Lifeline

“JJ doesn’t have a plus one,” Kelvin tells O’Brien. “If you don’t have plans, we’d love it if you could come to our wedding.”

I give Kelvin a what-the-hell look which he doesn’t see.

O’Brien moves in behind Lindsay and me, wrapping an arm around each of our shoulders. I have to suppress the urge to burrow closer to the heat coming from his body.

“I’ll see if I can make it and let JJ know. Enjoy the day, guys.” His voice is a deep rumble, and I feel it vibrating through me.

When he steers us back to our team, I glance up at him, trying to figure out if this extra-possessive side of him is just because of his protective nature… or more.

Don’t look for a deeper meaning, JJ. O’Brien just feels responsible for you because he’s mentoring you.

O’Brien

Today is fucking torture.

JJ’s ass… Christ, those firm cheeks look biteable in the tight shorts. It doesn’t help a single fuck that her breasts are perky, the t-shirt doing nothing to hide the swells and hard nipples as she shivers beside me.

Grabbing my FBI-issued jacket from the back of my chair, I place it over her shoulders.

She gives me a thankful look, quickly shoving her arms through the sleeves and zipping up. “Thanks. I didn’t think it would be so chilly.”

“It will warm up soon.” I glance at Lindsay. “You okay, Lindsay? I can grab the chief’s jacket for you.”

She’s dressed in a pair of jeans and a soft sweater. Much more sensible than the fucking outfit JJ’s got on.

“I’m good. Thanks, Daniel.”

A smile tugs at my mouth. “Still adamant not to call me O’Brien?”

“Yep.” She has the same excited grin as JJ that has slowly dug its way into my heart the past six weeks. “It feels disrespectful calling you by your last name.”

“Whatever you’re comfortable with,” I murmur.

Feeling a little better now that my jacket’s swallowing JJ’s hot as fuck body, I can breathe easier, and my muscles relax.

It still surprises me how quickly I got used to having her at my side. Besides our rocky start, she’s followed every order and soaked up information like a dry sponge.

She’s sharp as fuck, which is one hell of an asset. She calls our informants out if they’re trying to bullshit us. There’s no lying to her.

I know she’s aware I’m overprotective of her, but luckily I’ve been able to hide my growing feelings for her behind a big brother act that’s tougher than any undercover operation I’ve ever been on.

Then there’s the constant tension. I can’t figure out if JJ feels it too, or if it’s one-sided. She’s not giving me anything to work with. Not that it matters. Even if she felt it, nothing would come of it. JJ’s just starting out, and for her to get into a relationship with another agent would end her career. Especially if that agent’s me.

JJ’s shoulder lightly nudges against my bicep, then she gives me a smile. “You okay?”

I nod as our eyes lock.

The way this woman looks at me. Christ. She makes me feel like a god.

“Warmer?” I ask.

“Yeah.”

I turn my attention to Lindsay, who’s somehow managed to pull Bianca, Eric’s girlfriend, out of her shell, then glance at the other units starting to gather for the baseball games. “You ready to kick some ass?”

“Yes. Let’s do this.” JJ pats Lindsay’s leg. “Stay where I can see you.”

“Yes, Mom,” Lindsay teases her.

Walking out onto the field, we hear we’re facing off against the Counter-Terrorism Division.

I lean a little down, my arm brushing against JJ’s shoulder. “Watch out for Cooper.” I nod in his direction. “He’ll try to either intimidate or hit on you.”

“Okay.”

Our chiefs flip a coin, and we get the pick. “You bat first,” Uncle Carl chooses.

“Come,” I mutter, my eyes on Cooper as he stares at JJ.

“Aren’t you a little overdressed, sweetheart?” he calls out to her.

“Fuck off,” I answer on JJ’s behalf.

“Bad blood?” she asks while we walk to the back of the field.

“You could say that.” I point to a position not far from me. “Stand there.”

Where I can keep an eye on you.

The game begins, and for a couple of minutes, there’s no activity in our section of the field.

The air starts to grow warmer, and it has JJ taking off my jacket.

Cooper steps up to the plate, letting out a sharp whistle.

Fucker.

Rossi throws the ball, which Cooper whacks in our direction. I dart in front of JJ, catching it inches from her face, and before I can reign in the burst of anger, I throw the fucking ball, hitting Cooper hard in the chest.

“Oh, it’s fucking on,” Cooper shouts at me.

Moving in front of JJ, I grumble, “Bring it, fucker.”

“Don’t let him get to you,” she tries to calm me down.

“Just stay behind me.”

“You’re giving him a reason to target me,” she mutters, sounding annoyed.