by KT Fisher
Finley walks into my apartment, as if he owns the place and not me and my best friend. His shockingly gorgeous grey eyes stay on me as he comes closer. He’s wearing an all blacked out suit and looks even more dangerous than he usually does. Finley’s eyes travel over me, they widen when they get to my thighs and he bites down on his bottom lip.
“Fuck me Riley.” He shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, I can’t right now as I’m supposed to be going to a glamourous night out.” I pout at him playfully and he barks out a loud laugh.
“Come on then gorgeous, you deserve to be shown off tonight.” Finley holds out his hand to me and I happily place my hand in his and he pulls me close. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself.”
“Ok!” Cassie claps, following us to the door. “You two crazy kids have fun.”
I giggle as she waves before closing the door, leaving me and Finley alone. The way he looks at me has me feeling all kind of hot, so I decide to walk towards the elevator. Cassie and I share the top floor with the family who live in the other penthouse across the hall. They’re a young couple and have the most adorable little girl, and usually I love to see her and say hi but right now, I don’t want her innocent eyes looking at the way Finley is watching me. His eyes are seeing through the dress I am wearing, probably picturing me naked and wondering what it’s like to have me, because it’s what men like Finley always wonder. No matter how hard he thinks about it, he won’t get to experience it because I can’t let myself get that close to him. I’m already too close and any more I will be in dangerous territory.
We step into the elevator, and as soon as the doors close the small square is full of sexual tension and not all of it is coming from Finley. I won’t admit this to him though.
“People are loving the video.” Finley nudges me, the music video was officially released today and I would be lying if I didn’t admit to checking in on YouTube at how many views it has had. “And I think I’m the envy of every man.”
I laugh. “Stop it Finley.”
He slowly reaches out to me, cupping my cheek. “I’m only telling you the truth. Every man and boy are hating on me right now.”
“Shut up.” I laugh but Finley shakes his head.
“You’re fucking gorgeous Riley.” He looks me deep in the eyes, tearing into my soul and I get lost for a minute. Finley looks down at my mouth and back to my eyes, leaning his forehead onto mine and my eyes close. “You’re not going to give in, are you?”
His mouth almost touches mine as he speaks, and if he was to lean in a little closer, he would kiss me but thank god the elevator doors open and with one last look. I leave first with Finley following close behind me as I leave my apartment building. A black stretch hummer is waiting outside and I have to laugh.
“Finley.” I laugh and he wraps his arms around me from behind. “Whatever happened to a normal car?”
“I didn’t want to take you in a normal car.” His voice almost tickles me as he speaks so close to my neck. “I want to spoil you.”
I finally step away from his arms, turning to look at him and I have to ignore his heated eyes. “I don’t want to be spoilt.”
“But that comes with the package baby.” He smirks and my tummy flips from the feelings he stirs deep within me. “I’ve grown up, watching my dad care for my mum and I want to treat my woman the same.”
“Your woman?” I ask, pointing to myself. “Finley, I’m not your woman.”
Finley steps closer and holds my hand. “But I want you to be.”
I see that he’s deadly serious but I can’t do it. I can’t let myself be swept up in a romance with Finley, he loves women too much to be with one person. So I remove my hand from his and flash him a smile. “Finley, not only could you not handle me, but you don’t strike me as a one woman kind of man.”
His slight smirk drops from his face, but before he can say anything, I spin and make my way to the hummer. He calls my name, but I ignore him because I can’t let him sway me into thinking we can actually be together. The driver opens the door for me and I jump inside. I know Finley is right behind me, but I take out my phone and look through my social media sites.
“Riley what are you scared of?” He asks me as the driver closes the door behind him.
I’m terrified that I’m falling for you and I won’t ever be able to come back from the heartache you will no doubt drag me through.
Of course I don’t speak my thoughts out loud, no, I continue to look at my phone. I read the comments from fans, wishing that Finley and I are dating and that we would make an amazing couple.
