"Business partner," Finn said, then hesitated."But, but…" He trailed off, unsure whether he should feel embarrassed admitting this out loud.Still, Bevin had always been the one person he could tell anything to, even the thoughts he wished he didn’t have.
"But what?"Bevin prodded.
Finn stared at the blanket twisted in his fingers."I thought he was asking me to be his lover."He let out a slow breath."He has no idea that's what I thought.I got so embarrassed about what I built up in my own mind that I haven't been able to be in the same room with him."
"I want to say I'm shocked," Bevin replied, slowly breaking the silence that had settled over the room, "but deep down, I kind of figured you were crushing on my dad."
Finn's head snapped up."What?When?How?"
"I'd say I figured it out during our sophomore year."He shrugged.
"Is that why you started calling me Mom?"Finn asked, aghast.
"Nah, that was actually a fluke," Bevin said with a soft chuckle."Anyway, I remember how you stared at my dad like he was a god the first time I introduced you to him."
Finn opened his mouth to argue that it meant nothing, but Bevin cut him off with a small shake of his head.
"For most people who don't know you, they would think it was admiration.And maybe in the beginning it was, but it changed, and you became focused.Once you decide on something, there is not anything anyone can say to change your mind.And I saw that look in your eyes when you met my father.You might not have realized it then, but I saw traces of it over the years."He leaned forward, his voice lowering."Finn, you had some of the hottest guys in school asking you out, and you turned them down without a second thought.I could see you sizing them up in your mind, comparing them to my dad, and the second I mentioned anything about him, your eyes did this weird thing that told me you wanted him."
Finn's chest tightened.
"But you also convinced yourself you couldn’t have him," Bevin continued."So you rejected my offers to go home for the holidays.I understood, so I didn’t push it.But maybe I should have.Then you wouldn’t be lying here wondering whether my father is attracted to you."
"I hate that you know me so well."
Bevin gave a small, knowing chuckle."How else am I supposed to protect you?"
"Why?"Finn asked quietly.
"Why what?"
"Aren't you angry?"
Bevin's expression softened.He leaned forward, resting his forearms on his knees."I've had time to process my feelings," he admitted."And I decided that if you ever get the courage to tell my dad how you feel, and he accepts it, I'll stand by you."
"Why?"
"Because it's you, Finn," Bevin said quietly."You see the real me, not some rich kid people want to use.You've never asked me for anything.You've challenged me to do better.To be better.You're a true friend, one I didn’t even know I needed until I met you."He gave him a small, sincere smile."So if it's my dad you want, then go for it."
"But…"
"Don't hold back on your feelings, Finn," Bevin said gently."You never know what might happen."
"You're being very mature about this," Finn murmured.
"It's your fault," Bevin huffed, though there was no real heat behind it.He stood and stepped closer to the bed, leaning down to press a light kiss to Finn's forehead.It wasn’t the first time he’d done it.It was Bevin's way of comforting him, and sometimes his way of ending conversations that cut too deep.
"I'm going to get the doctor," he added softly.
Finn nodded and turned his gaze toward the window, watching the faint outline of snow beyond the glass instead of watching Bevin leave the room.
Bevin openedthe door and quirked a brow at his father, who was standing right in front of it.Finn had no idea, but Bevin knew his father had been eavesdropping on their conversation.Some of what he’d said had not only been for Finn, but for his father as well.
Prince stepped aside to let Bevin pass, then quietly closed the door so Finn wouldn’t hear what was about to be said between them.
How can Finn not see that my dad is just as taken with him?Two intelligent idiots.
“Are you in love with him?”his dad asked quietly.
