Page 4 of Ravenous

“Good!” Finn gave him a pleased grin as he opened the side door. “Care to join me up front?”

“Sure.” After the side trip and conversation it would be weird to sit in the back again, so Ollie took a big gulp of the coffee and got comfortable in the passenger seat.

“Okay! All aboard!” Finn settled in, starting the car and steering them down the bumpy road once again. It was a lot easier to keep steady in the front but a particularly large pothole had Finn bumping his head on the roof and Ollie flailing as he tried not to spill his drink, and they both erupted into laughter until the tires hit asphalt.

All too soon they were in front of the hotel and Ollie stalled, staring out the window at the glass-enclosed lobby, not wanting to leave the car. When he finally turned, aiming to say goodbye, the word got lodged in his throat. Finn was staring at him again, the wonder in his eyes more heated. On impulse, Ollie leaned closer, licking his lips, and watched as Finn’s attention dropped to his mouth. The air around them grew thick with crackling energy and that was enough of a go-ahead for Ollie.

Closing the gap between them, he pressed his lips to Finn’s.

Finn stiffened for a split second and Ollie hoped that he hadn’t made a huge mistake, if he’d somehow bagged another straight man, but then it was like all of Finn’s bones melted and he went languid, slotting his mouth against Ollie’s with a gasp and running fingers through his curls.

The hair stroking felt divine, and despite the gear shift, Ollie managed to get his arms around Finn’s neck, trying to press against him. Up close he smelled even better; the rich scent of deep forest teased Ollie’s nostrils, making him feel like he was in a remote mountain cabin, writhing around on a bear rug in front of a fire. Wondering if Finn tasted as good as he smelled, Ollie opened his lips, teasing with his tongue and Finn halted once again, pulling a few inches away to stare at Ollie with a strange mix of confusion and desire. But before Ollie could question anything, Finn returned, tangling his tongue with Ollie’s and making their kisses wetter, hotter, until Ollie thought that his cock would rip straight through his pants.

One of Finn’s hands traveled, resting on Ollie’s hip and this time it was his turn to freeze, not wanting anyone to see how imperfect he was. Guilt immediately washed over him, his erection flagging. Why was he leading this man on? Surely Finn thought this was going to go somewhere and Ollie was just being a tease.

“Hey.” A hand cupped his cheek. “Everything okay?”

“Mmm. Y-Yeah.” Ollie pulled back, rubbing his lips and looking away. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to-”

“It’s fine. You’re fine.” Finn chuckled and when Ollie managed to meet his eyes, he found them dazed, surprised. His lips were slightly swollen, enticing and biteable, and it took everything Ollie had not to dive in for a second round. Because if he did then they would eventually have to go upstairs and Ollie wasn’t okay with that. He should probably leave. Right now.

“Thank you. For tonight. For listening. For taking me to that view.” Ollie tapped the cup that he’d placed in the holder between them. “For the coffee.”

“You’re more than welcome,” Finn murmured, still bewildered. But it was a good bewildered, like he’d been struck by a star. Ollie felt a little smug that he could have such an effect on someone so good-looking. He’d carry that feeling, and the softness of Finn’s lips, with him for as long as he could.

“I have to go.” Ollie opened the door and stepped out but he couldn’t quite leave. Bending, he stuck his head back inside and smiled. “You’re amazing, Finland.”

Finn gave him a sensuous smirk. “I know. And so are you.”

1

OLLIE

THREE MONTHS LATER

“Onthree!One,two,three -now!” Biz shouted. With a series of grunts, the group lifted Ollie’s mattress and slowly tottered out of the van, only dropping it twice as they made their way into the house and up the flight of stairs to Ollie’s new bedroom.

“Please tell me this is the heaviest thing you own.” Tommy sprawled on the hardwood floor, already exhausted.

“I think the dresser’s the heaviest but I removed the drawers so it won’t be too bad. Come on, little brother, we’re only getting started!” Ollie handed him a bottle of water then turned and gave one to Rain, who was perched in the window seat, breathing heavily.

“Tell me why you moved here again?” Tommy sat up, twisted the cap, and guzzled down half the bottle.

“Because I wanted a change. I’ve been living in the same town all my life, seeing the same people day in and day out. I want to spread my wings.” Ollie opened his arms, flapping them, and Biz cackled.

“Well, you’re not spreading them that far. You’re only, like, an hour away.” Snatching the bottle out of Tommy’s hands, she took a long sip.

“You know I backwashed in that,” Tommy deadpanned.

“Cool.” Biz smirked at him, taking another drink. “I like it chunky.””Ew.“ Rain shook his head, his lips pinched in disgust “But really, Ollie, whyhere?”

Ollie didn’t want to tell them the real reasons. That he was under too much scrutiny at home. That, while he loved his family, he needed space to manage his dread and prepare for future disaster. That Liam had found a new life here and maybe he could too. That he was hoping to run into Finn again, the beautiful and caring driver who kissed him so passionately, in just the way Ollie had always wanted to be kissed.

He still couldn’t believe that he’d wandered off without getting Finn’s number or last name; he didn’t even have a picture.TheOlleelicious - who took photos of everyone and everything - had forgotten to snap a single shot of the man who shook his world; it was laughable. So, he’d resorted to stalking Finn’s rideshare profile, trying to find any contact information, but Finn’s icon was a distant photo of him leaning against his car and there was nothing on the page but his ratings and reviews. Of course, Ollie had left five stars and a thinly veiled message that said“Call me”but he’d heard nothing in return.

Considering that he’d cried in the back of Finn’s SUV, told him that he was afraid of everything, kissed him, and then left, it would be surprising if Finn wanted anything to do with him. And Ollie didn’t even know why he was searching; he was still reticent to get involved with anyone, share his secrets, and let them see him naked.

But he’d cross that bridge when he came to it. First, he had to find Finn, and Ollie wasn’t too confident in his chances.

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