Page 171 of Guarding Grace
Constance laughed. “That first day, she couldn’t go to the apartment, so Zane packed for her, and he only packed thongs.”
Serena laughed. “It figures. But you can just pick up what you need and come back.”
I shook my head. I’d stick to the original plan.
Constance cocked her head. “Didn’t you say Terry had claimed you?”
“That’s just caveman talk for he likes me,” I argued. Though as I again twisted in my seat, the renewed tingle in my lady parts reminded me how much I enjoyed my caveman.
Serena rolled her eyes.
“What?” I demanded.
Deb laughed. “You obviously don’t know my brother well enough. He’ll have something to say about that.”
“It’s not his choice.”I am my own woman.
“I remember thinking the same thing,” Serena said wryly. “When Duke first claimed me.”
What was I supposed to do with that comment?
“Is leaving here what you want?” Deb asked.
“I don’t know. Two weeks ago we were at each other’s throats. It feels like we should date a while before I move in with him.”
“Grace, you’re dealing with a Marine,” Constance interjected. “Honor is everything to them. He wouldn’t have claimed you if he didn’t mean it.”
“Those aren’t the kind of words I was hoping for.”
“What words did you use?” Serena asked. “When you told him how you feel?”
I shrank down in my chair. This was not going the way I wanted.
“Grace?” Serena wasn’t going to give up.
I concentrated on a small scratch on the table. “I’ve been meaning to.”
Deb shook her head and threw up her arms. “I expected my brother to be the emotionally stunted one, but you’re both dumber than rocks.”
My phone rang, and TYRANT showed up on the screen.
Deb giggled. “Cute nickname.”
Constance craned her neck and laughed.
I really did need to change it. I answered tentatively. “I’m afraid to ask.”
Terry’s voice was jubilant, or as jubilant as he got. “It went fine. You’re a free woman now.”
“Really? They’re done coming after me?” I squealed.
“Really.”
The girls around me celebrated with their own little shrieks of joy.
“I don’t know how I can ever repay you.”
He whispered, “Maybe by the time I get home, you’ll think of something.”
