Not to mention the way the belt had been draped over the man's shoulders.That image alone had sent Finn's imagination running in directions it absolutely should not be going.
Sighing, Finn hung the towel Prince had given him over his head and ran it through his hair as he left the bathroom.They really did need a system to signal when the bathroom was occupied.
Finn had been enjoying having the cabin to himself the past couple of days.Waking up and savoring the beautiful mornings while sipping his coffee, playing with Gray, prepping dinner before getting dressed, then spending a couple of hours skiing before returning to shower, cook, and relax for the rest of the evening.
To some people, it might have seemed boring, but it was perfect for Finn.His friends often joked that he was an old man trapped in a young body.
Finn entered his bedroom and cracked a slight smile when he saw Gray curled up asleep on the folded blankets on the bed.The kitten had been a bright spot during his vacation.
Careful not to disturb the sleeping cat, Finn quietly got dressed and headed to the kitchen to prepare dinner.He didn’t know what Prince had planned for the evening, but earlier today, before heading out, he had set some steaks to marinate using a recipe passed down from his grandmother.
Veronica Turner had been a phenomenal cook and had put together a recipe book filled with her quick tips and tricks for living on a budget, something that had served Finn well over the past few years.He had found it while cleaning out her apartment after she died.Finn remembered seeing her write in the book once or twice, but he’d never asked what she was doing.He had always assumed it was something personal, maybe her private thoughts, and had left it alone.
At first, he hadn’t planned to look through the notebook.He had safely put it away and somehow forgotten about it.But one night, when he missed her terribly and wished he could hear her voice, he remembered the notebook.
When he opened it, the first thing that caught his eye was her neat handwriting.As he read further, he realized it was not a journal at all, but a recipe book.Now, whenever he made a dish following her instructions, he could almost feel her presence beside him, guiding his hands.
Each time he cooked, Bevin would rave about how good the meal tasted.Thinking of his friend now, Finn realized they had spoken recently, but he hadn’t mentioned what had led to him staying with Prince.
He didn’t know if Prince had spoken to his son about it, but if he had, Finn was certain Prince had not mentioned the details.If he had, Bevin would have already said something to him.
Finn chuckled.I wonder if that was a conscious choice on both our parts.He would not deny that his friend could be a little annoying at times.
"What's so funny?"
Finn glanced up from the grill he had just turned on, letting it heat for the steaks.Prince stood nearby, dressed in gray sweats, a clear sign that he wasn’t planning to go out that evening.The loose fabric still hinted at the strength beneath, broad shoulders and a solid chest that the soft material could not quite hide.
Finn quickly cut off the direction his eyes and thoughts were taking and focused back on the grill.
"Did you tell Bevin I'm staying here?"Finn asked, clearing his throat and forcing his gaze back where it belonged.
"Should I have?"Prince asked, picking up a chopped carrot and munching on it.
"Hey!"Finn lightly smacked Prince's hand when he reached for another."That's my dinner."
Prince blinked in surprise."Did you just hit me?"
Finn might have apologized, but the smile spreading across Prince's face stopped him.
"Well, you deserved it," Finn huffed.
"What, no dinner for me?"Prince tsked, shaking his head in mock disappointment.
"I didn't know you were coming home."
Prince lifted the wrapper off the bowl holding the marinating steaks."There are two in here.Come on, don't be stingy.Let me have one," he said, giving Finn the most pitiful expression.
Why is he so cute right now?A grown man like Prince should not be this adorable.Finn bit the inside of his cheek to keep himself from laughing."Fine."Finn sighed."But you have to work for it.Nothing is free around here."
"Really?"Prince asked, surprised.
"Take it or leave it."Finn shrugged one shoulder."I mean, you could order room service, but with all the snow coming down, it will take longer than normal and I doubt it will smell or taste as good as what I'm making."
He reached for the bowl, picked up a steak between his thumb and forefinger, and held it close to Prince's face in playful teasing.The rich marinade filled the air as it slowly dripped over the marbled meat.Finn noticed Prince's eyes darken slightly as he watched.
Taking the teasing one step further, Finn finally placed the steak onto the hot grill.The sharp sizzle echoed through the kitchen as the spicy aroma filled the room.
"If you think I'm going to pass up something that smells that good, you're out of your mind," Prince said."So put me to work, boss."
