Page 24 of Anxious Hearts
‘You know what I like about you, Finn? You haven’t tried to have sex with me yet.’
Finn blushed furiously, the heat of extreme awkwardness burning on his skin. They were sitting side by side on his couch so at least he could stare straight ahead and avoid looking her in the eyes.
Ashley giggled and touched his cheek. She turned his head to face her. ‘You’re cute when you’re embarrassed.’
Her fingertips were warm and soft and set his already burning face completely ablaze. How was he supposed to respond to that? Had he thought about having sex with her? Of course he had. Had he genuinely contemplated it as a possibility? Of course not. They barely knew each other!
‘It’s only our second date in three months,’ he croaked.
Ashley smiled and her eyes sparkled with mischief. ‘And whose fault is that, Mr I’m so busy with my filming schedule?’
‘Um, I think you’ll find it’s the fault of Ms I have a major fashion show coming up.’
Ashley hummed and made a mock serious face. ‘We are very busy and important people.’
‘So busy and important that we’re at home on Saturday night of the Easter long weekend?’
‘You forgot one critical word, Finn. Together. We’re at home together.’
She held his gaze for a second, then rose from the couch. ‘Don’t go anywhere.’ She walked to the bathroom.
Finn exhaled. He didn’t realise he’d been holding his breath, but he sucked in such a lungful now that it made him giddy. Fuck . She’s going to try to have sex with me .
It wasn’t that he didn’t think he’d enjoy sleeping with Ashley. It was just that sex was so incredibly complicated. Not the act itself, of course. The repercussions. The implications. The possibilities. The catastrophes. The impacts. The betrayal …
He was there again for a moment. There in the car with her. There together as one. Fully alive, yet on the brink of death. Complete, whole and at peace. Her words whispered in his ear: It’s you and me, Finley. The warriors. Joined for now and all time.
Ashley emerged from the bathroom. She was wearing black leggings and a tight black T-shirt. Her outfit was so casual, yet so shockingly intimate at the same time. Like she didn’t need to pretend with Finn. Like they were comfortable just being with each other.
She sat beside him on the couch and stared into his eyes.
He held her gaze. Felt his mouth go dry. Swallowed hard.
She smiled. Edged closer to him.
Finn tensed. Every muscle. Every nerve.
Then she tucked her head under his arm like a cat wanting to be stroked.
She snuggled into his bulk, curling her legs up underneath her and resting her head against Finn’s chest. He felt the soft comfort of her body against his own.
‘I feel safe with you,’ Ashley whispered. ‘Safe enough to stay here forever.’
Finn placed his hand on her jutting hip. Relaxed his body, letting them mould together. He breathed a sigh of relief.
Surprised at his own disappointment.