For The Summer Read online

  “Death cup!” I shout. Then it occurs to me. Maybe they play by different rules than we did back home. “Is that a thing here, do you guys play that way?” I ask hesitantly as Fin stares down at his cup with a look of bewilderment.

  “Hell yes, we do,” Hunter roars, wrapping his arm around my waist and lifting me into an awkward victory hug. When he puts me back on the ground I’m a little bit dizzy or buzzed. Maybe both. But when I look up at Fin one thing is crystal clear. He’s not happy.

  “Rematch!” Robin demands. I giggle and begin setting our cups up.

  “Switch sides,” Fin says, nodding his chin at Hunter.

  “No way man, Kat is a beer pong queen,” Hunter laughs, squeezing my shoulder gently. I raise my eyebrows and smile.

  Ten minutes later there are two cups on the other side of the table and four cups in front of me. I push up onto my toes and aim, sinking my ball into their left cup.

  “Rerack,” Hunter says, nodding at the last cup. “Get ready for another victory dance Kat.”

  I watch as Robin straightens the cup in the center of the end of the table. Then my gaze shifts to Fin. His eyes are already on me, narrow and dark, something I haven’t seen in them before. Is he jealous? A chill runs through me and my stomach flutters simultaneously at the thought. Hunter throws the ball. It hits Robin in the boob, again. He drops his head low, embarrassed, but also seemingly too drunk at this point to truly care. Robin and Fin both sink their shots, earning them a chance at two more. They sink those too. Ending the game. Hunter leans in for a drunken hug and I awkwardly pat his back. It’s sweaty and I pull back slightly. I’m not a germaphobe, but gross.

  “Good game, guys,” I say, smiling at Robin. I cross the distance between us quickly. “I’m going to run out to my car, I left my mints in my bag.”

  She nods before turning toward Mia and Savannah, who I had forgotten were even here.

  “Do you guys want to play?” she calls toward them. They stare at each other silently before nodding and climbing off the couch.

  On the way out to my car, I check my phone. No new texts from Mom, but a slew of messages from Oliver. I swipe them away from my notifications. At some point, I’m going to have to block his number if he won’t stop texting me. I guess I’m hoping he takes the hint sooner than later and it doesn’t come to that. I unlock my car and lean into the driver seat, reaching for my bag and then pulling out my tin of Altoids. I stand up and pop one into my mouth, the minty freshness is a welcome contrast to the gin lingering on my tongue. I place a second mint on my tongue and take a step back, closing the door.

  “What was that?” Fin asks.

  I jump at the unexpected sound, whirling around to face him, mints clutched against my chest.

  “Jeez, man! Make some noise!” I whisper-shout, sucking in a deep breath and biting down on my bottom lip.

  “What was that?” he repeats his question. His expression is serious and I can see his jaw tighten as he bites down on his molars.

  “Altoids?” I ask, holding up the shiny maroon tin in confusion. I know North Carolina is different from New York, but I’m pretty sure you can get these things everywhere. At least I hope you can.

  “No, inside.”

  I shake my head, shifting my eyes. “Death cup?” I ask. I feel like I’m grasping at straws here, and his short clipped responses aren’t exactly helpful. I’m barely even buzzed so my confusion is definitely his fault.

  “No,” he growls.

  “Ok. Let’s try some full sentences, Fin. I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about,” I say, losing my patience completely.

  “You were getting pretty cozy with Hunter in there. Is that how this is going to be?” he snaps, narrowing his dark angry eyes at me.

  “Are you kidding me right now? Cozy? We were playing beer pong. If that’s cozy I think there are a lot of frat houses that need to rethink themselves right now,” I shoot back.

  “The hugging, the smiles. What do you call that?”

  “A friendly hug after a game of beer pong? I call it nothing! What is wrong with you?” I ask, rolling my eyes and shaking my head. I pop another mint into my mouth and shove the tin into my pocket.

  “You’re what’s wrong with me! I told you, I don’t do this! I’m trying to figure out how and you’re just making it harder.” His jaw is clenched again to say he looks pissed off would be an understatement.

