Page 61 of Finn's Solace

But Finn was still kissing me, and the mess slipped my mind as I focused on his lean, strong body covering mine and his lips dancing against mine.

In that moment, no mess in the world was big enough to pull me away from Finn.

Twenty-Three

Finn

After the weekend we'd had, going back to normal on Monday was the hardest thing I'd ever had to do. Or at least that was how it felt.

I'd had breakfast with Levi; then he'd driven me home on his way to work. We'd spent most of Sunday in bed, and while I'd had a nightmare last night that had woken me in a blinding panic until Levi managed to calm me down, even that couldn't put a damper on my feelings. I'd loved spending all that time with Levi, and I was going to miss him.

Would it be too soon to suggest moving in together? I wanted to spend more than just the weekends with Levi, but that was hard to do with both of us working.

We hadn't even said I love you to each other yet. Wasn't that supposed to come first? All the movies and books seemed to think so.

Did it really matter if we followed the script? As long as we were both happy, it shouldn't matter what order we do things in, should it? We'd already talked about having kids someday, for crying out loud. We could talk about moving in together, couldn't we?

My phone buzzed, and I picked it up quickly, eager for a break from not-working.

Seeing Levi's name on my screen made me grin, and I quickly opened the text.

Levi: Wanna have dinner together tonight? I can't go the whole day, much less the whole week, without seeing you.

Before I could reply, another text popped in.

Levi: Sorry if I'm coming on too strong, but I miss you.

I quickly typed a reply before he could send another one.

Me: I was thinking the same. Dinner sounds good. Restaurant or food truck?

Levi: Food truck, then maybe walk around for a while before I drop you home?

I would much prefer to stay at his, but that was something I needed to first talk to him about tonight.

Me: Sounds good! Can't wait to see you.

Levi: I'll pick you up at 7.

Me: I'll be waiting.

With plans made to see Levi soon, I found it much easier to focus on work, and I hoped it was the same for him.

By seven, I was ready and growing impatient, which was unfair because it wasn't Levi's fault I'd gotten ready early.

I passed the time playing with Padfoot and avoiding Dad's not-quite-subtle questions as he tried to figure out if I'd be spending the night at Levi's. I imagined they liked having the place to themselves.

If Levi said yes, they could have the place to themselves all the time.

I'd miss them, but it was way past time I moved out. The only reason I hadn't already was because I hadn't thought I could live alone. I would've been too anxious about everyone else. But with Levi, I felt like I could do it.

A knock on the door had me jumping to my feet and rushing for it before anyone could react, with Pads chasing at my heels.

I opened the door, and Levi smiled up at me.

"Hey," I murmured, then leaned forward to kiss him. His hands fell to my hips as he pulled me closer, deepening the kiss.

Everything around us disappeared as his scent and warmth engulfed me, but then one of my dads cleared his throat behind me, and Padfoot tried squeezing his way between Levi and me, making me pull back with a huff.

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