by Melody Grace
“Yeah, yeah.” I laugh, but it’s a sweet gesture. Delilah wouldn’t turn down the chance of a commission like that for everyone.
“But aren’t we getting off-track here?” Dee slurps her coffee. “You were telling me all about the epic rock star dick.”
Luckily, the bell above the main door dings. I elbow Dee, and quickly turn to greet the young couple that just stepped in. “Welcome to Oak Island Realty!” I exclaim. “How can we help you find your dream home?”
“Lucky save,” Dee whispers. “But don’t think I’m not getting the whole story soon!”
We have a busy morning, seeing clients and organizing listings, but I still don’t come down from cloud nine. I float around the place, practically humming even as I do all the boring filing and paperwork, wrapped up in the glow of Finn’s kisses, and everything waiting back at the house for me tonight.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.” Delilah pauses thoughtfully, on her way out for an appointment. “I told you, a no strings fling was exactly what you needed.”
I pause.
“It’s kind of perfect,” Delilah continues, touching up her lipstick. “I mean, he’ll be back on the road soon, right? So you won’t even have to deal with all the awkward after effects. You’ll just go your separate ways. See? Closure!” She blows me a kiss, and heads out the door. “We were just talking about you!” I hear her say, and I don’t even have time to process what she just said before Finn walks in, holding a cute bunch of wildflowers.
“Hey!” I exclaim, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured you could use a lunch break.” Finn strolls over. “Also, it’s been way too long since I kissed you.”
He tilts my chin up to meet him, finding my lips in a long, slow kiss. I melt into him, loving how solid and real he feels against my body. When finally we come up for air, I sigh with satisfaction.
“And these are for you,” he presents me with the flowers.
“I could get used to this wooing thing,” I laugh, accepting the bouquet. The scent is sweet, like summertime. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Finn looks around. “So, this is the fast-paced world of real estate.”
I laugh, and reach for my bag. “Lucky for you, Marcie’s pretty relaxed about Fridays. I can take an hour, if that’s okay?”
“Perfect.” Finn gives me a wicked grin. “I can keep things short and sweet.”
He holds the door open for me on the way out. “Mickey’s okay?” he asks, naming a casual seafood and sandwich shack, on the outskirts of town.
“Sounds good to me.”
We drive over with the windows rolled down, our fingers intertwined beside the gearshift. I breathe in the salty sea air, and try to ignore the lingering memory of Delilah’s comments.
No strings…
I sneak a look at Finn. We haven’t said anything about what this is to us now. I’ve been too swept up in our passion and all the emotions of the past to even think about the future, but now the idea is in the back of my mind, I can’t shake it.
What happens now?
I try to ignore the voice of insecurity. It’s been one night, barely twelve hours since we hurtled headlong back into each other’s arms. There’s no rush to put on a label, or define what we are.
Except…
Finn was only planning on being back in town for a couple of months, and it’s been weeks already. His real life is still waiting out there, his fans eager for live shows and touring, TV spots and interviews. It doesn’t feel real to me because I’ve never seen it up close, but his kind of success doesn’t just arrive without hard work fueling every moment. I know that much. All the time he’s been back, he’s barely said a word about what’s in store for him in the months and years ahead, but I know that look he gets in his eyes when he talks about his music, and the rush of being up onstage. He loves this life, and everything he’s achieved.
He can’t stay on break here forever.
“Penny for them?” I feel a light tug, and realized I’m zoned out completely. Somehow, we’re already at Mickey’s, in line for the window service. I shake my head, self-conscious.
“Nothing.” I squeeze Finn’s hand, then turn to place my order for one of their famous crispy chicken sandwiches. We claim our food, then settle in at one of the picnic tables overlooking the ocean, armed with sodas in plastic cups and a basket of condiments.
“I know how to wine and dine a woman,” Finn jokes, through a mouthful of his sandwich. He’s got ketchup smeared on one corner of his mouth, and he devours his food like a wild beast.
I grin. “You’re all charm and so debonair.”
