Finn (Kennedy Ink.)

by Jenny Wood

  “She’s down, though it took longer than usual to get her to sleep tonight. I think she was overly tired.” He tells me. He sounds relaxed and delicious, and I’d give anything to see what he looked like right now.

  “Probably. Haven’t you ever been too tired to sleep?” I have.

  “No, never.” He laughs, sending a chill from the back of my neck to my groin. I loved that.

  “I have.” I yawn, sinking into my pillows. My apartment might not be much, but I’ve got an amazing bed with amazing bedding, pillowed around me. It’s like laying on a cloud, making it impossible for me to not fall asleep within minutes of hitting my bed.

  “How was the rest of your day?” I ask him, wanting just to hear him talk. Closing my eyes and waiting on that rumble, it’s the second-best part of my day. He tells me that he had another appointment after he left me; that it was just a small, fairy and moon on a woman’s ankle. He tells me that he went out for pizza with his co-workers while they all played musical chairs with Lennon. She ate up all the attention like I figured she would with a bevy of muscled men at her disposal. Lucky girl, lucky girl. He tells me how they watched the same cartoon, twice before wanting dinner and getting her bath. He says that wrestling her brush it, is always a night time hassle, but once it’s brushed, if he keeps doing it, she’ll fall asleep. He thinks that’s why she fights it so much. I smile in my half sleep, delirium as I listen to his magical voice, lull me into a peaceful, dreamlike state.

  “I like your voice,” I mumble sleepily, hearing him chuckle in my ear. I feel drunk, just lying here so close to passing out. “And your beard.” I think I say, earning an even sexier rumble. I pull my blanket up around my ears to find the warmth that I felt when he was talking. I wondered if I’d ever feel cold if he was laying with me. I wondered if I’d ever get to experience that and suddenly hoped that I dreamed so. I don’t know at what point I drifted off and when he finally hung up, but my phone was almost dead when my alarm went off the next morning, and I’d not moved an inch all night. Best night’s sleep, I’d ever gotten.

  Finn

  Something I learned in my late-night talk with Jay; he’s a sleep talker. A sweet, sleep talker at that. He mumbled about my beard and how sexy he thought my voice was. He said something about kissing me and how he bets he wouldn’t feel cold with me in his bed. He was always feeling cold, he said. I hated that for him, but it made me want to test his theory. His texted about a raincheck, but I felt like he needed someone to talk to, even if it was nothing of consequence; it had to be hard, going through what he was going through.

  I woke up this morning, determined. I wanted another date with Jay, and I wanted it sooner rather than later. I knew he had to work this morning and I knew that Lennon would keep me plenty busy until I had to go to work. Joker was keeping her today because Morgan and Kingsley had an appointment with the adoption agency today. He was going to hang out at our house with her so I wouldn’t have to get her in and out. I was only working a half day today, knowing that one appointment was going to take around five hours, given that the client could withstand it for that long; but it would complete his back outline, and it was going to take a toll on my back. Therefore, I didn’t schedule anything else today.

  I sent Jay a good morning, text and told him that I hope he had a good day. I knew that he was a little bit bummed last night and I figured it was because his dad is sick, I dunno how I’d handle that. I wasn’t close with my dad at all, but it would still suck if he died. Jay texted back a smiley emoji and a good morning back. He said he hoped that I had a good day too and he thanked me for talking him to sleep last night.

  I sent back a winky face.

  Lunch with him was fun. He was more than just his gorgeous eyes; he was compassionate and sincere. The way he talked about his patients and the way I saw him interact with Lenny, I knew that he was good at his job. He was witty in a sly way, sarcastic but not obnoxious. His banter was fun, and he was flirty in a shy way, blushing every time I winked at him, or my foot nudged his under the table. I was crushing on him hardcore, and I wanted to see him again, and soon.

  Joker showed up right on time, and I loved on Lennon for a bit before I left. She was on cloud nine with Joker on the floor with her, being her own little, personal jungle gym to climb on and wrestle with. He said Jase was probably going to bring Kady by in a little bit and asked if would be okay to let them play together for a while. I readily agreed, telling him that he didn’t even have to ask. I liked that these guys felt comfortable enough in my house as well as with Lennon and me to treat us like they would their other brothers, therefore, I wouldn’t mind coming home to find all of them draped across various pieces of furniture in my house. I didn’t tell him that part, but, I had a feeling he got it.

