Chapter 22

Twenty-Two

Aria

W e must have been exhausted because we slept through the night. I’d almost expected Finn to wake me up, and I was looking forward to it. Instead, I enjoyed him holding me all night. It was an unexpected treat to have the whole night together.

He’d said he loved me before making love to me. I’d never felt anything like that before, and my chest had been close to bursting with emotion. I hadn’t been able to respond because he’d kissed me, and then I’d fallen asleep waiting on him to return from the bathroom last night.

Now his breath was soft against my shoulder as he slept, warm and heavy against my back. The clock said six o’clock. I needed to get up and ready for work soon.

I hoped Ireland hadn’t come home after her date last night because she’d know I didn’t sleep in my bed. I could lie, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to. She deserved the truth.

Finn shifted, and then he kissed my shoulder, his hand running over my hip as I shifted to give him access to my body. I still felt the evidence of his release inside me, but I wanted more.

“I was wondering when you were going to fulfill your promises,” I said lightly.

“I always do what I say I’m going to.” He turned me slightly so that I was on my back, and he moved between my legs. He slid his cock through my folds, touching my clit.

I loved the feeling of him between my legs. His cock was hard, evidence that he wanted me, and I remembered what he’d said last night—he loved me, and I felt the same.

Sex felt more like making love. I lifted my head so he could kiss me. He teased me with the tip before finally sliding inside. He dipped his head to capture a nipple in his mouth, and he expertly used his teeth to scrape and then his tongue to soothe the sting.

Everything felt even better than last night. There was something about the fact that we’d spent the night together in his bed and the sunlight pouring through his curtains that made this moment even more real. There was nothing between us. There were no time constraints. We weren’t worried about anyone walking in on us. It was perfect.

This time, my orgasm rolled through me like a wave. When I crested, Finn followed me over, murmuring how much he loved me and how perfect we were together.

He slumped over me, and I enjoyed his weight pressing me into the mattress. When I felt his muscles tense, I held him tighter, not wanting him to leave. “You know I love you too.”

He lifted his head, his eyes wide. “You do?”

I nodded, feeling a little shy. “You didn’t give me a chance to respond last night.”

His lips twitched. “I was scared you didn’t feel the same way.”

“I do. I love you.” I’d never get tired of saying it. I’d felt like I’d been holding it inside, afraid of his reaction.

“I love you too.” He kissed me. “So much.”

Then he rolled me so we were on our sides, facing each other.

“I have to go to work,” I said.

“Me too. I have to man the front door when the bell rings.”

We’d never discussed his job beyond him teaching kids to play instruments and to read music and rhythms.

“I didn’t realize you had other responsibilities at the school beyond teaching music.”

“We all have to help out at the beginning and the end of the day. I’m the only male teacher in the school, and I like to make my presence as visible as possible. I don’t have to, but I like to play with the kids at recess.”

“What do you do with them?” I asked, loving that I was getting to see this side of him.

“Usually kickball, sometimes football. It depends on if one of the kids tried to tackle anyone and football was banned. That actually happens quite often. If it’s blacktop, then we play basketball.”

“Are you the only teacher who plays with them?

“It’s most teachers’ lunchtimes and planning hours. I have time for work when Paisley’s with Naomi, and I like connecting with the kids that way, showing them that band is cool.”

“Kids in elementary school think that band isn’t cool?”

“Third-grade boys. That’s when it starts. But for the most part, kids are open to trying it. I think that comes more into play in middle school and high school. But learning music is so good for the brain. I want them to be open to it.”

“How will they know if they have a talent for it if they don’t try?”

He kissed me. “Exactly.”

“I bet you’re a good teacher,” I said against his lips.

“I strive to be.”

I loved that he was a teacher and that he wanted to connect with kids in different ways. I’d met quite a few teachers who tried to talk me out of going to school for education because they felt stifled in their job. So Finn’s optimistic outlook on teaching was refreshing. It made me admire him even more.

“Are you ready to try this thing with me?” Finn asked.

“I thought you didn’t believe in relationships,” I said, needing to know the answer. There was still time to make a clean break. It would hurt, but I’d rather know now than face the truth later.

He brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “I didn’t. Not until you.”

“So I’m the exception to the rule?” I asked lightly, a little afraid of his answer.

“You’re the exception to every rule,” he said with such honesty I believed him.

“Then, yes, I’m willing to try this with you.”

“I never thought I wanted to try to have something long-term, but you make me want everything. I already have the house and the white picket fence; the only thing missing is you.”

Was this the same Finn who argued against love and romance? I wanted to believe he was. That I’d changed his outlook on what was possible for him. I loved him enough to give this a try.

He kissed me, and it was slow and leisurely like we had all the time in the world. Then he was lifting off me, holding out his hand to me. “Shower with me?”

