Page 52 of Jenna's Protector
“I’ll take the couch.” I set my keys on the counter. “You should get some rest.”
“Actually, I was hoping…” Jenna hesitates, her fingers twisting together in front of her. She takes a deep breath as if steeling herself for rejection. “Could you maybe stay with me? Just until I fall asleep?”
The request hangs between us, a fragile thread of trust and need. I swallow hard, my heart pounding against my ribs. The thought of holding her, of being the one to chase away her demons—feels right.
I hesitate, the war within me raging fiercely. My need to protect and hold her battles against my body’s natural responses, the raw attraction I feel for her. The last thing I want is to make her uncomfortable or to cross any boundaries.
“Of course,” I manage, my voice rough with emotion. I step closer, every muscle in my body tensed with the effort to stay composed. “I’ll stay with you.”
I hesitate momentarily, unsure how to navigate this new intimacy between us. She turns to me, her eyes searching mine. A soft smile curves her lips as if she’s reading the conflict written all over my face.
“Make yourself at home. I have a spare toothbrush in the bathroom if you need it.”
“Thanks. I appreciate it.”
She leads me into the kitchen, the soft glow of the overhead light casting warm shadows across her face.
“Can I get you anything to drink? Water? Tea?”
“I’m good, thanks.” I shake my head, my throat suddenly dry.
Max trots over to Jenna, his tail wagging expectantly. She laughs, reaching down to ruffle his fur.
“Okay, okay. I guess it’s treat time for you, huh buddy?”
The sound of her laughter and the easy way she interacts with Max puts me at ease. For a moment, the weight of the case fades into the background.
“I’m going to go change in the bathroom really quick. You can use it after me.” Jenna turns to me with a hint of shyness in her voice.
I nod, not trusting my voice. She disappears down the hallway, leaving me alone with my thoughts and the steady thump of my heart.
I take a deep breath, trying to calm my racing pulse, and wander into the bedroom, taking in the simple but cozy decor. The bed looks inviting, piled high with pillows and a soft, worn quilt. I hesitate for a moment before sitting on the edge, wondering what I’m going to sleep in.
My go-bag is back at the station, leaving me with limited options. I finally settle on stripping down to my undershirt and boxers, folding my slacks and button-down neatly on the chair in the corner.
The sound of the bathroom door opening pulls me from my thoughts. Jenna stands in the doorway, dressed in loose-fitting pajamas that still highlight her gorgeous figure.
She’s always hiding away under baggy clothes and messy buns, but now, with her hair falling softly around her face and the silk of her pajamas skimming her curves, I’m struck by just how beautiful she really is.
I swallow hard, trying to keep my eyes from lingering too long.
“All yours,” she says softly, gesturing to the bathroom. Suddenly, Jenna lets out a huge, jaw-cracking yawn. Her hand flies up to cover her mouth. “Oh my God, I’m so sorry.” Her cheeks flush pink.
I can’t help but chuckle, the tension between us easing slightly. “No worries. It’s been a long day.”
“The longest.”
I’m about to respond when Max, not one to be left out, lets out a massive yawn, his pink tongue curling as he stretches. A soft whine escapes his throat, and Jenna and I both burst out laughing.
“Looks like we’re not the only ones ready for bed.” I shake my head at Max’s timing.
“I think that’s our cue, buddy.” Jenna giggles, reaching down to scratch Max behind the ears.
Her easy affection with Max strikes me, and I’m caught by how normal this all feels. For a moment, I forget about the case. It’s just me, Jenna, and Max getting ready for bed like any other night.
The thought sends warmth spreading through my chest, a sense of rightness that I can’t quite explain.
I clear my throat, reluctantly pulling myself back to the present. “I’ll be right out.” I gesture to the bathroom.