Chapter Sixteen

Faith: Night, Babycakes. Don’t let Work Guy keep you up!

Eden: Shut up

Faith: ☺

Two hours after Felicity’s staggering revelations, Eden’s head was spinning, but her friend was still basically a corpse on legs. Eden helped Felicity into her spare bedroom, where the bed was already made up.

Eden pulled the sheets up to her chin by lamplight. Felicity was petite, and with her hair all messed up, she could have easily passed for a teenager. Eden shouldn’t worry about her brilliant research assistant, but somehow, as her manager, she struggled to switch off her concern.

Apparently, Felicity had arrived at Eden’s on foot, having staggered down the hill from the bar attached to a Mexican restaurant in Del Mar. Eden was happier knowing she was tucked up here, safe and warm. With it being the weekend, she could stay and sleep off her hangover tomorrow morning if she wanted.

Eden flicked off the bedside lamp and softly shut the door, then took a deep calming breath before walking back toward the kitchen.

After cleaning up the aftermath of the muffin disaster, Faith had headed home. That left only Finn still awake and very much present in her quiet house. Just the two of them, alone together. Why had he stayed? She suspected it wasn’t to chat about work.

Breathe, Eden. Don’t forget to breathe.

Eden crept down the hall and into the living room. His presence affected her body even before her eyes registered his outline in the lamp-lit room. The skin prickled at her nape as goosebumps ran up her arms. But she wasn’t frightened of him. Oh no. Tendrils of heat chased away the goosebumps not caused by fear.

Bent over her stereo on the low side table, he was flicking through the crates that housed her vinyl record collection. Finn was stupidly sexy in his black running gear, the soft light outlining the long lines of his muscular body. His perfect, taut ass was a fine display, along with calf and thigh muscles she’d like to lick. A completely inappropriate thought about a colleague. But he was more than that.

She liked the way he’d taken charge of the situation with Felicity. He’d been kind and attentive, as he’d been when tending her own injured ankle.

Finn had made polite conversation with Faith and Felicity. More than polite, he’d been… caring. Then he’d sat and listened to Felicity’s story and gazed straight into Eden’s eyes. What she’d seen there — concern, understanding, determination — had forced her to reassess her assumptions about Finn. He made her want to trust him, which was something she’d never have predicted.

She still didn’t know why he’d shown up at her place tonight. Whatever he’d wanted had been forgotten in the earlier mayhem.

The song now drifting from her hi-fi speakers made her suck in a sharp breath: ‘Dream a Little Dream of Me.’ The song about whispered I love yous and craving someone’s kiss.

Eden took a few more steps into the room and came to a halt on the edge of the wool rug. Its crimson red looked a deeper shade of wine in the half-light. Only a few feet of carpet lay between them.

Finn straightened, as if sensing her presence. Then he turned to face her and hit her with a devastating high-beam smile, followed by a smoldering full-body inspection that made her nipples peak, her kneecaps melt, and her heart pound.

Now she couldn’t breathe.

Something in her expression must have given him pause because he dropped the smile and studied his feet. Lucky, or she might have been tempted to either smack him or rub up against him and purr like a cat.

Eden sucked in another fortifying breath and asked him straight up, “Why did you come over tonight, Finn?”

He tensed, then raised himself to full height, a slow smile crossing his face. “It was spur of the moment. I was running along the clifftop track and realized I was close to your place, so I thought I’d stop by and say hello.”

Liar. She wasn’t sure how she knew, but he was lying. Through his teeth. His tight smile didn’t quite reach those stunning eyes, currently deep and stormy. An ocean at night.

Eden crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side. “I don’t think so. Try again.” Her gaze took in the front view of his fine form, the firm contours of his chest mercilessly outlined by his tight-fitting tank top. Not to mention the impressive bulge in his shorts. She flicked her eyes back up. “I believe the part about running. You look… fit.” She swallowed on a dry throat.

His gaze roamed her face, then dropped to her breasts, where it lingered a while, a good long while, before running right down her body. It felt like a physical caress, the weight of his gaze tugging at muscles deep inside, turning her blood to a sticky syrup.

Finn stepped closer. Closer still. He cleared his throat and said, “I was worried about something. I wanted to talk it over with someone honest, and I thought of you.”

He had? It was flattering, depending on what he meant by honest. Did he mean blunt? Rude? But since he’d been so helpful with Felicity, the least she could do was hear him out.

Besides, with what they’d learned about McTavish tonight, she needed him on her side. Eden waved him toward her sofa. Where, not so long ago, he’d leaned his long, hard body over her, pressed her down, and kissed her, sending her body into chaos.

She sat heavily and gestured for him to sit beside her. “Okay, take a seat.”

