Finn (2 page)

“Safe is responsible. You and Johnny are the spontaneous ones. You two live for the action. I’m perfectly content with ease.”

“Don’t do that, Presley. Don’t let it be enough for you.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re better than that. You’re an amazing woman with so much to offer. I’m scared you’re wasting a chance at love by always playing the safety card. I’d like to see your face light up when the man of your dreams walks in and sends your heart soaring. Haven’t you ever heard of butterflies fluttering and all that shit?”

I sip my beer and look into the darkness. “It’s not going to happen for me.”

“Not if you keep picking your dates at ‘Geeks R Us’.”

“No, I mean, I’m not sure I’m equipped to handle anything but boring. This way there are no surprises.”

“Jesus, listen to you. Do you pencil in sex, too, just to make sure both of you free up the time?”

I wince in discomfort. One, it’s bad form to discuss your sex life with your brother. Two, he doesn’t know he perfectly described my sex life with my last boyfriend. He was more structured than I am and liked to know when I planned to stay the night. It was a part of his schedule. There wasn’t an impulsive bone in his body.

“I can see by your expression I hit a nerve, so don’t answer that question.”

“Simon, why are you riding my ass tonight?”

“Because you’re my baby sister, and for the last ten years, you’ve taken care of everyone else’s needs. I’m afraid you’ve bypassed too many of life’s spur of the moments. It’s time to reach for what you deserve.

“Also, think about Winnie. My little girl looks up to you with every ounce of devotion I know. Don’t teach her to be afraid. Teach her to take chances, live her life, and be the person Mom raised all of us to be.”

“What do you suggest I do?”

“Take a chance. Live in the moment. Jump in the deep end.”

“What happens if the deep end drowns me? At least now I have structure.”

“You’re not listening to me. You won’t drown because you’re too strong. Give yourself credit.”

I lean into him, putting my head on his shoulder. “I love when you come home to surprise us. When did you arrive?”

Instead of answering me, he shifts to the side and forces me to look up. “I’m sending someone to you. He’s a good man. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. He’ll take care of you. Forever, if you let him. I’m not going to promise life will be easy, but he’ll love you like you were put on this earth only for him. To say I trust him is an understatement, because I’m trusting him with you, my beautiful, golden baby sister.”

“Why are you talking like that?” Panic starts in as the sun rises.

Simon’s body slowly disappears as the light shines, blinding me.

“Simon!” I cry, reaching into the air. “Simon!”

I thrash and roll over, my room bathed in light. My head swims as I realize it was only a dream. I can’t shake the feeling of how real it seemed, and I fight to calm my heart. Every word he said replays in my mind. What did he mean he was sending me someone?

I prop up and look at the clock. Eight forty-five am…

Finn

W
hat the hell is she up to now?
I think to myself, looking around the park for Ember. She’s not at the gazebo where she asked me to meet her so I check the time and take a seat, watching the people all around enjoying the early June weather.

There’s a group in the outer field with a cluster of dogs. Tennis balls and Frisbees fly through the air as each dog chases, catches, and then takes them back to their waiting owners. They look similar in breed, but I can’t tell from the distance.

“Sorry, I’m late,” Ember’s sweet voice rings out behind me.

I turn and smile at Robbie’s wife. Her long auburn hair is tied to the side in a large sparkling clip, and her bright blue eyes shine with her wide smile. She drops the bags she’s carrying on the bench then launches herself into my arms. I squeeze, returning her affection. Robbie Hayes hit the jackpot when he found Ember Walker—now Hayes. Not only is she an incredible person, she has the biggest heart of any woman I’ve ever known.

I couldn’t have picked a better person in the entire world to spend the rest of their life with my best friend.

“Good to see you, babe.”

“I missed you! We’ve been back from our honeymoon over a month. I told Robbie last night I was jealous he got to see you almost every day at work. I don’t care what’s on your calendar, you’re coming over for dinner this weekend!” She leans back, still holding on to my arms.

“I’ll be there.”

“Good.” She turns and starts unloading the bags she dropped earlier.

She sets up a small picnic, offers me a sandwich, and pats the bench for me to sit.

