Heartbreaker(51)
“Smart move. The party lasted until so late.” Dee stifles a yawn.
“Did you have fun?” I ask. “How’s Lottie? I need to call and arrange dinner tonight.”
“Leave it another couple of hours,” Dee advises me. “I left her passed out in Kit’s playpen.”
“Is she okay?” I frown.
“She’ll be fine. A killer hangover, I’m guessing, but you’re only twenty once.”
“I’m glad she had a good time.” I smile then pause, remembering something. “Wait, I was going to ask your advice. Edith said the land over at the shelter might be going up for sale. Apparently, the owners want to make a deal.”
The only thing that could distract Delilah from my sex life is real estate. She frowns, then clicks at her computer for a moment. “Yup, it’s right here. It’s a big plot of land,” she adds, sounding impressed. “Great location, too. The way values are rising, it could be a real bargain.”
“That’s what I was afraid of,” I sigh. “There’s no way she can pay the increased rent they want, and I don’t know how far donations will stretch. We burn through too much already just on food and medical supplies.”
“I’m sorry.” Dee gives me a sympathetic look. “That sucks.”
“It’s not going to stop you calling the owners for the listing though, is it?”
She winces. “For you, I won’t. Because that’s how much I love you.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I laugh, but it’s a sweet gesture. Delilah wouldn’t turn down the chance of a commission like that for everyone.
“But aren’t we getting off-track here?” Dee slurps her coffee. “You were telling me all about the epic rock star dick.”
Luckily, the bell above the main door dings. I elbow Dee, and quickly turn to greet the young couple that just stepped in. “Welcome to Oak Island Realty!” I exclaim. “How can we help you find your dream home?”
“Lucky save,” Dee whispers. “But don’t think I’m not getting the whole story soon!”
We have a busy morning, seeing clients and organizing listings, but I still don’t come down from cloud nine. I float around the place, practically humming even as I do all the boring filing and paperwork, wrapped up in the glow of Finn’s kisses, and everything waiting back at the house for me tonight.
“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you like this.” Delilah pauses thoughtfully, on her way out for an appointment. “I told you, a no strings fling was exactly what you needed.”
I pause.
“It’s kind of perfect,” Delilah continues, touching up her lipstick. “I mean, he’ll be back on the road soon, right? So you won’t even have to deal with all the awkward after effects. You’ll just go your separate ways. See? Closure!” She blows me a kiss, and heads out the door. “We were just talking about you!” I hear her say, and I don’t even have time to process what she just said before Finn walks in, holding a cute bunch of wildflowers.
“Hey!” I exclaim, surprised. “What are you doing here?”
“I figured you could use a lunch break.” Finn strolls over. “Also, it’s been way too long since I kissed you.”
He tilts my chin up to meet him, finding my lips in a long, slow kiss. I melt into him, loving how solid and real he feels against my body. When finally we come up for air, I sigh with satisfaction.
“And these are for you,” he presents me with the flowers.
“I could get used to this wooing thing,” I laugh, accepting the bouquet. The scent is sweet, like summertime. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” Finn looks around. “So, this is the fast-paced world of real estate.”
I laugh, and reach for my bag. “Lucky for you, Marcie’s pretty relaxed about Fridays. I can take an hour, if that’s okay?”
“Perfect.” Finn gives me a wicked grin. “I can keep things short and sweet.”
He holds the door open for me on the way out. “Mickey’s okay?” he asks, naming a casual seafood and sandwich shack, on the outskirts of town.
“Sounds good to me.”
We drive over with the windows rolled down, our fingers intertwined beside the gearshift. I breathe in the salty sea air, and try to ignore the lingering memory of Delilah’s comments.
No strings…
I sneak a look at Finn. We haven’t said anything about what this is to us now. I’ve been too swept up in our passion and all the emotions of the past to even think about the future, but now the idea is in the back of my mind, I can’t shake it.
What happens now?
I try to ignore the voice of insecurity. It’s been one night, barely twelve hours since we hurtled headlong back into each other’s arms. There’s no rush to put on a label, or define what we are.
Except…
Finn was only planning on being back in town for a couple of months, and it’s been weeks already. His real life is still waiting out there, his fans eager for live shows and touring, TV spots and interviews. It doesn’t feel real to me because I’ve never seen it up close, but his kind of success doesn’t just arrive without hard work fueling every moment. I know that much. All the time he’s been back, he’s barely said a word about what’s in store for him in the months and years ahead, but I know that look he gets in his eyes when he talks about his music, and the rush of being up onstage. He loves this life, and everything he’s achieved.