by Claire Gough
“Hey... Alex!” Brad exclaims when he turns to see why Fin has turned around.
“Hey, Brad,” I reply flatly, my eyes still glued on Fin. “Bee, this is Fin.” All I can see out of the corner of my eye is her grin getting wider as she eyes up the guy I’ve just spent the past fifteen minutes moaning about on our way here.
“You got a seat yet?” Fin asks, looking around the pub.
“No, we just got here,” Bee answers, still grinning. She’s enjoying my misfortune way too much.
“I don’t suppose you'd let me buy you a drink, would you, Alex? I’m sure your boyfriend wouldn’t like that.” He glares at me.
“Sure, she would. Vodka, lemon, and lime,” Bee answers, turning to grin up at Brad, not asking about the boyfriend comment. She'd freak out if she knew she was the boyfriend. “And I'll have a white wine.”
Brad turns back to the bar and orders the two drinks. I smile. I can see Mark, Bailey’s current boyfriend, making a swift exit out of her life, as usual.
Fin carries my drink, along with his own, to a booth where Cole and Jay are sitting. They smile when they see me. Brad and Bee slide into the other side of the booth, drinks in hand.
The announcer gets up on stage, talking a bit before he introduces the next band. Fin places his hand in the small of my back. I shiver when I feel his breath on my ear.
“I’m sorry. I should have told you… I wanted to tell you,” he whispers.
I turn around to face him. He looks worried. “Tell me what? What are you sorry about?” I notice he hasn’t sat down. We’re still standing next to the table, and I have no clue why.
“If you knew why we were really in Blackpool, I thought you wouldn’t let us stay.”
I stare at him, confused. I turn around and realize the other guys have stood up. Bee is sitting alone in the huge red booth.
“They’ve travelled a long way, so please, give a huge welcome to The Dukes!” the announcer says. Everyone in the room claps.
“Sorry,” Fin says again.
I watch him walk to the stage as the guys take their places. Fin shrugs off his leather jacket and turns to look at me, giving me a small smile. He steps behind the drum kit and picks up his sticks. Cole and Brad grab guitars, and Jason picks up what I think is a bass.
Stunned, I slide into the booth next to Bee, who instantly wraps her arm around mine excitedly. My eyes are still glued to the stage.
“Did you know?” she asks.
I just shake my head. I’m in too much shock to say anything, my eyes firmly glued on Fin. He looks so at ease. He's not putting on a show or being cheesy. This is just…him. I also realise just how much trouble this guy could be for me. I think it’s time I finally admit to myself I am attracted to him.
“Hi, everyone. We are The Dukes, all the way from Oxford,” Cole says, then strums a couple chords on his guitar. “We’d like to dedicate our first song to our friend, Alex, who looks like she’s in shock right now.” He laughs. All the guys look at me, but Fin’s reaction is the only one I really notice. He smiles sweetly, happy with the shocked expression on my face.
“Oh, my god!” Bee says, clapping excitedly.
The Dukes start playing Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back in Town”. Fin gives me his sideways smile, making me melt. Cole’s singing voice is deep and raspy. It suits their indie image so well. Bee starts dancing in the booth, but I just sit and stare. What else can I do? Fin is sexy as hell up there!
My eyes land on his arms. He's a drummer, which explains the amazing arms I’ve been drooling over since he got here.
By the time the song ends, my shock has worn off. They’re a band.
They start playing “Message in a Bottle” by The Police. I don’t know whether it’s the music, the vodka, or the fact that I’ve come to terms with my attraction to Fin, but I start to bop along to the music.
After the song finishes, Cole announces they are going to play some originals. Fin leans down to his right and picks up his pint, sipping it. I was too in shock when he took his seat up there that I hadn’t noticed he took his glass. He looks up at me and smiles that sweet smile. A hot shiver runs through me…and I don’t think it’s because of the vodka at all.
The guys play five of their own songs.
