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“I miss the Navy, but not as a SEAL. I put in a call to the local JAG office to discuss my options.”
“You want to go back to the military?”
“I think so.”
“You can’t tell Baxter and Stewart until they decide on the partnership. I need to know if I win based on my work, not as a default if you quit.”
He nodded and kissed her chin. “Okay, I won’t say anything until the case is won, and they announce the winner of the partnership. I just want you to know that I’m not playing any game. No matter what, I want you.”
He kissed her before she could feel forced to respond, and the only thing she could think to do was jump into the water. She didn’t have the heart to tell him that she wasn’t going to stay in the area if it wasn’t at Baxter and Stewart. She couldn’t risk him telling them he didn’t want the partnership. She needed to know she was good enough. Finn followed through the water and didn’t bring it up again. Not when he wrapped her in a plush towel on the shore or explored her body in the hot shower. With every adoring stroke, he forced her to wonder what it would be like to be with Finn. No limits, no hiding.
That evening, after a delicious dinner of pasta and a homemade sauce from the freezer, Finn led her to the living room couch. And they did something she’d never done: they snuggled under a blanket to watch a movie. He pretended to be appalled at her lack of knowledge on action movies and rom-coms then forced her to watch his all-time favorite movie,Goonies. They both fell asleep at some point, but she stirred when he carried her to bed, feeling the full power of letting someone care for her. In the morning, the sound of his steady breathing and the heat from his body enveloped her. Under the covers, lying next to Finn, she was warm, safe, and cozy. A combination she hadn’t experienced since childhood. Her short relationships had always seemed transactional, each person wanting something from the other.
Finn said he wanted her no matter what happened with the partnership. He was so outspoken about his feelings, but it meant she had to consider what they were doing beyond the moment.
But if she did win, they couldn’t be together. There was no policy per se against them dating, but the perception would be favoritism; the junior partner typically took over the management of the rookie bullpen, assisting with case assignments and firing the poor performers.
“Shh, you’re thinking too much,” Finn whispered as his hand slowly pushed under her arm and pulled her back into his body.
His firm mass of muscles pressed against her back, stirring a fresh craving in her.
“There you go. It’s too early to be tense. Let me see if I can help you relax again.” His mouth was on her ear, and she arched into him enjoying his manly impulse and instant need for her. No matter what happened with the partnership, she was going to enjoy every fleeting moment with him until the end.
*
After what couldonly be described as the most romantic weekend of her life, a cloud settled over Hailey. Early Sunday morning, they got back in the car to return to the city.
“Will you come with me to family dinner tonight, or do you need a break from me?”
Gripping his hand, she couldn’t help but smile.
“I think I need time to prepare for court and probably a refresher on how not to kiss you every five minutes.”
“Nah, you can kiss me in court—it’s fine.”
His lopsided sly grin, accentuated by the two days of scruff, made him look beyond sexy and completely threatening to her need to maintain some space.
“I’m just teasing. I won’t push my luck, but when we’re done in court each day, you’re mine.”
“Okay, are you going to the office today?”
“Of course. We can’t win this case on my Maguire charm.”
“It’s probably worth a shot. You’re very charming.”
“Finally, she admits she finds me charming.”
“Charming, handsome, and maybe a glutton for misfits.”
“You’re not a misfit. Don’t sell yourself short.”
Nodding, she couldn’t help but wish he was right. But the gnawing fear of being alone again or rejected sat like a stone in her stomach. The easiest way to avoid those feelings was to never count on someone. As soon as she expected someone to be there for her, she was opening herself up for the fall.
Swallowing the stifling feeling that she was already in trouble with her emotions when it came to Finn, she pulled her hand away to grab her water.
“I actually need to head into the office. I have a new case I need to draft some paperwork on, then I can focus on our case. Or vice versa,” he said, breaking through her tumbling thoughts.
“Okay. Can you drop me off at my place, and I’ll meet you there? I need some fresh clothes.”