“This is turning out to be a very pleasant morning,” I said as he tugged me behind him into his bathroom.

“You like waking up to sex and a shared shower?” Finn asked as he turned on the shower.

“As long as it’s with you.”

“Well, you better not be thinking of anyone else. We’re together, and you won’t be able to get rid of me easily.” He wrapped me in his arms until the water heated, and then we stepped inside. We both had to get to work, so we took turns soaping each other, and then he asked, “Can I wash your hair?”

“Sure.”

“I’m sure this isn’t the shampoo you’re used to, but you can bring over whatever you use. I want you to stay here often.”

“Are you sure?” I asked as I turned so he could soap my hair.

He kissed my shoulder before lifting my hair and shampooing it. “Positive.”

“What about Paisley?”

“I’ll tell her about us. I don’t see the point in keeping it a secret. Naomi will be happy for me.”

I relaxed into his touch. His fingers felt amazing against my scalp, and I loved the feel of his chest against my back. I wanted to believe in him. I wanted to lean on him. I wanted this to be the real deal. I’d always held out hope for a love like my parents’, and maybe I’d finally found it. Even if Finn was an unlikely person.

I just had to trust him when he said he was in this for real. That I was an exception for him. I so badly wanted that to be the case.

He turned me and let the water clean the suds out of my hair.

“What about Ireland?” I asked.

“We can tell her too.”

“You want to do that together?”

His expression was thoughtful as he said, “Maybe I should do it myself. We have a special relationship.”

“I’m fine with that.” I lifted my hair, heavy with water, to ensure no more soap was stuck in the strands.

Finn’s gaze dropped to my nipples. “I wish we had more time.”

“Me too,” I said as his mouth closed around one nipple. I dropped my hair to hold him to me, my fingers in his wet hair.

“I’ll never get enough of you,” he said as he reluctantly lifted his head.

“That’s the idea,” I said with an impish grin.

“Grab a towel while I do my hair really quick,” he said with a kiss.

I stepped out, wrapping myself in one of his large, fluffy towels. He never flaunted his wealth, but I got the impression he bought the best of everything. There was nothing wrong with spoiling yourself if you had the means to do it.

As I dried off, I wondered if I should call the local college and see if there were any possibilities open to me. Maybe I could take some business classes. I wanted to be more like Gia. I’d watched how she interacted with vendors and negotiated favorable deals.

For the first time, I saw myself as something more than just a girl from a trailer park. I could own a business one day like Gia. Or I could pursue teaching. I could be anything I wanted.

Hope bloomed in my chest as I got dressed in yesterday’s clothes. I’d need to stop at home and change quickly, but I was excited about all the possibilities. I was in love, and for the first time, I was truly happy. I’d done something just for myself, and just maybe, I’d get to keep him.

The next few weeks were almost blissful. I went to work, researched classes at the local college, and saw Finn every chance I got. He was affectionate and sweet. For a guy who didn’t think he could be in a relationship, he was the perfect boyfriend.

We still needed to talk to Ireland about us. He’d said he wanted to talk to her, but I was starting to worry that he wouldn’t. That he had no intention of ever telling her. The thought made me feel cold all over.

I didn’t want to keep us a secret anymore. We didn’t need to sneak off at the weddings anymore, but we did every once in a while because it was exciting.

This weekend, we were working a wedding. Gia put Ireland and me in charge. It would have been better if it was just me, but I figured it was baby steps in the right direction. Gia didn’t trust easily. She had a hard time letting go of the control.

I understood that. Happily Ever Afters was her baby.

After Finn’s first set, he grabbed a drink from the bar and grabbed my hand to tug me into a nearby closet.

“What are you doing?” I asked, but Finn’s mouth was moving over my neck, and it never failed to give me goose bumps.

He lifted his head. “I would think that would be obvious.”

“We can’t. It’s early, and Ireland’s here.”

“I know.”

I wanted to ask when are you going to talk to her , but I couldn’t. It was like I was afraid to call him out on it. Maybe it was hard for him because of his history, but I hated lying to my friend.

All I knew was that it would be worse if we continued to keep it from her.

I reluctantly pulled my lips from his. “We should go back. Ireland might be looking for me.”

His forehead rested against mine. “I had to kiss you.”

I smiled. “I’m not complaining.”

He kissed me once, twice, before finally pulling away. “I need to go back out for my set.”

“You go first.”

Finn nodded as he pulled away from me, his hand on the doorknob. “I love you.”

Warmth spread through me, reminding me why we were doing this. I didn’t want to push him. It was good that he was admitting his feelings for me, and we were giving it a real shot. “Love you too.”

Then he opened the door and was gone. I waited a few seconds and started counting to one hundred, but I lost my spot a few times. Then I felt like I needed to be out there before Ireland started looking for me. I opened the door and stepped out, almost running into Ireland.

