Seventeen.

 

I wake up to find the bed beside me empty. For a moment I tense, the past rushing back to me. But then I hear music playing downstairs on the radio, and smell the sweetest scent on earth floating through the morning air. I wrap myself in a robe and wander downstairs. “Is that bacon?” I greet Finn in the kitchen. He’s shirtless and damp from the shower, standing over the griddle pan with a pair of tongs in one hand, and suddenly, I get breathless and weak. Every woman’s fantasy brought to life: a hot man who cooks.

Could he get any sexier?

“Morning, sleepyhead.” Finn gives me a lazy smile, full of promise.

“What time is it?” I yawn, stretching. My body aches, but it’s a sweet pain, a reminder of everything that happened last night.

“Almost seven.” Finn grins. “I tried to wake you, I didn’t know if you had to be at the office today, but you were pretty out of it.”

“Well, someone wore me out.” I walk over and slide my arms around him, dropping a light kiss on his shoulder. “Why do I have to go to work? I feel like I could sleep for days.”

He laughs. “Even if you could stay home, you wouldn’t be sleeping.”

“No?”

“Uh huh.” He turns around, holding me close. “I would have very different plans,” he says, kissing along the delicate arch of my neck. “First, you eat, then I’d fuck you senseless another dozen times. And that’s just for starters,” he adds, as my whole body shivers in anticipation.

“Can we hit pause on that plan for, ooh, the next eight hours?”

Finn smiles. “You can bet on it.”

I hungrily eye the spread he’s got going: eggs, bacon, pancakes. It all looks amazing. “Since when did you learn to cook?”

“Since I overdosed on bad junk food on tour.” Finn expertly slides food onto two plates and hands them to me. “OJ or coffee?”

“Both please.”

I take our food out onto the back porch, and Finn follows with our drinks. We sit on the bench there and dive into the food. I haven’t been so hungry for days, and it’s not until my plate is almost empty that I come up for air.

Finn is watching me. “What?”

“Nothing. Just, I love that look. When you’re eating and you can’t get enough.”

I arch an eyebrow. “Get used to it,” I smirk, “You’re not the only one who has plans for the weekend.” I slide my hand over his thigh, and he laughs out loud.

“Anytime you like, baby.” Finn winks. “I won’t stand in your way.”

Finn puts his empty plate aside, and drapes one arm around me as he drinks his coffee. It’s quiet out, the early morning sun filtering through the trees, and the sound of birdsong chirping lightly in the background. I inhale a deep breath, taking it all in, and just like that, I’m filled with a sense of peace, bone-deep and perfect. I sink against him, and revel in the moment, this precious moment I thought I’d never get to feel again. If I could freeze time, I would suspend us right here for a hundred years, just to enjoy each and every breath.

“Pretty damn perfect,” Finn murmurs, and I smile.

“You read my mind.”

I’m tempted to call in sick. Delilah’s probably hung over from the party, too, but she’d cover for me if I asked. The thought of spending the whole day here wrapped up in Finn is too good to resist, and I’m about to go find my phone when I hear a ring tone inside the house. But it’s not mine.

Finn gets up, and stretches. “Want more bacon while I’m in there?”

“Always!”

He saunters inside, still looking dangerously sexy in nothing but his jeans. I watch him go, and feel something stirring in my chest. Not just desire, but something deeper, more intense.

What happens now?

I push the thought back. I’m going to enjoy this moment for as long as I can, so I get up, and head inside. Finn is in the kitchen, talking on his cell phone.

“So did he actually offer, or is this more bullshit from the label?” He intercepts me, pulling me into his arms without missing a beat. “Yeah, I know, but I wanted the break.” Finn kisses my cheek. “Sorry,” he whispers. “This won’t take long.”

“It’s okay, I need to shower and go get ready for work.”

I make to leave, but Finn keeps me locked tightly against him. His free hand slides under my robe, teasing across my bare skin. I laugh, and try to pull away.

“What? No, just the radio,” Finn tells the person on the other end of the phone. He grins at me, sliding his hand up across my breast. “I turned it on without realizing.”

I catch my breath, Finn’s fingers toying with my nipple. He’s playing dirty, so I reach for his jeans, and start to unbutton his fly. Now it’s his turn to try and bat my hands away, but I just smile, and close my hand around him, stroking his hard length.

Finn sucks in a breath. “What?” he asks, trying to focus. “Sorry, I missed that. Tell me again?”

I stroke a little harder, and Finn gives me a look. “You want me to stop?” I whisper, wide-eyed and innocent. I sink to my knees, and slowly lick along his shaft. He groans.

“Call you back,” he mutters, and hangs up, tossing his phone across the room. In an instant, he’s dragged me to my feet again, backing me up hard against the kitchen island. “You little minx.” He grins, stripping my robe off.

“You started it.”

“Which means I get to finish, too.” Finn grabs my waist and lifts me onto the counter. I wrap my legs around him, loving the feel of his mouth on my skin. He kisses across my breasts, licking at the stiff peaks of my nipples until I’m writhing eagerly against him, wet and ready. He chuckles, the sound sending a buzz of vibration against my skin. “Someone’s in a hurry.”

