Page 5

FINN

Ollie tasted like heaven, sweet with a hint of spice, his soft lips and delectable mouth a confection that Finn wanted to sample over and over. He wasn’t sure how long they’d been making out but it didn’t matter; time was simply a construct and the solidity of Ollie’s frame in his lap was Finn’s only reality now.

Diving even deeper, Finn swiped his tongue against Ollie’s, making their kisses wetter, more intense, and every nerve in his body sang. Strange, Finn hadn’t kissed a man until Ollie had sprung into his life and it was indeed different but that was because his entire world narrowed down to Ollie whenever he was near, and with the way Ollie was straddling him, pressing close, Finn could barely breathe.

From the moment he’d peered into Finn’s passenger-side window, Ollie had overwhelmed him in the best possible way. It had taken a significant part of that ride for Finn to realize that what he’d been feeling was attraction. His fascination, the urge to stop Ollie’s tears, sharing the secret lookout with him, giving him his coat, his coffee - Finn had acted like it was a date. No wonder Ollie had kissed him when they’d pulled up in front of the hotel, and while Finn had been taken aback, it was only because he didn’t think he’d enjoy the kiss so much, and that it would stay with him for so long, his lips branded, his loneliness nowhere to be found.

“F-Finn,” Ollie exhaled, pulling away to stare into Finn’s face, his pupils wide and ringed with a sliver of pale blue. Finn could see himself in those black pools; he looked disheveled, eager, wanting. Threading his hand through blond curls, Finn cradled the back of Ollie’s head, bringing him close again, wanting to lose himself in Ollie, drown in him, and never come up for air. Their lips met and parted, tongues sliding and exploring until Finn left the warm cavern of Ollie’s mouth to trail kisses to his earlobe, where he nipped and tugged.

Hands grasped Finn’s shoulders, the fingers digging in as Ollie arched with a gasp and Finn tugged again, humming as he traced the shape of Ollie’s ear with his tongue. “You like that?” His voice was low, husky.

“Mmhmm,”Ollie nodded, pressing down so Finn could feel the unmistakable bulge of interest rubbing against his own. It didn’t give him pause; in fact, it spurred him on and he continued with the tour, running his lips down the tendons of Ollie’s neck, drinking in every twitch, pant, and moan. Ollie was incredibly responsive, letting Finn know that he liked the passionate kisses and scrape of teeth. Sucking at the base of Ollie’s throat, Finn pulled back to admire the mark he left behind and then took in a sharp breath as Ollie leaned down to do the same, grinding his hips in a dance that was pushing Finn toward orgasm at a remarkable pace.

“Wait a minute.” Putting his hands on Ollie’s waist, Finn tried to slow him down but Ollie wasn’t about to be deterred. With a giggle that brushed against Finn’s skin, Ollie lifted his head and initiated another dirty kiss that rivaled the others, speeding up his movements until all Finn could do was grunt and respond. Ollie’s scent, his taste, the wiggle of his tongue, and the way he circled his hips all swirled together, bearing down on Finn like a freight train.

But that train was blasting music…a guitar solo…the same one he used for his alarm.

He blinked, expecting to see Ollie still perched in his lap, those swollen lips begging for more kisses. But Ollie was gone.

Because Finn was at home, alone, in bed.

With a whine, he blindly reached out, shutting off his phone while resisting the urge to toss it across the room. With a very dissatisfied frown, he sighed heavily, picked up the blanket, and glared at the tent in his pants.

It was going to be another wonderful day.

The last thing on Finn’s mind was work. A large chunk of his brain had been taken up by Ollie, and the rest grappled with his unresolved sexuality. Considering that Finn was having sex dreams about Ollie and then finishing out those dreams in the shower using fantasies of Ollie, the answer should be evident but he still wasn’t sure. Was he bisexual? Olliesexual? Did it even matter?

While Finn didn’t have any issues being with a man, it was slightly out of his expectations and required that he adjust his sense of self. He’d spent his entire life thinking he was one way and a patch of sunlight had derailed that programming. Even though he didn’t have a solid label, he’d still needed some time to wrap his brain around it and that’s where he’d fucked up. Because he hadn’t called Ollie in four days.

