Breaking Through (Atlanta #3) by Kemmie Michaels Page B

too expensive. If you really want me to have boots, I'll have Cassie take me out thrifting. We'll find something that doesn't cost so much."
    Luke gaped at her, almost offended and a little bit upset. "Jen, I already told you. I'll buy you what I want to. I want you to have these boots. They're exactly what you need: they'll keep your feet protected, and I like how you look in them. I've got enough money, so don't stress about it. Let me do this without you getting upset. I'm doing it anyway," he finished pointedly.
    Jenna knew better than to protest further. She didn't want to insult him, but those boots cost more than the rest of her shoe collection combined. Cassie had taught her well how to live cheap, and her new boots might as well have been made of solid gold for the price of them. Still, Luke was being so sweet in spite of his commanding nature. How could she refuse?  
    "Ok," she said with a smile. "Sorry. I'm not used to this."
    "Well get used to it," he said directly. "Because we're going down the block to find you a riding jacket, too. I won't have you on my bike anymore unless you're covered as best you can be. I've been scared shitless you'd get hurt."
    "Is there any point in me arguing?"
    "No," Luke replied, letting a smile sneak through. "Drop your old shoes in the box because you look too hot in those boots to take them off."
    Jenna blushed and followed him up to the checkout. He paid cash for the boots and tossed her old shoes in the garbage by the check-out counter. "I don't want to haul them, and if you need new trainers, I'll get those for you, too."
    Jenna's jaw dropped but she didn't argue. Those old shoes were kind of gross anyway, and she loved the expression on his face when he realized she wasn't arguing with him. He walked her out of the store and a few blocks down the street to his favorite Harley Davidson shop. The man behind the counter greeted him by name.  
    Jenna breathed in the scent of leather and smiled. Luke fit right in here, but even in a place like this his strength stood out. No one commanded a room like Luke did. Jenna blushed again, just for having her hand in his while they walked to a rack of women's riding jackets. He seemed to know exactly what he was looking for.  
    "Here," he said, picking up a black leather-and-mesh jacket with red trim that matched her helmet exactly. Adjustable buckles adorned the waist and wrists for a tight fit, and leather armor pockets rested at the elbows and shoulders. "This one won't be too hot, but will keep you covered and protected where you need it."
    She tried on the jacket. He pulled at the buckles at her hips and adjusted the cuffs until he was satisfied. His lips curved up a bit. "Perfect fit," he whispered softly before he helped her out of the jacket. He picked up protective plates to fit in the elbow and shoulder pockets and lead her to the check-out counter. Jenna didn't bother with the price tag this time. She didn't want to know how much he was spending on her. He set the lot up on the counter and smiled at a guy who had a lot more tattoos than Luke.
    "Is this who belongs to that new helmet of yours?" the clerk smiled as he loaded the armor plates into the leather pockets of her new jacket.
    "Yep," Luke said almost proudly. "Never been on a bike before two weeks ago."
    The man shook his head in disbelief. "Good thing you came along to set her straight. What's your name, honey?"
    "Jenna," she smiled shyly.  
    "Well, Jenna, I hope to see you here again. Maybe get you some chaps."
    Luke chuckled as he paid for her new riding jacket. "I don't see that happening, but I'll let you know if we need anything else."
    Jenna smiled again and pulled the jacket around her shoulders after the clerk removed the security tag. Luke zipped the mesh snugly around her body and pulled her close in the process. He leaned down and whispered his breath across her cheek.
    "Even if you didn't need this to be safe, I'd want you to wear it anyway. You look so