Free Momma's Got a Brand New Jag: BBW Shifter Romance (Seaside Shifters Book 1) by Dinah Del Mar

couldn’t blame her friends for being overprotective though, especially after the breakup with Jeremy and everything that had happened yesterday.
    For dinner, Cely had ordered blackened mahi-mahi, while Kris opted for a mango salmon special she’d thought sounded good. Joven had ordered the crab cakes, and based on his recommendation, Rina ordered them as well. The waiter had also approved of her choice, saying that it was the restaurant’s most popular entree.
    They conversed politely as they waited for their entrees. Joven had been born here, and loved the area. Rina had asked Cely and Kris not to bring up therians unless Joven did first. Kris had been quiet during dinner and Joven had asked her about herself, trying to engage her in conversation more. Once he’d found out she was a chiropractic assistant the two of them had gotten into a lengthy discussion about it—Joven had told her that he got adjusted regularly and suggested she check out his doctor’s office while she was in town. Rina had loved that Joven was actually interested in getting to know her friends.
    Their entrees arrived, and the girls couldn’t believe how amazingly fresh everything tasted. Both Kris and Cely had complimented him on the choice of restaurant and Joven had replied by saying he was just glad that he could meet Rina’s best friends. Rina kept wondering if maybe she wasn’t dreaming. After they’d finished dinner, the waiter brought out a dessert menu for them to look over.
    For once, Cely agreed to split a dessert. Kris and Cely both loved coconut, so they’d been interested in trying the ‘coconut bomb cake’ listed on the menu. Rina liked the flavor of coconut, but hated the texture, so she’d suggested that Kris and Cely split a slice of that cake so she could share something with Joven.
    Joven said he wasn’t much of a sweet tooth, so he let her pick. Rina had wanted to try a few different desserts but finally decided on the flourless chocolate cake. Joven had taken a bite and said it was too rich for him, so he let Rina finish the rest. She’d been in heaven, sighing happily as each decadent bite melted in her mouth.
    When the check came, Joven picked it up and slid his credit card into the holder. The girls all protested, saying that they could pay for their shares, but Joven insisted on paying for it all, including a generous tip. He said it was a small price to pay for the pleasure of their company, and from any other man it probably would have sounded cheesy, but Rina just thought he was such a gentleman.
    “Well you’ll have to let us treat you if you come visit us back home sometime,” Kris said.
    Joven smiled. “That’s up to your lovely friend,” giving Rina an intense look that made her blush.
    With the meal over, they left the restaurant and stood in front of it for a few minutes while they talked.
    Joven decided to invite them all over to his place. “Would you like to come over and have some drinks at my house? It’s right on the beach,” Joven said.
    Cely gave a hugely exaggerated yawn. “Whew, I’m beat! I think I’m just gonna go back to the hotel and pass out,” she said. Rina wanted to facepalm. Why couldn’t Cely ever be subtle about things? Cely elbowed Kris in the ribs and Kris gave a startled squawk before imitating Cely, awkwardness and all.
    “Thanks for the invitation Joven,” Kris said, “but I’m just
so
tired, and this movie that I’ve been dying to see is on HBO tonight, so uh, maybe another time?” She winked at Rina. Rina hoped Joven wouldn’t notice her glaring at her friends.
    Cely had hailed a pedicab while Kris had turned down Joven’s invite, so they left after that, telling Rina to have fun and thanking Joven for dinner again. The valet brought Joven’s SUV around and on the way to his house they laughed over how her friends had been embarrassingly obvious, but endearing at the same time. Rina was glad Joven had liked them, and Joven had been glad he’d earned