Why did Finn ask for Ollie’s number if he was going to overthink and waffle about like a coward?

He needed to talk to Owen; he should have done that the day he’d gotten Ollie’s contact info. It would certainly be a role reversal once he came clean to his best friend, for Owen had gone through a lot over the years and Finn’s duty had been to listen, to help, and to problem-solve. Now he was going to see what life was like on the other side.

“Hey Finn, we’re behind on orders, are you gonna use the espresso machine or stare at it all day?”

Finn blinked and the café coalesced around him. His glaring coworker stood a few feet away, hands on her hips, and the line of customers behind her echoed her mood.

“Sorry.” Shaking himself, he grabbed the first order and started pressing buttons. It didn’t take long to clear out the lunch rush and as Finn went into the back room to stock up on cups and other supplies, he checked the schedule taped on the wall, blinked, and checked it again. No, that couldn’t be right.

“Mark?” Finn stopped in the doorway of the owner’s office. Java Junction Café had been the brainstorm of two brothers but Mark had bought out his sibling’s share ages ago and ran the place on tight margins and a lot of stress. “Why am I not on the schedule for next week?”

Hunched over his computer, Mark didn’t even look up; he just waved at the seat in front of his desk. “I was going to tell you when your shift was done.”

Finn chose to stand, crossing his arms. “Can you at least look at me if you’re going to fire me?”

Sitting up, Mark huffed a long sigh, as if this was an annoyance, and met Finn’s eyes. “Sorry, but I can’t afford to keep you anymore.”

Finn almost laughed. It wasn’t like Mark was paying him well. “What, did you hire a bunch of high schoolers who will take minimum wage or less?”

Mark’s grimace told Finn that he’d hit the nail on the head. “It’s just business,” he grumbled.

Finn was annoyed, not angry; this place wasn’t worth it. And he’d been fired before, just not twice in one week. But he wasn’t about to hang around and work for a jerk who let their employees go like that. “It is just business, and since you can’t afford to keep me, I guess I’ll clock out right now.”

“What brings you by, Finn? Did you text me?” Owen reached for his cell as if to check it, but Finn shook his head.

“Can’t a guy stop by to see his best friend every once in a while?” Rubbing his hands together, Finn looked around the room. Being venue manager of The Pointe had its advantages; Owen’s office was sizable, with a couch off to one side, a large desk in its center, and a glass wall that displayed the hallway when the vertical blinds were open.

“Sure, and he can also tell me what’s wrong.” Owen pressed a button on his phone, most likely silencing it, and leaned back against his desk, waiting.

“There’s…nothing wrong.” Finn flopped onto the couch, still not ready to talk about his myriad problems.

“Just so you know, I can read you like you read me so I’m not buying that.” Owen folded his arms. That wasn’t entirely true. Finn had been hiding his not-jealousy about Owen and Liam’s relationship but, for some reason, Owen was blind to it. “What’s going on?”

“Well…” Finn took in a long breath, huffing it out. He might as well start with the work troubles, that was the easy stuff. “I have the rideshare thing and I also had that job at the café and the shoe store, right?”

Owen’s generous eyebrows rose until lines appeared on his forehead. “Had?”

“Yeah, the shoe store is closing, I found that out last week, and today the café said they don’t need me anymore. They’re hiring a bunch of high school kids and I guess it’s cheaper to pay them less.”

“I’m sorry, Finn.” Owen joined Finn on the couch. “That sucks.”

“Yeah. I guess it’s back to the job search again.”

“Maybe not.” Owen had a strange expression on his face, one Finn hadn’t seen in the fifteen years they’d been friends.

“What?” Finn stared at Owen in confusion. “What do you mean?”

“How do you feel about working at The Pointe?” Palms up, Owen spread his hands, gesturing around him.

“W-Wait a minute. You want me,” Finn pointed at himself, “to work here?” then he pointed at the floor, his mouth open.

“Sure. We need more staff. I could use another person to assist with everyday odds and ends, but we’re also buying a shuttle bus so we can pick up bridal parties and guests from the local hotels and drive them to and from The Pointe. It will reduce traffic and drunk driving in the area. John has already signed off on it, and I think you’d make the perfect driver.” Owen clapped him on the shoulder. “What do you say?”

