I set her on her feet, holding her against me.
“Let’s go back out to everyone,” she said.
“Fine,” I grumbled, kissing the top of her head before I glanced out the window. Ryan was glowering at something—or someone—on the deck. The subject of his wrath was out of our view, but I had no doubt it was Nicky.
Jenna followed my gaze. “Maybe we can spread some of our fairy dust to them.”
“He has to get out of his own way first, and he’s a stubborn, grumpy asshole to shove out of the way.”
“And Nicky’s mission in life is to fill it with joy for herself and everyone around her before karma comes knocking. He’s not exactly full of the happiness and goodness that she’s looking for.”
“Happiness, no. But goodness, yes. He just hides it well.”
Ryan looked away and tossed a log onto the fire, prodding it with the poker harder than necessary.
“Let’s get back out there.” Jenna took my hand and led me out, following the delicious aroma of burgers, but she only made it as far as the deck where the girls were playing Connect Four.They were squealing before I even got to the food. I brought her a plate, eliciting “awws” from them, then I settled by the fire with the guys.
“Everything cool?” Brady asked.
“Yeah. Jenna’s moving in,” I said, grinning like a fool.
“Congrats, man.”
“That’s awesome.”
“Happy for you, brother,” Ryan said. “You and Jenna are great together.”
“Thanks. I hope you find your happiness, too.”
He grunted in response.
The guys congratulated me then went over to Jenna. I followed, happy for the connection between her and my crew, but not quite sure if she was ready for them to swarm her. I should’ve had more confidence, though. They approached her one at a time, respectful of her boundaries, and she responded to them with the same warmth that had filled the evening. Seeing she was okay, I let myself be distracted by Juliette, Nicky, and Hayden.
When I glanced back over, Jenna was wiping her eyes, and talking intensely to Ryan. I hurried over. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jenna said quickly. “I was just thanking Ryan for the self-defense class.”
“I’m sorry you needed it,” Ryan said, his voice gruff. “You can come to as many classes as you want.”
“I’ll go again. It did help.”
Ryan blinked quickly, his eyes suspiciously wet. “Like I said, you’re always welcome.”
Jenna gave him a quick hug, looking as surprised by it as Ryan did.
The guys and I settled around the fire, and a little while later, the girls came to join us. Hayden paused on her way over. “I’m going to get another hard seltzer. Anyone else want?”
Juliette said yes. Nicky and Jenna declined, and Hayden beamed at Jenna.
Dylan jumped up to meet Juliette and guide her around the firepit, sitting back down with her on his lap. Nicky veered behind us to sit on the swing. And I stood up to give Jenna my seat.
She shook her head, and with her tiny hand on my chest she pushed me back down, as though she could actually move me. I let her, of course. Then she sat on my lap, her back against my chest, her ass against my cock. She took my hands and wrapped them around herself, tilting her head back to look up at me, happiness dancing in her eyes. So damn beautiful.
I whispered in her ear. “You’re gonna make me hard, Firefly.”
“I hope so.”
The teasing in her voice went straight to my cock.