Enterprise Models 11

Much as he didn't want to beg his two-timing, deal-breaking "friend" for any favors, Chris realized he was going to have to ask Jon for clearance to meet his group at their new hotel. There was no way any of them were going out in public again, so he'd have to go to them.

Before he was forced to grovel though, he mysteriously received a key card and badge along with directions to the agent's hideout and a note: "Please come over, Chris. Need to talk."

It looked like Jenna's handwriting and he brooded over it for sometime before deciding he really did want to see her one last time, no matter how awkward it was or how much it hurt. It was time they both learned the truth about each other.

So he followed her directions and was met by Leonard as he entered the suite thanks to the pass she'd supplied him with.

"So you decided to show up?" He asked bluntly, looking askance at Chris. "I'd strongly encourage you to avoid hurting her again, because there are a dozen dangerous friends of hers around here who would not be pleased."

"Not that I'd do it on purpose again," Chris replied, "but if she wants to hear about my past, it's going to bring up some angst."

"Because of George."

"Yes," he sighed. "Don't tell me you already know.

"Not the details, just that you worked the case with him," Leonard assured. "I'm not gonna pry."

"Thanks. Which room is she in?"

"I'll show you. This place is like a maze. I get lost just trying to find my way back to my own room," the agent admitted, leading the way down a hall, through a kitchen area and into another hall, where he knocked on one of the doors.

"Hey, Kirk! Your favorite person's here!" Was yelled through the wood.

"What? The Pizza delivery guy?"

Chris snorted at Jenna's eager comeback. The woman certainly enjoyed her pizza, of that he was well aware.

"Okay, your favorite person who DOESN'T bring you food." Conceded Leonard, eyes twinkling at Chris.

The door opened and there she was in blouse and dress pants looking none the worse for wear except the walking boot on her foot. Her hair was in its natural state of long blonde sleekness and she was mind-blowingly gorgeous.

"Hi, Chris." She smiled tentatively at him and he felt like a smitten teenager again. Why did his traitorous knees have to go weak at the sight of her every time? It wasn't fair.

"Hi, Jenna," he managed. "Good to see you're doing better."

"Thanks. They regenerated the foot, but I have to wear this thing to protect it for a few more days. It's kind of aggravating, but it won't last long. Want to come in?"

"Sure."

He was ushered into her mostly tidy room, where she'd evidently been working on paperwork and reports judging by the laptop open on her desk and various forms littering the general area.

"You guys be civil now, you hear?" McCoy admonished as he backed out.

"We will, Bones. Don't worry!" Jenna assured him and then shut the door, trapping the two of them together. Leonard made his way back to the meeting room so he could get in on the betting pool.

"You can have a seat on the nice cushy, couch if you'd like," Jenna offered, "but if you're too antsy right now that's okay. I can talk standing up."

"Maybe," he said, eying her foot. "But you shouldn't have to. The couch will be fine."

They sat down rather gingerly for their former easy familiarity and Chris wondered again what he was doing.

Then Jenna took matters into her own hands.

"Okay, Chris, let's start with the first elephant in the room. Were you with my dad when he died? Archer strongly hinted something like that."

"No, I wasn't, and that's the problem, Jenna," he sighed, the painful memories returning. "If I hadn't been separated from him, he might have survived."

"How so?" She asked gently, not sounding suspicious or angry in the slightest.

"It was my job to have his back while we where in there. But we got ambushed by Nero's men. Turned out there were far more of them than we thought. Next thing I know, George was clear across the room and we got swept up in trying to stay alive. By the time backup arrived, it was too late."

"I'm sorry, Chris."

"So was I. It haunted me the rest of my career, especially thinking about his widow and the little daughter he was so excited to meet and never got to."

Jenna sighed. "Mom never blamed you for what happened and I knew my daddy was a brave man who had a very dangerous job that unfortunately cost him his life, but I wasn't destroyed by it. I try to honor his memory everyday and I miss not ever knowing him, but I survived and thrived, Chris. Please stop punishing yourself for what happened. Daddy wouldn't you to and neither do I."

This speech and the accompanying hands that rested on him nearly undid Chris and he stared intently at the opposite wall for some time trying to keep his emotions under wraps.

"You're right, he wouldn't," he admitted rather huskily. "But wouldn't he also dislike you getting tangled up with me?"

"Somehow, I don't think so, Chris," she responded affectionately.

"I can give you the rundown on why I fell in love with you if you'd like."

"Might as well," he said. "You know I'm completely clueless as to that question."

"First of all, I think it's that completely adorable grin that you've obviously done a lot, judging by the lovely smile lines around your eyes. Then, it was your genuine care for all of us, which is rare in this industry. Did I mention how much I appreciate your ability to dish out the sass? It's unmatchable! Also, those wavy greying locks that I've often wanted to run my fingers through."

As she'd been talking, Jenna had scooted closer and closer until she she was sitting against him, leaning her head on his shoulder, blue eyes gazing hopefully at him. It was too much for him to resist anymore. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her even closer.

"Well, Jen, if you're sure..."

"I am," she said quickly, "what about you?"

He turned to face her and cupped her face with his hands.

"I still say you're way too good for the likes of me, but I seem to lack the willpower to resist. Dang it, Jenna, do you know how beautiful you are?"

She looked ridiculously self-satisfied and he just had to kiss that smugness right off her face.

"It's about time!" She gasped, when they came up for air. "I knew you'd listen to reason once I'd got you to quit the self-flagellation and denial. You can't pretend not to care anymore, because that kiss was seriously incredible."

"Okay, fine. I admit I'm helplessly in love with you, Jenna Kirk. Happy now?" He asked, with a mischievous look.

"Yep." She beamed at him adoringly and he just had to kiss her again. Oh, heavens, he loved that girl.