“Um…wouldn’t that be nepotism? Shouldn’t I interview or something?” Finn bit his lip.

“I’m allowed to show a little favoritism. And here’s the interview.” Owen smiled. “Would you like to work here, Finn?”

Finn had to admit, this was a great opportunity. Joy bubbled in his system as he thought about working with his best friend and he grinned from ear to ear. “Hell yeah.”

“Would you be okay with full time?”

“I should, all my jobs together were more than fifty hours a week. And it’ll be nice to have only one place to go to.” This was his first full-time gig and the realization caused him to slap a hand on either side of his face, as if he were in Home Alone. “Aargh, I guess I’m growing up!”

After getting a start date, Finn managed to meander through the conversation while avoiding what he’d really shown up for, and he thought he might be home free until Owen pursed his lips and studied him.

“Are you sure there isn’t anything else you want to talk about?”

Finn sighed. “I need to get another friend who can’t read me so well.”

“Nope, I’m your only friend.” Owen turned, resting his back against the arm of the sofa, facing Finn.

“Sad, but true.” Finn rubbed his hands together again, fidgeting. He opened his mouth, closed it, and took a long slow breath. Why was this so difficult? He needed to say something, anything. “Owen, how did you know you were gay?”

Thatwas his starter? At least he’d used Owen’s real name, underscoring how serious this was.

“What?” Owen blinked. “Why are you asking?”

Wiping a hand down his face, Finn sighed. “Because you were right. I met someone.” Owen had zeroed in on that a week after Finn’s first encounter with Ollie and when asked about it, Finn had deflected. But he was as ready as he’d ever be to reveal it now. “And I think I might be bisexual.”

“Oh.” Owen sat up straighter and Finn could tell when it finally sunk in because his eyes went wide. “Oh. So, the person you met is…”

“A man, yes. And that’s not an issue for me. It’s just taking a bit to wrap my head around the fact that I’m not straight, or as straight as I thought.”

“Okay. Wow.” Owen took in a deep breath and blew it out, thinking for a moment. “Well, I’ve always maintained that sexuality is fluid. Until I was thirty I thought I was bisexual but my attraction to women dissolved as I aged.”

“How did you figure that out?” Finn was still tense; with effort, he managed to drop his shoulders and unclench his jaw.

“It wasn’t a quick thing. It took a long time for me to come to terms with it because I was married to Sharon and we’d built a family. But there’s no need to label yourself or agonize. All you need to worry about is if you like him and if he’s good for you.”

Finn thought about Ollie’s light blue eyes, like forget-me-nots in bloom, how his curls bounced when he moved, how his sweet face showed vulnerability and tenderness whenever he looked at Finn, sending a possessive streak surging through his veins. “Yeah, I do. Like him, I mean. A lot.”

“Really?” Owen’s eyebrows shot up again. “More than the flight attendant who took you to Italy?”

“Janine? Yeah. She was wonderful but wanted to move abroad. Even if she stayed local, we had different goals.”

“Ah. What about the one who was Liam’s age?”

“Ellie? She’s a few years older than him and didn”t want anything serious.” Finn put a finger on his chin, looking up at the ceiling in thought. “She was super cool, I should give her a call. She has a good head on her shoulders, maybe I could bounce this off her.”

“It’s amazing how you still talk to your exes.” Owen shook his head in astonishment, and Finn knew it was because Owen’s ex-wife was so evil that she had an entire suite awaiting her in Hell.

“Of course I do. They’re all kickass women but…” Finn didn’t quite know how to complete the sentence.

“But they’re not him,” Owen supplied knowingly.

Finn breathed out, a soft grin on his face. “Yeah, and to answer your question I do think he’s good for me. I just need to get to know him a little better, which is my problem. I got his number a few days ago and I’ve been procrastinating. I’m never like this.”

Owen smirked.

“What?” Finn’s grin morphed into a scowl.

“Remember when we were at that sushi place and I revealed how I felt about Liam? You said I was all moonfaced.”

