Claiming the Enemy: Dustin (Porter Brothers Trilogy 3)

“Some of that wad of cash came from fighting. You mean to tell me you can’t show an itty-bitty girl how to defend herself?”

“Dammit, I hate it when you’re right.”

“Just remember, when you have to sit in that fartbag of a principal’s office and listen to him, that you asked for my advice.”

“All right. Thanks, Dustin.”

“See what good manners will get you?”

“Don’t rub it in. I won’t be able to invest all the money. Bliss is going to buy the daycare from Jessie, and I need enough to save for a rainy day.”

“Jessie is selling the daycare?”

“Bliss is trying to talk her out of it, but she seems pretty determined.”

“We’ll see about that.”

Drake released the door at his hard tug.

Dustin saw his cousin standing there, staring after the car as he pulled out of the parking lot, knowing he was curious at the anger he had shown at the news of Jessie planning to sell her daycare.

The woman had put her life’s blood into that business. That she was selling it showed the effect the attack had on her.

He had made so many mistakes with Jessie. Looking back, he hated himself at the time he wasted. He couldn’t go back into the past and change the things he wanted to, but he could keep Jessie from making one she would regret.

Waving at one of the teachers outside, he didn’t bother lowering the window as Logan got into the back seat.

“You have a good day?”

Logan clicked his seatbelt before answering, “It was all right. Can we go see Jessie again today?”

“You know, Logan, you just read my mind.”

“Can I be the one to knock?” Excited, Logan ran toward the porch.

“Go for it.” Dustin let Logan go first, hearing the floorboards creak from behind the door as someone approached.

“Jessie, it’s for you!” Asher yelled from over his shoulder. “I guess you can come on in.” The cool reception he gave Dustin didn’t extend to Logan. “How you doing, Logan?”

“Fine. You, sir?” Logan politely asked.

“Pretty good.”

Dustin gave Holt a nod as he and Logan waited by the door. Holt was sitting on the couch, watching television. Dustin wondered if he was waiting to throw him out.

Jessie walked down the hall, her eyes widening at seeing that Dustin had brought Logan two days in a row.

She was wearing a pair sweatpants and a sweatshirt that came to her thighs. Smoothing her hair, she appeared as if she had been sleeping.

“Logan and I wanted to see if you wanted to go for a walk. He has something he wants to show you.”

The self-conscious way she tugged her hair forward to cover the side of her face yanked at his heartstrings.

“I’d love to go for a walk. Give me a couple of minutes, and I’ll put my boots on.” Turning on her heels, she retreated down the hallway.

“We’re having a barn raising next Saturday. You and Holt are invited. I hope you’ll come. The barn is practically built. Holly is just using it as an excuse to throw a party without having to listen to Greer fuss about it.” Dustin uncomfortably made the first move to bridge the rift that their fathers put between the two families.

“We’ll be there,” Asher grudgingly accepted at Holt’s nod.

The awkward silence was broken by Jessie’s return.

“I’m ready.”

Dustin opened the door as Logan took Jessie’s hand to lead the way.

“Dad invited Asher and Holt to come to the barn raising. Can you come? Dad said I could be the one to ask you.” Logan breathlessly skipped next to Jessie.

“When is it?”

Dustin knew she was trying to think her way out of coming.

“Next Saturday. Please come. You can help me make the punch.”

“Logan, I don’t think—”

“Please?” Logan pleaded.

Feeling ruthless, Dustin didn’t help her out. This would either force her to come or disappoint the child he knew she was attached to.

“You won’t have to work on the barn. Uncle Tate is going to smoke a brisket, and Uncle Greer is going to hire a band to play music,” Logan coaxed, pulling Jessie to a stop as he chivalrously tried to help Jessie over the fence.

Grinning, Dustin stepped closer. “Son, do you mind if I help her?”

Logan’s face fell as he reluctantly gave him Jessie’s hand.

“Don’t forget you promised me that I can show her.”

“I won’t.” Dustin easily lifted Jessie over the fence before climbing it and dropping over to the other side.

Logan took Jessie’s hand back once he was over. “It was my idea, but Dad helped.”

The back of their house came into view as they walked out of the woods. Dustin could see her hesitation as they grew closer, her steps slowing.

“It’s starting to get late, Logan. Maybe you could show me some other day ….”

Dustin didn’t doubt she was trying to avoid the other members of his family. She hadn’t been seen around town since her kidnapping. If anyone could draw Jessie out of her shell, though, it would be Logan.