  Work was work. I was doing an outline of a battlefield for an active marine. His back was hard as a rock and other than the slight jumping of his muscles every now and again, he rarely moved a muscle. He didn’t talk much, which was okay with me, but he didn’t ask for a single break from start to finish. I had a feeling he could’ve kept on going, but five hours was hell on my back and like it or not, he needed a break.

  “That’s amazing work, Finn.” Jody looked down at the man’s back just as I’d started wiping it down.

  “Thanks, it’s gonna be sick as hell when it’s done,” I tell him, pointing to the stencils that I have and the finished picture, sitting on my table. His eyes go wide when he sees the battlefield, complete with bodies littering different surfaces. I can’t imagine the hell this man has seen, but he wanted a piece of it on his back. Jody was standing in front of him when I finished wrapping him up.

  “That’s one hell of a scar, there. Thank you for your service.” He told the hard man with dead eyes. Jody made to shake his hand, and the man stared at it for several long seconds before shaking it once and letting go. “We’re about to go out for a drink, why don’t you come let us buy you one?” He asked the man, who just stared at him for another long second before nodding only once.

  “Alright,” Jody smiled, “I’m Jody.” He says, pointing to himself and then turning. “That big headed dick over there is my brother Kayson and beside him with the big ears is my other brother Kingsley. You know Finn, but he’s got a kid at home, so it’s doubtful he joins us, and that at the desk is Kayson’s husband, Conner.” They all eyed him for a minute after he said husband, some people, especially people in power, like policemen, firemen and soldiers didn’t make any bones about hiding their dislike for “faggots”…. This guy just nodded.

  “Wade,” He answers. “Raylan Wade; but just Wade.” We all nod in acknowledgment.

  “Well, we’re all finished up here and ready to head out. You wanna join us after you clean up, Finn? I’m sure Joker and Jase wouldn’t mind keepin’ an eye on your lady for an hour or so.” Jody asked as I was already cleaning up.

  “Nah, she’s still not feeling great, but thanks for offering.” I smiled at them and watched them take their new friend out for a drink. I wondered what was up with him and if he’d be the newest recruit in the Kennedy crew. Time would tell.

  I cleaned everything up and shut everything down; stopping at a fast food joint for burgers and fries for everyone. I was too tired to cook, and I knew my girl always appreciated fries. I got money out of my wallet and slipped it in the console of Joker’s jeep before walking into the chaos. I knew he wouldn’t take it but neither would Morgan, and I needed to pay these guys for helping me out so much. Daycare would’ve cost me half month’s rent, it was so ridiculous, so for these guys to offer it up and do it for free, I just couldn’t accept that.

  “Daddy!” Lennon charged me but stopped at last second, grabbing her happy meal instead. “Fry-fries!” She squealed, making Joker and Jase laugh at my disappointment of being second place to french-fries.

  “Got plenty for y’all. Come eat.” I said, making my way to the kitchen and dumping the bags onto the table. I turned and found my girl at my feet, trying
like hell to open her box. I scooped her up and kissed all over her face, telling her how much I missed her today. I plopped her little butt down in the highchair and transferred her juice into a sippy cup and putting it all on her tray.

  We all ate around the table while they told me all the fun they had today. Kady had already gone back with her mom and stepdad because she had a girl scout meeting tonight. Lennon jabberd about her around her mouthful of fries though, as well as talking about Conner’s cat, Pickles. So, that’s where she picked up the cat talk. We’d only met the elephant sized cat once, but apparently, it made an impression.

  The guys left after dinner and Lennon, and I lounged around and played games and watched cartoons. It might’ve seemed boring to anyone else, but it was our routine, and we liked it. Bath time went without a hitch, and the guys must’ve played hard with my girl because she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

  Showering myself and getting ready for bed, I grabbed my phone and the baby monitor and made my way there. In the middle of texting a goodnight to Jay, his name flashes across my screen.

