Chapter 16

Sixteen

Finn

A ria was pushing me away, and I couldn’t blame her. She was scared about her relationship with Ireland and her job. I could have gone about things another way, but I didn’t regret what happened, even though she obviously did.

I had a feeling Aria was a once-in-a-lifetime kind of woman, and I couldn’t let her go. I was ignoring all my old doubts and insecurities. We didn’t have to be in a relationship. We could just see where it went. At least that’s what I kept telling myself.

On the drive to the wedding at Lily’s farm, I vowed to take every chance I got to interact with Aria, and if another opportunity presented itself, I was going for it. My dick got hard every time I thought about what it felt like to be inside her. To make her lose control, even for a few minutes. I wanted the chance again.

Today was a vow renewal for a couple who’d been married for ten years. Their three children were included in the ceremony. Gia said they wanted more of a party to celebrate their family. It wouldn’t have the same formal feel that other weddings had.

The bride would walk down the aisle in her original wedding dress, and the groom in his tux, but everyone else was encouraged to dress more casually. The couple planned to change out of their formal attire for the reception.

I was playing for both the wedding and the reception. The couple had requested more popular songs for both. I was looking forward to playing tunes outside of the typical wedding box. I had a feeling this couple was going to be fun to work with.

We’d agreed on the set for the vow renewal itself. I had the music memorized, so I was free to pay attention to my surroundings as I played, and I made sure to always know where Aria was. Whether she was checking in with her coworkers or the bridal party, she was always quick with a smile and a comforting pat on the arm.

She was professional, yet warm with everyone. As I watched her, it made me like her even more. She’d been dealt a difficult hand in life, but she’d persevered. She’d come out on the other side an amazing person, who was warm and caring. Who gave love freely and always saw the positive side of things.

Being around her was addictive. I wanted to be in her space, absorbing her energy and basking in the warmth of her light.

She was so good to me and to Paisley. I didn’t want to be just friends. I didn’t want to watch her date someone else. Someone more suited to the future she envisioned for herself. What if I was the man for her?

I’d only thought she was good for me; her sunny disposition made me think of life in a different way, but what if I had something to offer her? I just wished I knew what that was besides hot sex.

After the ceremony was finished, Abby did her magic with the pictures, and I had a few minutes to relax before I needed to set up on the porch for the cocktail hour.

Aria hurried over to me as I packed up my guitar. “I have a sandwich and a water for you. Gia said you need to eat. You won’t have much of a break during this event.”

I took the wrapped sandwich from her. “Can you stop and eat with me?”

She started shaking her head before I finished my question. “I need to supervise the pictures. I just wanted to get you this.”

Then she was gone, and I was alone. I didn’t think she was putting me off because the wedding planners tended to be busy until after the cake was cut. I hoped I’d catch her then.

I went to the employee break room they’d set up in the summerhouse to quickly eat the food Aria provided. Then I headed to the covered back porch of the farmhouse.

It was a huge porch, and I’d heard Lily’s grandfather built it for her grandmother. Their love story was the reason Lily wanted to hold weddings on the property.

I sat in the chair provided and started playing background music. I was supposed to enhance the mood, not distract the guests from their conversations.

After dinner was served, I’d have an opportunity to play more fun songs. The guests would filter out to the floor when they heard a song they liked. I loved the challenge of that. Which song would bring everyone out? Which one would they sing along to? I loved music, but the only thing I enjoyed more was watching others dance and sing while I played.

Aria appeared on the steps when the photographs were completed, and she announced it was time to move to the barn for the reception. That was my cue to break for a drink. I’d get a few minutes before I was needed at the barn.

“How are you holding up?” Aria asked as the guests filtered down the steps and across the lawn toward the barn.

“I’m fine.” I took the bottle she offered and drained it.

“I’ll get you another,” she said, heading into the house, probably to the kitchen. Lily and Jake lived here but kept their fridge stocked with water bottles in case we needed one in a pinch.

I followed her inside. The house was empty. Jake was probably working at his garage, and Lily was probably making sure the floral arrangements for the reception were in place.

She grabbed the water bottle, and when she turned, I was right there. My hand moved to her hip, and I brushed a strand of hair out of her face as an excuse to touch her.

Her breath hitched. “What are you doing?”

“I wanted to check in with you. To see how you were doing.” I stepped closer to her, forcing her to tip her head up and keep eye contact.

Her forehead wrinkled. “That’s my job. I’m supposed to take care of you.”

“But who takes care of Aria?” I dipped my hand in her hair; it was heavy and warm against my skin.

She blinked up at me. “I don’t need—”

“Oh yes, you do.” I leaned down to kiss her softly. It was just a whisper of a touch across her lips. I wanted her thinking of me tonight, yearning for more.

