“I think I fixed the targeting issue,” she said.
“Enough work for tonight.”
“We can test again tomorrow.”
He opened the door to their quarters. “Okay, Finley, but shut it down for tonight. You will rest, and tomorrow, we’ll worry about your test.”
“Okay, Sabin.” Just this once, just for a moment, she’d lean on him.
Chapter Nine
“What’s taking so long?” Finley tried not to fidget or storm outside to get the laser test ready herself.
She’d barely slept—excited, worried, running everything through her head. The test had to work this time. It had to.
“They’re repairing the damaged laser,” Sabin said. “It shouldn’t take too much longer.”
It was already past lunch time. She glanced at the clock, then looked back out the narrow window of the test room. The hot, Australian sun was high in the sky. She paced across the test room, glancing at the screens.
Sabin grabbed her arm. “Relax.”
“I can’t.”
He pulled her closer and her heart did a funny jerk in her chest.
“Sabin—” She glanced at the door. They were currently alone, but anyone could walk in at any moment.
His strong hand slid along her jaw. “I’ll have to help you relax.”
She made a sound. Instantly, all she could think about was him.
His mouth lowered, hovering over hers. “I hate seeing you worried and stressed.”
“I’m often worried and stressed.”
“Not if I can help it.” His mouth took hers.
Oh boy. Her knees felt like they’d melted. He took his time, kissing her thoroughly, like he couldn’t get enough of the taste of her.
She slid her hands into his hair and moaned into his mouth.
Finally, he lifted his head, leaving her feeling bereft.
“I can hear Gemma and Ian coming,” he said.
Crap. Finley stepped back and ran a hand over her hair. All she wanted to do was jump him.
“You look less anxious.” He smiled.
The door opened, and her assistants tumbled in, talking a hundred words a minute. Somehow, Gemma was oblivious to Ian’s obvious adoration.
Finley turned to the window, sure the fact that Sabin had kissed her senseless was written all over her face.
“S-Man,” Ian said to Sabin. “I’m sure we’ve got it this time. You and Dr. Delgado are unstoppable.”
She and Sabin shared a look.
“I’m feeling confident too, Ian,” Sabin said.
Dr. Gregson bustled in. “We’re ready.” The scientist headed for the control panel.
Finley clasped her hands and tried not to fidget.
It was going to be fine this time.
Sabin stepped up beside her. His hand brushed her lower back. “Breathe.”
She sucked in a shaky breath.
“Initializing the test,” Dr. Gregson said.
The familiar countdown flashed on the screen. Ten. Nine. Eight…
Finley took a deep breath.
…seven. Six. Five. Four…
Another breath. Please work.
…three. Two. One. Initialize.
The lasers fired.
She grabbed Sabin’s hand and held on tight.
Come on. Come on.
More lasers fired, and the net formed. She held her breath.
“Laser net formation complete,” the computer intoned.
She stared at the net, glowing bright under the sunlight. It worked. Elation filled her.
Cheers erupted in the room, and Sabin spun her around and hugged her.
The others rushed her, and she found herself engulfed in more hugs.
“It worked,” she said.
“It did.” Sabin touched her hair. “Congratulations, Dr. Delgado.”
“Thank you, Security Commander Solann-Ath. For your help, your belief, and for looking out for me.”
Something moved through his eyes. “My pleasure, Finley.”
God, feelings were alive inside her. She wanted this strong, fascinating alien warrior.
She cleared her throat. Dr. Gregson came over, grinning from ear to ear. “Congratulations.”
Finley nodded. “Thanks for your help with the test. Now, when can we arrange for the orbital tests?”
The scientist’s face turned serious as she considered. “It’ll take a few days. We need a team in orbit to assist, and not all the satellites are operational yet.”
Frustration ate at Finley.
“We need that time to prep down here anyway,” Sabin said.
She nodded, fighting the need to move faster.
“I’ll keep you informed,” Dr. Gregson said.
“I know what we need,” Gemma exclaimed. “A party!”
Finley frowned. A party?
Ian whooped. “Yes, in the dining room. I’ll ask the cooks to make something special, and we’ll unlock the bar.” He wiggled his eyebrows and flexed his hands. “I am the cocktail king.”
“It’s an excellent idea,” Dr. Gregson said. “We deserve to celebrate the test’s success.”
Finley frowned. “I’m not sure—”
“Everyone’s been working hard.”
Sabin raised a brow. “You Terrans don’t need much excuse for a celebratory get-together.”
“Tell me about it,” Finley grumbled.
“And everyone needs to dress up,” Gemma added. “Ladies should be in little dresses.”
Finley frowned. “I didn’t bring a dress.” She’d come here to work, not party.
And not lust after a certain alien warrior. That wasn’t going according to plan, either.
Gemma stepped in front of Finley, the young woman eyeing her with a critical look. “Laura from the missile guidance lab is almost as tall as you. She’ll have something you can borrow.”
Sabin looked like he was fighting a smile. “I need to contact my ship and update my war commander. I’ll see you at the party.”
The traitor abandoned her.
“Come on.” Gemma dragged Finley out.
An hour later, Finley stepped into the dining room, having been primped within an inch of her life. Everyone was drinking and eating. Some were dressed up; others were still in lab coats and wrinkled jeans.
Finley wished for her lab coat. She was wearing a borrowed, blue dress that was an inch shorter than she’d like. It wrapped across her body and had a deep V-neck, and left her legs bare. She’d brought some cute sandals with her, so at least she was wearing her own shoes. Gemma had done her makeup, but Finley had balked at letting the woman do her hair. She’d just brushed it out and left it loose. The blonde color looked nice with the blue.
“Dr. Delgado, the woman of the hour.” Ian, wearing a horrid, red bow tie, pressed a huge, ball-shaped glass into her hand. “I made this just for you.”
It was a clear liquid with pineapple and a sprig of green on the side. “What is it?”
“A gin cocktail. I called it the StarStorm in your honor. Drink up.”
Gingerly, she took a sip. Mmm, it was tasty.
She scanned the room. There was no sign of Sabin.
She took another sip.
What the hell, she may as well relax a little. Right now, there was no more work she could do. And no sign of the Kantos. So, she was going to enjoy herself.