“So, Hero, tell me what’s been happening in your life.”

I shake my head at the ridiculous name she insists on using. For some insane reason, she labeled me a hero when Robbie told her about my part in saving his life in Iraq a few years ago. What she doesn’t understand is I still don’t feel like I did enough to help Robbie or save the men we lost in the roadside bomb that day. We’re Marines, and it’s in my bones to protect. Any of them would have done the same thing for me.

“You gotta stop calling me that.”

“Never. Get over it.” She wiggles her finger at me. “Always my Hero.”

“Tell me about Tahiti.” I change the subject, referring to her recent honeymoon.

“It was heavenly.” Her voice goes soft, and she looks at me with a new sparkle in her eye. “Everything was perfect—the weather, the food, the island. I didn’t want to leave, but Robbie promised we’d go back.”

“I’d bet he’s making those plans right now if it puts that look on your face. Fucker is lucky to have you.”

She blushes and tries to hide her face, which she does often.

“Enough about me. I want to know about you.”

“Simple. Working and school. Decided to take two courses this summer so I can finish in December.”

“You don’t want to talk about the fact that you were SHOT AT a few days ago in that bank robbery attempt downtown?”

Fucking Robbie and his big mouth.

“Babe, it wasn’t that bad. The guy was a shaky motherfucker. He couldn’t hit me if he tried. I had it covered.”

“Says the guy who flinched when I hugged him. You can’t hide it from me. Robbie said you bruised your ribs when he shot at you. He could have killed you!” she yells.

“I’ve survived worse than a few bruised ribs, Ember. No junkie was going to get the honor of taking me out. Promise you, I had it under control, and I had Robbie. We make a good team.”

She looks at me skeptically then relaxes her shoulders.

“Since you’re such a badass, you’ll be taking a permanent position with Hayes Securities, right?” Her eyes turn sad and plead with me silently.

Good way to segue into a subject I’ve been avoiding with everyone.

Fucking Robbie again. He’s the only person I’ve told that I’m thinking of leaving Nashville for a while. Coming back after our accident, and discharging from the Marines, was the best plan at the time. I enrolled in school for my business degree and took part-time work with Hayes Security.

The work is interesting, and I’m good at it. But in the last few months, I’ve been itching to get away and see what other cities may have to offer.

It’s not that I don’t love my family and friends in Nashville, but recently, I’ve had a nagging feeling that there’s more out there for me.

“Ember—”

“Don’t answer that now. I’ll support every decision you make, but I can’t imagine not having you here. You’re special to me. To us.”

“How about we cross that bridge when we come to it. No decisions have been made.”

“Fair enough. I’ll do everything in my power to keep you here.”

She tries to say the last part quietly, but I hear every word.

While we eat, she fills me in on everything from her work and new clothing designs, to her crazy cousin and his partner. When we’re done, I lean back against the bench and look at her expectantly.

“So, I have an ulterior motive for asking you to meet me here today.” She plays with her wedding rings and gives me a guilty look.

“You don’t say?” I raise an eyebrow at her. “The fact that you asked me to come alone and not tell Robbie was my first clue.”

“That’s not fair! I really do want to keep updated on your life.”

“You could have called.”

“Fine! I need your advice. You’re the only one I trust with this. Come with me.” She throws away the trash, then reaches for my hand.

I allow her to lead me across the grass to the outfield where the dogs are playing. We stop at the edge, and she links her arm through mine.

“Aren’t they awesome?” she says softly.

“The dogs?”

“Yes.”

“I guess.” I take a closer look and notice for the first time, they’re all wearing the same bandana around their necks and their owners are in identical shirts.

“I want one,” she claims.

“So, get one.”

“I didn’t phrase that correctly. I want to get one for Robbie. These are K9 for Warrior dogs.”

Immediately, I stiffen, knowing a little about the program. Robbie’s previous PTSD fills my mind. She feels me tense and turns to face me.

“Is Robbie okay?” I ask, swallowing the fear that his condition has returned.

“Oh, gosh, yes. His nightmares are practically gone. Since your trip last year to visit the graves of the guys who died, he’s been one-hundred percent fine. Sometimes, his leg still stiffens, but he’s got that under control, too.”