I pulled my lips from hers, plucked the bottle from her hands, and stepped back. “I better get back.”

I forced myself to turn and walk away. This game with Aria wasn’t going to be quick and easy. I needed a plan—a good one—for her to take me seriously.

I crossed the lawn, letting the breeze cool my overheated skin. The kiss was meant to work her up. I hadn’t anticipated how I’d feel after. One kiss wasn’t enough. I wanted more.

As I warmed up and started my dinner playlist, I thought of the possible locations on the farm that lent themselves to privacy. There weren’t any small rooms except for at the summerhouse, and that was where the main bathroom was for guests. It would have to be somewhere outside. The gazebo? No, that was popular for guests too.

I still hadn’t figured it out when it was time to move on to the first dance. The couple picked this song, and it was a good one. Everyone loved it.

I focused on the music and the couples who came out to the dance floor. The couple allowed requests, so I fielded those for a while by myself before Aria pulled up a chair next to me. “I’ll help you with requests so you can play.”

“Thank you.” I hadn’t anticipated that she’d be helping me tonight.

She gave me a bright smile before turning her attention to a guest with a song suggestion. She made a list of requests and tilted the pad of paper in my direction.

It was nice working with her. She made comments on her favorite songs, circling the ones she loved. I made a mental note of the ones she seemed to enjoy. I didn’t know if she was aware of it or not, but she tapped her feet to the ones she enjoyed the most.

When it was time to cut the cake, she touched my arm. “You can pack up. I’m going to make sure this goes smoothly, and then I can take a breather too.”

“I’ll hang around for a bit.”

She waved a hand at me. “Oh, you don’t have to.”

“I want to,” I said just as Ireland pulled her away.

I grabbed a drink from the bar. I never indulged until I was done for the night. Tonight, I could use it. Aria had me all worked up inside from that kiss and from the dress she wore. It was perfectly chaste up top except for the way it danced around her upper thighs when she walked, teasing me with every step.

She had this delectable ass I wanted to squeeze. I regretted our lack of time the other night. I wasn’t able to see her naked, to shed her clothes one piece at a time and worship her. My pants were getting tight, so I forced myself to look away from her.

When the cake was cut and the music played from the speakers, Aria slipped out the front doors. I set my empty glass on the bar and followed her.

She leaned down to slip off her wedge heels, and I almost got a tantalizing tease of her ass. It was all bare skin, and I wondered if she wore a thong or if she was bare. I sucked in a breath as she continued walking down the path Lily had cleared for guests to take a moonlight walk.

It was the perfect night for it. I followed her, quickly catching up to her. “Going for a walk?”

She raised a brow. “Yes?”

I chuckled. “Was that a question? You don’t know what you’re doing?”

Her face was pensive. “It’s more like I don’t know what you’re doing here.”

I sobered and stuffed my hands into my suit pants. “I thought I’d tag along. I didn’t get a chance to talk to you tonight.”

Her lips twitched. “Mmm. Yet you found time to kiss me in the kitchen.”

I grinned. “You gotta make time for some things, ya know.”

She smiled wider. “Uh-huh.”

I wanted to interlace my fingers with hers and drag her off the path to a secluded spot. I wanted to push her against a tree and kiss her. I wanted to swallow her moans and feel the press of her breasts against my chest. I adjusted myself before she could see how she was affecting me.

“Why are you really here?”

“I like your company.” It was as simple as that. As much as I wanted her, I craved her presence.

Aria shook her head. “You’re confusing.”

I arched a brow. “How so?”

“You say you don’t want a committed relationship, yet you seem to be pursuing me.”

Every few feet, a light illuminated the path and her face. She was gorgeous. “I don’t know what I’m doing. But I know I like you.”

Aria stopped. “I don’t want to get hurt.”

My heart ached. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“I told you where I stood when you were sick. Nothing has changed.”

“I don’t think anyone else should come into play in our relationship. If we want to date, we can. It doesn’t matter what Ireland or Gia thinks.”

“It would be stupid not to consider their feelings and the possible repercussions.”

I looked over my shoulder, not finding anyone, so I took her hand in mine and pulled her down a lesser-used path. This one wasn’t lit.

“What are you doing?” Aria asked.

I stopped when I couldn’t see the pond or the lights anymore. I listened but didn’t hear the laughing and conversation from the reception either. “I wanted you all to myself.”

She tipped her head to the side, her forehead wrinkled in confusion. Before she could say anything, I cupped her cheeks and kissed her. I kissed her the way I wanted to when I was sick and she took care of me.

When her hands curled around my forearms, I backed her against a tree. I wanted to feel her soft body pressed against mine.