Finn takes another bite. “So how’s work?”
I shrug, picking at my fries. “Fine, I guess. Like I said, Delilah is the one getting most of the deals. I stay behind the scenes.”
“That’s not the Eva I remember.” Finn gives me a quizzical look. “What happened to your plans for drama school? You never really said.”
I shrug, and look away. “The city didn’t suit me.” That much, at least, is true. “But I was lucky to get this gig. The hours are great, and there’s commission, too. If I ever managed to close a deal.”
“But do you even like it?” Finn asks, pushing. “I mean, I’d understand if you were working the day job and going to auditions, or still pursuing acting, but this is different.”
“Acting wasn’t for me,” I insist. “And this isn’t so bad. I like the flexibility,” I say, trying to find a reason. “I get to babysit Kit a lot, and spend time over at the shelter.”
Finn’s mouth quirks into a grin at the mention. “How’s Edith? Still giving them hell?”
“Pretty much.” I pause, thinking about her money problems. “She’s getting older, though. I’m not sure how much longer she can keep the place together.”
“They’ll have to carry her out,” Finn chuckles. “When are you heading out there next? I’d love to come by and say hi.”
“I was planning to drop in after work today,” I suggest.
“I’ll meet you there.” Finn finishes his food, and screws up the wrappers. He tosses it for the trash can, but it misses, bouncing off the rim. “Good thing I didn’t have my heart set on sports,” he says, and I smile.
“Yeah, that’s really held you back.”
I slurp the rest of my soda, not quite ready to head back to the office. It’s a gorgeous day out, summer on the horizon, and the view couldn’t be better. The view of Finn, that is. I swear, I could look at him all day long and not get tired of it, the strong line of his jaw, and how that long hair falls over his eyes.
Today he seems distracted, too. He toys with his drink for a moment. “That was Kyle calling, this morning. Wanting me to get back in the studio.”
“Hmm?” I try to sound casual. “I thought you were on vacation.”
“I am.” Finn’s face clears. He smiles at me. “You’re right, I need the break. No work allowed.” He stands, and offers me his hand. I take it, smiling, but inside, a spark of unease flickers to life. The real world is calling.
How long can we put it aside?
Eighteen.
After I finish up at work, I change and head straight over to the shelter. When Finn arrives, he finds me with rubber gloves up to my elbows, cleaning out the kennels.
“Sexy,” he quips, leaning in the doorway. “I love a woman in marigold yellow.”
I laugh and strike a pose. “I know, there’s nothing men love more than the smell of dog poop.”
“Now you really are talking dirty.” Finn approaches, and tries to kiss me, but I back away.
“I’m so gross right now.”
“No, you’re beautiful.” He kisses me lightly, making me glow from the inside out. “Stinky, but beautiful.”
I finish up and head to the washroom next door, dousing myself in a generous helping of soap and hot water before emerging to meet him again. “So, what do you think?” I ask, feeling curiously protecti
ve of the place. I know it’s not much to look at, but this place is important to me, and I want to share it with him.
“It’s changed since I was here last.” Finn sounds impressed as he looks around.
“She converted the barn a few years back, and added the storage sheds,” I explain, leading him through the kennels. “We have anywhere from twenty to fifty dogs here at a time. Summer’s the worst for strays,” I add. “Too many litters left starving, or Christmas pets the owners get tired of cleaning up after. Poor things.”
“People shouldn’t sign up for a commitment they don’t understand.” Edith’s voice comes, and we turn.
“Edith, hey. You remember Finn, right?” I introduce him.
“It’s great to see you again. This place is amazing, you’ve done a great thing.” He shakes her hand politely, and flashes a charming smile, but Edith still regards Finn with a look of clear suspicion.
“I don’t suppose you have time for a dog, off in the big city,” she says.
“No ma’am. It wouldn’t be fair on them, with me traveling so much.”
“No, it wouldn’t.” Edith gives him a long stare, then turns to me. “He can make himself useful, and help move the feed. Those damn delivery boys left it out again.”
