Surviving (Surrender 2)

I was worried things would be awkward between us after his declaration of love, but it hasn’t at all. If anything, we’re closer. He gives me space but still finds ways to touch or kiss me sweetly. Even though we don’t have sex, he sleeps in my room at night holding me close. Declan’s texts are less frequent. Since I never replied to his message in Charleston, I assume he finally accepted we needed space.

I broke down last week crying, telling Finn I felt like I was stringing him along. He assured me that he was a patient man and knew taking any kind of a romantic relationship with me would take time. He’s so fucking amazing.

I no longer cry when I update Sayge’s Facebook page or when I see pictures of Declan. I think this is a sign of my heart mending. Charlie is visiting Sayge this weekend in Richmond.

Finn agreed to go with me today to mail my gift’s home and do one last tour through the city. In the last seven weeks, I have taken over five hundred pictures. I tried last night to go through them, but decided this was a task I could do on the plane next week. It’s hard to believe my eight weeks is almost up.

It’s a beautiful day as Finn and I walk around. We stop at our favorite café for lunch, and he holds my hand the entire time. I feel like there’s something he wants to tell me, but he’s being quiet. When I ask him, he smiles and says there’s nothing wrong.

We go to a small bar near the house and have drinks while listening to a jazz band. Finn and I dance several times and he holds me close. This man is perfect in every way. So why the hell can’t I move forward?

When we get home, Finn goes to shower, and I check my messages. Charlie leaves me a message sounding drunk, asking me to call her, and when she answers there’s loud noise in the background.

“Rave?”

“Hi, I just

got your message. Are you drunk at three in the afternoon?”

“Yeah, I’m about to go take a nap. The guys had some sort of afternoon jam session and it was fun. I drank beer the whole time.”

“Okay, well why did you call me?”

“I wanted to let you know that I don’t think anything happened”

“Happened where?”

“With that girl. She’s posting all these pictures, but I haven’t seen her since.”

“What are you talking about?”

“The girl from last night. The one on Sayge’s bus.”

“Again, what are you talking about?”

“Some bitch slipped through security and was seen leaving the bus about forty five minutes later.”

Bile rises in my throat, and I try to stop the tears. “Who was on the bus Charlie, was Declan in there alone?”

Silence.

“Charlie, I asked you a question.”

“Yeah, Raven, he was. But I’m serious, I don’t think anything happened.”

I choke back my sob and try to compose myself. “It doesn’t matter. I knew this may happen. Declan likes sex, and I told him we were on a break. I asked for space. I should have expected this.”

“Rave–”

“No, I have to go. I’ll be home next week, love you.” I hang up before she can say anything.

I hear the shower running in the other bathroom, and I jump off my bed. Stripping off my clothes, I grab my towel and walk to the bathroom. When I open the door, steam rolls out and Finn’s silhouette fills the shower curtain. I drop my towel and pullback the curtain enough for me to step in.

Finn’s back is to me, and I watch him rinse out his hair. When he turns around, his eyes grow wide as he glances up and down my naked body. He opens his mouth to speak, but I jump on him and slam my mouth to his. He catches me and my legs slide around his waist, he hardens against me. He gently pulls my hair back so I break our kiss and look into his eyes. They’re full of hesitation and desire. When he tries to speak, I put my finger against his lips and shake my head.

He turns off the water and steps out of the shower with me still in his arms. He sits me on the counter and grabs a towel to dry us off. While he’s turned away, I take the time to fully appreciate his body. I’ve seen him shirtless hundreds of times, but the rest of him is perfection. His built frame is muscular all over. When my eyes land on his erection, my jaw drops.

“You like, Baby Girl?” Finn’s voice brings me out of my haze.