Chapter 15
Tyson frowned as Mama Dee cozied up to Gordon on the patio love seat. Ty’s parents had invited the couple and Jenna for supper.
They’d also invited Ty and his brothers, but Alex and Seth had other plans.
Now the group was settled in the outdoor oasis they’d created two summers ago. Ty laid the brick pavers, forming the sweeping
curves of the free-form patio. Dad made and set the firepit. Mom hung the overhead lights, picked out the furniture, and added
all the finishing touches. The guests loved it.
As sparks shot up into the darkened sky and conversation carried around the pit, Ty could see why. A warm breeze rustled the
treetops. Out in the darkened paddock Penny nickered. Patches’ answer followed soon after.
“And then one of those monkeys jumped right on top of my head!” Mama Dee said.
Gordon peered down at her. “She squealed like a little schoolgirl.”
“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 first met. 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.”
“I was terrified!”
“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 on his 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.
“Yes, two of them.”
“A son and a daughter,” Mama Dee added. “His daughter lives in DC also, and his son lives in Detroit.”
Mom stirred the logs in the firepit. “We love going to DC for the cherry blossoms in the spring. And I’m not much of an urban
girl, but I can appreciate the museums and monuments.”
“We went ice-skating there one winter,” Dad said, “and Alex sprained his ankle.”
Mom nodded. “That’s also where Tyson decided he wanted to be a professional hockey player when he grew up.”
Ty gave a wry grin. “That didn’t work out so well, I’m afraid.”
“Lucky for us,” Mom said. “We couldn’t run this place without you.”
“It’s a labor of love.”
“Oh, shoot.” Mom set down the stick. “That nice elderly couple in the Seashell Room wanted turndown service and I completely
forgot.”
“I’ll get it, Mom.” She’d been on duty since seven this morning.
“I’ll come help,” Jenna said as Ty stood.
“Well, thanks, kids.”
Jenna probably wanted to talk about what they’d gleaned about Gordon. She followed Ty across the pavers and through the back
door. The house was quiet as they traipsed through the kitchen and dining room. Most of the guests were out enjoying the Friday
night.
He grabbed the room’s key from under the check-in desk as they passed. The Seashell Room was a main-floor suite they saved
for people with mobility issues. He opened the door, let Jenna in.
“She called him honey,” Jenna said as soon as he closed the door behind them. “And they’re so affectionate with each other. You can’t tell me things aren’t moving too fast.”
“It’s pretty fast.” Tyson went to work on the summer-weight duvet.
Jenna scanned the room. “What can I do?”
“Tidy up. Grab any used towels.”
Jenna slipped into the bathroom. “Don’t you think he was a little vague about where he lives? Your mom asked which area he
lives in and he avoided answering. Just said something about a row house.”
“Your mom also ended up elaborating about his kids.”
“I noticed that. His answers were as brief as possible.”
“Like he’s hiding something,” Ty said.
“Exactly. But since we now know where his kids live, maybe that could help us find the right listing.”
“It would help even more if we knew their names.”
Jenna entered the bedroom clutching a bundle of towels. “Even if we do find the right listing, that’ll only offer basic information.
How will that help us figure out if he’s up to no good?”
“We could run a background check, see if he has a criminal record, see his employment history and previous residences.”
“That’s public information?”
“For the right price. Didn’t you ever look up people before you hired them?”
“Never.” She dumped the towels by the door and began tidying up the room. “Even if he doesn’t have a criminal record, we can
see if the other information lines up with what he’s told us.”
“Exactly.” Ty pulled the duvet taut and turned down a corner.
Jenna pulled the other side and together they straightened the fold. Her top dipped low as she bent over the bed, exposing
golden-bronze skin.
Ty jerked his gaze away and went to adjust the throw pillows on the sofa. “Can you grab a couple mints from the hall closet? And clean towels?”
“Sure thing.” Jenna returned a minute later with the towels and placed mints on the pillows. “And just like that I know how
to turn down a room.”
He tipped a grin her way. “You’re hired.”