Chapter 18

Eighteen

Finn

I couldn’t bring myself to worry about what happened between Aria and me because it had been amazing. Aria could try to resist what was happening all she wanted, but I thought we were inevitable. No matter how hard we tried, we’d end up in the same position—her coming apart in my arms.

I couldn’t resist her, and she didn’t seem to be able to push me away. Our chemistry was explosive, but it also brought up all these emotions I’d never felt before. I never really cared about a woman I was sleeping with. Sure, I treated her right, but I wasn’t concerned if she got a promotion at work or if what we were doing was going to hurt someone.

Aria was different. She made me a better person. I’d never been with anyone who made me consider a relationship. It was easy to think I wasn’t the right guy for her, but what if I could be?

It was an attractive idea because I wasn’t ready to let her go. At the same time, I didn’t think we were ready to go public yet. I wanted to continue as we were to make sure it didn’t just fizzle out. Because if we didn’t work out, why would Ireland or Gia ever have to know?

I had a feeling we were flirting with disaster because it didn’t seem like something that would lessen over time. Each time we were together, my feelings for her just intensified.

I didn’t think I’d get her out of my system. Is that what a relationship was? Finding that one right person who was perfect for you? It was sappy, and something Aria would believe, but I found myself turning the idea over in my head the next few days.

The next wedding was at Port Annapolis, a club bordering the marina. The Alwine couple had chosen to hold their ceremony and reception in a tent open to the water. It was the perfect setup, protecting us from most weather events. Only high winds would be an issue, and that was fairly rare.

The couple had hired a string quartet for the wedding ceremony. I was just the reception entertainment. I think the couple had said something about a DJ being very cliche, or something. I hadn’t paid attention when we met with them because the bride seemed entitled. Like she was used to getting anything and everything she wanted. It reminded me of a lot of my friends growing up.

I wondered if a spoiled bride bothered Aria, but she smiled and laughed with the couple as if it were any other wedding.

Aria worked hard for everything she had. She’d mentioned drawing but nothing about her dreams. She just said that this job was good for her, and she loved making people happy.

A strange urge came over me. I wanted to make her happy. I wanted to ensure she had everything she wanted in life. But Aria wouldn’t accept it. She didn’t want it handed to her, and that was admirable.

When the photographs were being taken after the ceremony, I stood next to Aria. This was a big-budget wedding, so Gia was the head planner, and Harper and Aria were assisting.

I leaned over to say into her ear, “Isn’t it crazy she only gets to wear that dress for one day?”

Aria smiled up at me. “But the memory will live on in the photographs. Besides, you never know, one of her kids might want to wear the dress. I’ve heard of kids repurposing their mother’s dress or taking a scrap to wrap around the bouquet and carry it with them.”

“Her kids won’t want to wear her dress. Don’t styles change all the time?” I’d heard Ireland talk about fashion enough to know trends came and went.

Aria shrugged. “That’s a possibility. But you never know.”

“You’re a romantic at heart. No matter what I say, you love everything about weddings. Have you ever thought of what you’d want in a wedding?” I didn’t know why I was asking about her wedding. I didn’t like to think of her with anyone else.

Her smile faded a bit at that. “I like to create the vision of what other couples want for their big day.”

“But you carry that binder with you when you meet with couples. I thought that was your dream wedding.”

Aria shook her head as Abby guided the wedding party next to the bride and groom. “It’s just a book of ideas I put together when I interviewed with Gia. I didn’t have any prior experience, and I needed to show her something.”

Ireland had always said that most girls had thought about their wedding day. That society really pushes the marriage and kids thing. I’d seen it with my friends, who slowly paired off over the years until I was the lone single guy.

“Not everyone dreams of their wedding day,” Aria said as she leaned a shoulder into my arm.

The warmth of her body seared through my suit jacket, and I wished we had time alone. That we’d get a moment, however brief. Although I knew if that happened, we’d fill the time a different way.

