Finn (14 page)

“Jesus,” I hiss, breaking away and laying my head against her neck. “We have to stop.”

“Why?” she asks breathlessly, dragging her hand up my abs and leaving a searing sensation.

“Because I promised you dinner, and there’s only so much I can take.” I buck against her hip once more. “It’s taking all the self-control I have to not strip you naked and bury myself deep in your body. Since the first time I kissed you, I knew you’d ruin me forever.”

“I don’t want to stop.” She nibbles on my ear, and I know I’m going to blow. My balls start to clench, and if I don’t move, I’ll be humiliated and messy.

I jump up, making sure to protect her from falling, and stumble away, my chest heaving. It takes every bit of restraint I have not to crawl back over her body. Her lips are swollen and cheeks pink from when I rubbed my stubble along her soft skin. The straps of her tank top are falling down, exposing her collarbone and chest. She stares at me with a gleam in her eyes that I’ve never seen before and I’d give everything to see always.

“God, you’re beautiful.”

“Then why’d you stop?” She starts to blush and sits up, her hair falling into her face, and I can’t help but reach out and push it behind her ear.

“I have one last apology to make things right. If all is forgiven, I’m not stopping next time.”

“I already told you it was okay.”

“But Winnie hasn’t. Until I see a smile on her face, I’m going to torture myself.” I adjust my pants, trying to ease the throbbing in my cock. “But then, no promises.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“The Princess Party is adding a few more guests. Leave the pizza up to me.”

“Oh, Finn, she’ll love that.”

Her face lights up in a way that stirs something deep in my soul. I want to see this expression when I’m buried inside her, with our bodies locked together.

From the instant my eyes landed on her, I was a hopeless cause. Each little touch, each brush of her hand or glimmer in her eye, has chipped away at my heart. To most, I’m a pretty tough guy, but Presley has the power to bring me to my knees.

Presley

T
his is insane! I take in the crowd of people hanging around the parking lot of Finn’s condo. Finn told me there’d be a few people here, but I had no idea there would be this many. I walk up nervously, trying to find someone I know. Tripp comes toward me with his arms open wide, and I cheerfully accept his embrace.

“Glad to see you here.”

“I’m glad to be here, but am I missing something? Are all these people here for the same reason?”

“Yeah, we’re a bunch of misfits and take every chance we can to celebrate.”

“Wow, didn’t realize it was that big of a deal.”

“Tripp! That’s twice in two days I’ve found you hitting on my girl. Step back.” Finn’s irritated voice booms through the crowd, and everyone stops talking to look at me.

I’ve never felt so exposed in all my life. My cheeks heat, and a bead of sweat runs down my back. In an instant, Finn is in front of me, kissing me softly and pulling me into him. There are a few whistles from behind, and I bury my face, scared to raise my head.

“What did you just do?” I mumble into his neck.

The rumble of pipes drowns out the ringing in my ears, and I turn to watch Robbie drive up with Ember following in her own car. Max jumps out of the passenger side and gives a big smile to the crowd. When his eyes land on mine, he glances between me and Finn then starts shaking his head.

Ember gets to me first, hugging me quickly then passing me to Max. “Good to see you again, Presley,” he says against my ear.

“You too, Max. I didn’t know you’d be here.”

“Hell yeah, I’m here for a week.”

“That’s awesome.” I step back and smile. This is the first time I get a good look at him. The day of the funeral is a bit of a blur. Even then, I spent so much time trying not to stare at Finn, I never got the chance to truly appreciate how handsome Max is. There is no doubt in my mind that Max, Finn, Tripp, and Robbie could cause mass hysteria in a room full of women.

“Okay, so now that we’ve established you all know who she is, can we meet her?” an aggravated voice calls out from behind.

Finn blows out a breath, kisses me on the forehead, and turns us back to the sea of curious faces. Suddenly, I’m in the spotlight again.

My eyes land on the breathtaking brunette holding a baby. I know immediately, this is Raven. A man stands beside her, and I swallow the screech in my throat. Declan Collins is also holding a baby and smiling widely at me. Together, they look every bit of the superstar couple that was displayed across papers around the country. Suddenly, I’m starstruck and can’t find my voice.

“I’m Raven.” She walks up and extends a hand, giving me a smile that doesn’t quite reach her eyes. I shake it feebly and try my best to form words. “And this is Elizabeth.” She bounces the tiny baby gently on her chest.

The baby gurgles, and I snap out of my daze. “Hi, I’m Presley.”

“Declan Collins,” he reaches out to take my hand next, “and this is James.”

I glance at the sleeping baby and smile. “They’re beautiful.”

“Thanks,” Raven beams and gives Declan an unmistakable look of pride and love.

“My turn.” A strawberry blond nudges through and grasps my hand. “I’m Abbi, and this is my husband, Jimi.” She points behind her at another striking man who is sizing me up.

“And I’m Harper, and this is my fiancé, Gabe,” the brunette behind Abbi says.

“Hi, everyone.” I give a shy wave.

My mind races. This is the crew… the people that mean so much to Finn.

Robbie and Ember…

Jimi and Abbi…

Gabe and Harper…

Raven and Declan…

Max…

Tripp…

“Don’t forget us! I’m Cruz, Ember’s cousin. This is my partner, Alex.” A man steps in front of me and grabs my shoulder gently. He rakes his eyes over my face and then breaks out in a mischievous grin. “And you are exquisite.”

The heat returns to my cheeks, and I bite my lip.

“Presley!” Evelyn calls my name as she walks out of the condo, followed by Tim, Jenna, and James.

