Page 26 of Jenna's Protector

“Good choice.” Betty nods approvingly.

“The usual for me. Burger and fries.” The familiar words roll off my tongue.

Betty leaves, and I settle back into the booth.

“So, what’s it like having a twin?” Jenna leans forward, her eyes bright with curiosity.

The soft glow of the overhead lamp catches the highlights in her hair, and my breath hitches.

“Like having a built-in best friend and a constant rival rolled into one.” A chuckle escapes me, memories flooding back. “Blake and I were inseparable as kids. We did everything together.”

Jenna’s fingers trace the condensation on her water glass, her gaze never leaving mine. “Why did Blake go into the Navy, but you didn’t?”

“Blake always had this sense of adventure, a need to see the world. The Navy offered that.” The words flow easily, and Jenna’s interest encourages me to open up. “Plus, our father was in the Navy. I think Blake wanted to follow in his footsteps.”

“But you didn’t?” Her head tilts slightly, a strand of hair falling across her cheek.

“I wanted to, but…” My fingers itch to tuck it back behind her ear.

“But, what?”

“I stayed because of a girl.” The admission comes out softer than intended. “High school sweetheart. She got pregnant, and I stepped up. I needed a job quickly. Something to raise a family on. Found myself with a job as a cop.”

Jenna’s eyes widen, a flicker of something—disappointment?—crossing her face. She leans back slightly, her fingers growing still on her glass.

“I didn’t realize you had a family.” Her gaze darts to my left hand.

“We’re not together,” I quickly add, the words tumbling out. “Before we were supposed to get married, I found out she had been cheating on me. The baby wasn’t mine. It was a mess. I was already on the force by the time it all fell apart. I landed here, and then it turned out I was really good at my job.”

“That sounds tough.” Jenna’s voice is soft and sympathetic. Her hand moves across the table, not quite touching mine, but close. “What happened to her and the baby?”

“They left town. I haven’t heard from them since.” The old painis there but dulled now. “By then, my life was set here. I let Blake have the adventures while I took care of things at home.”

I can’t help but marvel at how easy this feels. Her presence is intoxicating, drawing me in.

The soft clink of cutlery around us, the distant crash of waves, the warm aroma of cooking food—it all fades into the background.

My world narrows to Jenna’s bright eyes, attentive gaze, and how her lips curve into a soft smile as she listens.

For the first time in years, I feel a spark of something new, something exciting. This isn’t a witness interview or a casual chat over coffee. This is the start of something more, and I’m eager to see where it leads.

NINE

Carter

Here you go.”Betty returns, the plates steaming as she sets them down. The rich aroma of clam chowder and grilled beef fills the air.

Jenna’s eyes widen as she tastes her chowder. “This is probably the best I’ve ever had. Want to try some?” She holds out her spoon, her eyes meeting mine with a warmth that makes my heart skip.

As I taste the chowder, I lean forward, hyper-aware of our proximity. Our fingers brush as I steady her hand, and a jolt of electricity shoots through me.

Jenna’s cheeks flush slightly as she draws back, the moment charged with unspoken tension.

“You’re right. That’s amazing.” My voice comes out huskier than intended.

Big Rick’s arrival breaks the moment, his burly frame casting a shadow over our table.

“How’s the food?” His deep voice rumbles, curiosity evident in his eyes as they flick between Jenna and me.

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