“I’m going to keep an eye on that one,” the sheriff said.
“Don’t let the past taint your opinion on my cousin,” Dylan said. “He served his time. He deserves a second chance.”
“I’ve been appointed as Shane’s probation officer. It’s my job to keep him in check.”
Before Dylan could respond, Jena came out of the dressing room wearing the miniskirt Megan had chosen for her. She looked stunning.
Matt let his eyes drift down to her long legs. Now there were two things that had captured his attention—the boots and the miniskirt.
“Hey, baby.” Eric grabbed Megan and kissed her. “I see you’re having fun helping Miss Taylor.”
“I am,” Megan said as Scott put his arm around her shoulder. “Jena, I’d like to introduce you to my guys. This one is Eric.” She kissed him on the cheek. Then she did the same to her other man. “And this is Scott.”
He looked at Jena and saw her tremble.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “I really thought I was dealing with you, Mr. Knight, not Kip.”
“You are now,” Scott said. “With your help and these two Texans, we’ll get the bastard. I’m sure of it.”
“Damn right,” Eric added.
“I’ll do my best,” she told them. “Megan, I’ve loved shopping with you, but I think it’s time to get to work on the code right now. The sooner we do, the sooner we can get Mitrofanov and Lunceford.”
“Not on an empty stomach,” Matt said, placing his arm around her just like Scott had done with Megan. It felt right to hold her this way. She was his and Sean’s. It would take time to convince her of that fact, but however long it took, he and Sean would take it. He wanted her. Always.
“Listen to your man,” Megan said. “You’ve got to try a burger at Lucy’s.”
Matt’s stomach growled. “They’re the best I’ve ever tasted. Let’s go eat.”
“Only if you promise we can go to TBK and get cracking on Kip’s virus right after.”
Scott shook his head. “First thing in the morning is soon enough. We all need a break. Besides, Megan wants to throw you a party, Jena, to welcome you to Destiny.”
“A party?” Jena looked shocked. “For me?”
“Scott Knight, you blew my surprise.” Megan shook her head. “Yes, a party. We love parties in Destiny, and any excuse to throw one is always welcome. Everyone wants to meet you.”
“I don’t understand. How did you pull one together on such short notice? I just got here yesterday.” Jena’s eyes were wide but the cute little smile on her face thrilled Matt.
“Gretchen can do just about anything.” Megan walked next to Jena. “Besides, Destonians are capable of doing magic when they want to. And for you, we all want to throw you a big shindig.”
He could tell Jena was still holding back. Was it because she was afraid to get in too deep with Destiny, with him, with Sean? She’d confessed to running from her ex, the guy who had killed her father. It might be hard for her to stop running. He and Sean knew a thing or two about running. Until they’d enlisted into the military, running had been their whole life.
“Honey, the Knights are our bosses,” he told her. “Don’t make us look bad, okay?”
“Okay,” she said. “I guess I’m going to a party tonight. What in the world shall I wear?” she teased. “I just don’t have a thing to choose from.”
She and Megan laughed.
Sean put his arm around her and he carried her new clothes out to the car.
We’ve got to sit down with her and talk. She needs to know our story and how we feel about her.
* * * *
Matt sat on the couch, watching ESPN. Actually he wasn’t watching it. His mind was racing about Jena. She was still getting ready for Megan’s party. He felt like the luckiest man in the world. The most beautiful, wonderful woman turned out to be Robin Hood. She’d been through hell, but never gave up. She survived and made sure her daughter and mother remained safe from a psychopath. That fucker didn’t know what was coming for him. He and Sean would take care of that guy once and for all for Jena.
God, Jena. She was brilliant, loyal, and loved her daughter with all her heart. He never dreamed he would find someone as perfect as her for him and Sean.