“Riley.” Finley takes my phone from my hand and lifts my gaze to his with a single finger under my chin. “I want you to enjoy tonight, so I’m going to leave you alone.”
Finley scoots away from me, handing me back my phone but instead of taking my phone I cling onto his wrist. “I don’t want you to do that.” I confess. “I’m just not interested in being with someone.”
Finley frowns, carefully watching me. “Who hurt you?”
This time, I do take my phone from him.
“Riley.” He asks.
“Finley.” I mock his tone, warning him to drop it and he holds his hands up in surrender.
“Ok beautiful.” I’m relieved to hear Finley’s teasing tone is back. “Let’s have some fun.”
I look out the window and see the grand building the fashion show is being held in. Crowds of cheering people have their cameras out, shouting to the celebrities they adore as they walk by on the red carpet. Finley steps from the car and the loud screams hit me. He turns and holds out his hand for me and I gladly take hold. They cheer Finley’s name and I’m shocked when they get even louder when I step out. The cameras all turn to us and flash so brightly that I’m almost blinded by them. I’m used to paparazzi shouting for my attention but this is something else entirely.
“Hey.” Finley catches my attention. “You look stunning.”
He pecks a little kiss on the tip of my nose and the flashing goes out of control. “Thank you.” I smile up at him. “You look good too.”
Finley flashes me a sexy wink, and takes hold of my hand, leading me down the red carpeted path. As soon as we’re in the reach for the paps, they begin their questions.
“Hey Finley!” One shouts. “Are you and Riley together?”
“Riley do you love Finley?” Another shouts and Finley squeezes my hand.
We stand and smile for them, posing for their photos. Finley let’s go of my hand and wraps his arm around me instead. The photographers love this and it only makes their questioning more unbearable. We move onto the magazine interviews, with their sets of cameras. Their questions are pretty much the same, and Finley decides to answer.
“We’re good friends.” He answers the lady and he looks down at me. I’m shocked, I thought for sure he would take advantage of the situation but I suppose what happened earlier has affected his attitude.
“Really?” She continues. “Because you two look a lot closer than just friends.”
I place a hand on Finley’s chest and look to her. “We have a special friendship.”
Her eyes widen in surprise and Finley chuckles. Nerves begin to settle when we make our way closer to the venue, because I’m about to meet Finley’s family. We’re not in a relationship, but this is still a big deal. When we step inside, I see Grace straight away and she’s incredibly beautiful. Her long, dark hair hangs down her back and her dress shows off her slight curves. Finley leads me closer, and that’s when I spot Jax and a little excitement bubbles. I listened to a few of Decoy’s songs as I was growing up, and Jax is a huge star even if I didn’t know any of his songs. It’s weird seeing him in person and I’ve found that with any big celebrity I have met since stepping into this celebrity world. I still don’t feel like I belong. It’s as if I’ve won a competition and I’m just tagging along with everyone.
Grace turns towards us, her face spreading into a wide grin as she spots
us. “Finley!” She walks over to us, Finley gives her a small cuddle and congratulates her on tonight.
“This is Riley.” Finley holds his arm out to me.
“I already know that.” Grace rolls her eyes at her older brother and jumps in front of me. “I’m so glad to finally meet you,” she places her hands on my shoulders and looks me over. “Damn Riley, no wonder my brother can’t keep away from you.”
My eyes widen, but I burst out laughing and Grace joins me.
“Fuck sake.” Finley grumbles, which causes us to laugh some more but I stop when I see Finley and Grace’s parents approach us.
Kendal wraps her arms around Finley, her love for him shining through her eyes and Jax slaps him on his back in greeting.
“I’m guessing you’re Riley.” Kendal turns to me, a beautiful smile in place and Jax stands by her side, looking between Finley and I.
“I am.” I nod, feeling a little shy. We’re not even dating but here I am, meeting the parents and feeling as awkward as fuck.
