The low, canine growl in her voice nearly matched the feline one lodged in his throat. “Well I hope you’re one of those people who have more than one mate, because I’m gonna kill me a vet if he doesn’t learn to keep his hands to himself.”
Chloe glared at him. “And what should I do about your sweet little pus—”
He slapped his hand over her mouth. “Don’t call her that. It’s not polite.”
She grumbled against his palm. He laughed, ignoring the looks the other passengers sent their way.
He also tried to ignore the niggling little voice telling him that maybe Chloe was right. That maybe he had made a mistake he was now paying for. It should have been his hands stroking Sarah’s satiny skin, not Jim’s. But what in hell was he supposed to do about it now? He sat back and stared out the plane’s window. He had no idea what to do, but he knew he had to stop watching Sarah and Jim. If he didn’t, there’d be an animal-related death at thirty thousand feet.
Sarah tried to ignore how happy Gabe and Chloe seemed as they left Orlando International Airport.
Their heads were close together, deep in conversation as they waited for their luggage.
Sarah was still in shock. She hadn’t known Gabe would be able to make the trip to Florida. It wasn’t like he bothered to call her and tell her his plans anymore. Sarah tried to hear what they were talking about, but the noisy Orlando airport was just too much. Jim stayed close by her side, trying his best to keep her spirits up in the face of Chloe and Gabe’s obvious involvement.
The affection she could feel pouring off Gabe every time he looked at Chloe was tearing her apart.
“Emma says I’m riding in the limo with you, but Chloe isn’t.”
Ouch . “Won’t she be offended?”
Jim grinned down at her, putting the last of their bags on the cart. “Do you really care?”
She didn’t even have to think about it. “Nope. Do you care?”
Jim laughed, gaining both Gabe’s and Chloe’s attention. They both glared at Jim, though why Chloe would be angry with the man Sarah had no clue. Jim, the big ham, leaned down and bussed her cheek.
“They’re watching us.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Jim surprised her, picking her up and twirling her away from the baggage return. She squealed, laughing when he put her down. “Having fun, sweetheart?”
She nodded up at him, grinning like a loon.
She tried to ignore it when Gabe helped Chloe get her rental car, joining them at the limo only once he was sure she was on her way. There was only so much distraction Jim could provide.
“Everyone ready?” Max gently ushered Emma inside the limo, his gaze lingering on his mate’s pert backside. He settled next to Emma and had her in his lap within seconds. Emma curled around him, sighing softly.
Sarah climbed in next, delighted when Jim sat next to her. She immediately snuggled closer to him, giving Adrian and Sheri, the Pride Marshall and his mate, room to get in. Dr. Adrian Giordano was Max’s business partner; his pale, legally blind mate was the latest addition to the Halle Pride.
Rick and Belle, the Poconos Pack Alphas, took the seat next to the door. The large Pack Alpha settled Belle in with unexpected gentleness, careful of the hip she’d injured saving Sheri from her insane ex-boyfriend. Her hip was better now, but thanks to a rival, Belle had been forced to have the pins removed too soon in order to shift and face a dominance challenge. She’d limp for the rest of her life because of it, but Rick didn’t seem to care. They’d both been asked to be in the wedding, an honor they’d accepted happily. Rick’s long red hair was pulled back in a tail, wisps flying up in the Florida breeze as he climbed in after his petite Luna.
“Damn, Rick. You need to wash your hair.” Simon, the Pride Beta and Max’s best man, climbed in, pretending to spit out bits of the Wolf’s hair. Becky, Emma’s Beta and matron of honor, climbed in after him, laughing and smacking Simon on the arm as Rick gave Simon the one-finger salute.
Gabe was the last party member in the limo. He stopped short when he saw Sarah sitting close to Jim, his gaze fixed on the hand Jim had resting on her thigh.
Sarah turned her face away from Gabe, looking up at Jim with affection. The entire plane ride Gabe had chatted and laughed with Chloe, showing no signs that Sarah’s sitting with Jim bothered him in the least.
So why is he growling?
She used her newfound powers to try and figure out how Gabe felt and was shocked. He was livid. Jim looked remarkably like a chew toy to the Second.
Jim leaned down, his gaze caressing her face as his fingers stroked her thigh. “So, how about dinner tonight?”
“Sorry, she’s busy.”
She blinked, anger stirring at Gabe’s smug expression. “Excuse me?” He hasn’t bothered to call me for a month and suddenly thinks he has the right to dictate my life?
I don’t think so.
“Gabe’s right, Sarah.” Emma shrugged, the traitor. “Tonight we’ve got reservations for the entire wedding party, plus Jim and Chloe, of course, at The Rainforest Café.”
“Oh.” She grinned up at Jim, delighted when Gabe’s expression turned fierce. Suck it up, big guy, just like I’ve had to every time Chloe throws your “friendship” in my face. She knew it wasn’t logical, but a tiny spurt of hope bloomed with that look. Maybe things weren’t as grim as she’d thought they were. “Looks like you’re taking me to dinner on Max’s dime.”
Everyone except Gabe chuckled.
“Tell you what. I’ll take you dancing on my dime after dinner.” Jim picked up her hand and kissed the palm, oblivious to the way Gabe’s sapphire blue eyes turned gold before they were quickly shielded by his ridiculously long lashes.
“Oh, dancing! That’s a great idea!” Emma giggled, her gaze darting back and forth between Gabe, Jim and Sarah.
Subtlety, thy name is not Emma. The Curana knew that Gabe and Sarah were meant to be mates and was obviously trying to play matchmaker.
Jim lifted his lips from her palm. “Does anyone hear a tearing sound?”
Sarah looked over at Gabe, not surprised to see his hands in his lap. Next to his right leg, four long furrows had been dug into the leather seat.
She tried to hide her glee at the sight. He’s actually jealous. Maybe this will work out! She snuggled next to Jim, a small smile on her face as she listened to her friends chatting and laughing together. Only Gabe remained silent, his face cold as he watched Jim play with her fingers.