I step around Cruz and rush to Evelyn, who wraps me in a gentle embrace. “Evelyn, it’s good to see you.”

“You too, honey. Quite the crew you just walked into, huh?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so surprised and unprepared. I’m going to strangle Finn!”

She giggles, and I step back to say hello to Tim. Once again, I feel heat on my back. I turn to see everyone’s eyes on me. Raven, Abbi, and Harper’s mouths are hanging open.

“You’ve met Evelyn?” Raven’s voice is terse with a touch of bitterness.

I nod, unsure why she’s upset. Then she turns to Finn with fire in her eyes. “Where the hell have you been hiding her?”

He shrugs and ignores her irritation, coming to me. “We’re in the truck with Ember and Max.”

“This isn’t exactly a few guys picking up your bikes.”

“Sure it is. We all got one, except Robbie, because he already had his.”

“Even the dads?”

“Oh, yes, dear, Tim and James have been talking about this for a while. Boys and their toys,” Evelyn tells me with humor in her voice.

“Let’s go.” Finn takes my hand and leads me to Ember’s SUV.

Everyone piles into their own vehicles, and I watch Declan strapping in his children’s car seats with fierce determination. He checks the straps several times before he’s satisfied then picks up Raven and sets her in the passenger seat. Before he shuts the door, he lays a quick kiss on her lips and runs a hand through her hair. It’s an incredibly intimate gesture.

“What are you looking at?” Finn scoots closer to me.

“Declan and Raven. They have a beautiful family.”

“They do.”

“Why was she so aggravated with you?”

“Because he’s kept you hidden, but don’t take it personally. Robbie did it to me, too.” Ember answers cheerily for him.

“Why?”

“I didn’t hide you, as everyone keeps implying. I’ve been selfish.” Finn kisses my temple.

“So I have some news,” Max tells the car. “I’m being transferred in September. Going to Quantico.”

“Congratulations, man!” Finn slaps his shoulder.

“Does this mean no more deployments?” Ember asks.

“Not in the traditional form. I’ll know more in a few weeks.”

The rest of the ride, we talk about Max’s upcoming move. When we pull up in front of the Harley Davidson dealership, there are eight bikes lined up in the front, all gleaming.

“Wow,” I breathe when Finn helps me out. “They are incredible.”

Like moths to a flame, each man walks up to his bike and inspects it closely. I stand to the side and watch them with amusement. I giggle to myself when Finn runs his hand over the chrome then reaches for the salesman’s cloth to wipe off his fingerprints.

“This is a big deal to these guys.” I turn to find Raven watching me with her arms crossed. Her mom and Evelyn have the babies under the shaded tent.

“I can see that.”

She walks up next to me, and I sense her tension. “So how long have you known Finn?”

“A few weeks,” I answer flippantly, not sure where she’s going with this. She’s sending off weird vibes, and I’m having a hard time understanding why.

“You met when Ember found Blade?”

“Yes.”

“Robbie’s crazy about that dog.”

“He’s a great dog.”

“Finn’s a great guy, one of the best.”

How did we go from talking about a dog to discussing Finn’s merits?

“Yes, he is. He’s been very sweet to me.”

“Must be, since every other woman here is either a wife or a fiancée. These guys have been planning this for a while, and I’m trying to figure out how you fit in.”

Whoa!?!

“Excuse me?” I snap my head to her and am faced with a nasty scowl. “What are you saying?”

“Nothing, pointing out the obvious. Trying to figure out if you fit into the girlfriend category.”

“That’s a question you should be asking Finn,” I sling back.

“I’m asking you.”

“And I don’t feel the need to explain my relationship.”

“So you think after only a few weeks you have a relationship? How’s that?” Sarcasm drips from her voice.

This is one of Finn’s best friends? She acting more like a scorned girlfriend than a caring friend.

“Look, I’m very close to—”

“Stop right there before you say something that really pisses me off. We don’t know each other, but I grew up with two brothers and know the cattiness that comes from women, especially when disguised as jealousy. I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt because Finn says you’re special to him. Spit it out. What do you want to know?”

Her eyes grow wide, and she opens her mouth to speak, but Finn runs up, puts his hands around my waist, and spins me in a circle. His eyes are shining bright.

“Come on, babe. I’m taking the first ride. I want you to watch.”

Excitement rolls off his body, and I lean in to kiss him quickly, not caring about the audience. “Okay.”

He links his hand with mine and leads me to the group where a few salesmen are waiting with packages for each guy. Finn takes his box and hands it to me to hold while he puts on his helmet and grabs the keys. His mom motions for us to pose for a few pictures before he sits down and gives me a panty-melting smile. Once he’s revved the engine a few times, he takes off and goes to the open space around us.

I grab my phone and take a ton of pictures and video of him riding as the crew hollers and cheers, until he rides back up and gives Robbie and Max a high five. When he takes off the helmet and shakes out his hair, something inside of me awakens. I squeeze my thighs together and suck in a breath to stop the coiling in my stomach. It’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen in my life, and when I glance up, he’s eyeing me with the same look.

There’s a giggle to my right, and Ember gives me a knowing wink. “It’s hot, right?”

“Oh, yeah, I agree.”

Finn parks the bike and comes to me immediately, laying a kiss on my lips then squeezing me tight. “I have to do some paperwork. You want to come or stay with this crew?”

“I’ll stay.”

“Okay, but do me a favor.”

“What?”

“Go inside and pick out a helmet before we leave. First chance we get, I’m taking you for a ride, babe.”

The coiling returns, and I nod in agreement. He walks away, and I catch Raven eyeing both of us with a blank face.

What is her problem?