Daring the Wild Sparks
By Ren Alexander
Smashwords Edition
Copyright 2013 Ren Alexander
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Acknowledgments
CHAPTER 1
CHAPTER 2
CHAPTER 3
CHAPTER 4
CHAPTER 5
CHAPTER 6
CHAPTER 7
CHAPTER 8
CHAPTER 9
CHAPTER 10
CHAPTER 11
CHAPTER 12
CHAPTER 13
CHAPTER 14—FINN
CHAPTER 15
CHAPTER 16
CHAPTER 17
CHAPTER 18
CHAPTER 19
CHAPTER 20
CHAPTER 21
CHAPTER 22
CHAPTER 23
CHAPTER 24—FINN
CHAPTER 25
“Igniting the Wild Sparks” Excerpt
Acknowledgements
Thank you goes to my husband, Tim, and our two daughters for putting up with my insanity, less-than-stellar dinners, lack of clean clothes, and an even messier house. Despite all this, you always pushed me to finish that last chapter no matter what. You guys are the best. I love you.
Thank you to Trin, who not only is my best bud, but also the best sounding board and champion for Hadley’s dilemmas, Finn’s exploits, Morgan’s interference, and Rod’s mouth, which we all know needs a lot of reining in. You have made writing much more fun than I ever thought was possible.
Thank you to my close friend Megan for all of those late night chats and the encouragement you bestowed upon me. You are so kind to help me when you have enough heaped onto your own plate. I appreciate your friendship. Always.
My awesome friend Jason, who is also the most amazing photographer. Thank you for the laughs, the beer, and the insight. Unfortunately, we hung out more in Freshman health class than we do now. We need to change that.
Thank you to Kirsty Moseley. You are one of my most favorite authors, the funniest Brit I know, and such a great friend. Your pep talks helped me through times I wanted to quit. You cracked that whip a little too well, almost like a bloody pro. Hmm…
Thank you to my stepmom Ann. I still can’t believe we got tattoos together! We are now badass bitches! Maybe not. I am, at least.
Thank you, Madeline. You’re not only a fun aunt, but you’re also so brave, not to mention good at humoring me.
Thank you to my mother-in-law Mary Beth. Even though I say I don’t need your encouragement, I do. I appreciate you believing in me.
To my sister Holly. Thanks for the support. I love you too, weirdo.
Dad, I’m still waiting for the next lecture…
To Lea.
You made me laugh. You made me cry.
How I wish you didn’t go away.
I’ll forever hold you dear to my heart,
my friend.
CHAPTER 1
Friday morning, I stop at the jewelry store to pick up Finn’s Easter gift. It’s perfect.
My trip is four hours, so I get on the road by 9:23, and I make it to the city limit of Dover in just under four hours. Not bad.
I pull over for gas and double check my directions to make sure I didn’t take the wrong exit. I really need to get a GPS, as Finn perpetually harps on me about. I take time to reread the description of his mom’s house. He said it’s the huge, pink brick house at the end of the cul-de-sac. Jack had designed it for Julie as his wedding present to her. Maybe someday he can design one for Finn and me. That would be pretty cool.
Julie married Jack when Finn was a sophomore in high school, so they’ve been together a while. Finn had told me his mom and her second husband, Steve, divorced when Simone was two I was hoping to see Jack this weekend. He reminds me of my dad in some ways, the beard, glasses, good sense of humor and a nice hugger. I guess I’ll have to catch him next time.
I find the street and instantly notice the mansion at the end of the road. I guess it’s not a mansion, but it is gigantic. A dentist and an architect can live in a big house like that, I suppose. I could never afford anything like that, even with Finn’s salary combined with mine. He doesn’t make as much as Rod imagines he does.
The house is set back on an enormous lot all by itself and, attractively, all the houses leading up to Julie’s are each a different color of brick. The driveway is one of those half-circle deals with a four-car garage off to the side and I have no idea where to park. I tentatively pull into the driveway and park next to the black car. When I shut my car off, I notice the car next to me is a Mustang. Definitely Finn’s rental.
