Page 19 of Ravenous

“She’s a smart woman.” Finn wiggled the box he held. “This is a classic. LikeThe Lost BoysandOnly Lovers Left Alive.”

“AndUnderworld,” Ollie added, a glint in his eye.

“AndWhat We Do in the Shadows.”

“AndBram Stoker’s Dracula.”

“Which one?” Finn gave a sly grin. “The seventy-four version or the ninety-two?”

“The seventy-four version issortofgood.” Ollie couldn’t get through the sentence without giggling and it set Finn off, his laughter mixing with Ollie’s until they were gasping. But Ollie recovered faster, snatching the movie from Finn’s hand. “Do you want to watch this? We can use the TV downstairs.”

“I thought that floor was a shrine?”

“It is but I can use the living room if I don’t make a mess. Mason is in the basement most of the time anyway, I think he has a bedroom down there so he won’t even notice us.”

“Okay, that sounds great!” Finn grabbed his cell, opening a delivery app. “Do you want to order dinner first? I’m starving and I know a killer pizza place that delivers.”

Ollie’s expression didn’t change but something rippled through him that Finn wouldn’t have noticed if he hadn’t been staring. He was about to ask if he’d said something wrong when Ollie shook his head, giving him a brilliant smile.

“I ate before you called. I’m good. But go ahead, order whatever you want.”

5

OLLIE

Olliewasgladthathe’d seenNear Darka dozen times because he’d spent most of the movie not watching the television, but staring at Finn from the corner of his eye.

Earlier that day, during lunch with Liam, he’d convinced himself that he’d never hear from Finn again, and when his phone had dinged with a text from the man in question only a few hours later, Ollie had stared at the screen for a good minute before it sunk in that it was real. He should’ve told Finn to forget it or ignored the message but he couldn’t help himself. Despite his buzzing anxieties, he was beyond interested and his horny brain hijacked all logic, convincing him to give Finn a chance.

Which was why he’d said yes and then spent the better part of an hour picking out the perfect outfit, applying the right makeup, and refreshing his curls so he could look effortless and polished when Finn arrived. And by the heat in Finn’s gaze as it drifted over Ollie at the door, he’d nailed it.

“Are you sure you don’t want the last slice of buffalo chicken goodness?” Finn gestured toward the box and Ollie had to concentrate not to sneer at it. He’d had enough pizza on the day he moved.

“No thank you.” He tried to sound breezy and chipper.

“Your loss.” Finn picked it up and Ollie couldn’t help but wonder how calories and carbs didn’t cross his mind until Finn jolted in his seat and pointed at the television. “Yes! This is the best part. Caleb and Severen are about to face off.”

With a smile, Ollie attempted to watch the movie and he didn’t know how or when it happened but somehow the inches between them slowly disappeared. By the time the credits rolled, he was pressed into Finn’s side, and a large warm arm was snug around his shoulders.

“That was good. I haven’t seenNear Darkin ages.” Finn’s voice was low, and the earthy scent of pine and sandalwood washed over Ollie’s senses, making him aroused and trepidatious. He wanted Finn, more than he’d ever wanted anyone, but he still wasn’t ready to let Finn see him naked, so he grabbed the remote before he could do something he’d regret.

“Do you mind if I check the tennis scores?” His voice was raspy with need and he cleared his throat, trying not to sound too thirsty.

“Did you just say tennis scores?” Finn dropped his arm, turning to face Ollie with an odd gleam in his eye.

“Yeaaaah?” Ollie drew the word out, confused.

“You like tennis?” The gleam intensified.

Ollie nodded once, tightly. “My dad always loved it, so I’ve been watching since I was a kid.”

“Why are you so perfect?” Finn breathed, more of that wonder on his face. “First vampire movies and now tennis. Do you like classic rock too?”

“I don’t hate it?” Ollie didn’t want to tell Finn that he preferred electronic music. “You’re a tennis fan too?”

“Big time.” Finn waved his hand at the television. “I’m dying to see the scores myself. The ATP Finals have been wild this year.”

“They have!” Ollie agreed. “I didn’t think there would be that many upsets.”

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