“Fancy another drink?” I ask Bee, my eyes still glued on the stage. Not getting a response, I turn to look at her. She just nods, also staring at the stage. I can guess who her gaze is on. I give it about another two hours, if that, before Mark is kicked to the curb and Brad takes his place.
Cole announces their last song and thanks everyone for coming to see them. I walk to the bar, looking back at the band every now and then as they start playing “Pinball Wizard” by The Who. The queue to the bar is pretty long, so I stand and bop about as I watch them play. I feel like such a groupie right now as I think up bedroom scenes, all involving their drummer.
The song finishes just as I reach the bar. I lean on the top as I contemplate what drink to get next—another vodka or a diet Coke.
“Um, one white wine, please,” I tell the bartender. He sets off to get the wine as I stand chewing my lip, still deciding.
“Are you going to kick us out?” His hot breath brushes the back of my ear, making me shiver. I turn to look at Fin, but keep my arm on the bar.
He looks nervous and a little breathless. I think he ran straight to me after they finished playing.
“Kick you out?” I ask, confused.
“Yeah. I didn’t think you'd want a rowdy rock band staying in your B&B.”
He thinks it’s mine? I love that someone actually thinks I could own a business.
“Alex, I wanted to tell you, but we all agreed the owners shouldn’t know we’re in a band or they might think we're trouble and kick us out. Honestly, we’re not trouble.”
I already know he could be trouble for me personally. He pauses to study my face.
“So… Can we stay?” he asks with a raised eyebrow as the bartender places the wine on the bar.
“A vodka, lemon, and lime, please,” I say to him, then turn back to Fin.
The thought of winding him up briefly crosses my mind. It’s so tempting, but I just can’t.
“Yes, you can stay.” I can’t help but smile at the sheer relief that crosses his face.
He rests his hand on the small of my back yet again, a delicious, hot shiver running through me. “Thank you,” he whispers into my ear. His breath on my skin causes my body to react yet again.
“You do realise it’s not my B&B, right?” I ask, smiling. His eyes widen, looking shocked.
When the bartender places my drink on the bar, Fin's hand quickly grabs mine as I try to pay. His skin makes mine hum again, like electricity just ran right through me. I look at him to see if he can feel it, too. If he can, he's doing a great job of hiding it.
“Please, let me get these,” he pleads, his gaze soft, his eyes bright.
“Okay. I think maybe you owe me a drink after your little surprise.”
He gives me his most sincere smile and orders two beers to go with my order.
When the bartender puts the two pints down, Fin grasps one, staring at the booth. Or, more specifically, at Bee. Of course, guys always do. She’s the fun, carefree, attractive one, and I’m just…I don’t know...her sidekick.
“Who’s your friend?” he asks, lifting his drink and gesturing toward Bee with it, then taking a sip.
I smile as best as I can, trying not to show him how disappointed I am that he’s given up on me and moved on to my best friend.
“That’s Bailey,” I reply with what must be my version of his sideways grin. I watch his face as realisation kicks in. He grins when he realises she's definitely not my boyfriend.
“Why does she have a boy’s name?” he asks, his eyes still on Bee.
I laugh. “If you’re trying to impress her, maybe don’t mention she has a boy’s name. She hates it.”
He looks at me, smirking. “I’m definitely not
trying to impress her, Alex.”
Does that mean he is trying to impress me? Part of me hopes so. His stare makes my mouth run dry, so I take a sip of my drink. I’m not ready to give up this time with him just yet, which is crazy! He’s only here a week. The last thing I need is to get drawn in.
“It’s not a boy’s name,” I finally clarify. “Her mother never wanted kids. To this day, she still vows if it weren’t for the copious amounts of Bailey’s Irish Cream one Christmas, Bailey wouldn’t be here at all.”
He laughs. I think it’s the best sound I have ever heard! Deep, yet light hearted.
“So she said the name Bailey seemed very fitting.”
Fin nods and picks up the other pint. He motions for me to follow him back to the booth.
I'm not at all shocked to see Bee sitting next to Brad, chatting away. Everyone looks up as I start to slide into the booth.