“Yeah?” Finn could feel it coming.

“Now you’re the moonfaced one.” Owen was practically crowing but, despite his teasing, he was clearly happy for Finn. “How did you meet him?”

“He was one of my rideshare passengers. We met a few months ago but I didn’t get his contact information. I thought I’d never see him again.” Finn couldn’t stop the stupid grin from resurfacing. “But it turns out he moved to the area and we ran into each other earlier this week.”

“That’s fate!” Owen nudged Finn’s shoulder. “You have to contact him now.”

“I’m…I guess I’m nervous? I figured I’d ask for your advice since you’re my gay expert. What should I do?”

“Gay expert? Hardly. You treat him like a person, Finn. A person you like.”

“Come on, Opie. You don’t have any tips?” Sliding down the couch, Finn rested his head on the back, splaying his legs out in front of him.

“Be yourself.” Owen nudged him again. “And text him or call him. Stop putting it off.”

“Aargh,” Finn threw his hands in the air. “I figured you’d say that.”

Finn stared at his phone, searching his brain for the best way to break the ice. His messenger app had been open for the past ten minutes and he’d typed the beginning of a sentence far too many times, only to hit the backspace key and start all over again.

Taking a deep breath, he cracked his neck and decided to go with the truth.

I’m sorry I didn’t contact you. It’s been a week. I lost my job, well, two of my jobs. And now that I have some free time I would love to see you again. Also, I hope you’re feeling better!

Pressing send before he could change his mind, he tossed the phone on the passenger seat and sighed, leaning his forehead against the wheel. Thankfully he’d moved his car from the very front of The Pointe’s parking lot to the back corner by the towering green bushes, where no one could see his indecision and suffering. He had no idea if Ollie would reply. Was four days too long for him?

The phone chimed and he scrambled for it, a wide smile spreading across his face as he read Ollie’s message.

You had two jobs??? was followed by a tear emoji. And yes I’m totally fine now!

His thumbs flew across the screen. With the rideshare it was three. But I’m okay. My best friend came through and got me something.

Ollie’s response was so fast it was like they were talking in real time. That’s good. A celebratory emoji broke up the sentences. It’s nice to finally hear from you, Finneus.

Finn smiled at the screen, willing to play his game. It’s not Finneus, it’s just Finn.

Three skull emojis, which Finn hoped meant ‘dead from laughter,’ began Ollie’s text. It’s nice to finally hear from you, Just Finn.

Like a teenager with a crush, Finn bit his lip and punched the air. And since fortune favored the bold, he took a chance. What are you doing tonight?

This time the response wasn’t instantaneous, and Finn’s heart sank. But before it went below sea level, a familiar chime brought it right back up. I was supposed to be looking at online job postings but I think watching a movie with you would be way more fun.

Finn knew his expression was somewhere between embarrassing shock and embarrassing elation. Another point went to his location for his varying moods were probably quite entertaining, and a bonus point was awarded to texting, for if Ollie could see Finn staring at his phone like a needy lonely sap who was far too excited to make a deep connection, then he might be scared away.

What movie?Finn wasn’t sure if Ollie wanted to go out or stay in.

You can pick, I have a bunch of them on disc and streaming. Come over in an hour?

Pain shot through Finn’s chest as his lungs screamed. He’d forgotten to breathe. Gulping in air, he grinned, typing back. I’ll be there with bells on.

You could wear clothes too.

Finn’s laughter bounced around the interior. I’ll try.

Putting his phone in the dashboard cradle, he shifted the car into drive and took off. If anyone were to ask, Finn would deny that he flew home to trim his beard, fix his hair, and scramble around looking for his cleanest pair of jeans before rushing to Ollie’s place, and he’d also deny that he felt strangely nervous again as he rang the doorbell. He hadn’t expected to be back at Ollie’s so soon and a part of him didn’t feel ready. But would he ever feel ready?

“Just go in.” The command came from above. Taking a few steps back off the porch, Finn looked up at Mason, who was perched on the roof taking pictures of the sunset. The whiz of the shutter filled the air as he snapped several photos in quick succession before peering down at Finn imperiously, aiming the camera at him, and snapping a few more. Finn flipped him the bird.