Smiling, I roll my eyes and open my door, stretching and readjusting my ponytail. I then run my hands over my gray T-shirt and my black nylon pants in a frail attempt to look more presentable. I should’ve put something nicer on, but this was comfortable to drive in. I can change before dinner.
I bend to pop my trunk and walk to the rear of my car, still trying to fix my clothes. As I do so, I nearly walk into a blue T-shirt. Startled, I look up and Finn’s lips are on mine. How does he do that? His lips feel so good and so hungry. He hauls me closer and wraps his arms around my waist. I raise my arms up to his neck and draw him even closer yet.
He moves his lips to my cheek, brushing them against my skin, and then over to my ear. “I’ve missed you so much, baby. I’m so glad you’re here.”
I angle my head so I can see his face, my gaze falling to his jubilant, full lips. I’ve missed his sexy smile. I tease, “I can see that.” I giggle and kiss his stubbly cheek, which isn’t as prickly as it was a few days ago. “You shaved.”
“Becks, I had to. I don’t want a full beard.” He kisses me again and my hands slip down to his chest; my fingers scratching over his shirt. Too soon, he pulls away and bites his lip. “Let’s get your things inside.”
I lift a couple bags as he picks up my suitcase. I ask, “Where’s everyone at?”
“Well, Ricky is downstairs in the rec room watching a movie. Chrissie is visiting friends and Simone is in her room. Mom is talking on the phone in her room.”
“And what were you doing? Watching the movie with Ricky?”
“I was, but I couldn’t sit still and it was annoying him, so I came upstairs and sat in the living room.”
“What are you so anxious about?”
“You. I couldn’t wait for you to get here. I even sat by that window.” He nods his head to the big, picture window. “I was watching for you.”
Giggling, I ask, “Like a little doggy waiting for its owner to come home? Aww.”
He looks down at me, smiling. “You know you own me, Becks. I’ve told you countless times. I’m yours.”
I grin and he abruptly stops, bending to kiss me; making me smile even more.
We walk through the front door and Finn goes upstairs with my suitcase. Watching him go, I notice he’s also wearing nylon pants like me. I take delight in the thought of us thinking alike. Before I can follow him, I hear footsteps to my right and I look over as Finn’s mom enters the foyer.
“There’s my girl!” she exclaims happily. I smile at Julie Stansborough. Roundish and bubbly, her short, dark blonde hair resembles glints of Finn’s golden hair in the late afternoon sun. Her deep brown eye
s are another thing she bestowed upon my boyfriend. Julie is so pretty. Out of the four kids, Finn is the one who got his good looks from her.
I set my makeup and shower bags down on the chair next to me before I walk into her outstretched arms. Squeezing me tightly, she asks, “How have you been, sweetie? I’ve missed you!”
I hug her and then try to step back, but she refuses to let go of me, another trait Finn inherited from her. Laughing, I say, “I’ve missed you, too!”
She sways us in our hug. “Not as much as I’ve missed you. I don’t see nearly enough of you. I just can’t get enough of my beautiful Hadley.”
“We have something in common,” Finn declares from behind me. Julie says something to Finn, but I don’t hear what she said to him. She then lets go of me and Finn circles his arms around my waist, towing me into his chest.
Julie claps. “Look how adorable you two are! I love it! I need to get my camera. Hold on!” She ducks into the living room and Finn instantly spins me around, leaning down to kiss me. My hands automatically go up to his enchanting hair, pulling him closer. I hear his soft groan reverberating through our kiss.
Suddenly hearing the sound of a camera, I jump back, but Finn keeps his hold on me.
“Gotcha!” she squeals. “That one is going to be so cute! I’m going to frame it and put it up in the living room!”
“Mom,” Finn complains, pulling me close to him again.
“Shut up, Finn. You have no say whatsoever, my dear boy.”
“I’ve noticed.”
