She waved that off. “Really, don’t worry about it. Like I said, I like to do one kind thing for a stranger per day. Your sister just happened to be today’s recipient.”
It was at those words that Jack took note of just how nice her clothes were. He was used to most people having better or nicer things than him. It was just a part of his life and circumstances, but her clothes were nicer than nice. Her clothes were extremely well made and fit her in a way that made Jack wonder if they were made for her.
Money.
Her entire appearance, from her pretty hair to her dressy yellow shoes, screamed money.
Fuck. She was way out of his league. Beyond his league. They weren’t even in the same ballpark.
“How long are you in town for?” he asked.
“I’m officially a local,” she replied with a smile. She held her hands out, gesturing to the town. “My daddy just moved us here from the city. He thinks the small-town life will have a better influence on my sister than Seattle did.”
“You’re attending the high school then?” It wasn’t like Port Townsend had any private schools or academies, which he assumed was what she’d been enrolled in previously.
“I am. Sophomore.”
“Same.”
She smiled. Not as brightly as when she’d smiled at Lilly, but he’d take it. “Well, it’ll be nice to see a familiar face on Monday.”
“Same.”
She took a step back. “I’m glad your sister likes the books and I was serious about not paying me back.”
“I was too.”
Her eyes narrowed slightly. “How about this? Instead of paying me back for the books, you can help me get the lay of the land on Monday. I don’t know anyone here and will need help navigating the ways of your high school.”
Jack snorted. “I’ll pay you the eight dollars.” At her shocked expression, he explained, “You don’t want to be seen with me at school. Especially not on your first day.”
Her eyes glanced between Jack and Lilly, who was still waiting patiently by his bike. Shit, the sun was getting lower. “Why not?” she asked.
“Because if you actually want to survive in this high school, you’ll stay away from me. No one’s going to want to be your friend if you’re friends with me.”
Again, her eyes flicked back and forth from him to Lilly and then back to him. “What makes you think I want other friends? From what I’ve seen of you and your sister, you seem like the sort of friend I’d rather have.” With a slightly nervous laugh, she added, “I’ve always wanted a protective big brother.”
Fuck if that statement didn’t completely obliterate his resolve to stay away from her. He took a step forward. She didn’t move back. He stepped forward again. She stayed where she was. One more step and they were standing nearly chest to chest, him looking down at her and her looking up at him.
He leaned down, putting his lips near her ear. “I’ll take you around school. I’ll be the best friend you’ve ever had. I’m loyal to my core and you just bought my loyalty by bringing a smile to my sister’s face.” He heard her breath hitch. At his nearnessor words, he wasn’t sure. “But make no mistake, I’ll never treat you like you’re my sister.”
She swallowed loudly. “I can,” she gulped. “I can live with that.”
He smiled, stepping back. “Then I’ll see you on Monday. There’s a large tree to the left of the school. Wait for me there.”
She nodded almost robotically. “Um.” He continued to step back. “I don’t even know your name.”
He was pretty sure Lilly called him ‘Jackie’ in front of her, but he kind of liked that she’d been distracted enough not to notice. “Jack Duncan. You?”
“Jenna,” she answered softly. “Jenna Scanlon.”
PRESENT DAY
That was only the start of their battles. Steel hadn’t won the war when he’d put his ring on her finger. That had only been one obstacle, one hurdle, that was conquered. Every day, he fought for the right to love her, to be the man she deserved.
It would never be enough. He could never love her or be worthy of her. If she knew the things he’d seen, the things he’d done, either in service to his country or his club, she would never look at him the same.
That was another reason he’d turned in his cut. Steel loved his club. He loved the family and the community they’d created, a safe haven for veterans who needed stability after rejoining civilian life. Not everyone had a Jenna waiting at home for them.