  “If this is you trying, I can’t imagine what a lack of effort looks like on your part.” I laugh, a sarcastic, dry laugh. “I thought we connected this week. We’ve gone out three times, I had fun, and I thought the kissing and the dating was leading somewhere.” I walk toward him, closing the distance. I trace my hand over his stubbled jaw, feeling every tight muscle beneath my fingers. “You wanted to keep whatever this is a secret and now you’re angry because no one knows we’re together. Do you even hear yourself?” I shake my head, releasing a shaky breath. “I’m going to simplify this whole confusing mess we’ve fallen into, Fin. I’m done. I don’t want to be in a secret half relationship with a jealous guy who can’t even stake his claim.” I let my hand fall to my side and press my eyes shut as I walk back toward Robin’s house.

  Fin’s hand comes out of nowhere. It wraps around my wrist and he tugs me into his chest in one motion. I look up into his eyes, searching for the anger and frustration that filled them a minute ago. But it’s gone. His hazel eyes are filled with something else now. Something deeper, warmer. My rapid heart and his ragged breaths are all I can hear, as if the world around us is frozen. I can tell he wants this as much as I do. His eyes give him away, the raw emotion, the lust and need. But he's holding back, he's torn.

  I lick my lips and look down at his hand wrapped around my wrist and our bodies pressed together. His other hand tips my chin back up toward him. We're inches apart, eyes locked. His heavy breaths on my skin send a shiver down my spine.

  I swallow the heavy feeling in my throat.

  "Kiss me or let me go, Fin." My words are soft and breathy. They sound exactly the way I feel.

  He exhales and then his mouth crashes down on mine. My eyes flutter closed and my lips part. Excitement and heat radiate through my body at the familiar taste of his tongue. I grasp the back of his neck with my free hand, pulling myself closer until every one of Fin’s hard muscles are pressing into my soft curves. But it’s still not enough. I tug my wrist free from his grip, moving it to the hem of his shirt. Fin’s lips smile against mine and he pulls away slightly, pressing his forehead to mine as we both catch our breath.

  “Do you want to get out of here?” he asks.

  The sound of his voice, low and rough is enough to make my breath catch in my throat. I look up into his eyes.

  “Yes,” I whisper, nodding and handing him the keys still hooked over my index finger.

  He loops his arm around my waist, leading me to the passenger side and opens the door, closing it once I’m inside. Then he climbs into the driver seat and starts the engine. I pull out my phone and swipe the screen, scrolling through my messages.

  “Everything ok?” Fin asks.

  “I should let Robin know I’m leaving. I just don’t know what to tell her,” I explain, combing my fingers through my hair.

  A coy smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “Tell her I’m taking you home.”

  “Are you sure?” I ask, raising my eyebrows at his change of heart.

  He leans over and kisses me. It’s slow and intimate. The kind of kiss that tightens your chest and makes your heart skip a beat. And now I’m sure I’ve never felt like this before, never shared a moment this perfect with another guy.

  “I’m sure,” Fin says, resting his forehead against mine again.

  I press my eyes closed and breathe in the moment. Absorb the idea that maybe this isn’t just for the summer. Maybe fate is finally dealing me something good after the two hardest years of my life. Maybe this just is.

  He pulls away and shifts the car into drive. I type ou
t a quick text to Robin and hit send before I chicken out. Then I put my phone on silent and slide it into my bag. The drive is quiet, calm and effortless. Fin rests his hand on my leg. I slide my fingers into the spaces between his and smile at the way they fit together.

  I forgot to leave the porch light on when I left. Fin fumbles with the key in the dark. When he finally gets the door open I lock it quickly behind us. Taking his hand, I lead the way upstairs without turning any lights on. He traces my knuckles lightly with his thumb. I close my bedroom door, leaning my back against it as I stare at him in the darkness. Faint streaks of moonlight shine through the curtains. Just enough to make him out. I can feel his eyes on me as I kick off my shoes, shoving them aside. I unbutton my shorts and slide them down my legs, stepping out of them when they hit the floor. I’m not drunk, but the buzz I have is definitely calming my nerves as I pull my t-shirt over my head and cross the room.

