“Here’s the thing. This beautiful woman who is mine has had a lot on her plate lately. I want her and the world to know that I’m insanely in love with her. She’s alluring and enamoring.” He cupped my cheek. “Stubborn and at times, a smartass, incredibly intelligent as I’ve witnessed daily since making my way back to her.”
“You should tell her.”
“I am. Vee, you’re also loyal and devoted. Because of all those things, I want to spoil you like you’ve spoiled me.”
“I haven’t spoiled you.”
“You have,” Fin said. “Over the last few weeks, you’ve allowed me back into your life. You’ve dealt with unimaginable stress and heartache, and all the time, you’ve shown me the Vee who is more than I remember. You’ve opened up in a way I feared we’d never share again. Let me take you out tonight.”
“So you can seduce me later?” I asked with a lifted brow.
His sexy grin grew. “That’s my plan.”
I tugged on my lower lip with my teeth.
Fin freed my lip with his thumb. “What are you overthinking?”
“I thought I was coming home to our bubble, the one you called Fin’s-in-control. I didn’t expect to go back out into the world.”
“You’ll have that bubble,” he said with a smirk. “Tonight, we’re taking it on the road. I’m going to wine and dine you, Ms. Hubbard. And since I’m in control, your response is ‘Okay, Fin.’”
My cheeks rose in a much-needed grin. Taking a step back, I again scanned his muscled torso covered by a cashmere sweater. “You look nice. This is the Fin who wants to wine and dine?”
He nodded.
“Okay, when are our reservations?” I looked down at the slacks and blouse I’d worn to the football complex. “Do I have time to change?” I splayed my fingers over his chest. “You look too handsome for me to wear this.”
“Vee, you’re stunning in anything you wear.” His eyebrows danced. “Or when you wear nothing at all.” He nodded. “We have time.”
The complexity of my day disappeared as I hurried into the bedroom on a new mission. Once inside the closet, I stripped out of my work clothes. “How much time?” I called.
“Reservations aren’t until seven.”
Suddenly I needed to wash away the long, awful day. Nude, I made my way to the bathroom and turned on the water in the shower. As it heated, I secured my hair in a bun and washed my face at the sink. Concerns and worries regarding the Coopers and my family tried to infiltrate our bubble. I let them dissolve like the soap’s foam in the sink.
They’d come back in the morning. I didn’t need to hang on to them now.
The warm spray was reinvigorating and cathartic.
Wrapped in a fluffy towel, I began putting on fresh makeup. My hair was the next obstacle. Taking down the bun, I ran my brush through the lengths, deciding to wear it down. In the closet, I scanned the racks of clothes, running my fingers over possible contenders. I’d been to Tony’s before and knew it was upscale. While they were known for steaks, I also knew they had plenty of vegetarian options.
A long black maxi dress was my choice. The deep V neck wouldn’t allow a bra, yet the long sheer sleeves made it perfect for the season. After slipping on the dress, I added some accessories: a dab of perfume, long dangling silver earrings, and a silver necklace that hung between my breasts. Lastly, I slipped into a pair of chunky-heeled black sandals and stepped out, only to find Fin waiting patiently, sitting on the edge of the bed.
He stood as I entered, his cashmere sweater pulling tight across his broad chest. His wool jacket was checked; the tapered design accentuated his wide shoulders and trim torso. Hints of gray peeked through his thick dark mane, and a slight speckling of gray was visible in his neatly trimmed facial hair.
I lifted my palm to his cheek, enjoying the soft beard. “You’re more handsome than you were in college.”
Fin’s cheeks rose. “And you’re more beautiful.” He snaked an arm around me and tugged our hips together. His gaze caught on the low dip of my neckline. “I love the no-bra look.” He lifted a brow, questioningly. “Tell me, did you decide to forgo all forms of underclothes?” He opened his eyes wide. “While it will drive me insane in public, it will make me all that more anxious to get you back here.”
The warmth of crimson filled my cheeks. “I like the idea of you being driven insane. But…I’ve never…”
Fin’s laugh filled the air. “You said the same thing a long time ago about oral and intercourse. I’ll accept this challenge as I did those.”
I swatted his shoulder. “It’s not a challenge.”
“It is now.” He brushed his lips over mine. “You’re gorgeous. Every man will wish he was me.”
I tilted my head. “Is it bad to be happy? To let the world see me happy?”