  “Hey,” I answer with a smile. Today had been busy, but he’d never strayed far from my mind.

  “Hey, you busy?” He asks.

  “Nope. How're things?” I inquire, hearing the weariness in his voice.

  “Meh.” Is his reply. I don’t know how to take it, but I don’t push.

  “How was your day?” He asks. I ran through my day and told him nothing exciting happened, but it was normal, and that’s why I liked it.

  “That sounds like fun.” He commented, I asked which part, but he simply said, “all of it.” I liked that he thought so.

  “You don’t sound as sleepy as you did last night.” I smile, remembering how loose lipped he was last night. He snorted and scoffed, grunting a laugh at himself.

  “Sorry I fell asleep on ya, I can’t imagine listening to me drool, and snore was much fun for you.” He quips.

  “I didn’t hear snoring, but you’re a very sweet talker,” I tell him softly. He stops laughing immediately, and I’m about to tell him I’m just teasing when he groans and laughs at himself.

  “I said something about your beard, didn’t I? I totally hoped I dreamed that.” He giggles, and it makes my whole body warm. Hearing that groan along with that giggle shoots straight to my dick.

  “You busy tomorrow night?” I ask, deciding immediately that I want him in my house, in my space.

  “Not after I visit with Dad, no.” He answers.

  “Want to join Lennon and me for dinner?” I ask him, hoping like all hell that he says yes.

  “I would love that.” I could hear the smile in his voice. “Where at?”

  “Our house.” I offer, just wanting to have him in our space. That’s new for me, but it doesn’t scare me. Dating is hard, with a kid. I have to leave her with sitters while I work during the day, I don’t want to have to leave her more than I have to and it feels selfish to spend time away from her, just so I can have a date or potentially get laid or something. I know, I know, it doesn’t hurt to do it, sometimes; but Lenny already likes him; hell she still has the tongue depressor that he gave her at the hospital, she pretends it’s a magic wand I think. At least, that’s what I’m assuming it is. I don’t make it a point to parade guys in and out of our lives, but I like this one, and I’m hoping to see more of him and then who knows?

  “Is it going to be just the three of us?” He asks, sounding a bit skeptical. I was wondering what answer he was looking for. I wanted it to be just the three of us, but maybe he wasn’t comfortable with that yet? Maybe it was too soon or something.

  “Um,” I thought on it, maybe I could invite a couple of the guys over, make it a group thing. No pressure on us being alone, or maybe it wasn’t supposed to be a date. I was confused.

  “Stupid question, sorry,” He laughed a quiet, nervous laugh. “I just, I’m not good around new people. I wanted to be able to mentally prepare myself if was going to be like a dinner party or get-together kind of thing.” He stumbles through his explanation. I have to admit, I’m relieved. I thought he didn’t want to be alone with me.

  “No, yeah. No, it’s just the three of us.” I promise. To be honest, I wasn’t quite ready to share him anyway. If I thought the guys were bad now, there’s no telling how they’d be if they knew how badly I wanted to see Jay again.

  “Okay, sorry. That’s a weird thing to ask, I know.” He tries to explain, but I completely understand.

  “It’s okay, really. I’m just glad it wasn’t because you didn’t want to spend time with us. Or, me, I guess.” I try to laugh it off, but it’s 100% true.

  “I really do. Should I bring anything?” He asks.

  “Nope, I’ll have it covered. Just bring yourself.” I smile, beyond happy that he agreed. I hear him yawn through the line and yawn myself. With a promise to text him my address and with a promise from him that he’ll call if he has any problems finding the place; we reluctantly say goodnight. Now I’m going to be up half the night planning an impressive date. Like the last one, I’ll want to make sure we do it again.

  “Daddy! I up! Daddy!” Lennon hollers down the hallway. Who needs an alarm clock when you have Ms. Early-Bird to wake you up? I hop out of bed feeling energized and excited for the day. It’s been a long time since I’ve looked forward to something so much.