  Fin reaches for my waist, his warm touch makes my stomach flip. A shaky exhale escapes me when he leans down and his lips graze my neck. My eyes fall closed as he kisses down my neck and across my collarbone. He stops and pulls back. Our eyes meet and he drags his thumb down my cheek.

  “Are you sure you want this?” he whispers.

  I nod my head, staring into his eyes. They look so dark and intense. The heat in my core grows and I pull at the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and exposing his sculpted abs. He reaches over his shoulder and tugs it off in one motion. Our lips meet and he kisses me hungrily, backing us toward the bed until my legs hit the frame. I scoot on top of the comforter and prop myself up on my elbows, eyeing his bare torso. His hands grab my attention, I watch as he undoes his jeans. I bite my bottom lip to hide my smile as I stare at him in nothing but black boxer-briefs. He moves onto the bed, stopping to kiss his way up my stomach. I slap my hand over my mouth to stifle a giggle. I just can't help it. Fin looks up, an adorable smirk crosses his lips.

  "I like that," he whispers.

  "What?" I ask, uncovering my mouth.

  "Hearing you laugh."

  He kisses until he reaches my bra, then he reaches behind me and unhooks it with one hand. I press my lips into a line, fighting back another giggle. Has he done that a lot or is he just extremely lucky?

  I slip out of my bra, tossing it onto the floor. Fin dips his head to my breasts, kissing the space between them. My breath hitches and he looks up at me, a devilish look in his gorgeous hazel eyes as he kisses closer, teasing the sensitive skin with every gentle movement of his tongue. I arch my back as he takes one breast between his lips and a wave of pleasure washes over me. Releasing a breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding in, I relax back onto the mattress. Fin repeats the same teasing movements on the other side before taking that breast into his mouth. I gasp and arch my back again. When his lips meet mine, his tongue darts out, tasting and exploring the same way he did the first time we kissed. My core flutters and a rush of heat travels lower. I raise my hips off the bed, circling them against Fin’s hard body, hovering just above mine. He smirks against my mouth and pulls away. Backing off the bed and bending down. He pulls a condom out of his wallet, tosses the leather billfold onto my nightstand and slips out of his briefs. I push up onto my elbows, shamelessly eyeing him up. All of him. Then he tears open the foil packet and rolls the condom on before climbing back onto the bed. I grab a handful of his hair, pulling his lips toward mine as I wrap my legs around his waist, closing the distance until I feel him pressed against me. In one slow aching thrust he's inside. I feel my eyes roll back slightly at the sensation, a faint moan crosses my lips. He braces his weight on one forearm, resting it beside my head and using the other to grasp my hip.

  His pace is slow and teasing. He moves his lips to kiss my neck and nibbles my ear. I bite my lip, but it’s no use. I’m unbearably ticklish and a giggle escapes. I feel his stubble rub against my jaw.

  “You’re beautiful,” he whispers in my ear before pulling away and looking into my eyes.

  I drag my nails down his back gently, he leans down and our lips reconnect as his thrusts quicken, nearly taking my breath away all at once. Arching my back, I feel my body nearing the edge of the cliff, seconds away from falling over the edge. His fingers dig into my hip and his body tenses against mine. The timing couldn’t be more perfect, we fall apart together, holding onto each other tightly.

  Exhaustion overwhelms me and I close my eyes. Just for a second. When I feel Fin’s body disappear, and a chill crosses my skin I shiver and open my eyes. A faint light shines through a crack in the bathroom door. I pull down the comforter and climb underneath, settling into the mattress on my stomach and dozing off.

  Stubbled kisses travel across my bare shoulders, neck, and jaw. I stretch and pry my eyes open slightly, meeting his perfect hazel eyes. He’s propped up on one elbow, staring at me with a crooked smile.

  “What?” I whisper, sleep heavy in my voice.

  “You’re perfect,” he says, reaching out to brush a strand of hair off my cheek.

  My eyes flutter closed again. He presses his lips to my forehead and I sigh, reaching out to rest my hand against his chest.

