Page 25 of Protecting Jess

Finn was lying on the bed, wearing the same clothes he’d had on the previous evening.

Why had she thought he’d change? When would he have had a chance to get fresh clothes?

Her mind was a jumble, and she wasn’t thinking straight at all.

“I’m ready,” she announced unnecessarily.

“I can see.” The corners of Finn’s mouth ticked up as his gaze ran up and down her body, obviously taking in her skinny jeans and flowy top. “You look beautiful, Jess.”

Heat rose up her neck. Getting compliments from Finn wasn’t new, but because there’d been a shift in their relationship, everything seemed to take on a different meaning. “Thanks. I’m sorry you have to wear the clothes you had on last night again.”

Finn stood. “Not a big deal. You don’t want to see me after we’ve been away for a few weeks on a mission, where changing clothes and showering aren’t always options.”

There was her opening. Her chance to ask him why he’d changed, but the words remained locked in her throat.

Maybe she could ask him. Or maybe it was the reminder that he went off for weeks on end to dangerous places that kept her questions out of her mouth.

“Doesn’t sound fun,” she offered instead.

“Small price to pay to ensure you and everyone else can go about your day-to-day business, instead of worrying that you are going to be used as a human shield.” Finn shook his head, as if dislodging a memory before coming up to her and taking her hand. “Come on. Let’s get this day started.”

Jess hadn’t missed the shadows that flitted across his face. If that wasn’t a sign to keep her questions to herself, what was?

Nine

The sun warmed Finn’s back as he and Jess walked along the beach. After grabbing some food, they headed to the base and she appeared to have enjoyed the tour, but she’d been subdued from the moment they’d left the hotel room.

He was the cause of it. He should’ve kept his mouth shut about people being used as human shields.

There’d been so many times when the fuckers they were assigned to take out used women and children as a form of protection. His team had always done their best to ensure innocents weren’t collateral damage, but sometimes, even their best efforts weren’t enough.

“Do you like living here?” Jess asked after he’d spread the blanket he’d grabbed from his room onto the sand. The waves swished in and out, the sound soothing.

“I do. Although, I admit I do miss the openness and quiet of the ranch. There’s nothing like riding across the land on horseback. Reminds you of how large the world is and how small you really are. What about you? How do you find living in New York?”

Jess dug her hand in the sand, scooped up some of the fine grains, and let them trickle through her fingers. “I’ve lived there for over seven years, and I still don’t think I’m used to the mass of people on the sidewalks every day. I mean, we’re always traveling, too, so maybe that could be the reason why I’m not used to it. And it’s expensive. I have to share a space with four other dancers and so there’s little privacy.”

“I don’t think I’d like to live in a city as big or busy as New York. I mean, San Diego isn’t a small city, but I rarely go there. When I’m not on a mission, I spend most of my time here. I love the ocean.”

“Well, that’s a good thing, seeing as you’re in the Navy and a SEAL,” she teased.

“Yeah, it is. Mom and Dad were surprised I chose the military. Dad thought I’d become a paramedic like he’d been, but I don’t know. I wanted more. To do more. I could’ve chosen the Army, but here I am.”

Jess smiled, and it made his heart skip. “I’m sure they’re very proud of you.”

“They are, but Mom wishes I hadn’t become a SEAL, because I go into more dangerous situations than I would’ve as a sailor. Not saying they don’t do dangerous shit, too. Before I became a SEAL, we were involved in some hairy situations, but yeah…” He shrugged, not wanting to freak her out even more than he’d already done earlier.

“Hey, Hive. How’s it going?”

A couple of guys plopped down on the sand in front of them. “Hey, Smiley. Flash. When did you guys get back?”

“Last night. Just came down here to go for a run and a swim,” Flash replied, his gaze flicking between Finn and Jess.

“Oh, this is Jess. She’s…”

What was Jess? His girlfriend?

She was a friend. Should he tell them she was his cousin?

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