“Then another one jumped on my shoulder and on my lap, and those men just kept throwing seeds right at me. And the more seeds they threw, the more monkeys piled on.”
“She must’ve had eight monkeys on her at once. Show ’em the pictures, honey.”
Honey?It had been all of two and a half weeks since they’d firstmet. Ty traded a glance with Jenna as Mama Dee showed off the photos.
Mom laughed, her gray hair gleaming in the firelight. “I think the little guys are kind of cute. Though I’m not sure I’d want them crawling all over me. You look terrified, Dee.”
“Iwasterrified!”
“Seconds after this photo she jumped up and left the enclosure.”
“One of those cute little creatures peed on my shoulder!”
Gordon wrapped his arm around her. “After that she couldn’t get back to the cabin quick enough.”
“Well, I can’t blame you there,” Dad said.
Ty could tell Jenna was trying to laugh along, but her smile was tight and didn’t quite reach her eyes. He didn’t like seeing her upset. He wanted to help her figure out this Gordon guy. She’d put her intel task on hold when she found out about this supper. They both figured his parents would naturally quiz Gordon about himself, relieving her of the job. But so far they’d spent most of the time regaling each other with stories. Plus, with a houseful of guests, there had been interruptions throughout the meal.
His attention returned to Jenna. She’d worn a sleeveless white shirt that glowed in the dimness and revealed her nice shoulders and toned arms. She looked pretty with the firelight flickering off the highlights in her hair, casting a warm glow over her face.
He jerked his attention from her. Why was he thinking about Jenna’s appearance again?
He’d given a lot of thought to their relationship since that moment of connection they’d shared five days ago at his place. He was definitely catching feelings for his best friend.
It was a scary thought—though not entirely unpleasant. But no, he’d sworn off women for the time being. He needed to focus onhis job, on his firefighting. Distractions led to mistakes, and women were the greatest distraction of all.
But... Jenna wasn’t just any woman. He already knew her inside and out.
Besides, idiot, she probably has no idea how you’re feeling.
She’d probably been baffled by the moment they’d shared. By his reaction. Although she’d seemed normal enough when he’d run into her at the coffee shop the next day. She’d even been kind of playful.
“I’m trying to talk him into another one,” Mom said.
Ty jerked his attention back to the present.
“We should at least get Tyson’s opinion on that.” Dad turned his way.
Ty had no idea what they were talking about. “Uh, what was that?”
“Mom thinks we need another pony, but since you’re the one who takes care of them...”
Ty shrugged. “I wouldn’t mind another. Penny would probably like another friend to boss around.”
“One of Patches’ siblings will be up for auction,” Mom said. “Wouldn’t that be nice for her?”
“I see your point, sweetheart. Let’s talk about it later.” Dad regarded her affectionately before shifting his attention to Gordon. “Where’s home for you, Gordon?”
“DC, born and raised.”
“How lovely,” Mom said. “And so close to where Jenna lives. What area of DC?”
“I have a row house in a nice residential neighborhood. I’m hoping to take Dee for a visit sometime soon.” He smiled into her eyes. “You’ll love it. I have a rooftop view of the city. It’s a beautiful sight.”
“I can’t wait,” Dee said.
“Do you have any children?” Dad asked.
