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“I could use a drink.”
“Excuse us.” Finn used the hand that Phillip had spurned to gesture for Jewel to walk ahead of him.
She scurried forward, her head down and her arms crossed over her chest. At least she wasn’t hyperventilating like she had in the elevator.
When those tourists had packed in, Finn had been scared she’d faint or worse. He’d fought his way over to her and took a chance that she’d prefer him invading her personal space than a bunch of strangers.
Though technically he still was a stranger.
“Hey, Jewel! Save me a dance!” Phillip yelled from behind them.
Jewel dug her fingers into the front of her dress, her nostrils flaring. “Ignore him.”
He dipped close to her and teased, “Let me guess. Old boyfriend?”
She chuckled and immediately, her slanted eyebrows relaxed. “Phillip is Sky’s cousin. He makes deliveries for Sweet Treats, but he’s always flirting with me.”
“The idiot. Shouldn’t he know better than to shoot his shot with a beautiful woman?”
Jewel laughed and this time the happiness sparkled in her eyes. “You’re mocking me.”
“I’m just glad that I’m the one who gets to chase guys like him away. At least for tonight.”
“Yeah.” Her eyes dimmed.
Finn rushed to distract her. “Isn’t that Carrie?”
Jewel glanced up and nodded as her friend bounced over. Carrie had changed from her bridesmaid gown into a slinky black dress that wrapped around her figure and showed off her glossy legs.
He gave her a quick once-over and then pulled his gaze back to Jewel. She was staring at Carrie, dark eyes sliding down her friend’s dress to her legs and shoes.
Finn could tell she was making comparisons. He could too, if he was so inclined, but it was completely unnecessary. Carrie was clearly the glamorous one, but Jewel still managed to stun him. Even if she’d gone for sneakers instead of stilettos.
It was clear that Jewel’s opinion wasn’t so generous. He saw the exact moment she shrunk right back into herself as if she was trying to tuck her soul away from the world.
“Jewls! You look so cute!” Carrie shook her head so her long black hair slithered over her dark shoulders. “I love that dress on you.”
“Thanks,” Jewel mumbled.
“Come sit with us.” Carrie pointed to a table. Sun Gi and Joana were there too. Sky and Joon were sitting apart from the rest of the guests. They were drinking wine and exchanging loving looks while talking softly.
Sky’s gaze flew across the room and landed on Jewel. The bride’s eyelashes flickered in surprise before she glanced away and focused on her husband.
“I’m not really hungry.” Jewel slung an arm around her stomach.
“Are you okay?” Carrie ducked closer and wrapped a hand over Jewel’s forehead like a human thermometer. “You’re not that hot.” Carrie moved her long, dark fingers to her own forehead.
He stepped forward. “It might just be an upset stomach. I saw an outdoor patio when we were walking here. I’ll take her outside. Maybe some air will help.”
“Jewel, is that what you want?” Carrie asked.
She nodded, eyes still glued to her shoes.
Carrie slanted him a warning look. “Fine. But if she’s still not feeling better, bring her back.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Carrie’s gaze remained on him until he’d escorted Jewel through the banquet hall’s wide double doors.
