’s eyes trained on her. Okay, that was a total lie. She was totally uncomfortable with the burning stare Jared was giving her. She actually felt his heated gaze. “You’re a big boy. I’m sure you can train without me there.”

“But they want you there too.” Adam looked at Jared for confirmation.

“Well, I can’t tonight.” Tessa finally looked at Jared whose eyes were traveling back up to her face. The heated look a man gives a woman he desires made her knees wobbly.

“Why not?” Jared’s golden eyes blazed when they met hers.

“I have….” Tessa cleared her throat. “a date.”

Adam snorted shaking his head. “With who? You haven’t dated since Sheriff Bowman left you for Marcy.”