Finn flopped down on the sofa and stretched out those long, muscular legs in front of him. One arm extended along the back of the headrest toward her. For a moment, she considered snuggling into his side, letting him wrap his arm around her.

But she didn’t move toward him. She couldn’t take the plunge. Instead, she scuttled to the opposite end of the sofa and sat with legs crossed, her stretchy T-shirt dress pulled down until it almost covered her knees. Nerves had her threading her fingers through her loose hair, pushing it behind her shoulders.

When she finally darted a glance at him, he was already watching her. His face was more serious now, his forehead crinkled into ridges like corrugated cardboard.

He started talking, his voice low and husky. “I had a call from Mum. Dad’s sick. A heart attack. Sounds like he needs a bypass. I heard the news and just ran in this direction.”

“Oh no. I’m so sorry.” Eden’s heart leaped up somewhere around her throat. She moved closer, reached for him without thinking. She touched his cheek, the rasp of stubble on his angular jaw.

Finn’s hand was suddenly over hers, holding her fingertips against his face. His skin was hot, making her want to pull away. Making her want to press closer to him too.

He sighed. “Thanks. I mean, for caring. You seem like a caring person, Eden. The way you look out for your sister and friends like Felicity. I guess that’s why I thought of you.” His warm breath blew gently over her hand and arm. “I should fly home to Melbourne and help look after Dad, make sure Mum’s alright. But I don’t know if I can make the choice. I might be too selfish.”

He turned and captured her with a glittering stare, at the same time rubbing his thumb across the back of her hand. Back and forth. She shivered, and not with cold. Although she was now acutely aware of how few clothes she wore — an oversized T-shirt dress with black lace underwear underneath. Her legs and arms were bare. Like she was ready for bed.

She whispered near Finn’s ear, no need to shout when they were sitting so close, “You’re caring too. Look how you helped me when I was injured, how you helped Felicity tonight.” She took a sharp breath. Why was he telling her about his family? What else was he trying to say? “Why wouldn’t you want to go home?”

Eden hadn’t realized how much she wanted to know his answer until she asked the question. Would he miss her? It was crazy to think so. Presumptuous, anyway. But deep inside, she hoped so.

He shifted slightly, bringing her hand down along his jaw to his lips. He kissed her palm, a gentle brush of his lips. But the sensation radiated to every cell of her body, every inch of her skin.

Finn moved her hand back to rest on his cheek. “I wanted to ask if you think I should stay here. In San Diego.”

He wanted her opinion? But why should it matter to him? Could it be what she’d hoped? He would miss her. But the way he said it made it sound like a bigger decision than she’d realized. Was he planning on moving back to Australia permanently?

At some point, she’d shuffled closer, and his hand now wrapped around her shoulders. He pulled her into his side.

Eden let out a shaky breath and stammered, “Would you be coming back?”

“That’s the question.” He shifted again, turning slightly, so they sat face to face.

Her hand traveled around to the nape of his neck. She was so close to him now that her forehead rested against his. How had that happened? He breathed out, invading her senses with his scent. Pure male. Clean sweat, salty like the sea. A hint of citrus and something else. Just him.

Finn’s voice cracked on the words, “Give me something, Eden. Please.”

Her heart flipped over and fluttered wildly at his honest entreaty. She wanted to be equally honest. “I can’t ask you to stay.” She hesitated, searching his eyes. Found a melting softness paired with a low smolder. She licked her lower lip. “But I’d like you to. More than I can explain.”

Without warning, his lips crashed down on hers, and all she could do was cling to him, to save herself from drowning. He licked across her lower lip, tasting her until she opened to him.

Eden wanted to taste him too, to experience all he had to offer. Her tongue darted out to meet his, and they tangled together. Opening herself to him, she kissed him deeper, almost merging into him. She touched his face, threaded her fingers through his hair, and pulled him closer.

His hand moved from her shoulder, skimming her bare arm until his touch settled on her hip. The weight of his hand steadied her. Otherwise, she might have flown off the sofa, straight up into orbit.

Before she knew it, she’d shimmied onto his lap, never once breaking the kiss. With her legs straddling him, knees pressed into the sofa, she snuggled down, then gasped as his hardness pressed into her. The whole, long, manly length of him. Everything heated and throbbed.

It would take only the slightest of touches, exactly where she needed it, for her to go from zero to orgasmic in sixty seconds flat. But she wasn’t at zero, no way. Her body was all revved up, like the engine of Finn’s prized Chevy.

Finn’s other hand came up to cup her breast, massaging her through the thin fabric of her dress. Eager for his attention, her nipples leaped up to greet him. It felt so good, so right that she forgot to freak out. For a moment.

