Page 27 of Jenna's Protector

“Amazing as always.” I wipe my chin.

Jenna nods enthusiastically, savoring another spoonful.

“Brought Max a treat.” Big Rick sets down a paper plate with a bun-free burger.

As Max digs in, Big Rick’s questioning gaze returns to me. I shake my head slightly, and he retreats, leaving us to our not-quite-a-date date.

Our conversation flows freely. Jenna’s melodious laughter fills the air as she tells me about starting her coffee shop.

I lean in close, drawn in by the passion in her voice and the way her eyes light up.

“What’s your favorite color?” Jenna asks suddenly, a playful glint in her eye.

“Blue,” I reply, mirroring her smile. “Yours?”

“Green.” She pauses, then grins. “Would you rather be able to fly or be invisible?”

Our light-hearted game continues, each question peeling back another layer. Jenna tucks her hair behind her ear when she’s thinking, and her nose crinkles slightly when she laughs.

At one point, Jenna reaches out, her fingers lightly grazing the back of my hand. Without thinking, I turn my palm up, our fingers brushing. The contact sends another jolt through me, and our eyes lock.

The moment stretches, filled with possibility, before we both pull back slightly, a mix of excitement and uncertainty hanging between us. The awkward silence that follows is broken by the clatter of dishes from a nearby table, jolting us back to reality.

“I appreciate you sharing your story with me earlier.” Desperate to recapture our easy conversation, I lean forward, my hand brushing against hers. “It couldn’t have been easy, opening up about your past like that.”

“It wasn’t, but… It felt good to talk about it. With you.” Jenna’s eyes soften, her finger tracing patterns on the tabletop. Her gaze meets mine, holding it for a beat longer than necessary.

As the lunch progresses, the space between us shrinks. Our hands rest on the table, not quite touching but close enough to feel the warmth radiating between them. The conversation flows easily now, punctuated by shared laughter and lingering looks.

“I have an admission to make.” I lean forward and lower my voice to a whisper.

“You do?” Jenna’s eyebrows rise, curiosity sparkling in her eyes.

“I’m not a big coffee fan.” A sheepish grin spreads across my face. “I mostly go there because Max loves his treats.”

“Max is the reason you come in every day?” Her laugh is melodious, sending a warm flutter through my chest.

“Partly.” My grin widens. “The truth is, I go there to see you. You’re the brightest part of my day.”

Her cheeks flush a delightful pink, and she looks away, a small smile playing on her lips.

“What can I say? Despite how it sounds, being a detective isn’t all that glamorous. There’s a lot of desk work, chasing down fruitless leads, and endless paperwork. Starting my morning at your café, seeing your smile—it makes the rest of the day easier to face.”

Jenna’s eyes meet mine, and our connection feels stronger, more real.

“I’m glad,” she says softly. “That’s exactly what I hoped to create with the café.”

“Why a coffee shop?” I ask, genuinely curious. “What made you choose that?”

“I always loved the idea of having a place where people could come together.” Jenna’s expression turns thoughtful, a mix of nostalgia and something deeper, almost melancholic. “Plus, I’ve always been a bit of a coffee enthusiast.” She pauses, her fingers tracing patterns on the tablecloth. “But it’s more than that.”

I lean in, drawn by the vulnerability in her voice.

“My home life wasn’t great. I never had a place that felt safe, cozy, or welcoming. A place where I could bring friends or just—be.” She takes a deep breath. “So, I guess I’m trying to create what I never had. A place where people can relax, feel safe, be part of a community.”

“That’s—that’s incredible.” Her words hit me hard; admiration and fierce protectiveness well up inside me.

“What can I say? I’m trying to rebuild a past I never had andmake it into something more. Something better.” She shrugs, a small smile tugging at her lips.

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