My fingers trailed over the skin of her thigh, flirting with the edge of her skirt. “This skirt has been teasing me all night.”

Aria’s face was flushed, her eyes heated with desire as her head dropped back. I kissed the open expanse of skin on her neck as she trembled in my arms.

Then her fingers curled into the hair at the nape of my neck, and she held me to her. “Finn. I need you.”

I palmed her thigh, squeezing lightly in acknowledgment before drifting higher. I easily moved the scrap of silky material to the side and touched her. She was warm and wet.

Despite her concerns, she wanted me too.

I kissed her again as I stroked her, wanting to make her feel good. I swallowed her moans as my finger slipped inside, and I drove her higher.

She gripped me tighter as she let go, shattering into a million pieces in my arms. Her forehead dropped slightly.

I tipped her chin up, needing to see her eyes. I knew better than to ask if it was okay. She’d have a reason why it was wrong, why we were a mistake, and I didn’t want to hear it. I just wanted to feel.

She fumbled with my zipper, and I paused her with a hand on her wrist. “What are you doing?”

My voice was rough, as if I hadn’t used it in hours.

“I need you inside me.”

“Here?” No one could see us, and it was doubtful anyone would look.

She nodded ever so slightly, and I let go of her wrist. She pushed down my pants and briefs.

I wanted to lift her and fuck her against the trees but instead, she dropped to her knees.

I groaned as her small hand encircled the base of my cock. “Are you sure?”

She nodded and licked the crown of my dick. It was perfect, yet not enough. I wanted her warm, wet mouth on my cock. But I also wanted to be inside her.

She took me deep, and I forgot about what I wanted. I just lost myself to the sensations of her mouth on me, her hands touching my thighs, and the sight of her on her knees in the woods for me.

It was so hot. Even hotter than the time in the bar. There was a sense that we could get caught, but it was so far off in the distance, I couldn’t focus on it.

I accidentally thrust my hips, causing her to gag. I pulled back and stroked her cheek. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

She popped off and licked my dick like it was her favorite ice cream cone. “It’s okay.”

Before I could ask if I could do it again, she stood and hopped into my arms. I caught her and backed her against the tree, entering her in one swift motion. We were both so ready, I slid inside easily. The sensation of her walls surrounding me was all I could feel.

She still wore her dress, which was hopefully protecting her back from the bark of the tree, but I moved in short thrusts, just in case. I didn’t want to hurt her, physically or emotionally. No matter what Aria thought I was capable of, I wanted to do right by her.

She bit her lip just before the orgasm shot through her. She spasmed around me as I rode it out and followed her over the edge. I felt my cum filling her, warming her from the inside out. I loved the idea of filling her.

I wanted to hold her all night, but my arms were tired, so I slowly lowered her to the ground and helped her readjust her panties and her dress.

“That was—” Aria couldn’t seem to find the words.

“Incredible. It was incredible.” My heart still thumped wildly in my chest. This thing with her was bigger than just sex in the woods. I liked her, and I wanted to spend time with her in an actual bed. I wanted all the time in the world to explore her body and finally see her naked.

When she opened her mouth, I kissed her. “Don’t. Don’t say it was a mistake or that we shouldn’t have done it, or so-and-so wouldn’t approve.”

My mouth still hovering over hers, I continued. “It’s just you and me and what we’re feeling. No one else is allowed in. Okay?”

She nodded a little jerkily.

I wondered if she was feeling a little overwhelmed. I pulled on my pants and sat on the ground, tugging her to sit on my lap. I didn’t care about my suit pants. I didn’t care what anyone would think when we returned. But I was careful to keep her on my lap so she wouldn’t get dirty. She didn’t need to explain where she had been or what she was doing to anyone else.

I wrapped both arms loosely around her and was pleased when she leaned into me, her back to my chest.

“You said I can’t have any regrets.”

I nipped her shoulder. “Nope. None.”

“Then I don’t know what to say.”

It was a good sign she wasn’t leaving, that she’d relaxed in my arms. I didn’t get her in a bed, but we had a few moments to solidify things. “How do you feel when you’re with me?”

She let out a breath. “Excited. Happy.”

“That’s what you focus on—the good feelings.”

She smiled because we both knew they weren’t. Sometimes we disagreed, and I irritated her, but since we’d started having sex, things had changed.

“And I just go back to the reception like nothing happened?”

“Unless you want everyone to know we just fucked in the woods.”

She lifted her gaze to my face. “Do you always say what you’re thinking?”

I stroked her face. “I want to do that with you. I want you to trust me.”

She kissed me then, and I hoped that I’d made some progress with her. I couldn’t promise her forever, but I could give her a good time.