  “Coming, baby!” I holler back and hear her clap in excitement. She beams when I round the corner and much like every morning, she starts reaching for me before I make it halfway down the hallway. I love how happy she is in the mornings.

  We go through our morning routine; change the diaper, get her cleaned up, get her some milk before plopping her down in her play area in the living room with cartoons. Then, I use the restroom, clean myself up and grabbed some coffee before starting breakfast. Today, it’ll be oatmeal and banana’s, and I’ll have toast. While Lennon is eating, I’ll survey what we have in the house and what I’ll need to grab from the store before coming home.

  “What sounds good for dinner, Lenny? We’re having company.” I tell her, scrounging through the cabinets for ideas. She jabbers around a mouth full of mush, but her toothy grin makes me smile. I figure, since I have all the fixin’s for chicken fettuccine, we could have that for dinner. I know Lennon likes it and if it’s easy and not too heavy. I’ll pick up a fresh salad from the market and maybe skip the garlic bread. It’s a date, after all.

  After breakfast and I clean Lennon up, I get us both dressed for today. I have an out-of-towner appointment coming today and two consult appointments. It’s not going to be a busy day, and my walk-in shifts aren’t until Monday’s. The crew takes turns hanging out for the day to do walk-ins. Me being the new guy got settled with Monday’s. I don’t mind though; I have a daughter to support.

  The rest of the morning is play time, just hanging out at home before work for me and Lennon’s play date with Kingsley and Morgan. Thankfully, they meet us at the shop, so I don’t have to drive out to BFE to find their little cottage. It’s a beautiful place along a small lake, but I’m still not too familiar with the rural areas, and I’ve only been there once.

  “Hey, baby girl!” Kingsley coos as we walk in. Lennon is all smiles, bouncing excitedly in my arms until we reach him. Morgan looks put out that King got to her first, but then his face goes soft, and he smiles at the way his giant, rough looking husband is so gentle with my 24lb, baby girl.

  “Have you got kissies for me?” Kingsley asks her, blowing raspberries on her cheeks until she squeals with laughter and causing a resounding “Awww,” from the two ladies waiting in our reception area, watching Kingsley like a hawk. Comes with the territory, I guess. You’d be surprised how many ladies come in here hoping for a date or hell just to hook up with one of the guys. They’re all sadly disappointed when they watch one of them get downright carnal with their partners, right here in the shop. Nobody shies away from public displays of affection, and I’ve seen Joker almost eat Ja
se’s face off just to piss off Jody a time or two. Same with King and Morgan, and Kayson and Conner. Jody’s a little bit more discreet, but I’ve caught him in the back in some uncompromising positions at least twice since I’ve been here. I scoff as I watch Lennon grab Kingsley face and slobber her big kiss all over his cheek. Some people would be grossed out by baby slobber, but not these guys; they love her already.

  “She’s already had her antibiotic this morning, but her ear drops are in there, just in case it starts to bother her. It’s been doing okay, but I put it in the bag, just in case.” I tell them. They stick around long enough for everyone to get their fill of my girl and long enough for me to kiss all over her face, then it’s time to start the day. Luckily, I find myself pretty busy today and my day goes much quicker than I anticipated. Normally when I have something to look forward to, it drags on and keeps me in suspense.

  I meet Kingsley and Morgan at the Kennedy house after making a pit stop at the market to get everything ready for tonight. Lennon is playing in the yard with Kady, and she doesn’t spare me a glance as I get out and walk up to the porch where several of the guys are watching the girls play.

  “Hey, how was she?” I ask, and they all look at me like I’m nuts. Even if she were terrible, they’d never say it.

  “We got roped into the drive-in to see, what was it, baby?” Kingsley asked Morgan,

  “Moana?” He answered looking unsure.

  “Anyway, Tuesday is “movie in the park”, and we’ll probably do Mazio’s pizza beforehand. Can Lenny go?” King asks.

  “Please, Uncle Finn?” Kady asks, still running around slowly, letting my girl chase her and scream like a banshee.

  “Sure, I don’t see why not. She’d probably love it, but he’s squiggly when she doesn’t wanna sit still. You prepared for that?” I ask them, small warning at what to expect.