“Okay,” she said slowly. “I hope this works.”
“It will,” said Finn. “And if it doesn’t, we adjust.”
Chase glanced at the clock. “We’ll meet again in a couple of days, see if there’s anything we missed.”
Lainey stood, pushing back her chair. “I can’t thank you enough.”
Dex gave her a two-finger salute. Caleb nodded.
Finn stood too. “I’ll walk you out.”
As they stepped into the hall, the air shifted. It was quieter. Just the two of them.
“You okay?” he asked quietly.
“No,” she admitted. “But I’m still standing.”
He nodded once. “You’re not alone, you know.”
“I feel alone,” she said without thinking.
“Lainey, we’re gonna lock this down. Find out who’s behind it so you can get on with your life.”
Her throat tightened. “Why do you care so much?”
He gazed down at her. “Because it’s you.”
She stood there so close to Finn she could feel the heat emanating from him. Then she took a step forward. Just one. But it was enough.
Without a word, Finn opened his arms, and she walked straight into them.
It wasn’t romantic, just a strong, real hold.
Her forehead pressed into his chest, and he wrapped his arms around her.
She didn’t cry. But she let herself stay there long enough to breathe him in. Long enough to remember she wasn’t alone.
“Thank you for today. For everything you’ve done.”
“Lainey, you never have to thank me.”
She nodded. Then, with effort, stepped away, gave a little wave, and turned toward the door.
Finn watched her leave,every inch of his body wanting to run after her. Say anything. Do something to convince her she wasn’t alone.
But what?
The hall was silent, much like his mind.
Except for Dex’s voice floating in from down the hall. “So … that was subtle.”
Finn exhaled hard and looked over his shoulder. Dex and Caleb had followed him out and were leaning against the wall with shit-eating grins on their faces.
“I didn’t say a word,” Caleb added, hands up in mock surrender. “And I’m not going to mention that earth-shattering kiss you gave her the other night. But if you two don’t get together soon…”
Finn dragged a hand through his hair. “Fuck off.”
Dex smirked. “We’re just saying security’s not the only thing that needs handling.”
