Chapter 12

Finn

I blinked my eyes open, the morning light streaming through the curtains like a hazy blur. My head throbbed gently, the familiar, unwelcome reminder of last night's excess. Bits and pieces of the evening flickered through my mind: the laughter, the drinks, Alex's steady presence. And now he was lying beside me, looking at me with a mix of concern and something else I couldn't quite place.

"Alex?" I murmured, my voice rough with sleep.

"Hey," he replied softly. "You okay?"

I took a moment, trying to piece everything together. My brain felt foggy, but the memory of our conversation at the bar, his offer to take me home, and the ride in his car started to coalesce. I remembered snippets—talking about dating apps, my disdain for the entire scene, and him listening intently.

"Yeah. Just... didn't expect to wake up here," I said, managing a weak smile.

Alex's blue eyes were kind, but I couldn't shake the embarrassment creeping up my neck. I hoped I hadn't done or said anything too stupid. The last thing I needed was to have made a complete ass of myself in front of him. I shifted slightly, feeling the warmth of his body still lingering where we had been close. My heart skipped a beat, the attraction I felt for him suddenly sharper, more defined.

"Sorry if I... you know, crashed here uninvited," I said, trying to lighten the mood. "I didn't do anything too embarrassing, did I?"

Alex chuckled softly, a sound that made my stomach flutter. "No, nothing like that. You were just pretty out of it. I brought you here because I didn't know where you lived, and you, um, kind of passed out in my Range Rover."

I winced. "God, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be such a mess."

"It's okay, Finn. Really," he reassured me. "I'm just glad you're alright."

I nodded, still feeling sheepish. "Did I... did I say anything about the brewery? Make any decisions I should regret?"

Alex's expression grew more serious. "No, we didn't discuss any business after you agreed to let me take you home. You were more concerned about other things."

I felt a wave of relief wash through me. At least I hadn't drunkenly signed over my life's work. "Good. That's good." I paused, looking into his eyes. "Thank you for taking care of me, Alex."

He smiled, and it was like the room brightened a bit more. "Anytime, Finn."

I shifted again, trying to get comfortable while my mind raced. Waking up next to Alex was unexpected, but not unwelcome. In fact, it was something I wanted more of. From the start, I felt drawn to him, and now, lying here with him, it felt like a chance to delve into whatever this was between us.

"So," I said, my voice now steadier, "what happens next? I mean, between us?"

Alex's expression softened, and he reached out, gently touching my arm. "I guess that depends on what you want, Finn."

I took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. "I want to see where this goes. With you. If you're open to that."

He smiled, a warm, genuine smile that made my heart soar. "I'd like that too."

Relief and hope flooded through me, pushing aside the remnants of my hangover. I leaned in closer, the space between us shrinking. "Can we... start over? Maybe go out on a proper date?"

Alex's eyes sparkled with amusement and something deeper. "I'd like that very much."

I studied every line and curve of his features, wondering how it would feel to wake up like this every day. Despite Alex being my total opposite, I was definitely attracted to him. But if there's one thing that always happens to me when I'm hungover, it's getting horny. And this morning was no different. I couldn't help but notice the way Alex's arm was draped over my chest, his fingertips lightly grazing my skin. My body responded eagerly, aching for more of his touch.

But at the same time, I didn't want to come on too strong. Last night had been a blur, and while I remembered bits and pieces of our conversation and our time together at the brewery, I wasn't sure if anything sexual had happened between us.

"Hey," I murmured, my voice trembling slightly. "Can I ask you something?"

Alex looked at me, those vivid blue eyes piercing through me. He had that kind of gaze that could undress a man in seconds. "Yeah?"

"Did... did anything...you know, steamy happen between us last night?" A nervous flurry of butterflies erupted in my chest as I waited for his answer. "You know, like the stuff two naked guys get up to when they're tangled in the sheets?"