“I’d be happy to help,” Finn says quickly, but Edith just makes a hurumphing noise and exits the barn. “What did I do to her?” Finn asks, looking thrown.
“Don’t take it personally,” I pat his arm. “I think she was rooting for the other guy.”
“The other—Oh, right, the vet.” Finn looks smug. “Someone should break it to her that he’s out of the picture.”
I roll my eyes. “You could just piss in a circle around me,” I suggest wryly. “It would mark your territory quicker.”
“Don’t think I haven’t considered it.” Finn slides his hands around my waist and draws me near, his breath hot in my ear. “You bring out the animal in me.”
My laughter fades into a gasp as his hands move lower. “Finn.”
“What?” Finn kisses me, and I forget my own name for a moment, too caught up in the rush of heat and slow, sensual movement of his tongue deep in my mouth. I clutch a handful of his shirt and pull him closer, savoring every taste.
I come up for air, my head spinning. How does he do this to me? One minute, I’m a sane, rational person, and then he lays his hands on me and it all flies out the window. I’m possessed with reckless need, zero to crazy-turned-on in five seconds flat.
Finn takes a quick look around, then grabs my hand, tugging me back into the shadows of a storage stall. The barn used to be stables, and now there are pallets of feed and supplies stacked up against the wooden partition. He pushes me up against them, and kisses me again. “Finn..,” I murmur, fighting a losing battle with myself. Damn, he’s sexy. I drag my mouth from his and glance to the doors. “Edith could come back--”
“She’s outside.” Finn runs one hand over my breast, stroking my nipple through my thin tank top. He leans in and kisses my neck, making me tremble. “Nobody’s going to see you bent over the crates.”
“Bent over?” I gasp as Finn suddenly spins me around, pushing me down over a stack of boxes. He unbuttons my jeans, then slides his hand down inside my panties, fingers finding my wet core so fast, I can barely even grip hold of something before he’s stroking, teasing at my clit.
I bite back a whimper, looking to the doors again.
“Or maybe she will come back,” Finn muses behind me, his voice edged with a raw amusement now. He leans in, chest against my back, and slides his free hand up my shirt, slowly caressing my peaked, aching nipples. “She might come in at any moment. She’d see us here, you spreading your legs for me. My hands, all over your body.”
Oh God. I cover my mouth with one hand to muffle the moan that slips out. My skin flushes, body aching, and I know I should pull away and stop this madness, but it’s too hot for words.
I turn my head, watching the door half in panic, half pure lust as Finn keeps me pinned down, his wicked magic with fingers, and hands, and that dirty gorgeous mouth of his.
“But Edith’s not the only one who could see us,” he whispers, every word sending a dark rush of pleasure spiraling through me. “Anyone could walk in. They’d take one look at you and know, what a kinky, filthy girl you are now. How you’ll do anything for a taste of me. How you whimper and moan for just an inch of my cock.”
I shudder, bucking against his hand now, needing more than just this tantalizing touch. I can feel him pressing hard against my ass. I reach behind me, grappling blindly to undo his belt and zipper. Finn chuckles in my ear, pinning my hands back beside my head. “Not this time, baby. This is all about you.”
I start to turn, wanting to feel him, but Finn places a firm hand on my back and shoves me down again, my chest pressed harder now against the crates. “Uh uh,” he scolds me playfully. “You’re going to stay right there, on display. For anyone to see. In the spotlight, where you belong.”
I shiver again. Damn, this shouldn’t turn me on, but it does. The reckless thrill of it all, his hands firmly moving my legs apart, and all the while, sunlight is bright on my skin. I can hear a radio playing in the main house, the whir of a mower in the distance. Anyone could see us. Anyone could find me spread to him.
Finn’s hands stroke me, fingers dipping just inside. I’m doing my best not to moan here, not to make a sound, but damn, it’s hypnotic. The steady rhythm of his caress, pressing just right against my clit, so damn perfect I can’t even hold back. He curls two fingers up inside me and rubs again, and now I’m cresting, fuck, so close to the edge.
