by Stacy Eaton
“Trust me, he was following your lead.” I winked at Finley.
“Don’t give me that, Roan. The last thing your brother wanted to be doing was that.”
“True,” I replied as Chris walked into the room with a laptop in his hands.
“Finley,” Robin cut in, “I don’t know why I didn’t think of doing this myself. Chris has, like, six laptops that he never uses. He cleaned off one of them, and I created a Dropbox folder that we can use to share information. That’s what I’ve been doing since Roan called. I’ve been adding things to the folders so you can access them.”
“Dropbox? What the hell is that?”
Chris snickered. “It’s like a filing cabinet that is virtually shared. When Robin adds a document, you’ll get a notification that she did, if you change something in a document, Robin will know you made a change. Everything is saved right to the same place.”
“That’s really cool,” Finley replied. “So I’ll have most of your files and can access them, but you’ll be able to access them, too? It’s like a cloud, right?”
“Yep, it’s a cloud,” Chris commented. “I wiped out everything on the machine, expect the programs. You have plenty of space on this, and it’s a good machine. If you have problems, just let me know.”
“If it’s a good machine, why are you not using it?”
Robin threw her head back and laughed. “Because he’s a technology whore, that’s why. He gets a new laptop, like, every three or four months when technology changes.”
“I do not.” He pouted and crossed his arms over his chest defensively.
Robin pursed her lips in an attempt to stop laughing. “Okay, then tell me, how many laptops have you bought since we’ve been together?”
“You know,” I broke into the conversation, “I think Robin’s right. You do buy new ones quite often.”
“Hey,” he called out to me, “I thought you were on my side.”
I held my hands up, “I’m neutral territory, but you know Robin is right.”
“Fine,” he turned to Finley, “I have a little problem with buying new laptops.”
Finley grinned at him. “Well, as long as I am not contributing to your addiction.”
“No!” Robin said loudly on a laugh and pointed at Chris, “And don’t you dare think you need to buy another one because you gave this one to Finley.”
“I won’t.” He leaned over the back of the sofa and kissed Robin. When he stood, he spoke to Finley, “That is yours to keep.”
“What? No!”
Robin chimed in, “Consider it a bonus for dealing with Autumn.”
She pondered that playfully, “Well, for that reason, I might just accept it.”
“Good!” Chris went on to tell her that a cellphone had been ordered for her and would arrive at my place tomorrow. Finley appeared to be a little in awe of how quickly it all happened, but she didn’t shy away from it.
I was in the kitchen pouring a cup of coffee so I could head down to Chris’s office and give Robin and Finley some time to chat while they set up her laptop, when Finley came up behind me. One hand touched my arm to get my attention.
“Thank you, Roan.”
“For what?”
“For having faith in me, and for helping me.”
I set my mug down and put my hands on her hips, shifting her so she was backed against the counter. “I have a lot of faith in you, Finley. I hope that, soon, you will see what I do.”
“I hope so, too.” She rested her hands on my arms, and we stared at one another for a few heartbeats.
When neither of us spoke again, I leaned in and kissed her. It was the most natural thing to do, and the kiss was almost teasing, not quite deep enough, not quite hot enough, not quite passionate enough, but we weren’t alone. I was pretty sure that the next time we were alone together, we’d finally come together. I was tempted to toss her over my shoulder and take her home. I heard a commotion in the other room, and then the front door closed, and I thought I heard Wade’s voice. Finley and I began to part, and I thought I heard something behind me, but when I glanced back there was nothing.
“We should probably get back out there.”
“Yeah,” she breathed. “Robin and I have a few things to discuss. Do we have to leave here anytime soon?”
“No, I have my laptop in the car. I can sit downstairs with Chris and work while you two are up here.”
“Sounds good.”
I leaned closer and dropped my voice. “No—what sounds good is you naked in my arms later today.”
She was somewhat breathless when she replied, “Yes, that does sound good.”
I kissed her one more time and then retrieved my coffee mug as we went back to the living room. All eyes were on us as we came through the archway, and Finley made a beeline for the floor in front of the couch again.
“Hey, Dad, how are you?” my son said to me in a cocky voice.
I wondered briefly if it had been he that I’d heard behind me. “Wade, how was school today?”
“It was good, probably not as good as your day, but it was still good.”
I gave him a stern look and heard a snicker from the couch. “Why aren’t you guys at swim practice?”
“Pool is closed today and tomorrow for repairs. We opted to use the weight room here instead of at the school. Plus, we can get laps in after the weights.”
“Good idea.”
“Let’s grab a snack, and then we can head down to the gym.”
“Hey, Wade, can I have a minute with you?”
“Sure.”
“I’ll go throw our book bags in my room,” Matt said, and Wade followed me into the kitchen.
“What’s up, Dad?” he asked as I set my mug down again.
“You doing okay?”
“Yeah, sure, why?”
“I didn’t get a chance to explain why I had you stay here.”
“Mr. Landry said you were protecting Finley because someone threatened her.”
I wasn’t aware that Chris had told him the real reason, but I decided that was good. “Yeah, I didn’t want you at the house in case the guy followed her. It should all be cleared up soon.”
“It’s okay. I don’t mind hanging out here.”
“Good.” I squeezed his shoulder. “Thanks for understanding.”
I began to walk away when he called out, “Dad?”
“Yeah?”
“I take it something is going on with you and Finley.”
“Why do you think that?”