“I do have to get to work,” I point out breathlessly. Not because I give a damn about making it to the office in time. No, I just need him inside me, right now.

“Well then,” Finn lifts his head, giving me a look that curls my stomach. “I guess we’ll just have to make it snappy.”

He yanks my thighs wider, positioning himself right against me. I gasp, grabbing his ass and pulling him closer. Finn doesn’t need another invitation. He thrusts hard, embedding himself deep inside me.

Yes.

He fucks me again, rocking up inside with an incredible friction, the feel of his cock rubbing my most sensitive spot. I kiss him, moaning against his mouth, balanced on the edge of the countertop with nothing but his strong arms holding me in place as he pistons faster, rocking higher.

“Finn,” I gasp, digging my nails into his back. “Fuck, there. Right there!”

I can feel my orgasm already building, driven on by the deep, hard thrust of his cock and the way his body slams against me with every new stroke. “Don’t stop,” I pant, thrusting to meet him. “Please don’t stop!”

“Since you asked so nicely.” Finn nips at my earlobe, then slides a hand between us. He finds my clit, and caresses me in time with his fast, devastating strokes. Oh fuck. I sob, muffled against his skin, and then my climax is ripping through me, so fast and wild it makes my head spin.

“Oh God, Eva,” Finn makes an animal groan, and then comes hard, panting against me. His body shudders, heartbeat racing against my chest. He gasps for air. “Fuck!”

“Uh huh,” I murmur, the sweetness spreading through every limb like honey. “That sounds about right.”

He holds me a moment, our pulses racing in time, then gently lifts me down and sets me on the floor. “Good morning.” He grins, brushing hair back from my face.

I laugh, slowly coming back down to earth. “Now that’s a better wakeup than a second cup of coffee.”

“You better go shower,” he says, sending me away with a slap on my ass. “And I’ll go make sure they didn’t trash the house before I decide to jump in there with you.”

“Promises, promises.”

 

Finn joins me in the shower after all, and it’s another hour before I roll into work, feeling flushed and exhilarated, like I’ve just run an epic marathon.

But way more fun.

“I hate you.” Delilah greets me as soon as I step through the doors. I stop dead.

“What did I do?”

“Got laid, if that grin on your face is any indication.” Delilah breaks into a delighted grin. “So come on, spill. Was it the hot vet or the sexy rock star? I’m guessing the rock star. Sawyer Green looks slow and steady, and you’ve got ‘hard fast fuck’ written all over you.”

“Dee!”

I go stash my purse and sit behind my desk. Delilah groans, clutching a massive coffee mug. “You’re going to take the high road? No way, that’s not fair. I’m your best friend, I deserve some salacious details.”

I smirk. “What if my lips stay sealed?”

“Then I’ll spike your coffee and make you talk somehow.” Delilah scoots her chair over, the wheels rattling on the carpet. “Was it good? It has to be good. You wouldn’t be walking with a limp if it wasn’t good.”

“I am not!” I protest, laughing. “Shut up!”

“I’ll shut up when you give me something.” Delilah studies me. “God, it must have been good. You look like you just got back from a spa weekend.” She gives a mournful sigh. “I miss glowy sex skin. My complexion is always way better when I’m getting some.”

“Where are you putting it?” I crack, and she bursts out laughing before settling down again.

“I get it. You’ve had your fun. I’m begging now.”

I pretend to roll my eyes, but really, I’m dying to share the details. I’m so full of happiness and energy that it feels like I’m going to explode. “It was Finn,” I admit.

“I knew it!” Delilah bangs the desk. “I saw you guys sneaking away from the party. Where did you go?”

“Away.” I smile, remembering the secret hidden spot he showed me. Was it really just last night? I feel like I’ve lived a lifetime in just a few short hours. “And then we went back to my place.”

“Smart move. The party lasted until so late.” Dee stifles a yawn.

“Did you have fun?” I ask. “How’s Lottie? I need to call and arrange dinner tonight.”

“Leave it another couple of hours,” Dee advises me. “I left her passed out in Kit’s playpen.”

“Is she okay?” I frown.

“She’ll be fine. A killer hangover, I’m guessing, but you’re only twenty once.”

“I’m glad she had a good time.” I smile then pause, remembering something. “Wait, I was going to ask your advice. Edith said the land over at the shelter might be going up for sale. Apparently, the owners want to make a deal.”

The only thing that could distract Delilah from my sex life is real estate. She frowns, then clicks at her computer for a moment. “Yup, it’s right here. It’s a big plot of land,” she adds, sounding impressed. “Great location, too. The way values are rising, it could be a real bargain.”

“That’s what I was afraid of,” I sigh. “There’s no way she can pay the increased rent they want, and I don’t know how far donations will stretch. We burn through too much already just on food and medical supplies.”

“I’m sorry.” Dee gives me a sympathetic look. “That sucks.”

“It’s not going to stop you calling the owners for the listing though, is it?”

She winces. “For you, I won’t. Because that’s how much I love you.”

“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?