  “Ten more minutes,” I protest sleepily as Fin trails his fingers gently over my shoulder blades.

  “I want to take you somewhere,” he says quietly.

  “Twenty more minutes?” I ask, peeking at him through one eye.

  “That’s not how negotiations work,” he chuckles, leaning down to plant a soft kiss on my lips.

  “Well, it should be,” I counter. “What time is it?”

  “Nine.”

  I groan.

  “I promise it will be worth it,” he says.

  I open my eyes and take Fin in. He’s already completely dressed, and by the look of it, he’s showered and wearing fresh clothes. My brow creases and I sit up, rubbing the sleep from my eyes and looking at him again.

  “How?” I shake my head in confusion. “What time did you get up?”

  “I always get up at six.”

  “Gross!” I whisper-shout, climbing out of bed and doing what I’m sure is the least sexy strut that anyone has ever seen.

  ***

  Fin opens the passenger door and I slide in, feeling for the seatbelt with half-open eyes. I hear the door open and close as he gets in and starts the engine.

  “Did you lock the door?” I ask quietly.

  “I did. I also fed your dog,” he says. I think I can hear the smirk in his tone. I open my eyes and sure enough, he’s looking at me with a crooked grin.

  “In my defense, the whole pet ownership thing is really new.” I scrunch my nose up. I totally forgot about the dog.

  He leans over and brushes his lips against mine, gentle and playful, just like him. Though I never would have pegged him that way the night we met.

  “Are you going to tell me where we’re going?” I ask as he backs out of the driveway and heads toward the main road.

  “Nope. But I am going to get you a coffee. A big one, with a lot of sugar,” he says.

  I place my hand over my heart and smile. “You know me so well already.”

  “I think I do.”

  Fin parks at the curb of The Dirty Bean and goes inside, returning a few minutes later with a medium, hot to-go cup and the same monster iced coffee Kris has made me before. I can practically feel my mouth watering at the sight of it.

  “I really like your sister,” I say when he hands me the coffee topped with whipped cream. The smell of cinnamon fills my nose as I lean into the straw.

  He smiles. “By the looks of that thing I’d say she likes you too.”

  “Did she come up with the name herself?” I ask, curiosity getting the best of me as Fin pulls away from the curb, back onto the main road.

  “She did.” He nods, looking in the rearview mirror. “Our parents- our adoptive parents were not happy about it. They were sure no one would want coffee from a cafe with a name like that.”

  “She seems to be pretty busy whenever I’v
e been in there.”

  “Oh, yeah she’s doing great. People around here think the name is funny and they love the atmosphere of the place.”

  I take a long sip from my cup. A mix of creamy sweet coffee, caramel, and cinnamon coats my tongue. The first sip of coffee is always the best, the caffeine hasn’t set in yet, but you know it’s coming. I sigh and pull my phone out, opening my music app and selecting one of my go-to playlists. Music fills the car, I close my eyes and take another sip of iced coffee.

  “You’re different than I thought you’d be.” His voice is low, and for a second I’m not sure if he meant for me to hear him.

  I turn to face him, relaxing with my cheek against the headrest.

  “What do you mean?”

  He steals a quick glance at me, looking back at the road and focusing on merging onto the highway. I wait, patiently sipping my coffee and silently wondering where we’re going.

  “For starters, when I saw the Walker’s granddaughter in that innocent yellow shirt and designer shoes I didn’t think she’d turn out to be the gin and chucks type,” he says, nodding toward my black sneakers.

  I roll my eyes and huff out a heavy breath. “If I had a dollar for every time someone pegged me as a clean cut airhead with an eye for labels.”

  “You’d be rich?” Fin jokes, shooting me a sideways glance.

  “I have an idea. Why don’t you tell me more about you.” I watch his jaw tense as the words leave my mouth. I’m not surprised. I’m usually pretty good at reading people and It’s clear that Fin is closed off pretty tight. That’s fine, I’m pretty much an open book, but I guess the world needs both types. I reach for his free hand, resting in his lap and slip my fingers into the spaces between his.