Ireland’s eyes widened. “Why were you and Finn in a closet together?”

“What?” I asked, trying to buy some time to come up with an explanation.

“I just saw Finn walk out of this door a few seconds ago. He said he needed a minute to himself. But why would you be in there too?”

I flushed, unsure what to say. “Finn said he’d talk to you, but he kept putting it off.”

“What are you talking about? Are you seeing each other?”

I looked around, but Finn was already gone. He was probably getting ready for his second set. “We are.”

“And you sneak around and screw on his breaks?” she asked, her words coming faster.

“No. We usually wait until he’s done for the night, and I’m on my break. But it’s not like that. At least not anymore.”

“You’re letting my brother use you? You know that, right? He’s never dated anyone seriously.” Ireland’s words rose in volume, and I looked around to make sure no one was nearby.

“That’s not what this is,” I said, a sick feeling in my stomach.

“Then you’re kidding yourself.”

“We love each other.” It sounded lame to my own ears.

“You keep telling yourself that. If you’d asked me, I would have told you he wasn’t capable of being a boyfriend. He’ll never get married. He’s not what you want.”

“I think he’s changed.”

“People don’t change. I need to get back out there. Gia trusted us to handle the job, and you’re fucking my brother in the closet.”

That was a little loud.

Ireland turned to go, but Gia stood there. “What did you say?”

My whole world was crashing down around me. Ireland wasn’t happy we’d been sneaking around behind her back, and now Gia knew how irresponsible I was. I needed this job. How could I be so reckless?

“I think you should go, Aria. We’ll talk about this later,” Gia said as she turned on her heel and walked away.

Anger coursed through me that I’d trusted Finn. That I believed him when he said nothing would happen. That he’d always protect me. He never understood how important this job was to me. It was more than a paycheck. It was stability, safety, and security. And I was rooming with his sister. That relationship was done, and I was most likely out of a job.

How could so much change in a few minutes? I’d felt so high, and now I’d lost everything.

I blinked away the tears, not wanting anyone to see I was upset. I gathered my purse and keys and headed out through the reception hall. I kept my head held high even as the tears threatened.

Out of the periphery, Finn raised his head when I passed, but he didn’t stop playing. He couldn’t. And why would he? He had no idea what just happened. That my world was exploding, and my job was part of the wreckage.

I’d trusted the wrong guy yet again. When would I learn? Guys like Finn and Raymond didn’t have to worry about things like money and stability. They could throw caution to the wind and do whatever they wanted. I had to stop getting caught up in that.

I went to my apartment at Ireland’s and packed up. There was no chance Ireland would still want me here. It was quick because I didn’t have much. I threw my clothes into garbage bags because it was all I had.

I’d moved to this great apartment, but nothing had really changed. I was still that girl in a trailer park, one wrong move away from being back there. On the way out, I left my key and a note that I was sorry.

I could tell her I loved her brother, but what would that change? I’d screwed up. I trusted that things would work out, but that was shortsighted. I’d broken Ireland’s trust and Gia’s rules.

Now I’d have to deal with the consequences. I’d try to get a job at a school, if there were any left, and maybe pick up something else on the side. I’d survive. I always did.

The luxury of taking college classes was out. I wouldn’t have the money if I wasn’t working for Gia.

I called my mom on the way over.

Mom’s familiar and comforting voice came over the speaker. “Aria? Is everything okay?”

“I’m on my way to your place. Is it possible—” I barely broke off before a sob erupted from my throat. “Can I stay with you?”

“Of course, but what happened with your apartment? I thought you were in a good place?”

“I thought so too, but it didn’t work out.” It never did.

“You know your bedroom is always available for you.” Mom’s voice was sympathetic.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Drive safe.”

I hung up, wondering how I could have been so stupid. I trusted Finn. I believed him when he said he’d talk to Ireland. I hadn’t pushed it either, but it was because I was afraid if I did, it would be too much for him. Maybe he wasn’t ready for a relationship, not if he couldn’t be honest with his sister.

I was right not to fully trust our relationship. I had a good reason not to.

I parked in my parents’ driveway, carrying my bags of clothes inside. I hugged my mom and said I needed some time to myself. In my childhood bedroom, I sat on the twin bed, wondering how I was back here.

I was na?ve to think I could leave the trailer kid behind. I never truly left.

People like Finn and Ireland had their trust funds to fall back on. I had my parents’ trailer. As I lay back on my childhood bed, I found comfort that I’d always have this room and my parents. I wanted more, but it was stupid to think I could have it.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was what I had. My parents and sister loved me. That was all that mattered. I finally let go, crying into my pillow so my mother wouldn’t hear me. I didn’t stop until my cheeks were swollen and my eyes were dry.