Page 34 of Ravenous

“This place keeps me too busy for rideshare.” Finn’s hand rested on the bench next to Ollie’s. Reaching out with his pinky, he hooked it around Ollie’s smaller finger, suppressing a cocky grin when Ollie didn’t pull away. “You would’ve seen me earlier but I was stuck cleaning the storage room.”

“The job Owen got you washere?” Ollie shook his head, tapping it with the flower. “How did I not realize that? It’s like my brain doesn’t work anymore.”

“Stop it.” Twisting his hand, he grasped Ollie’s palm, giving it a slight squeeze. “You’ve had some other things on your mind. I hope.”

“I have.” Even though it was night, Finn could tell that Ollie was blushing by the way he shifted on the bench. Finn was about to ask if it was more yes than no but the sky suddenly shattered into multicolor, cracks and booms happening one after the other, rattling the earth.

But neither of them looked up because their eyes were on each other. Ollie’s face glowed in different hues and saturations, stealing Finn’s breath. Ollie seemed just as enraptured, his gaze glittering, his face open and yearning. With his free hand, Finn reached up, brushing the backs of his knuckles against Ollie’s cheek, and his heart gave a painful lurch. Was this what it was like to free fall? Because as Ollie’s eyelids fluttered, Finn’s stomach swooped and his limbs burned.

Cupping that enchanting face, Finn leaned in until they were a whisper apart. “And do you have an answer for me?” He knew he wasn’t playing fair but if Ollie’s answer was no, then they wouldn’t be alone together on this bench, staring into each other’s eyes.

“I…” Ollie bit his lip again, his face glooming. He didn’t seem confused, only conflicted, as if he were fighting a battle against himself. But as a blast turned the sky bright as day, illuminating them, Ollie inched even closer, studying Finn. “You really like me. Not just the outer stuff but the inside too.” His tone was curious and awed.

“I do,” escaped Finn’s mouth automatically. He understood the caution. Ollie had been burned before and burns scarred deeply; of course, he wouldn’t want to go through that again. But Finn was telling the truth when he said he wasn’t like those other two fools, because - to him - Ollie wasn’t an escape or a tester. He was someone Finn wanted to know. Someone Finn wanted to spend time with, play tennis with, watch vampire movies with, live life with. He wanted to take Ollie camping, or glamping, or for mani-pedis, or wherever Ollie wanted to go. He wanted to see what Ollie was like on vacation, at the beach, snowed-in, on every holiday, and then see it again and again until they were shaking their canes at each other in their retirement home. Because a captivating, sassy, talented ray of sunshine had lit up Finn’s soul, blowing away his loneliness and showing him how much more there could be. How much more he could be. And how much more they could be, together.

He tried to put all that at the forefront of his mind, so Ollie could see it in his eyes, and it worked, for Ollie shifted and affection fluttered through his sharp features.

“Then my answer is…” Ollie glanced down at the sunflower and then back up at Finn. “Yes.”

Finn wanted to stand on the bench and cheer but he held back, only allowing himself a goofy smile. “Really? You’re going to give us a chance?”

Ollie nodded once, tightly. “But…can we go at my speed?” Clearly, he’d won the battle but not the war.

“We can go at any speed you’d like.” Finn swept fingers through Ollie’s curls, feeling like he’d won the lottery. “May I kiss you?”

Ollie’s gaze snapped back to Finn, his nod eager, accompanied by a soft smile. “Please.”

Tilting his head, Finn leaned in, easily closing the meager space between them. He only brushed his lips against Ollie’s at first, wanting to tease, to savor, but he couldn’t hold out for long and pressed more firmly, sliding his fingers down to the base of Ollie’s neck and caressing the skin there. Moaning, Ollie fisted a hand in Finn’s shirt, his whole body shaking as he responded in kind, and once he parted his lips Finn licked into that delectable mouth, loving how sweet Ollie tasted.

As if on cue, more color burst above them, and while Finn knew the display was for the new bride and groom, he couldn’t help but feel like it was just for them alone.

How’s your day been, Sunshine?Finn texted as he headed up The Pointe’s main staircase. As usual, it didn’t take long for Ollie to respond. Finn wondered if he was like this with everyone or if Finn was special. He liked to think it was the latter.

The usual. Sending out my resume. Looking for work.

Mason doesn’t want to hire you again? Was it because I dragged you away?

No.Ollie sent him a skull emoji.He doesn’t do weddings unless he needs to so it’s not often. I guess I have to get a real job.A GIF followed of a bunny crying tears until the screen filled with water.

I’m sure you’ll find something soon. You’re great at social media.Finn sent crossed fingers followed by a muscular arm.

Another GIF followed; this time the bunny was blowing kisses, but any response had to be shelved because Finn had reached Owen’s office. Of course, the door was ajar and he pushed it open even more, stepping inside.

“Hey, Opie. You wanted to talk?” He’d missed Owen’s call on the intercom and headset because his head had been firmly in the clouds since Ollie’s yes. They hadn’t done anything more than kiss on the bench and text, so Finn was itching to see Ollie again, as soon as possible, but Ollie was setting the pace. He’d requested a vampire movie marathon in a few days, which meant that Finn needed to rein himself in.

“Yes! Have a seat, buddy.” Owen gestured to the couch and Finn raised an eyebrow at him.

“What’s happening? Are you firing me?” He grinned, taking a seat and turning to face Owen, who sat beside him.

“I’m not firing you,” Owen wasn’t the type to roll his eyes but his tone implied that Finn was being silly. “You’re doing an amazing job, why would I fire you? I just wanted to run something by you.”

“Okay…” Grin gone, Finn rubbed his chin, curious.

“How is it going with you and Ollie?” Owen put his hands up to ward off any immediate comments. “I’m only asking because you said there was nothing official but Liam saw you two run off together during the fireworks. Are you sure there isn’t something you want to tell me?”

“You brought me up here to ask me about my love life?” Finn raised an eyebrow.

“It pertains to The Pointe. I’m pretty sure you two are an item now since you’ve been, what was it?” Owen’s lips twitched. “Moonfaced?”

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