We didn’t talk about our lives, our pasts, or anything else, but every hour we spent together made both of us more and more comfortable around each other.
Especially Finn.
When the climax’sconstant heat and need finally faded a few days later, we collapsed on the couch, catching our breath.
“Wow,” I mumbled, relaxing against Finn’s chest.
There was no better feeling than being in his arms. None. The sex was great, but being snuggled up in all that muscle gave me an entirely surreal feeling of safety.
“Yeah.” Finn let out a long breath against the top of my head, right into my tangled, sweaty curls. “You feel better?”
“So much. Is it over?”
“I think so.”
“Bummer.”
Finn chuckled. “I think you’re supposed to be relieved, Em.”
“I like to live on the edge.” I closed my eyes.
I wanted to stay right there, wrapped up in his arms, for the rest of the day.
I couldn’t, though. Obviously.
We were just friends.
I needed to get going before Finn started to think I wanted or expected more.
I wouldn’t be opposed to more, honestly. I liked him. He made me feel safe, I was insanely comfortable with him, and he was a good audience for the occasional stupid joke.
But he didn’t want more.
And it wasn’t what we agreed on.
So, I would be content with friendship.
I let out a soft breath. “I should probably get going.”
Finn’s arms tightened around me, just slightly. “I can make you something for breakfast first.”
I tilted my head, looking out the window of the large sliding door nearby. I could see the sun just starting to rise over the lake.
“Thanks, but I think I’ll just grab something on my way home. If I leave now, I can watch the sun rise while I drive back.”
“Are you sure? I can cook while you shower.”
“That’s alright. My shampoo and conditioner are at my house, and I’m ready for my hair to smell normal again.”
Finn sniffed my curls. “It smells fine.”
I laughed, patting his arm lightly. When I sat up, he reluctantly let go of my middle. “It’s sweet of you to say that, but in the spirit of being just friends, it’s better for me to head home now.”
“Alright.” He nodded, though he didn’t look quite as convinced as I expected him to. “Good call.”
I left him on the couch long enough to step into the bathroom and put on the change of clothes I’d brought with me. The wide-legged green sweats and cropped blue tee were definitely going to need a deep clean after surviving the trip back home. I was filthy. Our combined release was all over me, in a disgusting (but somehow erotic?) way.
Now that the climax was over, I was feeling significantly more disgusting than erotic.
