by Claire Gough
“No, there's no one.”
As soon as the words leave my lips, he tugs on my hand and pulls me to him. My chest collides with his and I look up into those gorgeous brown eyes.
Jesus, I can’t breathe. How do I make my lungs work again?
“So those are your terms and conditions?” he asks softly, but each word vibrates through me. I feel every muscle in his body, and it’s making me dizzy.
I nod because that’s all I can do. I can’t speak. I feel the heat of his chest through his white t-shirt, his warm breath on my skin making me shiver.
He tips my chin up with his finger. “Then we have a deal.” His lips softly touch mine.
The moment they do, I melt. His hand slides around the back of my neck and up into my hair, keeping my mouth on his as I slowly kiss him back. The electricity between us is now magnified. My legs feel weak. The only sounds I can hear are my heartbeat and the tide, which now seems so distant.
I slide my arm under his jacket and around his waist, making him moan into my mouth. I trail my other hand up his back, causing him to moan again. I swallow the sound as it vibrates against my lips.
He places his arm around me, holding me to him. His tongue slowly starts to massage mine, causing me to groan into his mouth. I feel his lips turn up slightly, obviously happy with the way my body is reacting.
When his lips start to slow, I sink my fingers into his back, desperate to keep his lips on mine. Gradually, he pulls away and rests his forehead on mine. We’re both silent as we stand there, trying to catch our breath.
“Jesus,” he whispers, eyes still closed.
I bite my lip to stop myself from kissing him again. It’s all I've wanted to do since I saw those lips, and they taste sweeter than I’d ever imagined.
He finally opens his eyes to look into mine. I can already feel myself wanting to break both my stupid rules. His eyes, which are now a golden colour, stare into mine. I’m taking full responsibility for that colour change. I haven't seen his eyes that colour before our lips met. It is truly beautiful.
“You have to honour our deal now. We kissed on it.” He’s still a little breathless.
I move one hand from around his waist and run it into his hair. His eyes close. I feel a familiar longing in the pit of my stomach as I press my lips back to his. His grip on me tightens. I don’t know how I’m going to cope with not being able to do this once he leaves, but right now, I agree with what Fin just said. I must see this through because there is definitely something between us.
I pull away and look at him. “That was just to make sure we really sealed the deal.” He smirks at me as I reluctantly let go of him.
I called Bee the very second I stepped back into my room. I had to tell her everything about my night. Of course, she doesn’t agree with rule number two, and she doesn’t believe I can stick to rule number one. I won’t tell her it’s already hard enough to stick to both. I hate being told I told you so, so that should help me keep my own rules. I'm not worried about rule number one… Okay, I am a little. But rule number two will help keep rule number one. Sex can change things, make you think you feel something you don’t when you’re caught up in the moment.
I bite my lip as I stare at the ceiling. I think I’m trying to delude myself. Fin and I exchanged numbers, deciding if we are going to keep seeing each other all week, we will need to communicate. He hasn’t wasted any time.
Thanks for tonight. It means a lot that you shared things with me.
I smirk. I can hear his voice in my head as I read it. Another text comes immediately after.
Was it just me, or was that the most earth-shattering kiss? I can’t stop thinking about it.
I just stare at my phone. It really was the most amazing kiss I’ve ever experienced. It was probably the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.
How do I reply? I can’t stop thinking about it, either, but should I tell him that? I told him so much already. I cringe. I still can’t believe I told him all that on a first date. My phone vibrates in my hand.
In the interest of only being here a week, can I see you tomorrow?
I can’t help but smile at the fact that he's obviously still thinking about me and it’s almost 11:00pm. I better reply or he'll think I’ve gone to sleep on him.
What about your friends? You’re here with the guys. I don’t want to steal you away from them.
I am being completely honest. As much as I want to spend time with him, I still have a job and he has his friends.
Please. Just say yes. I’ll sort it out.
I smile to myself and type out a reply.
Ok then. Yes. Good night, Finnley xx.
I hit SEND. Almost instantly, I get a text back.
Good night, Alexis. Sweet dreams xxx.
“No… It can’t be Monday already,” I moan, reaching over to my bedside table to turn off the infernal beeping. I rub my eyes. Everything from the night before starts to come back to me, making me smile. All my memories from last night filter back into my mind as it wakes up, figuring out where I am and what I need to be doing.
Fin will be ready for breakfast in an hour or so, but I’m still in bed. I need to get up because I can’t serve breakfast with no makeup on. I sit up in bed and look down at my phone, still holding it after I shut off the alarm. I have two messages from Fin. I look at the time stamp on them. They were sent well after midnight.
I rub my eyes again as I stare at the screen in complete disbelief. He sent links to estate agent websites. I click on one and the internet browser instantly opens. It’s a B&B for sale not fair from Central Pier. I blink at the screen a few times. Not because the building is fantastic or even what I’m looking for, but because Fin sent it to me. When I look at the other link, I feel a little emotional. This is the most I’ve ever done to follow my own dream. It feels weird and empowering at the same time.