She spiritedly says, “I’ll send you two copies, so you can frame it, too. I want more pictures of you both. Come on. Hadley, stand in front of Finn and he can put his arms around you like he had them before.”
I scowl and anxiously pull at my ponytail. “I look horrendous.”
Julie frowns and Finn tightens his arms around me, his cologne drifting over me and sparking my desire for him even more. “Finn, tell Hadley how beautiful she is. She’ll believe you.”
“No she won’t.” From over my head, Finn must’ve mouthed something to his mother because she rolls her eyes and looks the other way. Leaning down to my ear, he whispers, “You’re turning me on. That’s how gorgeous you are.” My eyes widen as he slides his hands down to my hips and subtly presses my lower back into him, his breathing stuttering in my ear. Wow. Kind of awkward with his mother in front of us. He’s not full-blown aroused, but he’s definitely getting there by rubbing up against me.
He raises his head. “Okay. I think we’re ready. Let’s get this over with.” He winds his arms up around my waist and rests his chin against my temple; feeling his smile, which makes me grin, too.
Julie takes our picture and laughs. “That was perfect! You’re so lucky to have such a pretty girlfriend. Not only that, Hadley is beautiful on the inside. Don’t you ever forget that, Finn Robert,” she advises sternly. I remember him telling me his mom hates Finnigan. I love his name.
“I know this, Mom,” he grumbles like a teen being told to clean his room.
“What do you know? I doubt it’s anything that will change the world,” Simone mocks as she skips down the stairs, her straight, light blonde hair bouncing around her shoulders.
“Go back into your cage, Sims.”
“Make me, Wilderness. Hadley! It’s been forever! I swear the last time I saw you was when you broke your wrist while I was in Richmond visiting my bro.”
Finn loosens his grip on me. “No. That was three years ago. You’ve seen her since then.”
“You don’t ever bring her around,” Simone states as she hugs me. “I’m kidding. We did see each other at the birthday parties Mom threw for each of you.”
Nodding at Julie’s enthusiasm for celebrating our birthdays, I agree, “Yes, I know.”
Simone releases me. “It just doesn’t seem like we see you a whole lot.” Suddenly, she clasps her hands and bounces. “That’s about to change, though! I’m transferring to the U. of VA next semester. I’ll get to see you more often!”
“That’s so cool! Are you going to move in with your brother?”
Making a face, she nods to her brother. “That loser? He’ll lower my IQ; make me get straight B’s instead of A’s. No thanks! I’m going to stay at a dorm for now until maybe I can get my own apartment.”
Julie asks, “Where’s Ricky? Still watching a movie?”
Finn replies, “Yep. He probably fell asleep, though.”
Simone impishly grins with a gleam in her eye. “I’ll go down and wake him up.”
Sliding his fingers between mine, he retorts, “No, because you only want to try to scare him. I’m telling you, Ricky Tesco is always on alert. It’s part of his nature. You can’t scare the guy.”
Simone shrugs. “Whatever. I’m going to go downstairs and watch a movie with him. You guys coming?”
Julie says, “Dinner isn’t until later, so go do whatever. I have to get some things done. Hadley did you want to come with me to the grocery store?”
Finn irritably answers, “No, she doesn’t. She just got here.”
Simone hops over and reaches up to pinch his cheek. “How adorable! Look how grouchy you are, big bro! Does that mean what I think it does?”
Before Julie can turn to leave the room, she points at Simone and scolds, “Don’t tease your brother.”
I give Julie an apologetic smile. “I’ll just stay here and watch a movie, if that’s okay.”
Smiling in return, she says, “I thought you’d say that.” She spins around. “Alright. Behave, Simone.”
She shouts after her, “I think you need to tell your son that! He has that look in his eyes!”
Finn turns his head and stares her down incredulously. “What look?”
She pokes his chest and he glances down to her hand. “You are up to something, Finn Wilder. I know it.”