She broke the kiss, pressed her lips to his neck, just below his ear, and subtly moved his hand from her breast to her other hip. He didn’t seem to notice how she’d shifted his attention.

When he skimmed his hand down the outside of her hip, then back up her sensitive inner thigh, she was powerless. Eden couldn’t stop him, didn’t want to try. In fact, her legs fell open slightly.

He teased the hem of her dress higher, inch by tantalizing inch, rubbing small circles into her thigh. She glanced down to find her underwear exposed, his fingers skimming their lace edge. Looking up again, she found him staring down at her with darkened eyes, his pupils dilated. His full lips were parted, still damp from their kisses.

“Is this okay?” His words were rough and deep.

Eden nodded, and their gazes locked. “Yes. I want you to touch me.” She hadn’t realized it was what she wanted, but it was true.

With those words, some of the tension flowed from his body, and hers too. His fingers brushed across her underwear, leaving trails of tingles in their wake. He stroked her, slowly at first, then faster, teasing her, circling. When his fingers dipped beneath the delicate fabric and touched her hot flesh, the wetness between her thighs, she gasped. He found her tight bud, then stroked her until she moaned. Everything stilled, her vision dimming, everything within her poised on the brink.

Finn moved again, running his fingers through her folds, right into the center of her. His fingers slid in and out, finding a rhythm, driving her mad with desire. Finding the right spot deep inside. She gasped, gripping onto his strong shoulders.

Just. Like. That.

“Yes. Please, Finn.” Her voice was breathy. Desperate. She needed this. Needed him.

A light flicked on down the hall. She could have sobbed. Felicity was up. Footsteps echoed, moving toward them.

Finn stilled his hand and withdrew it from her needy body. He kissed her lips lightly while straightening her dress. She sucked in a deep breath, then tried to stop from rocking her hips.

The kitchen lights flicked on now, only a few feet from where they sat entwined together, Eden on Finn’s lap. It had to be obvious what was going on.

“Oh shit. Sorry, guys. Just getting a glass of water.” Felicity’s voice was high and squeaky. Eden watched her friend retreat toward the spare bedroom.

The hallway lights flicked off again, cloaking Eden and Finn in welcome semi-darkness.

Eden felt as if she’d ruined her younger friend’s innocence. Although it wasn’t really true. Felicity had a dirty mouth at times, telling stories that made Eden blush.

But Eden wasn’t blushing now as she grabbed Finn’s hand and placed it back on her upper thigh. Even in the dim light, she caught the way his eyes sparkled, more black than green.

His chest rose and fell heavily as he inched his fingers back to where he’d left off. She gripped his shoulders again, hanging on for dear life. She was so close that she could taste it.

“Oh, sweetheart. You feel so good.” The hot words rushed from Finn’s mouth to her ear, to everywhere else. “Show me how much you like it.”

He’d pushed aside her underwear and thrust two fingers inside her, finding that perfect spot again. Golden stars twinkled on the edge of her vision. Suddenly, he pressed down on her clit with his thumb and sent her soaring.

A strangled cry escaped her throat, until he swallowed it in a deep, all-encompassing kiss. Their tongues tangled as wave after wave of pleasure crashed through her system. Finally, she stilled, raining soft kisses over his full lips and leaning her forehead against his.

This man. This man had given her so much pleasure, unselfishly. He’d surprised her, not for the first time. Eden breathed in his scent, waiting for her heartbeat to settle. She wanted to ask for more, for everything. Not only physical release, but the type of real connection she’d been searching for; so far, without any luck. Could he be the one to give it to her?

Maybe. He was a definite maybe.

He kissed her lips, her earlobe, her throat. Then his voice came out deep, with a tremor that made her heart beat faster: “Can we move this to the bedroom? I want to hear you moan some more.” He kissed a path down her throat, warm, wet kisses sending bolts of electricity flying to all the best places. Almost zapping her good sense.

Her heart was still pounding. She’d love to say yes, but… “Not now, not tonight. Felicity’s here. Anyway, it’s a bit fast for me.”

“Hate to break this to you, but I think Felicity worked out what we were up to.”

Eden frowned, then clenched her fist and punched him lightly on the shoulder.

Finn chuckled. “Okay. Not tonight, but soon? Don’t keep me waiting too long, Doc.”

He trailed his knuckles over her right breast, across the hard tip of her nipple. Sparks shot from the tender flesh straight to her core. If she let him, he’d take her there again. Right to the precipice, then over the edge until she flew. And she could touch him too. All of him.