Before I lose my nerve, I quickly email the agents and ask for viewings. I feel like I’m floating! I just made the first step in getting my own B&B up and running.
I turn on the radio and tie my bright pink apron around my waist. Some songs from the sixties instantly fill the kitchen, making me laugh. Every Monday, I completely forget that Jill and Alistair had control of my kitchen for two days and play their music.
I see the sun starting to rise as I look through the window behind the kitchen sink. It looks like it’s going to be a lovely day in Blackpool for once. Even in summer, sunshine is very rare here.
Having this job means I am free to do whatever I want after 2:00pm. That is one of the best parts, along with looking after people on their holiday.
I hear movement in the lounge. I know the only guests we have until this afternoon are the guys. I take the apron off, knowing the sausages on the stove will be fine to cook for a minute. I see the guys walking to their regular seats. Fin hasn’t seen me yet, so I walk up and stop right in front of him, waiting. He finally looks at me as the rest of the guys take their seats, watching us. Fin’s smile drops, almost like he's scared of what I’m about to say.
“Thank you,” I say simply, sliding my arms around his waist.
Once he’s over the shock, he wraps his arms around me. “You’re welcome,” he whispers and kisses my head.
I realise Jill could pop up at any moment, so I let go and smile up at him. The other three guys watch us in silence…and maybe confusion. I know I shouldn’t have just hugged him like that in the lounge, but I can’t let what he did for me go completely unnoticed.
He shrugs. “I wasn’t sure if I was crossing a line.”
“Maybe you did, but maybe it’s just what I needed.”
I look at the other guys. Cole won’t look at me. Brad is smiling, which I know is due to the date he had with Bee last night. Jay seems like his usual happy-go-lucky self as he stares at the tablecloth, not smiling, not talking. I can’t help but wonder what, if anything, Fin told them about last night.
“Full English then, guys?” I ask.
“Here goes nothing.”
I stand outside the door to room three, but I can’t seem to make myself open it. The only two rooms to be cleaned this morning are rooms three and four, the guys’ rooms. So here I am, staring at the brass number 3 on the door, knowing Fin could be staying in this very room.
I know all the guys are out, they left not long after breakfast, but I’m still having trouble opening the door. I take a deep breath and, using my master key, let myself in.
My heartbeat pounds in my ears as I step over the threshold. I have been in here so many times, but today, I notice everything about it, like I am seeing it for the first time. How bright the checked orange bedspread seems. How soft the cream-colored carpet looks. How fresh the white wicker chair in the corner makes it all seem. I think I am trying to convince myself it’s still the same room, which it is, but it also might be his room. I slowly creep in another step.
I have the same routine for every room I clean. Grab the sheets off the bed, adding them to the growing pile at the base of the stairs. Then start vacuuming and emptying the bins before toping up all the amenities, like shower gel, coffee supplies, towels. But, for some reason, I can’t seem to move toward the bed. I look around the room again, taking notice of the guys’ things. I’m looking for any sign this is Fin’s room.
There’s a glass of water on one nightstand next to the bed across from the door. I wonder if it’s his, if his lips have touched that glass. God, I am pathetic. I don’t even recognise myself right now.
I take a deep breath as I slowly look around the room. There’s a faint smell that could possibly be his aftershave. That warm, homey, spiced…
Shit!
A shiver runs through me as I stare at the familiar worn leather jacket hanging on the back of the desk chair. My heart starts hammering in my chest.
My eyes wander to the little bathroom and the shower. I bite my bottom lip and hold it between my teeth as my mind starts to think about Fin in the shower...all naked and soapy.
I blink and shake my head. I need to stop that right now!
The last thing I need is to let my mind picture Fin naked, but it isn’t the first time that thought has crossed my mind.
I’m being ridiculous. If I want to get out into that glorious sun any time soon, I’m going to need to hurry up and stop thinking about him.
I walk over to the bed and take the pillow in my hand. I am so tempted to sniff it. To—
“Well, well, well… Alexis Duke…”
I spin around to see Fin leaning against the wall next to the open door. He must have a stealth mode setting I don’t know about because he's constantly able to sneak up on me!
He smirks. “The very morning after we agree to no sex, I catch you in my bedroom. And by my bed, no less.” He pushes himself off the wall. I have no idea how long he’s been standing there, but I know one thing for sure. I am so glad I didn’t sniff the pillow!
I still haven’t said a word as I watch him. Those arms are so defined and muscular, which the faded grey, baggy Ramones vest top is doing a great job of showing off, and those black jeans just add to his sexy outfit. I am turning into his groupie, aren’t I? He looks every bit the drummer as he slowly walks to where I am standing next to his bed.
“How long have you been standing there?” I finally say.
He gives me his usual sideways grin, walking closer. “Long enough to see you figure out it’s my room.”
Shit, of course he was.
I can’t let him distract me. I have so much to get done.
“Why are you here?” I ask as I start to take the pillowcase off, but I’m distracted. It feels weird doing this with him in the room. However, I need to be professional.
“I came looking for you.”
I hate how butterflies seem to take flight in my stomach when he admits that.
