The last three months Finn and Salvatore each took time to spend with her alone and together. She was getting past the whole fear of being attracted to them, and just taking her time. Thanks to Alana and the therapy sessions, Missy Ann came to realize that she did care for Salvatore and Finn in a romantic way. That it wasn’t just because they saved her, and she felt protected by them. It was more. The attraction was mutual, their patience commendable, and she trusted them in every way. She didn’t flinch when they touched her. In fact she cuddled closer when they held her, or placed an arm around her shoulders.
She still tended to overanalyze things. Like a few days ago when they asked her to go to lunch with them. Finn seemed on edge and Salvatore was definitely nervous. But as she accepted their invitation and their need to keep who she was meeting a secret, they appeared calmer. It was like they made a step toward something they had worry or concern over. It made her antsy, but she trusted them and every day when she felt the fear, or awoke in a cold sweat from a bad dream, she thought of them and was able to calm herself down and get back to sleep.
She heard the doorbell ring and jumped.
She was still jumpy.
She headed downstairs and got to the door. She peeked through and saw it was Salvatore and Finn. Opening the door she let them in, they stared at her and she smiled.
“Hi, come on in. I just need to grab my purse,” she told them and when she started to turn Finn took her hand.
“Slow down,” he said and chuckled. He looked her over, holding both hands and then smiled down at her.
“You look beautiful,” he said and she felt her cheeks warm as she lowered her eyes and pressed her hair behind her ear.
“Thank you,” she said, glancing up, taking in the sight of the two most handsome men she’d ever laid eyes on. Decked out in dark jeans, dress shirts and looking gorgeous. She felt her heart pounding inside of her chest.
He pulled her closer and kissed her forehead.
When he released her Salvatore pulled her close.
“Absolutely gorgeous.” He kissed her cheek and she hugged him.
She really wanted them to kiss her. She wanted to feel their lips against hers, and feel more of the safety, security and love she felt whenever they were close. But they were being patient. Giving her time to feel safe and to trust them. She was starting to think that maybe she would need to make the first move.
“Let me grab my stuff,” she said and Salvatore released her.
When she was ready they let her out first and she locked the door and headed to their burgundy SUV.
As she sat in the backseat and they talked to her about her week, she tried not to focus on them leaving Chance. But as they got onto the highway and headed further south she became a little antsy.
Salvatore turned around from the passenger seat.
“We’re heading into Cambridge, to a nice place down by the water. We’re here with you and won’t leave your side,” he said to her, holding her gaze.
She gave a soft smile, trying to be brave and not allow her anxiety and fears to surface. She was getting better at it, but Salvatore and Finn always knew when she was scared or on edge.
“So what’s the place called?” she asked.
“You’ll see in just a few minutes,” Finn said to her and Salvatore turned back toward the front.
As they got off the exit ramp the multiple signs for the marina district came into sight. She could already see the boats, the high sails on some of them and of course the many shops. As they maneuvered through the town, and an area she never was in before, they came into a marina that was crowded. There looked to be no place to park as they came closer to a large restaurant on the water, right beside a docking area and numerous yachts.
“Oh my God, this is beautiful in here,” she said and sat forward in her seat as Finn found a parking space near the back of the place. She saw the large sign, and felt her gut clench. “Connelly’s,” she said aloud and then looked at Finn and Salvatore. Finn turned off the ignition.
“Come on, we have reservations and it looks to be pretty full in there today,” he said to her.
Salvatore opened her door and helped her out. He kept a hold of her hand as they made their way to the side walkway that led to the outside tiki bar area. Tropical music was playing, some Jimmy Buffett she believed, as they made their way toward the hostess desk. But before they even got there someone called out Finn’s name.
Salvatore squeezed her hand as two very attractive men approached. She swallowed hard as Finn gave both men a hug and a slap on the back. The men smiled but couldn’t seem to keep their eyes off of her. She squeezed Salvatore’s hand and he pulled her closer, brought her knuckles to his lips, and kissed them.
“You’re safe,” he whispered and she swallowed hard again.
“We’d like you to meet Billy and Antonio. Our brothers,” Finn said to her and he placed his hand on her shoulder and pressed close to her.
She was shocked. She knew they had brothers but they didn’t seem close to them. Or maybe she just thought that because Finn and Salvatore never introduced them to her before.
She was surprised but she put on her smile and reached out to shake the first brother’s hand.