She nodded, lost in the gorgeous afterglow. He’d touched her, given her pleasure. But how would he feel about her once he knew all her body’s secrets? She wasn’t ready to find out. Not yet. But soon, like he said.

Finn gave one thrust of his hips, pressing himself against her, reminding her how much he wanted her. He groaned deep in his throat.

With a heavy sigh, Eden clambered off his lap, but when she tried to stand, she staggered. Finn was immediately there beside her, offering his strong hand. She took it just until she was steadier on her feet. Even standing inches apart, she felt his body’s heat like a physical touch.

Every part of her body wanted him. Only her stubborn mind was stopping what she knew would be an amazing experience. But she wouldn’t sleep with him just for the thrill — it had to be more. For her these days, it was a requirement. She was interested only in a permanent, ongoing position, nothing casual. Even so, she struggled to keep her eyes above his waist.

Finn placed his hands on his hips. “How’s your ankle, by the way?”

“Good. Better every day.” She flexed her ankle, showing him how it had loosened up.

“Glad to hear it. I wanted to say sorry again, for hurting you. I’ve felt so guilty about it and for pushing you into letting me drive you to work.” He frowned, his eyebrows pinching together.

“It’s okay.” Eden was surprised but happy to find it was okay. “I might have secretly enjoyed it. A tiny bit. Not being injured, because that was maddening. But having you drive me around, spending time with you, that part was… nice.”

Not at first. At first, she couldn’t stand being in the same car with him, confined in close quarters. But after a couple of times, she’d enjoyed it. More than she cared to admit.

“Nice?” Finn sputtered out a laugh. “Nice is for little boys or old grandpas. Not someone like me.”

“Someone like you?” She looked him up and down, starting with his eyes before running her gaze over his emphatically male form. Definitely not a little boy or an old grandpa; he was in his prime. So handsome, taut, and strong. Hard. But caring too. He’d even made her laugh. All the things she’d been fantasizing about lately.

He raised an eyebrow. “Someone you secretly hope will drag you into the back seat of his car and strip you bare, then touch you, and lick you, and ravage you until you can’t think straight.” His eyes sparkled, dancing with glints of reflected lamp light.

“Oh, right. Someone like that.” She could no longer think straight, not when he’d reached for her hip and pulled her against his hard body, still clad only in tight-fitting running gear. She couldn’t help tilting her hips to meet him until their bodies fit together. Perfectly.

“Someone who might do exactly that one day.” His voice was low and rumbly, an ominous roll of thunder in the darkness.

His lips crashed down onto hers again. So unexpected that a yelp burst from her throat. But then he caressed her hip as he kissed her, taking his time.

Eden opened her mouth to him, welcoming him, tasting his lips. Every nerve ending in her body sprang back to life, although it had been only a few minutes since he’d debauched her. Desire rose inside again, heat pulsing insistently between her thighs, her heart pounding loud in her ears.

God, this man knows how to kiss.

He pulled away. As suddenly as the kiss had started, it was over, and she almost cried at the way the cool air swirled between them.

Finn ran a hand through his hair, his chest rising and falling. “I’ll let you off the hook this time. Let you get to bed.” His voice cracked on the word bed. He was on edge, so close to losing control. Over her. The thought shouldn’t have made her belly flip over with excitement, but it did.

“Thanks for letting me know,” he said.

“Letting you know?” she repeated like a mindless parrot.

“Thanks for letting me know there’s a reason to stay.”

Eden nodded, too worked up to say much of anything. At least anything coherent that required words or sentences. Her body was practically shouting, begging him to stay. Stay in the country, in her life, in her house, in her bed, right inside her.

Woah. Hang on, brain. Let’s take a moment. If things were moving too fast before, her mind was racing ahead at turbo speed now.

Finn brushed shaking fingertips over her mouth. “Goodnight, Doctor Eden. I’ll call you tomorrow.” He turned and marched to the hallway and out her front door, closing it gently behind him.

Finn had thrown himself against that door earlier, but thankfully hadn’t broken the lock. The door had probably had the shock of its life. Eden knew the feeling.

Alone now in her quiet house, she let her wobbly knees give way and sank onto the sofa with a loud whoosh. She ran her own fingertips over her lips, tracing where they tingled with the memory of his kiss. Not to mention the tingling from the other things he’d done to her.

Finn Donohue had touched her, made her gasp out loud with the force of a stunning climax. He’d made her want to shriek like a banshee, wake Felicity and the rest of the neighborhood.

She’d had a casual sex romp on her sofa, been carried away by the moment, and totally forgot to think for a while. Allowed herself to only feel. It had been far too long.

She’d freaking loved it.

Oh boy. What have I gotten myself into?

Come Monday, she had absolutely no clue what she’d say to the man.