“Now how about we make this fun?” Finn murmurs, before suddenly raising his voice and yelling. “Edith?”
What the hell? I panic, trying to pull away, but Finn keeps me pinned there – stroking, thrusting, deeper. Oh fuck!
“Edith?” he calls again, louder. “Can you come help us out a second?”
No!
I hear the mower shut off. Footsteps, coming into the barn.
Blood rushes everywhere, panic flooding me to mingle with the pleasure. “Finn,” I manage, gasping, desperately trying to pull away. “Please! You can’t!”
“Is that you, Eva?” Edith’s voice drifts closer. Oh God.
Oh my fucking god.
The thought of her finding me like this hits just as Finn thrusts another finger inside me and rubs across my clit. I come so hard I see stars, convulsing against his hand as panic and thrilling shame and dirty, hot lust crash through my body in wave after mind-blowing wave.
Finn steps back, and yanks up my jeans, fastening them quickly while I’m still gasping for air. I don’t know how, but as the footsteps reach us I manage to grab one of the boxes I’ve been pushed up against, and lift it in my arms so that when Edith arrives in the stable doorway, it looks like I’m just flushed from heavy lifting.
At least, I hope to God it does.
“Sorry,” Finn says brightly, looking totally innocent. “I just wanted to check where you need these pallets.”
Edith looks between us. “Just out by the doors will be fine.”
“We’ll get right to it.”
Edith frowns. “You shouldn’t be helping if it’s too much work, Eva. You don’t want to over exert yourself.”
“Mhmm,” I manage to murmur. She leaves, and my legs give way. I sink onto a pallet.
“I hate you,” I curse, still reeling. I swat his arm, hard, realizing what just happened. “Oh my god, Finn, what were you thinking?”
“That you’re a kinky, dangerous woman.” Finn grins, looking smug. “Admit it, you just came your brains out.”
I flush, my heart racing. He’s right, it was incredible, but damn, that was close. “You can’t do that!” I wail.
Finn laughs. “Yes, I can. And I will.” He leans over and kisses me, molten hot and possessive. “And fuck, you look so hot right now. I could fuck you all over this barn if I had my way.”
I leap u
p. “Nope! We’re done with the public part of the program. From now on, it’s all about locked doors. And privacy. And white noise machines,” I add sternly.
Finn gives me a seductive grin. “I can work with that.”
My phone buzzes. I check the text. It’s Lottie.
‘Bring pizza tonight! I need carbs 2 soak up all the booze in my body.’
I stare at it a moment, still dazed, then I remember. “I have plans tonight,” I tell Finn, with a pang of regret. “It’s Lottie’s real birthday, so we’re having a sleepover with Kit.”
“Pillow fights and painting your nails?” he teases, and I laugh.
“More like cleaning finger paint from the floor.” I tuck my phone away and reach for him. “Rain check on the locked doors?”
He kisses me. “You can bet on it.”
I finish up at the farm, then head home. As much as I’m already craving Finn again, I’m glad I have an excuse for some time away from him, to clear my head and remember how to breathe again.
He’s intoxicating. Just being with him sends me on a wilder high than I’ve ever experienced before. But I’ve learned the hard way, there’s no high in the world that doesn’t lead to a come down the next morning. Be it a killer hangover or worse, there’s always going to be a moment when the thrill fades away, leaving nothing but an empty ache in your bloodstream, and the restless need to escape all over again.
So is Finn just a temporary high, or something more? I want to ask him, and figure out what we’re doing here, but I’m scared, too. Scared that he won’t have any answers either, and this blissful reunion will hit the brakes, and fast.
And then he kisses me, and I don’t want anything except him.
But at least I don’t have to think about it tonight. I stop by the pizza place on my way back to town and pick up a couple of pies, then grab a few things from my place and head to Lottie’s. To my surprise, the house is quiet when I push open the front door. I stash the food in the kitchen, then head to her room. Lottie is napping on the bed, curled up with Kit sleeping soundly in her arms.