Looking back up, he retorts with a frown, “And so are you, Simone Garrison. I am positive.” He squeezes my hand. “Let’s go.” Simone sticks her tongue out at him as he pulls me into the living room. He opens the door to the basement, holding my hand behind him. The walls are filled to the limit with pictures of Chrishelle, Leighton, Finn, Simone, and Jack’s son, Beau, at various ages. Simone was born when Finn was 13 and Beau is six years younger than Finn. Finn told me that Beau mostly lived with Jack’s ex-wife. When he was around Beau, he said they got along without any problems.
I abruptly stop on the steps, yanking Finn to a stop, to stare at a picture of him in high school. Of course, he was such a hottie then, too. Damn. I would’ve drooled after him then, no doubt.
“What?” he asks.
In a senior picture, he’s leaning against a muscle car—not sure what kind it is. It’s blue is all I can tell. His hair is tousled and he has ripped jeans on with a button up, short sleeve shirt, unbuttoned three down from the top. His head is tilted, his thumb in his pocket and he’s smirking at the camera. He looks nearly the same, except he had shaggier hair and no stubble back then. Now, he has more muscles. Probably from all of his crazy dares.
Still mesmerized by the picture, I say, “I wish I would’ve known you. Went to school with you.” I furtively glance at him and he charmingly smiles, moving his fingers against mine.
“Me, too, baby. We would’ve been the Class Couple our senior year.”
I doubtfully grin. “Really? You think so?”
He readily nods. “Definitely.”
“Weren’t you half of a class couple your senior year?”
He peers up at the picture. “No. I didn’t really date anyone to be part of a couple.”
Looking at the picture with him, I quietly mutter, “You wouldn’t have dated me then, either. You were a baseball jock. You probably wouldn’t have even given me the time of day. I was a nobody.”
Dragging my gaze away from the picture, I hesitantly look at him and his penetrating eyes are already on me. He shakes his head. “I would’ve seen you and that would’ve been it for me. I would’ve fallen in
love with you then, too. Not a single doubt in my mind.” I smile and roll my eyes, but he doesn’t smile or look away from me. “Total truth, Becks. I’m the same person as I was back in high school. I know what I would’ve wanted.” He pauses as he twists our fingers together before saying, “I would’ve wanted you.”
Astounded by his spontaneous admission, I stare at him, not knowing what to say to that.
He turns and walks me down the four steps to the first landing, but then brusquely pivots, looking up the stairs past me. He whispers, “Baby, we were meant to be, no matter when we would’ve met.” I smile at him and I feel my love for him growing by leaps and bounds. Leaning down, he sweetly kisses me. “We’ll only be down here for a little while. I want to show you my dare.”
“I can’t wait.” I whisper back with an eager smile.
“I can’t, either. We’ll watch it, visit with Ricky, if you want, and then we’ll go up to my room.”
“You’re going to show me your room?” I coyly ask, biting my lip to stop me from grinning like a jackass.
“Along with something else,” he whispers and kisses me, his free hand moving to my butt and pushing me closer to him. I reach up and drag my fingers over his chest. Tersely, he grabs my hand and brings it to his mouth, kissing it.
Giving me another quick kiss, he tugs me down the rest of the stairs. We walk past the gleaming black bar with black and silver stools, and through a large doorway that leads to the family room with cream carpeting and black leather furniture. I think of Rod’s stupid comment about Tonya and quietly giggle.
Ricky looks over at us as he drinks a beer, his habitually unkempt black hair shooting up in all directions. “Hadley, what’s up? So glad you’re finally here. Wilder was driving me fucking nuts waiting for you.”
I look up at Finn, who rolls his eyes at his best friend. Not taking my eyes off of Finn, I ask Ricky, “He was?”
“Yeah. He was checking his phone and watch every five seconds, pacing, and couldn’t sit still. I made him go upstairs. He’s so damned pussy-whipped.” I grin at Finn’s darting eyes and general uneasiness at Ricky revealing his weakness.
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