Page 5 of Finn

I then shift my gaze over to the long oak bar.

And yes!

There is Sammie.

I can’t help but break into a wide grin.

As usual, she looks exceptionally tempting in that sexy-as-fuck Boots outfit.

But wait.

When I scan up to her face, it’s clear she doesn’t look too happy.

Yeah, she definitely has a stressed-out expression as she sets down what look to be two draft beers for a couple of punk-ass frat boy dudes.

Man, I hope they’re not giving Sammie a hard time.

I bet they are, based on how tense she is.

When Sammie finally glances over to the doorway and sees me, she looks surprised for a beat, then instantly relieved.

Stepping away from the frat boys, who are now busy downing their beers, she subtly jerks her chin toward them and mouths, “Help me.”

I’m a big guy and an elite athlete, so I’m not one to be messed with. My muscles aren’t just for show. I’ve thrown down on the ice many times, as well as back in my home state of Alaska, where I grew up before I became a professional hockey player.

So, yeah, bottom line is I’ll take these dudes out in a heartbeat if I have to.

Both of them too.

Damn the consequences.

First, though, let’s try the deterrent route.

Swooping in, I stride straight to behind the bar, stopping where Sammie is standing.

I give her a quick wink, like“Are you ready to play?”

She nods once.

Okay, show time.

Sammie smiles at me and exclaims in a loud voice, “Finn!”

“Babe!”

I wrap her up in a big hug right in front of the two jackasses. We’ve never embraced before, but this is for show.

Fuck, I need to keep that in mind, because I like far too much the way she feels pressed up to my body, especially when she hugs me back just as enthusiastically.

I press my nose into her hair—which smells fantastic, like fresh strawberries or something.

Finally, leaning back ever so slightly, I say loud enough for the jackasses to hear, “Hey, sweetheart, how are things going tonight? Sorry I was late getting here.”

I’m trying really hard not to notice how warm and soft Sammie’s body feels still pressed close to mine. She doesn’t need me creeping on her too. That’s why I just let go of her and take a step back.

Playing along with our ruse, she shrugs. “Things have been okay, I guess. Well…” Her gaze slides over to the two frat boys. “They were okay up until a few minutes ago.”

I side-eye the dudes, and they get real fucking nervous real fucking fast.

---