Page 45 of The Moment He Couldn’t Walk Away

“Thank you, that means a lot,” Sergio assured her. “And I’m real sorry about your mom, Nina.”

She ran at the man then and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him hard.

“Okay, time to go home,” Finch said at the look of fear on Sergio’s face. He eased her back. “Let’s go, Nina. I’ll drive you.”

“I was telling him his job is safe,” she whispered loudly.

“He got that part.” Finch pushed open the door and walked back into the dining area. “But you’ve gone a little heavy on the wine, so how about you leave that for another day.”

“I’m not drunk!” She slapped her chest.

“Sober as a judge,” JD said, coming forward to catch Nina as she stumbled. “Are you going to take her home?” he said, looking all class as always.

“Yeah, I got her,” Finch said.

“Look at you being all chivalrous and shit.”

“I’m sober. It’s what sober people do, JD,” Finch said, not liking the calculating look in his eyes. “But you can take her if you want to.”

“Also sober,” JD said. “And while I’m her boss, I’m also her friend so⁠—”

Nina lunged for JD before he could finish that sentence. He caught her and hugged her close.

“You doing okay there, girl?” JD’s wife, Zoe had arrived.

“Finch is taking her home. Are we good with that?” JD asked, releasing Nina.

“I don’t know. Are we?” Zoe asked with narrowed eyes as she studied him.

“For fuck’s sake,” Finch snarled at them. “I’m taking her home because she can’t drive. Plus, there are those children you keep having that likely need you, so I thought this would be easier on everyone.”

“We do need to relieve the babysitter, so you’re right, there,” she said, unfazed by his clear irritation.

“Why is Finch yelling?” Sawyer wandered up. He had Ally with him.

“He likes Nina and is feeling sad about her mom. Is that why?” the girl said. “He hugged her the day Mrs. Winters passed away.”

Finch didn’t groan out loud, but it was a near thing.

“There was hugging?” Brody Duke said, arriving next. “You didn’t tell me that before today, kiddo.” He ruffled his daughter’s hair, which had her slapping him.

“Teenagers don’t like their hair messed up.” Ally glared at her father.

“Now, that’s just too bad,” he said, doing it again.

“Fine, one of you take her home, like I said, seeing as you’re making a big deal out of something that doesn’t need to be a big deal,” Finch snapped.

“Why does my big brother look like he’s about to make a run for it?” Birdie asked.

“Because your new family are all assholes is why,” he snapped at her, then added, “Sorry, Ally. I’m going. Bye.” Leaning in, he kissed his little sister’s cheek.

“Just messing with you because we can,” JD said. “Take her.” He nudged Nina at him. “We don’t like her anyway.”

“You love me,” Nina sang.

“Good luck,” Brody said.

“Why does he need luck?” Birdie asked.