Finn

“Jesus, remind me again why we’re best friends?”

“Because I’m awesome. But if it makes you feel any better, he seemed to be distracted all night, watching you while he was working. When you were dancing with your dad, he kept looking at his watch. As soon as the song was over and he stalked to you, Johnny, Jeff, and I shared a look and we all knew—he’s into you. Big time.”

“I’m scared,” I admit and watch her face fill with understanding.

“He’s a bit scary,” she sympathizes. “But you have to give in and see where this goes.”

Wait. What? Her words confuse me. We’re definitely not talking about the same thing. She seems to know her misspeak immediately and looks away.

“What are you talking about? Why do you think he’s scary?”

“Nothing.”

“It’s your turn to spill.”

She sips her coffee and looks at the ceiling, avoiding me until I knock her knee and raise my eyebrows impatiently.

“He’s kinda a badass. When you two were dancing and even disappeared, we heard stories.”

“What kind of stories?”

“The kind that made me hope you’d have his babies and I’d have badass Godchildren.”

“Oh my God! You’re ridiculous!”

“Maybe so, but he’s the real deal, Presley.”

“I know. Let’s hope I don’t screw this up.”

“After only meeting him for a little while, he doesn’t seem like the type of man to let you screw this up. He’s got a pretty powerful presence.”

“Tell me about it.”

“Come on, Lovergirl. We have a big day ahead of us. Let’s plan a princess party and get you ready for the big date. I’ll shower first.”

She moves off the bed and disappears into my bathroom. I sink back on my pillows and stare at the ceiling. My mind swirls with memories of last night and the monumental shift my life has taken in the last two weeks. Reese is right about one thing; there is something about Finn that is very powerful.

I run my fingers through my hair once more, trying to tame any fly-aways, then apply the red lip gloss that matches my outfit. I’m questioning my choice when the doorbell rings. Slowly, I make my way to the door, holding my stomach and willing the nervous energy to go away.

He’s just a guy, I repeat over and over in my mind.

He’s the most gorgeous man you’ve ever dated.

He makes your heart race with one look.

He makes you feel more special than anyone ever has.

My brain fires back.

When I open the door, Finn’s face is hidden behind an enormous bouquet of flowers. He lowers them slowly, revealing a lopsided grin. His face freezes as his eyes sweep over me.

“Jesus Christ.”

My heart pounds in my chest as I glance down at my red and white sundress. Maybe this wasn’t the best choice. Oh my God! Do I look like a tablecloth? Reese is dead. She promised me this was cute. Before I can mentally berate myself further, a strong arm circles my waist, pulling me into his hard chest.

He crushes his mouth to mine and kisses me deep, his lips moving urgently against mine. It’s not anything like last night where he took the time to explore. Instead, this kiss is hot and demanding. His tongue strokes and swirls with mine greedily, and I have no choice but to follow his lead. My hands go to his shoulders, gripping tight, and giving in to whatever he wants. I’m not sure how long we stand in the doorway kissing, but when he breaks away, we’re both fighting for breath.

“I’ve been waiting for that. It was a long fucking fourteen hours. Maybe we can move this indoors so your neighbors don’t get a show.”