All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Thirty-Nine

CHAPTER THIRTY-NINE

The Logan Inn offered both indoor and al fresco dining. It was a beautiful early spring evening, so McKenna wasn’t very surprised when the hostess led them out onto the covered patio and over to a far corner, where a beautiful Asian woman sat, sipping a glass of white wine.

“Agent May,” relief flooded Cynthia’s voice as she hurried over to the woman, “you have no idea how glad I am to see you.”

“Keep your voice down,” Agent May replied, her voice void of emotion as her dark eyes flicked up to them. “You don’t know who is listening.”

“Of course.” Cynthia gestured to the chairs. “Let’s sit and I’ll introduce everyone.”

“I know who you are,” Agent May said, gesturing to Loki with her wineglass. “Loki. Thor's brother.”

Loki bobbed his head as he took his seat. “And this is my wife, McKenna.”

“Your wife? Coulson never mentioned you were married.”

Cynthia sat and picked up one of the leather-bound menus to flip it open. “Probably because she’s a civilian and you know how he is about civilian involvement.”

Agent May didn’t smile as she nodded. “Still, she’s an insider. I’m surprised he didn’t see the usefulness in that.”

McKenna looked from Cynthia to May and back. “I’m sitting right here, you know.”

Agent May hardly looked apologetic. “I know. And really, you shouldn’t be here.”

“Well, she is here and she will remain here,” Loki broke in. “I’ve already tried to talk her into going to Asgard, and she’s having none of it.”

“You should. You would be safer there.”

McKenna bit back a sigh. “I know. I’ve heard it more times than I care to admit.”

“I even brought Lady Sif back from—”

McKenna kicked Loki sharply in the shin. “Enough. I don’t need a babysitter. Look,” she glanced from Loki, to Cynthia, and then to Agent May, “I know you all three think I’m just a huge pain in the ass right now, but I’m not exactly helpless either.”

“Really? “Agent May asked slowly, lifting her wineglass to her lips. “What skills do you have? I mean, other than marrying well?”

McKenna felt the blood drain from her face. She hadn’t expected the S.H.I.E.L.D. agent to welcome her with open arms, but she didn’t expect outright hostility, either.  She stared at the ice cubes slowly swirling in the water glass before her and took a deep breath before lifting her eyes back to Agent May. “You’re right, Agent May. I have no other skills that S.H.I.E.L.D. would find useful and I’m sorry to be wasting your time.

“So, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll leave you to your plotting.” She set down her napkin and pushed back her chair. “Loki, I’m sorry I made you bring me. I should’ve gone to Asgard. You were right.”

He sighed, reaching for her hand. “McKenna—”

“It’s okay. It was really stupid of me to think I did have anything to offer you guys. I don’t. I don’t have any special skills at all.” She stood to push in her chair. “I’m sorry.”

Loki was halfway out of his chair, but she didn’t wait, didn’t pause, as she ducked her head against the curious stares of the other diners and hurried out to the sidewalk. She took maybe two steps out onto it, when he caught her by the elbow. “McKenna, wait—”