Page 14 of Protecting Jess

Probably, and if she was being honest, even if Finn hadn’t been here, she would’ve wanted to go. The noise, after performing, was too much. “Yeah, give me a second.”

“Not going anywhere.”

She squeezed past two of her dancer friends, reaching Kaley’s side and going up on tiptoe to talk to her bestie. Jess didn’t want to yell it out, so everyone heard what she was doing. “I’m leaving with Finn. I’m safe with him. He’s a family friend.”

“Are you sure?” her friend asked, looking over Jess’s shoulder to where Finn stood.

“Hive’s a good guy. Your friend is safe with her.” the guy who had been standing with Finn injected into their conversation.

How the hell had he heard what she’d said? It wasn’t as though she’d hollered. Or maybe he’d just picked up in the unspoken body language between her and Kaley.

“I’ve just met you,” Kaley fired back. “How can I trust what you say?”

“Oak, right?” Jess asked. When he nodded, she continued. “Are you on the same SEAL team as Finn?”

“Yes, ma’am!” He winked and a flirty smile stretched his lips. It did nothing for her, but she didn’t miss the way Kaley gave him a second look, especially when she’d obviously heard what his occupation was.

“Kay-Kay, I’ve known Finn for years. I’ll be safe with him.” She grabbed her friend’s hands and squeezed.

“Are you sure you’re going to be okay?”

“Yes. Have fun with everyone else. I’ll see you at the hotel later on.”

After a few seconds, Kaley gave a short nod before pulling her in for a tight hug. “This is him, isn’t it? The one you crushed on when you were a kid?”

The second Jess had said Finn’s name, it wasn’t a shocker that Kaley would eventually put two and two together. They were best friends, after all, and, while she hadn’t told Kaley about that night in New York, her friend knew about Finn and how they’d grown up together.

“Yeah, it is.”

“Be careful.”

“Always.” Jess released her friend and picked up her bag.

“I’ll make sure she gets to where she needs to go safely.” Finn’s friend touched her lightly on the arm.

“Thanks.”

After a quick round of goodbyes, she made her way to Finn. He’d stayed close enough to show he hadn’t left, but far enough to give her privacy to do what she needed to do.

When Jess reached his side, he placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her through the crowd of people. The second they stepped outside, and the door closed behind them, shutting out the noise, she relaxed.

“Where are you staying?” he asked.

“The Marriott, but can we go for a walk instead?” The last thing she wanted to do was be locked in a hotel room with Finn, where a bed was a temptation she wasn’t confident she could ignore.

Mentally, Jess scoffed. There might’ve been plenty of times after their kiss when, against her better judgment, she’d fantasized about her and Finn in bed together. His hands roaming her body. Her hands on his. Then, them joining as one, Finn never taking his eyes off her.

A shudder of desire swarmed through her bloodstream, and wetness coated her panties.

“Are you cold?”

“No, I’m fine.” He hadn’t answered her question about going for a walk. “So, a walk?”

Finn studied her for a few seconds longer before holding out his hand. “Sure.”

Without allowing herself to think too much about everything, she slipped her hand into his and prayed she hadn’t made a big mistake in begging him not to leave.

There was something absolutely natural about having Jess’s hand in his. The night was beginning to cool down and Finn didn’t want to keep her outside too long, but he also didn’t want his time with her to end.

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