Did she not believe there was someone out there for her? Or was she a realist in this one aspect of her life? I assumed she believed in marriage, a soul mate, or whatever people called it.

“Did I surprise you?” she asked me.

“I just assumed. That was probably shortsighted of me.” Not everyone was the same, and I’d pigeonholed her when we first met. I thought she came from money, cared about appearances, and was biding her time to find the right guy. As soon as she was married, she’d quit to work with various charities or to have kids. But that wasn’t fair. Aria was her own person, with hopes and dreams.

“Aria, can you fix this dress?” Gia asked, holding up the silky peach material of a bridesmaid’s dress.

“I’ll grab the sewing kit.”

The planners had an emergency kit nearby with everything they could possibly need to fix anything: a stain, a rip, broken shoes. I hadn’t seen them come up against something they couldn’t fix on short notice. It was impressive.

Gia’s team was quick and efficient, easily able to pivot when there was an issue. It was why their reputation had grown. The couple could relax, knowing their day would be taken care of.

It was impressive, even if I didn’t want to do what they did. I liked my part. I played a few songs, made people happy, and went home without the cleanup.

This bride had provided a list of what she wanted in the order it was supposed to be played. There hadn’t been a discussion. It was a little boring, but it was what they wanted. I’d written a few songs on my own, and occasionally I’d bring one out and play it. But not tonight. An unknown musician’s song was not on the approved list.

I watched Aria work on the girl’s dress for a few minutes, and then she went to the kitchen to grab something to eat. I was aware of the space, cataloging any areas I could use to get Aria alone later.

We’d have to be careful because Gia was here, but there was something about the sneaking and hiding that was exciting. As much as I wanted to get Aria into a bed, I knew she was resistant. I needed to take what I could get until I could convince her to take me seriously.

There was a voice in my head that liked to remind me that she’d never take me seriously if we were only stolen moments during weddings. I wasn’t sure how else to get her alone. I’d invited her along on our last Sunday family day. Maybe I could do that again, but then Ireland would be there.

I didn’t have a plan when it came to Aria, other than to go with the flow and take whatever she’d give me. It wasn’t satisfying because I wanted more.

I played my set, going through the list of approved songs.

On my first break, Aria gave me a drink, and we leaned against the wall at the back of the tent. “Sorry, you don’t get a long break this time.”

I shrugged. “I don’t need much of one. I’m looking forward to the end of the night.”

We both knew that was our sweet spot. When the wedding festivities were done and it was just a party. The guests let loose, and there was usually music playing over a speaker. Sometimes, Gia would go home and leave the cleanup to the assistants.

That was our time. Aria’s gaze met mine, and I knew that she was thinking the same thing.

“You know, we can’t keep doing this,” she said in a low voice as my stomach sank.

“Why not?” I shifted closer to her, wanting to hear every word.

“It’s not right.”

“You mean, it’s not enough. You want more time with me. Time so we can explore each other’s bodies.”

Her face flushed. “That’s not what I meant.”

“But it’s what you want.” She couldn’t deny that our connection was explosive. We couldn’t control ourselves around each other.

“Just because I want something doesn’t mean it’s good for me.”

I grinned. “When you put it like that, it makes me think of that one indulgence you have—say, maybe for chocolate—and no matter what, you let yourself have a little each day, but it’s never enough. You take another bite, then another, until you’re satisfied. But you aren’t, not really. You still need more.”

Her cheeks were flaming at this point. “I can’t believe you compared me to chocolate.”

I’d come up with the analogy on the fly, but it was true. “I love chocolate.”

“You’re incorrigible.”

I leaned closer until my words ghosted over the shell of her ear. “Meet up with me after my last set.”

It wasn’t a question. I wanted her, and I knew she wanted me. We couldn’t resist each other if we tried.

“Gia—”

“You and I both know she’ll leave after the cake is cut, leaving you and Harper in charge of closing. She always tells you to take a break.”