The corners of Alex's lush lips edged upwards into a knowing smile that melted my insides. His voice was pure velvet when he assured me, "Nah, Finn. We just babbled away, and you passed out in my Range Rover. And look at you, still rocking yesterday's outfit." Alex winked. "Nothing happened. I don't sleep with guys who've had too much to drink."

I released a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding in. A strange blend of relief and disappointment swirled within me. I was grateful we hadn't impulsively dived head-first into bed, but I kind of wished we did.

A comfortable silence fell over us as I scooted closer to him, my body seeking the warmth of his. Maybe I was still a little drunk, because I was suddenly aching for his kiss, and his touch. With the hand that was under the blankets, I stretched my arm over his chest and pulled myself against his body.

"I know it's selfish of me to say this, but I'm glad I passed out on you. Otherwise I wouldn't have woken up in your bed." My fingers found his nipple, and it hardened at my touch. Was anything else hard? Did I have the nerve to find out?

Alex smiled warmly, his blue eyes twinkling with something deep and inviting. But as I leaned in, hoping to close the distance between us, he gently placed a hand on my chest, stopping me.

"Finn," he whispered, his voice steady and calming, "I want you to know that I'm very attracted to you. But I think we should take our time and get to know each other better."

My heart sank a bit, but his words made sense. He wasn't rejecting me; he was just suggesting a different path, one that could lead to something more meaningful. I nodded, swallowing my disappointment. "Yeah, I get that. I just... I guess I got caught up in the moment."

He smiled, and it felt like the sun had just come out. "I know. And I'm not saying I don't want this. I do. I just think it's important we don't rush things. Especially now that we're in each other's lives, not just on a temporary week-long cruise."

His words were like a balm, soothing my insecurities. He wanted me, just not in the hurried, reckless way my hungover brain was pushing for. "You're right," I admitted. "I want to get to know you, too. Really, get to know you."

Alex's smile widened, and he brushed a strand of hair from my forehead. "Good. Because I find you incredibly attractive, Finn. And I can't wait to know you more intimately, in every sense of the word."

His words sent a thrill through me, and I couldn't help but grin. "Okay. So, what's the plan for today?"

"I'm actually driving to Blue Ridge Brewing in Roanoke. I have a meeting there and need to hit the road soon," Alex said, his tone apologetic.

"Blue Ridge Brewing, huh? I've heard of them. They make some great stuff," I replied, genuinely interested.

"Yeah, they do. It's a business trip, but I'm hoping to enjoy some of their beers while I'm there too," Alex grinned. "I'm spending the night there, since I'm interviewing managers. Their old one put in his notice a week ago, and I want someone ready to step into his shoes ASAP."

"Sounds like a good plan. Maybe next time you can take me with you," I suggested, my heart lifting at the thought. But then I recalled how he wanted to buy me out, and my gut clenched at the thought. Damn it, why does that have to be in between us?

"Absolutely. I'd love that," Alex replied, his eyes bright with promise.

I sat up, feeling more at ease. "Well, I guess I should let you get ready, then."

Alex stood up and stretched, his muscles rippling under his t-shirt. Then I noticed his semi-hard cock hanging heavy in his black briefs and my horniness returned. Alex reached a hand into them and adjusted himself. Then he noticed me watching and a sexy flush raced up his chest.

"Finn, trust me, I really want nothing more than to stay in bed with you." Alex said over his shoulder while walking into the adjoining bathroom. He went inside, shut the door, then opened it again, only sticking his head out. "While I'm in the shower, think about what you'd like to do on our first proper date."

"Can it be an X-rated first date?" I leered at him. Alex bit his lower lip, then shut the door. A moment later, I heard him turn on the shower, and the bathroom door opened. He stood in the door frame, naked as the day he was born. The sexy tattoos on his chest glistened as billows of steam filled the air surrounding him. He grabbed his now erect dick and a cocky grin split his face.

"You're such a filthy man." Alex pulled on his length and I leapt out of the bed. "Do you want to join me in the shower, Finn?"