“So… Can we stay?” Cole asks, looking a little nervous. I had almost forgotten the whole conversation about them being able to stay at The Driftwood.
“Of course.”
Fin slides into the booth next to me. Heat runs through me as his thigh presses against mine.
“Do you have any questions?” Jay asks, looking from me to Bailey.
“Um, y-yes…,” I stumble, trying not to focus on Fin’s thigh rubbing against mine. “How long have you been playing together?”
“Seven years,” Fin answers and sips his drink. “We all...work in a factory together.”
I nod and study them. Guess I wasn’t too far off when I thought they looked like a designer boy band.
“Who’s your inspiration?” Bee asks, flipping her black hair over her shoulder, her focus purely on Brad.
I grin and sip my drink. Yep. Bye, Mark.
A tiny detail like the guy only being in town a week isn’t enough to stop Bee from having fun and enjoying him to his full potential. For me, though, it really is. I can’t do what Bailey does with guys. Guys have never really interested me too much. I was always busy working toward my main goal in life—working at The Driftwood and saving money so I…
“We all have different bands that lead us to learn, I guess,” Cole answers, bringing me out of my own thoughts and back to the conversation…and to the fact Fin’s thigh is still tightly pressed against mine and I really like it there. I smirk into my drink. Cole is speaking, but Bee’s staring at Brad.
“Mine’s Nirvana,” Brad answers.
I nod, using all my energy to try and keep still. I’m scared if I move even an inch, Fin will take it as a sign that I need space and move his leg away. I really don’t want that. God, I wish I weren’t so attracted to him. I feel like a schoolgirl with a crush right now.
“The Beatles,” Cole answers. I raise my eyebrows. I didn’t see that coming.
“Guns ‘n’ Roses,” Jay says with a huge grin, giving Brad a high five.
I turn to look at Fin to find out his answer, but he’s sitting so close, it brings my face right to his.
“H-How about you?” I ask, trying to keep my voice steady, failing miserably. I don’t want him to notice I’m staring at his lips. I remember watching him drink yesterday and how much I desired to taste that bottom lip. That feeling is now magnified as his mouth is only three or four inches from my face, taunting me.
He smiles, probably noticing my reaction. “I guess I can’t name just one. Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Foo Fighters.” He shrugs.
God, that smile makes me want to get closer. I look away from him because my head is swimming…or maybe it’s the vodka? How did I finish that last drink already? I hadn’t noticed how quickly I drank it, but every time Fin speaks or moves, his thigh rubs on mine, making my mouth dry...so I drink.
“Thirsty?” he asks, noticing me studying my empty glass.
The music suddenly gets louder and the lights go down. The pub is turning into a disco.
Great.
“Oh, I love this song!” Bee exclaims excitedly. She starts patting the table with both hands.
My stomach flips. This is the point in the night where she usually forces me to dance. I really don’t want to.
“Dance with me, Brad?” she asks, turning to face him.
He looks as terrified as I would if it were me. I can’t help but laugh. I know there is no escaping her when she wants to dance, especially when she’s had a few drinks. Brad stutters, trying to find the words to decline, but I know there are no words when it comes to Bee.
“Please. Please!”
And there’s the begging. Cole and Jay smirk and shuffle out of the booth to head for the bar. Bee starts shooing Brad out, like she's forgotten I’m even here.
Within minutes, I’m alone with Fin. The feeling of his thigh against mine is more intense because I know I should move away. There’s plenty of room now, but I like having his leg on mine. I think I’d like any part of him touching me.
“Would you like another drink?” he asks.
I smile and shake my head. I don’t usually drink much, and my head’s already swimming…or maybe that has more to do with who I’m sitting next to.
“I don’t think so. I can already feel the effects.” I’m scared to turn and face him because I know it will bring his lips dangerously close to mine.
“All the more reason to have another.” I hear the grin in his voice. I don’t need to turn see it. His leg moves, rubbing against mine, making my mouth run dry. Honestly, I’d love another drink, but I don’t want him to move.
“Would you like to dance?”
