Jenna flashed her eyes opened with a soft giggle. “Don’t worry, Max. My heart belongs only to you, forever and ever.” She showed me the engagement ring on her finger. “See, no man will come close to me. It’s so big that no one can miss it. I’ll tell them that I’m taken by the most amazing man.”
I chuckled a little. “Yes, you tell them that, and tell them if they even lay a finger on you, I’ll hunt them down.” I sounded possessive, but Jenna knew I was kidding...somewhat.
Jenna smiled, then closed her eyes again. “Oh, Max. I’m the one who should worry about all of those women wanting to get into your pants.”
Caressing Jenna’s cheek, I murmured, “You never have to fear about that; I promise. I’ll call you later, babe.” After I planted a kiss on her lips, I closed the door behind me.
Matthew had gone to work and Becky was drinking coffee by the kitchen. “Don’t worry, Max. I love her, too. I’ll check up on her.”
Becky must have seen me staring at Jenna’s door. I debated whether to cancel the meeting. Knowing Matthew would go to work, I could have him go instead of me, but the design company was expecting me.
“Thank you. Make sure she gets lots of fluids, and make sure to call me if her condition gets worse...please,” I added. Glancing at my watch, I knew I had to go now. The traffic was going to be a killer.
Becky took a long sip. “I will. Who do you think looked after her when you weren’t around?” She winked to show she was teasing.
I chuckled lightly. She was right. “Thanks.”
Since Becky assured me she would keep her eyes on Jenna, I left knowing she was in good hands. Although I didn’t think it was a good idea for Jenna to go tonight, I understood. Hopefully, this nap would help her.
Chapter 2
Jenna
“You’re driving too slowly,” Becky snarled at Kate.
“Stop being a backseat driver,” Kate retorted, shifting her eyes to the speedometer. “I’m enjoying the ride.” Her words were smooth and slow. “I can’t help it. This is how I drive when Kristen is in the car with me.”
“I can’t be the backseat driver when I’m sitting in the front, and Kristen isn’t in the car with us,” Becky snorted.
Nicole twisted on her side. “Are we almost there yet?” She laughed out loud at her joke. Her laughter was contagious, and we joined in.
Kate cranked up the volume and bopped to the rhythm. “I can’t believe I’m free,” she belted, then her tone went down a notch. “I mean, I’ll miss Kristen, but this is the first time I’m going away. Just me, myself, and I...and of course with my besties.”
“You’re lucky you can trust your mother-in-law to watch Kristen,” Becky commented. “I have a friend who would never leave her son with her mother-in-law. I’m glad I don’t have to think about those issues.”
Becky looked over her shoulder to flash her dorky smile at Nicole and me.
“Don’t look at me,” Nicole said. “I don’t have to think of those issues. Keith and I are going to wait. If things go well, I might be able to be a stay-at-home mom.”
“There’s a plus and minus to that,” Kate threw in.
“True, but like I said, I don’t have to think about it.”
“You okay?” Becky asked, looking worried.
I nodded, but I wasn’t feeling well. In fact, the car ride was making me nauseous. Not wanting to ruin the fun, I pretended everything was fine. “That nap was all I needed.”
Becky wouldn’t stop staring, narrowing her eyes to analyze me. I didn’t think she believed me.
“Seriously. Stop looking at me.” I waved my hand, as if I could make her turn back around.
“Just checking, ’cause I have to report to my boss.”
“What boss?” Kate asked. “You don’t have one. You work for yourself.”
Becky turned to Kate. “I do when Jenna gets sick. Max will text everyone in the universe to find out if Jenna, his princess, is fine.”
I had to smile at her remark because I knew it was true. Max was overly protective when I was sick. He even came to my apartment when he was mad at me before we started dating, just to make sure I was fine. Thank goodness he was there, though. Luckily, I had found my prince. He was too good to me and I didn’t know what I’d ever done to deserve someone like him.
“You’re fortunate Max is the way he is. You got lucky in that department. All men want to be taken care of when they’re sick, but they’re not good when the roles are reversed,” Kate stated. “I have to be honest, Craig sucks at it. When I get sick, he’ll give me medication of course, but I’m pretty sure he doesn’t match up to Max’s standards. Max goes beyond the call of duty.”