Ollie opened the door right as Finn finished his one-fingered salute, and the smile on his face eased a lot of Finn’s nerves.

“Hi there.” Dressed in oversized violet cargo pants and a long-sleeved black shirt with a swirly purple design, Ollie looked like he was about to step out of the pages of a fashion magazine. His hair was a halo, his ringlet curls fluffy around his head, and his eyes were lined with little tails at the end, making them more almond-shaped and appropriately feline. “Come on in. I promise not to floor dive again unless you want me to.”

Finn shot him a grin. “I definitely don’t want you to. Although it was nice having you in my arms.”

Ollie laughed, his cheeks flushing. “Such a charmer.”

Standing aside, he waved his hand toward the stairs and they both wandered up to Ollie’s room, Finn’s jaw dropping as he stepped inside. The messiness and piles of boxes were gone, replaced by a serene sanctuary. The space was generous, with tons of natural light, the focal point being the cozy padded window seat that looked out onto the front lawn. Finn could see himself sitting there sipping coffee and reading his tablet, enjoying a late autumn rain. There was an overstuffed orange chair in the corner that had seen tons of love and a long white desk sat next to the window, where Ollie had his laptop open, displaying a screensaver portrait of a glamorous blond in full makeup with his arms lifted high, fingers on his temples, staring at the camera in a way that said if he didn’t already own the world, it was only a matter of time.

Finn took a few steps forward, squinting at the screen. “That’s you!”

“It is.” Ollie bounced over. “I did my makeup and hair and hired a professional photographer for the shots. That pic is my favorite one, I use it for all my social media icons.”

“It’s stunning. You should be a model.” Finn turned to him, enjoying how Ollie fluttered his lashes, preening.

“Stahp.” He flapped a hand at his face, pretending it was a fan. “I do declare, you are a flatterer,” he drawled in an affected Southern accent. “And here I thought you forgot about little ol’ me.”

“I could never forget about you.” Finn smiled, utterly charmed by Ollie. “I even wore clothes. No bells. For you.”

“I’ll be there with bells on.”Ollie used a silly and very entertaining deep voice. “Who says that in the twenty-first century? It’s like you’re in an old movie.”

“One of my rideshare customers used to say it. I think it’s cute.”

“How old were they?”

“Um…” Finn looked around the room, trying not to sink into Ollie’s adorable smirk, he’d never come out alive. “Eighty-eight?”

“I rest my case.” Ollie flounced over to the bookshelf, perusing a small collection of movies. “Are you still doing that? The rideshare, I mean.”

“For now.” Joining Ollie, Finn scanned the titles as well. “Hang on, you have Near Dark?” Picking up the old DVD case, Finn flipped it over, checking out the back.

“Of course!” Ollie was suddenly very close to Finn. “My older sister is goth so I’m required to watch all vampire movies.”

“She’s a smart woman.” Finn wiggled the box he held. “This is a classic. Like The Lost Boys and Only Lovers Left Alive.”

“And Underworld,” Ollie added, a glint in his eye.

“And What We Do in the Shadows.”

“And Bram Stoker’s Dracula.”

“Which one?” Finn gave a sly grin. “The seventy-four version or the ninety-two?”

“The seventy-four version is sortof good.” Ollie couldn’t get through the sentence without giggling and it set Finn off, his laughter mixing with Ollie’s until they were gasping. But Ollie recovered faster, snatching the movie from Finn’s hand. “Do you want to watch this? We can use the TV downstairs.”

“I thought that floor was a shrine?”

“It is but I can use the living room if I don’t make a mess. Mason is in the basement most of the time anyway, I think he has a bedroom down there so he won’t even notice us.”

“Okay, that sounds great!” Finn grabbed his cell, opening a delivery app. “Do you want to order dinner first? I’m starving and I know a killer pizza place that delivers.”

Ollie’s expression didn’t change but something rippled through him that Finn wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t been staring. He was about to ask if he’d said something wrong when Ollie shook his head, giving him a brilliant smile.

“I ate before you called. I’m good. But go ahead, order whatever you want.”