“It’s great to finally meet you.” Kendal comes closer, taking me in an embrace. “You’re all he talks about.” She whispers in my ear and when she pulls away, my cheeks are burning which causes her to giggle.
I spy Jax and Finley talking, and Jax’s eyes come to mine before he whispers something to his son. In return, Finley laughs, shoving his dad away and all Jax does is laugh. I wonder what he said to him? By the way Finley looks to me from the corner of his eye, I have a strong feeling that it’s about me.
“Good to meet you Riley.” Jax nods to me. “Since my son caught you on the TV he won’t shut up about you.”
“Dad!” Finley groans loudly, pushing Jax again but his father is loving every second of his son’s embarrassment. I can’t help but laugh, but that doesn’t mean I’m not a little embarrassed either.
An announcement comes over the speakers, and we have to go and take our places. Grace goes towards backstage, to get ready for her show while I follow Finley and his parents. The place is huge, and I’m not surprised we’re on the front row. We have a perfect view of the runway and as we sit, I notice we’re not alone in Grace’s support group. Lily, Caleb and Taylor are here, who make up the band, Glitch.
“Hey.” Kendal reaches down and gives Lily a hug.
We all greet one another quietly.
“This is Riley.” Kendal whispers to them. “She’s come with Finley.”
I understand the meaning behind it and I have to bite my lip from smiling. I think Finley’s parents are trying to play matchmakers, but in a completely different way than their son. Lily laughs, saying hi and so do the guys.
“You coming to the after party?” Lily whispers and I look to Finley in question.
“Yeah, we’re coming.” He answers.
“Great.” Lily grins, sending me a cheeky wink.
The lights begin to dim as the spot lights surrounding the runway brighten. I settle in my seat, facing the famous faces sitting on the opposite side of the runway. It’s show time.
“You and Finley have flooded my Twitter feed.” Lily laughs, taking a sip from her glass. It’s the after party and we’re standing together at the end of the bar. The show was amazingly beautiful, but I much prefer the excitement of this party. Let’s just say, this is more my scene.
“Shit,” I grumble. “Sorry about that.”
Lily shakes her head. “Don’t worry about it, I love it!”
“Really?”
After taking another drink from her glass, she nods. “God yes. You two are hot together!” She leans in closer. “Please tell me you two are fire in bed.”
I almost choke on my own drink. “We haven’t had sex.” I insist, glancing over to Finley as he stands with Caleb and Taylor.
Lily’s eyes almost pop out of her head. “Are you fucking kidding me?” She starts to giggle. “He hasn’t tried to?”
“Oh no he has.” I quickly reply. “But I’m not interested.”
“I call bulshit, my friend.” Lilly holds her hand up. “Finley and I are almost family, because of our dads, and I would never think about going there with him because the thought makes me feel sick but I can still see how attractive he is and women throw themselves at him.”
“I don’t like players, it’s as simple as that.” I drink some more as Lily looks me over.
“You’ve had a dick as an ex.” She states.
“How did you guess?”
She laughs, but it’s not full of humour it’s a dark sort of laugh. “Trust me when I say I’ve experienced my fair share and I know the feeling.” She steps closer, so she can talk privately. “But babe, don’t let him control what you do for the rest of your life. I can tell Fin likes you and you can’t fool me, there’s so much sexual tension between you two a nun would feel it.”
“You’re smarter than you look.” And she really is, her bright blonde hair and bright blue eyes trick you into thinking she’s not as sharp as she is. Lily strikes me as a loyal and strong friend, and I really like her.
“You’re not the first person to say that.” She rolls her eyes. “But seriously Riley, I can tell Finley genuinely likes you. A lot more than you think, I bet.”
“No, he just wants to get me in bed.” I argue.
“Maybe, but I feel he wants you more than a fuck.”
I don’t get a chance to add anything because Finley arrives. His smirk makes him look sinful, like Lucifer himself, and I take in a deep breath to calm myself. Finley leans in close from behind my shoulder. “Dance with me.”