“Why? I have work to do.”
“I know you do. I thought I could help, maybe get you out of here quicker. We went to the beach, but I wanted you with me.” He smiles, taking the pillow from me and pulling the case off it. His eyes don’t leave mine for a single second, and I am a complete mess under his stare.
“Fin... You don’t have to,” I say, softening my voice.
I make a quick lunge toward the next pillow he’s picked up and try to grab it before he can take the case off that one, too. He’s not taking my entire job from me today. Unfortunately, I’m too slow and he moves the pillow out of my reach.
“I want to.” He smirks.
My god! Kiss me, kiss me, kiss me!
“Thank you,” I say softly.
He shrugs, like it’s nothing, but that’s not what I meant. He turns, about to walk around the bed when I grab his hand. He looks at my hand on his, then up at me.
“No. For the links you sent me. It means a lot.”
He smiles. “Good. I’m glad I could help. Did you contact the estate agents?” He starts pulling apart Brad’s bed.
“I did.”
He raises his eyebrows at me as we both keep working. “Really?” he seems shocked.
“Yeah. I emailed them. Now I guess I just wait for a reply.”
“You’re on your way, Alex.” He smirks at me as I start to strip his duvet off. With a smile on my face, I come to terms with the fact we will be working together this morning. He then bundles the sheets in his huge arms and takes them out into the hall. I can’t help but smile. This is turning out to be a strange, albeit fantastic day.
You would not believe how many times I have asked Fin if the guys are okay with me coming to crash their little beach party. He keeps assuring me it’s fine. I look up at him as we stop at a traffic light.
As if sensing my stare, he looks down at me. “What?” he asks, a smile playing at the corners of his lips.
“Your hair. It has a gorgeous red tinge in the sun.” I reach out to touch a piece of it. He closes his eyes as I play with his hair.
“Thanks…I think.” He opens his eyes and watches me as I pull my hand away. There’s something about him that just makes me want to be near him.
“It’s gorgeous.” I didn’t mean to use that word, but he smiles. All I can do is blush.
“Come on.” He tugs me across the road.
Four figures come into focus as we walk along the beach. I don’t know why I’m surprised to see Bee sitting on the sand next to Brad. Cole, sitting on Brad’s other side, rolls his eyes as soon as he sees me. I have no idea why.
“Jay, fancy a kick about?” Cole asks, picking up a football and moving away from us before we’ve even had chance to say hello.
I look down at Bee, casting a shadow over her. The first thing she notices is my hand in Fin's. She smirks, then realises why I’m staring at her. It’s Monday afternoon and she has a very normal job where she has to work until five.
“Oh! Yeah, I’m ill,” she says with an exaggerated cough.
I shake my head and giggle. I can’t be mad at her for skipping work. My eyes shift to Brad, who’s grinning uncontrollably.
“Hello, Brad.”
He looks at me, still grinning. “Hey, Alex. Glad you could make it.”
Fin pulls me toward a couple towels just to the left, set back from everyone else’s. I can’t help but find that sweet. He set this up before he came to find me.
Fin sits down on one towel, patting the one next to him. I sit and take my sandals off, then push my feet into the warm sand. I take a deep breath and smile slightly at the scene around me. There is a pile of bags in front of me, and all the towels seem to crcle around them. Music plays through a little black speaker on one of the bags. I don’t recognise the song, but it could be one of theirs. I wouldn’t know. I watch as Jay and Cole kick a ball, trying to get shots past one another.
“Fin, Cole’s acting really weird toward me today. Did I do something?”
I ask. Our towels are set back from the others so it’s a little more private, keeping the others just out of earshot, which he probably planned. My knees are bent up in front of me, so I rest my cheek on them and look at him.
He shakes his head. “Sorry about that.”
I frown, confused. “Why are you sorry? Did you do something?”
“Sort of.” He stretches his legs out, then leans back on his arms. I find myself watching every curve, every muscle. “Ever heard the saying ‘Don’t shit on your doorstep’?”
I frown and shake my head. “Not really.”
“Well, that’s what Cole accused me of doing. He thinks me dating you will affect the band because you run the B&B where we’re staying.”
I want to say something, anything, but I can’t. He just said we’re dating. Is that what you call it when you know it’s only for one week with no sex?
Fin continues. “He thinks I’m going to hurt you and you’ll kick us out.”
I burst out laughing. Not about him hurting me, I already know he’s going to do that when he leaves, but that Cole is using that as an excuse.
“But it would be different if I agreed to see him instead?” I ask.
Fin grins. “That’s exactly what I said.” His eyes meet mine. I think we’re having what’s known as a moment. His smile fades and his face turns serious. I want to kiss him.
Suddenly, something blocks the sun. I look up to see Brad standing there.
“Just taking the lady to get ice cream. Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’m good. Thanks,” I reply. Fin shakes his head. Bee waves as she's whisked off by this week’s boyfriend. I envy her carefree spirit.
“So, have you cut a deal with Brad to get him to tell you my name yet?” Fin asks. I turn to look at him again. I put my legs out in front of me and lean back on my arms, just