“It doesn’t mean I should take my break with you.”

“Come on, you know you want to.”

“I can’t resist you, Finn, and you know it.”

I grinned; it was cocky. Anticipation hummed under my skin. Where would we fuck tonight? The small closet I saw near the bathrooms, the butler’s pantry, or could we sneak into one of the rooms upstairs? The possibilities were endless, but what I really wanted to think about was how much skin I could expose tonight. How far would Aria let me go?

Aria shook her head. “Let me work.”

“That’s not a no.”

“It’s not a yes either.” But the corners of her mouth lifted into a smile.

I hugged her to my side, and the gesture was friendly enough, but I let one hand ghost down her back until it rested over one globe of her ass, and then I squeezed lightly. I couldn’t wait to get her to myself. I just had to be patient.

I let her go, heading to the bathroom for a breather. For the rest of the night, I tracked Aria’s movements around the room. Tonight, she’d worn a silver cocktail dress that was slinky and sexy as hell.

When my final set was done, I walked the venue, looking for the perfect spot. I found a quiet balcony a couple of floors above the reception hall area and on the other side of the building, then I texted her the directions.

There were boats parked at the marina, but no one was walking by. I think it was closed after dark. We were a couple of floors above it anyway.

When she arrived a few minutes later, she was out of breath. She closed the door softly behind her, and when she turned to face me, I pulled her to me. I didn’t want to give her a chance to change her mind. She’d come here. She wanted me.

She stood between my legs, and I couldn’t resist touching her. My hands ghosted over her hips and around her ass. I pulled her closer to me and said, “Sit on my lap.”

She licked her lips and hesitated only for a second before lifting one knee, then the second to straddle me. Through my suit pants, I felt the heat of her pussy.

I bucked up, eliciting a moan from her.

I was so worked up from the anticipation of this moment, I didn’t think I’d last long. I pulled her down to me so her lips met mine as I fumbled with my zipper. Then her hand swatted me away as she lifted off me and slid to her knees.

Fuck, the sight of this woman on her knees would be the end of me. There was a slight breeze off the water tonight, but it was warm.

I grabbed my jacket I’d thrown on the other chair and handed it to her. “For your knees.”

She took it and placed it under her before pulling my cock out of my briefs. She licked the tip, and I couldn’t look away from her.

She looked up at me from beneath her lashes as she licked the underside of my cock and sucked the head into her mouth. She was teasing me, and I loved it.

“Aria,” I growled; my tone had an edge to it.

Her eyes glinted in amusement as she finally took me into her mouth. I resisted bucking. I wanted her to explore however she wanted to, to taste me on her tongue. I wouldn’t ruin it by taking control.

I loved her sweet exploration, the way she pulled off to lick and tease and touch. My lips parted, and my head fell back when she increased her grip on the base of my cock and sucked me deep.

I needed to explode in her mouth, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to be inside her. I wanted to feel the heat of her walls surrounding me.

I lifted my head and cupped her cheek. “Ride me.” When she didn’t respond, I said, “Please?”

She straddled me, pulling her panties to the side.

“Can you take them off?” There was something about her going commando for the rest of the night that had me harder than I’d ever been before. She moved to her feet, looking around before hooking her fingers in the straps and pulling them down.

When she climbed back onto my lap, her pussy grazed over my cock, and she nibbled on my earlobe. “Aren’t you afraid someone will see us?”

The muscles of her back tensed under my palm.

“Does the idea of someone seeing us excite you?”

A shudder ran through her. “It shouldn’t, but it feels so naughty.”

“That’s why you like it. You’ve never let go with anyone else,” I murmured as I kissed her neck.

“No. Just you,” she breathed into my ear.

I slid my cock through her folds, wanting and needing more but loving the slow build of anticipation.

She lifted up and slid down. Her heat surrounded me, and I was lost in the feeling of her. Needing to see her, I pulled down the top of her dress, expecting to find a bra. But there was only bare skin. As soon as her nipple was visible, I sucked it into my mouth.