Lily watches from the top of her glass, her eyes carefully observing. “I don’t know.”
Finley caresses my neck with his finger. “Come on Riles, you’re my date for the night and I need to hold you close.” He steps even closer. “Have I told you how beautiful you look?”
I can’t help but giggle and I don’t miss the rise of Lily’s eyebrows. Finley has told me over and over how much he admires me tonight, and as much as I love it, I hate it too because every time he tells me I get wetter and wetter. I’m so eager for him, but as always I can’t let myself get too close.
“Riley.” He interrupts my thoughts. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
Well that made it a lot easier for me.
I take Finley’s hand and as we make out way onto the dancefloor, I can feel the eyes of everyone in the room on us. Finley wraps me in his arms, looks down at me and smiles. It’s the sexy smile that gets me all the time and I’m glad Finley supports me because my legs weaken. It’s hard work fighting off a man like Finley.
“Are you having fun?” He asks me.
“I haven’t had a night like this in a long time.” I smile up at him.
“It’s not finished yet.” Finley winks.
“Oh really?” I laugh.
“Let me know when you want to go home and I will take you.” Finley suddenly becomes serious. “I want to be the one to see you last and say goodnight.”
I try to not let him see my shock, and I nod. “Ok.” I whisper and he pulls me close as Often by The Weeknd begins. My heart beats crazily because I think I just went against my promise to myself and stepped over the line. I’m in dangerous territory and I just hope this doesn’t mean I’m falling for Finley Parker.
Chapter Twelve
As soon as my eyes open, my mood feels lifted and happy. My arms are above my head and I stretch the sleepiness from my body with a loud moan. My bedroom door opens and Cassie pops her head around the corner, a huge grin spreading across her face.
“Sooooo?” She asks, annoyingly dragging the word on longer than she should.
“Sooooo?” I mock her and Cassie frowns, stomping her foot.
“Tell me about last night.” She demands, stepping into my room and looking down at the floor where my gorgeous dress is laying and my killer heels that I kicked off, onto the floor. Cassie picks up the dress and flashes me a disappointed look.
“I was drunk.” I try to excuse myself for throwing an expens
ive dress on the floor.
“That doesn’t make it ok.” She scowls and then collects my shoes and places them neatly together. “I’ll forgive you, if you tell me everything from last night.” She points.
I sigh dramatically. “Fine.” And I tell her every detail from last night, even the little wobble we had before getting into the Hummer.
“Shit girl.” She places her hands in front of her mouth. “You let your drama with TJ nearly ruin your night with Finley.”
I pull the cover over my face to hide in shame, but Cassie doesn’t let me and rips them away.
“You need a cup of tea.” She smiles, leaving me alone in my room again while she makes me my hot cup.
“And biscuits!” I shout
“Of course!” She returns, leaving me quietly giggling and returning to my good mood.
Cassie walks in with our drinks on a tray that has a helpful amount of biscuit goods. I dive it, dipping in into my cup of tea, while Cassie begins her lecture.
“Look babe, I know TJ hurt you bad, but you can’t let him ruin everything for you.”
“He isn’t,” I argue and Cassie gives me a pointed look, her eyebrow arching for effect and I cave in. “I guess you’re right.”
TJ is that ex for me. I can never seem to shake him off and he spoils everything for me. Without even being here, he fucks everything up! It’s not like I love him or anything, I can’t stand TJ, but what he did to me is burnt into my heart. I don’t think I’ll ever forget, or be able to get over what he did to me. I loved TJ once upon a time, I trusted him with everything I had and he threw it all in my face in the worst way possible.
“No Riley, I know I’m right.” Cassie announces. She’s my best friend and when it comes to TJ, she’s fierce. “That boy fucked you up but I won’t let him fuck up the rest of your life. Finley likes you, and you know that. So why can’t you let him in?”
I look into my cup of tea. “He will betray me.”
“I don’t think so.” Cassie shakes her head.
I place my cup on the side. “You do remember who Finley is right?”