I look at him, laughing. “Sorry, no. I don’t really do dancing…unless Bailey forces me to.” He nods, like he understands.
After a few minutes, I ask, “You were really scared I'd kick you out for being in a band?”
He nods. “Yeah, we all were. You run a respectable business. A band staying in your place has to put you on edge.” He drains the rest of his pint.
“As I said, it’s not my B&B.”
“Whose is it?” he asks, fiddling with his empty glass.
“My aunt's. I run it during the week, and she runs it during the weekend.”
I turn to look at him. I want to tell him everything I’ve been keeping from everybody…how I won’t be living there much longer…but I can’t. The thought alone makes tears threaten to sting my eyes, which is crazy when it’s all I’ve wanted since I was fourteen! No, I can’t tell a stranger. I can’t talk about it with the people I love, let alone some random guy I just met! I think I need a subject change.
“So, the band…” I attempt to smile. The grin that crosses his face instantly tells me it’s something he loves. “The Dukes. Interesting name.”
“Yeah. It took us ages to come up with it. It’s really stupid on how long it took us to pick it when it’s so simple.” He smiles at the memory.
“I love it.”
He laughs. “No, you don’t, but thank you. It’s sweet of you to say.”
“Actually, I’m serious. It’s my last name.” I smile softly and swallow. He’s so close, I can see his eyes are a golden brown. They are…perfect. I can also see the red flecks in the dark stubble across his cheeks.
“Really? Alex Dukes?”
“Alexis Duke.”
He grins. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Alexis Duke.” He sticks his hand out for me to take. I look at it. I’ve touched this hand twice so far, and each time, there has been a delicious shot of electricity that shoots through me.
“Lovely to meet you, too, Fin.” I take his hand.
There it is. That deliciously addictive shot of electricity mixed with adrenaline. This time, though, just by the way he stares at me, I know he felt it, too.
He swallows. “Finnley.”
My eyes widen. “Finnley? You don’t look Irish,” I say with a cheeky grin.
“It’s my last name. I don’t use my first name.”
“I like Finnley. It’s short, sweet...like Madonna.”
He laughs. It’s such an amazing laugh. I
make it my mission to think of more to say to make that laugh reappear, mainly because it causes his thigh to rub against mine. Even though we’re alone in the booth, I realise neither of us have moved to put space between us.
“I'm glad you like it, Alexis.”
Jesus, he needs to stop saying my name. I may just melt right into the seat…or explode.
“Want another drink?” I ask with a sigh.
He turns his body to face me, his leg pulling away from mine. I miss the feeling of it already, but the way he's looking at me makes my breath halt in my throat.
“You want to buy me a drink?”
Uh-oh, I’m in trouble. He thinks he's wearing me down, but he’s wrong. As much as I am completely attracted to him, this can’t go anywhere. I know this. I need to let him know it, too.
“No, you’re right. That’s a bad idea.”
His hand lands on mine. I stare at it. God, his skin on mine feels amazing. It’s addictive.
“I’d rather you let me buy you a drink.”
My heart beats through my tongue, through my hand, everywhere!
“You already did.” I hold up my glass.
He shakes his head, removing his hand from mine. “No, I bought you, your friend, and Brad a drink. I want to buy you a drink.”
I look at the table “No. If I let you, I’m not giving you the right impression,” I mumble. I hear his laugh and look back up at him. I can’t believe he's laughing at me right now.
“Come on. It’s just a drink. We’ll call it another apology for not telling you about the band sooner.”
I know what I’m going to answer…
“Okay, Finnley.”
Dammit, mouth! You betrayed me. I thought we had a plan!
He gives me a sideways grin. I already know I've given him the wrong impression.
“We should just go,” I snap at Bee as we sit in the booth. The guys are up on stage, gathering their equipment. I watch Fin dismantling his drum kit.
“Oh, come on. Have some fun,” Bee says. I think she's having too much fun. I’d like to blame the alcohol, but I know her well enough to know this is just her.
“How’s Mark?” I ask, raising my eyebrow at her.