She arched her back, feeding it to me. Now she was whimpering as I scraped my teeth over the hard bud and soothed it with my tongue. She was sensitive.

I gave the same attention to the other one as she slowly lifted herself and slid down.

Impatient, I gripped her hips and lifted her as I thrust. She bit her lip, probably to keep quiet. And she looked down at me with awe in her expression as if she’d never felt anything like this. I liked it. I liked her honest reaction to everything we did.

She rode me harder, and I watched her breasts bounce. It was perfect. Occasionally, I looked to make sure no one else got to see what I did. But it was dark, and we were hidden in a corner of the balcony. There was just enough danger in the moment to heighten our pleasure, but we were protected.

No one else would see Aria as I did. This was only for me.

When the orgasm rolled through her body, her head tipped back, and her lips parted on a whimper.

I kissed her throat, reveling in the feel of her. I thrust a few more times before letting go.

We weren’t in a relationship, no matter how attractive that idea sounded. She didn’t fully trust me. Not yet.

I had a lot of work to do to get this woman to take me seriously, and no matter how exciting our time was together, I needed to come up with another way to make her mine.

Our breaths mingled as we came down from the high of our orgasms. When she made a move to leave, I held her tighter. “Just another minute. I like you in my arms.”

The skirt of her dress covered the spot where we were still joined.

“I like being here,” she murmured as she relaxed into me.

I never wanted to let her go, but she wasn’t mine. I eventually shifted her so I could pull out and zip my pants. Her head was on my shoulder as she rested on one thigh. I closed my eyes, thinking nothing was better than this. Other than a bed and her staying all night.

Before I could suggest a date, she shifted off my lap, put on her shoes, and smoothed the wrinkles from the dress. “I should get back.”

“Right.” She still had to work, and I needed to go home and get some sleep. Tomorrow was my day to pick up Paisley. I missed our time together last week when I was sick.

She finger-combed her hair, then came to stand between my legs. I drew her closer with my hands on her hips. I loved the feel of her. “Are you seeing Paisley tomorrow?”

“I am. It’s Sunday family fun day.”

She smiled. “That’s nice that you do that and include Ireland.”

“My family always wants to see her. It’s finding that balance where I get alone time with her too.”

“What are your plans?”

“I don’t know. You have any ideas?”

“There’s an art class at this new place in town. They don’t usually have classes on Sundays, but this is a special workshop.” Then she shrugged. “They teach kids how to draw a person and how to get the proportions just right. It’s something I’d like to do with her, but you might not.”

“Why don’t you come with us?” I pulled out my phone. “What’s the name of the place?”

Aria gave me the shop’s name and drifted toward the slider. “I really have to get back.”

I stood, bracing a hand on the doorframe above her head. I didn’t want to give her a chance to back out. “I’ll swing by and pick you up tomorrow.”

Her nose scrunched adorably as if she were regretting her decision. “I didn’t mean to mess up your plans with Ireland.”

I touched her hair; it was so fine and soft. “It’s fine. We’ll meet up with her later. I think Paisley will like this class. Thanks for the idea.”

“She was really into art when I hung out with her last. I think she’ll enjoy it.”

“I know she will.” I smiled as she slid out of the room.

I closed the door behind her, needing a few minutes to myself. Her suggestion for the art class touched something deep inside me. I think I had this notion that anyone I dated wouldn’t be in tune with my daughter. That they’d want to come first and think my child should be second. But Aria had looked for this class and thought it would be something she’d like to do with her.

I loved this physical thing we had going on, but Aria was starting to infiltrate my heart. The one thing I’d kept separate from anyone else since I was a kid. I didn’t want to get hurt. But then I remembered the expression on Aria’s face when she suggested the class, and my heart pinged all over again.

Aria was traveling over unchartered territory in my heart, but I didn’t want to stop her.