Page 99 of Heart Taker

“I trust you, but I’m worried.”

“Not about me. You focus on your mom,” I insisted. “I take care of myself. Always have, always will.”

“What about Damien? Does he take care of you?” Finn asked.

“He does.”

I could hear Finn sighing again. “Man, I hope it’s worth it.”

“He is.”

“Then I’ve got your back. And don’t worry, I’ll keep my lips zipped. Even if I have to use duct tape to do it.”

I chuckled at that image. “Thanks, Finn.”

“But no more shocking news, all right?” he countered. “I need a breather.”

“Got it. Go get some sleep.”

“I need that too.”

“You’re not the only one. I was up all night.”

“Ew, I don’t want to hear about Coach like that. Just no.”

I laughed at Finn’s put-out tone.

“Damien’s fucking hot.”

“He is, but that’s not the point,” Finn added. “Wait, are you at his place?”

“Yep, I stayed over. I like him, Finn,” I confessed. “More than like.”

“I’m speechless. Without speech. Me. No words. None. Done.”

“And yet, you keep talking.”

“I’ve got to go. My dad’s yelling for me. I’ll text you when I arrive tomorrow.”

“You need a lift from the airport?”

“You’ll be at camp already. Tell Coach I’ll be there but an hour late.”

“Will do.”

I hung up and headed for the shower. By the time I was nearly done, Damien joined me. Watching him walk towards me, all long lines and tight muscles, I shivered, despite the heat of the water.

“How’s Finn?” he asked as he stepped into the shower.

“Okay. His mom’s recuperating. Still a wait on the biopsy, though, at least a week or two. He’ll be back tomorrow but an hour late.”

Damien nodded and reached for me.

“I also told him about us. I couldn’t lie to him.”

Damien slid his arms around my waist and notched his head in the curve of my neck. “And?”

“He’s pretty freaked out.”

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