Finn’s eyes immediately found Ollie’s, his expression softening in a way that made Ollie’s breath catch. Brooklyn captured the moment with a satisfied click.
“Perfect,” she said. “That’s the one. Now, I’m going to head over to Isabel’s so you don’t have to worry about me tonight. She already asked her dad, and he said it was fine.”
Normally, Finn would have pointed out that he wasn’t a fan of sleepovers on a school night, but he could make an exception this time. It was obvious that Brooklyn was trying to do something nice for them. He’d have to make sure and thank Marcus when he got the chance.
“Text me when you get there,” Finn told her.“And let me know when you get to school in the morning.”
“Do you want me to call you at bedtime too?” she teased. Even her mood seemed lighter now that Finn’s secret was out in the open and he and Ollie were working things out between them. She gave him a quick hug and kissed his cheek.“I’ll be fine. Promise.”
“That may be, but I’m always going to worry.” Finn walked her to the front of the store.“Thanks for helping out. I love knowing that you get to be part of this too.”
“It is pretty cool, isn’t it?” She pushed the door open and glanced over her shoulder.“I’m happy for you. Just make sure you don’t screw things up again.”
“That’s the plan.” He watched her walk down the sidewalk until she turned at the corner, marveling that this was his life now. It felt like everything was returning to full color when they hadn’t been for so long. He hadn’t realized how bland his life had become.
As closing time approached, Ollie and Finn stood in the quiet bookstore, surveying their work. Finn’s books were displayed prominently, with a placeholder for the promotional photos Brooklyn had taken showing a man who looked confident yet approachable—the perfect blend of Finn O’Riley and Rhett Wilder.
“Are you nervous?” Ollie asked, bumping his shoulder against Finn’s.
“Terrified,” Finn admitted. “But also ready. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Ollie reached for his hand, threading their fingers together. “You would have gotten there eventually.”
“Maybe. But I wouldn’t have wanted to.” Finn squeezed his hand. “I can’t begin to tell you how much it means having you by my side as I take this leap.”
“I know. And I’m grateful to you for giving me the opportunity, even though I didn’t handle your news in the best way.” The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. Ollie turned to face him fully. “Come home with me tonight.”
Finn’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” Ollie said, stepping closer. “I don’t want to spend another night apart. Not when we’ve wasted so much time already. If you’d rather go to your place, so be it. I don’t care where we sleep as long as we’re together.”
Finn’s heart beat a steady rhythm of anticipation as they headed toward the back staircase that led to Ollie’s apartment. The narrow steps creaked beneath their feet. Finn’s hand found thesmall of Ollie’s back as they climbed, a gentle touch that spoke of protection, of belonging.
The stairwell was dimly lit, casting shadows that softened the edges of their silhouettes. Finn watched Ollie move ahead of him, the curve of his shoulders, the way his curls brushed against his neck—all details he’d memorized but somehow felt new tonight. Different. As if they were crossing a threshold that went beyond the physical door at the top of the stairs.
“I’ve missed this,” Finn said softly as Ollie fumbled with his keys. “Being with you. Just existing in the same space.”
Ollie glanced over his shoulder, a smile playing at his lips. “It’s only been a day.”
“Longest day of my life,” Finn admitted, the confession easier now that the worst was behind them.“And you say that as if I haven’t been making stupid excuses to push you away, even if that wasn’t my intention. I just…the guilt of not talking to you was eating me alive, and I got into my head, concocting all sorts of worst-case scenarios. I’m sorry.”
“Maybe from now on you can leave the dramatics on the page?” Ollie suggested.“And honestly, both of us have things to work on. That’s part of being in a relationship. No, you shouldn’t have pushed me away, but I could have handled you finally telling me better.”
“The important thing is that we got through it, right?”
“Absolutely.” The lock clicked, and Ollie pushed the door open, stepping aside to let Finn enter first. The apartment was exactly what Finn would expect for Ollie: books stacked on every surface, the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air, a soft-looking throw blanket draped over the couch.
The fact that this was the first time Finn was seeing Ollie’s home was a testament to the fact that so far, Ollie had been the one making concessions, slotting himself into Finn’s life. He made a silent vow to do better moving forward, to make sure Ollie knew this was a partnership.
“I could make us something to eat,” Ollie offered, moving toward the small kitchen. “I don’t have much, but I can do pasta or sandwiches.”
Finn caught his wrist gently, pulling him back. “I’m not hungry.” His voice dropped lower as he drew Ollie closer. “At least, not for food.”
Ollie’s eyes darkened, his lips parting slightly. “Oh.”
“Is that okay?” Finn asked, suddenly uncertain. “We don’t have to?—”
Ollie silenced him with a kiss, slow and deliberate, his hands coming up to frame Finn’s face. “More than okay,” he murmured against Finn’s lips. “I’ve missed you.”