“I guess I’m confused. Why a Warrior dog?”

“I’m not sure I’ll even qualify. I’m looking into the application process now, but these are mostly rescue dogs. The program is new to Nashville. I’ve been researching, and I think Robbie deserves a Warrior dog.”

There’s so much love and respect in the statement with only her tone. I may have been confused, but I’m not surprised. Her love is so deep for my friend, and she wants my approval. She knows that I’m the only one who can relate to our accident, and she trusts me to tell her if this is a good idea.

Another reason he’s a lucky fucker.

“I think it’s a terrific idea.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a red Frisbee flying straight at Ember’s head. On instinct, I yank her to me and twist so it hits my back. A dog comes barreling toward us but stops before pouncing and lies down at my feet.

Ember steps away and starts to crouch, but I stop her, cautious of its reaction.

“Oh my gosh! I am so sorry!” A woman runs up, apologizing profusely.

The second she stops in front of us, my heart skips a beat. She continues to apologize in a winded rasp, and I find myself searching for my own breath.

My eyes rake up and down her quickly, taking her in. Wisps of light brown hair fly loose from her ponytail and frame her face with curls. She’s wearing cut-off shorts that showcase her long legs and a pink K9 t-shirt with the picture of a dog on the front. When my eyes find hers, I literally have to slap my chest to force my lungs to inhale.

Her eyes are magnetic; not quite green, not quite blue, and not quite brown, but a combination of the three. They are the most unique blend of hazel I’ve ever seen. She meets my gaze for a quick second then leans down to the dog, petting its head.

I can’t stop staring, not comprehending what she’s saying until Ember pinches my arm.

“What?” I shake my head, trying to clear the fog.

“She was saying the dog took a silent command from you.”

“What?” I repeat stupidly and move my eyes between the two women.

“I hate to be intrusive, but are you military?” The stranger’s feathery voice floats through the air.

“Yes.” I nod, not able to find more words.

“He knew. That’s why he’s at your feet. He felt it.”

“That’s incredible,” Ember gushes.

“Your husband has an air about him.”

“Oh, gosh! This isn’t my husband!” Ember giggles. “But, you’re right. My husband does have an air about him. I’m Ember, and this is Finn.”

Something flares across this incredibly beautiful woman’s face, but she bites her lip and goes back to focusing on Ember.

“I’m Presley Chambers. Nice to meet you.” My heart hammers as her cheeks turn a light shade of pink. She steals one more look at me and gives a shy smile. I stand mute as they talk a few more minutes, Ember explaining the reason we’re here.

With each word Presley speaks, my pulse quickens. Beads of sweat roll down my back as I try to conceal my reaction.

“I’ll help you adopt in any way I can. I’m only a volunteer, but the trainer would be a good person to talk to. Since it’s a new program, we’re currently finding our footing. Just leave me a message at the office, or come back next Tuesday. We’ll be here getting our exercise.” She reaches for Ember’s hand.

“Absolutely.”

Ember nudges me when it’s my turn to shake Presley’s hand. The second our skin touches, there’s a small tremble from her. She gives me a blinding smile that sends my heart racing again.

Jesus, what’s wrong with me?

“Nice to meet you,” I force out, regretting the second her hand leaves mine.

“Like I said, Blade is my assigned dog until he’s placed, and we’ll be here next Tuesday. If you’re still interested.” Presley steps back, and the dog instantly stands, nudging her knee. Then he strains to lick Ember’s outreached palm.

There’s a small whimper, and it’s directed at me. Ember places my palm on his head, and he leans into my touch. Both women giggle, and even Presley’s giggle sends an electric heat up my spine.

She and the dog walk away, and I steal a quick glance at her swaying ass.

“What do you think?” Ember links her arm through mine again.

“I think you may have found a dog.”

“Maybe.” She guides us back to the parking lot. “But I think maybe we both found something today.”

Finn

“W
hat’s on the agenda tonight?” Tripp asks me from the couch, flipping through the channels.

“Dinner with Robbie and Ember. Thought you were coming.”

“I meant after. We hitting a bar?”

“What’d you have in mind?”