Images of Simon flash in my head, and I suck in a deep breath.
Safety, safety, safety runs through my mind. Reese grabs my hand, and Ember catches the reaction.
“I’m sorry.” Her voice is shaky. “That was so insensitive! I’m a complete idiot.”
“No, it’s okay. I’m at peace with my brother’s death. He died protecting our country. But hearing survivor stories is always a clutch for me.”
“Well, your guy has a great story. He’s my Hero.”
My guy? Hero?
“Jesus, I can’t wait to meet him,” Reese mutters, drinking her champagne.
“You will tonight. He’s dreamy!” Ember practically sings. “And he’s a bit smitten.”
“Smitten?” I repeat.
“It’s a private joke between Robbie and me. But Finn’s definitely smitten.”
“I can argue that you’re probably crazy. We’ve been on one date, which included my niece and was interrupted by my ex,” I tell her, and Reese starts to giggle.
“Maybe so,” Ember breaks into a wide grin, “but we’ve been waiting for it and it happened.”
“What happened?” I question, scared of her reply.
“The minute he saw you in the park, he lost his breath. Then at the funeral, he couldn’t take his eyes off you. When we came to see Blade at the park with Robbie, he was a nervous wreck. Some people wouldn’t notice, but I did. He was there for a glimpse of you. One-hundred percent, he’s smitten.”
“You’re drunk.” I swallow my drink in one gulp.
“Nope, wait until he sees you tonight. He’s going to flip his lid. You look like a vixen. Robbie told me Finn’s getting the disease.”
“Disease? That sounds horrible!” Reese scrunches her nose and refills our glasses.
“Disease is the term they use for ‘falling hard’. Apparently, it happens to the men… and there’s proof if you look at Robbie’s side of the group. Tripp, Max, and Finn make fun of us.”
I try to ask more, but we pull up in front of the venue, and our door is opened hastily. Bodyguard man helps us all out, and we stand together to take a few photos for the local paper. As we walk up to the door, Robbie comes barreling out and grabs Ember in his arm
s. She starts to giggle and gives him a short kiss.
Reese and I walk around them and head in. I don’t get ten feet inside when a familiar heat sears through me.
Reese stops and mutters, “Holy fuck.”
Finn is at the security line in a full tux, and he’s watching me like a hawk. His eyes rake up and down my body, leaving a burn on every inch of exposed skin. My thighs flex, my stomach clenches, and my heart races. He moves to the front of the line and motions to me. Once the security wand is passed over my body and my purse is checked, he’s waiting.
I have a second of uncertainty. Should I hug him? Lean in for a kiss on the cheek? What’s appropriate?
“Hey,” I say nervously.
He doesn’t hide his traveling gaze. Then he surprises me by tugging me to him and laying a quick kiss on my lips. Too quickly, he pulls back and cups my cheek. The look of intensity swimming in his eyes is enough to send the butterflies swarming into overdrive. If he wasn’t holding me close, I’d surely be falling.
“You look sensational. Jesus, I’m going to have my hands full tonight.”
“Aren’t you working?”
“Yes, but I had a talk with my boss, who you know is Robbie’s dad. He’s agreed that once the band starts, we’re off duty.”
“Is there really a need for security at a charity event?”