He rolled his eyes. “Come on, Dad. I’m not an idiot. I saw you guys kissing a few minutes ago. Is she your girlfriend?”
“I don’t know about that, Wade.” I put my hands on my hips and stared at the floor. “Would it upset you if she were?”
“Not at all.” He stepped closer to me. “You need someone in your life, Dad. Mom’s been gone a long time. You should be looking for someone to be with.”
“Some kids wouldn’t be so understanding.”
“Yeah, Dad, but I’m not some kid. I’m your kid, and I know how much you loved Mom. I was so young when she got sick and died that I don’t remember much about her anymore. I’m always going to miss her, and I’m always going to love her, but that doesn’t mean I want you to be alone, especially after I go off to college.”
“I was worried you might think I was trying to replace your mother.”
“Naw, no one can ever do that. Mom dying is not the same as Matt’s mom dropping him on his dad’s doorstep and walking away. Matt wanted a woman to take his mom’s place, and he got that with Robin. Me, I don’t need to replace Mom, but I wouldn’t have a problem if you did.”
“Wade, I could never replace your mother. If I was in a relationship with someone, it would be because I cared about her and I was ready to move on, not that I was looking for a replacement.”
“I know. That’s not what I meant. I meant: It’s okay if you get involved with someone. I want you to be happy, Dad. I like F
inley. She’s pretty, and she’s funny.”
“I like her, too, son.”
“Then I hope you see where it goes.”
I stared at my son for a moment. “When did you become an adult and start giving me advice?”
He smirked. “Dad, you’ve been out of the dating scene for a long time. I’m right in the thick of it. I can help you with this.”
The two of us laughed as we headed back to the family room, and I slapped him on the back as he winked at me and nodded his head toward Finley with a grin.
“I’ll see you later, Wade.”
“Don’t do anything I would do.” Wade snickered under his breath and then took off out of the room while I choked back a laugh. He had better not be thinking about doing what I was planning on doing.
I met Finley’s eyes across the room as she stood, and for a moment, time stopped. As I stared into her dark-green eyes, I realized that I had been given the green light by the only person who mattered. Wade wouldn’t be upset if I started dating, and now there was no reason to hide it from anyone. I made my way over to her as Robin was explaining something to her, but Finley was paying as much attention to Robin as I was.
I stopped in front of her. “I’ll be downstairs if you need anything.”
“Okay,” she replied.
I leaned in and kissed her once. Her eyes were wide as I pulled back and gave her a lopsided smile and stepped away. Chris rubbed his chin as he tried to hide a smile. “I’m just going to grab my laptop bag. I’ll be down in a minute.” I handed him my coffee mug.
When I came back in, I waved at Robin who now sat on the couch with a look of confusion—or was that annoyance?—on her face, her arms crossed over her chest. I disappeared down the stairs without a word, grinning to myself the whole way. I was going to let Finley explain that one. I hadn’t seen Finley when I came in, and knowing her, she was probably hiding from either Robin or herself to avoid the questions that would come after my public display of affection.
Chapter 23
Finley
He did not just do that and walk away. As he strode casually out the front door, both Chris and a sputtering Robin studied me. Chris chuckled and then disappeared down the stairs and when I turned to Robin, her mouth was still hanging open.
“Oh, my god! Is it so hard to believe?” I threw my hand up. “No, don’t answer that. If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I need to use the restroom.” I turned down the hallway before she could even wet her dry lips to respond.
I leaned against the door. What the hell had gotten into Roan? Why had he kissed me in front of everyone? Now they all thought something was going on. Had he spoken to his son about me when they were in the kitchen? Was that why Wade winked at me a moment before his father had when they’d returned. Had Wade given him the green light to date me?
Holy cannoli!
I felt the slight vibration in the house as the front door opened and closed again, and I clenched my eyes tightly, hoping that Roan wouldn’t come find me. I wasn’t up to discussing this with him among all these other people in the house.
Obviously, Roan was making it somewhat official that he was interested in me. Maybe I had been wrong before about him not wanting people to know. I wouldn’t have faulted him for just wanting to keep it quiet and have a simple affair. It was hard to imagine a man like him—Wait! A man like him. Hadn’t Roan told me he was no different than I was? Hadn’t he said that we put our clothes on the same way and needed the same things in our lives? Yes, he had. Could I believe it? Could I believe that a man as wonderful as Roan would be truly interested in a woman like me?
I worried my bottom lip as I stared at my reflection. I was a pretty woman, not gorgeous, but not homely either. I was smart, and I liked to have fun, but could I envision a relationship with a man like Roan instead of a douchebag like Howie?
I winced. I didn’t want to think about Howie because it reminded me that my key was missing, and now that I knew I was adopted, that key meant something totally different to me. What if that key was a link to my real parents? Would I ever get it back from Howie?
I shook my head. I didn’t want to think about this right now, and I didn’t want to dwell on thoughts of Roan and me either. Ugh! I banged my head gently against the door behind me and then took two deep calming breaths before I went back to the living room. I paused at the corner and peered around it.
“Don’t worry, he went downstairs. It’s just you and me. The boys are downstairs working out now, too.”
My cheeks warmed as I took my seat on the floor again.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she asked as I crossed my legs.
I shrugged a shoulder. “Because I didn’t want to see that look in your eye.”
“What look? The one that says you just shocked the hell out of me because I’ve tried to get Roan to open up and enjoy life again for months, and I find out that he has with my best friend.”
My gaze jumped from the carpet fibers to her eyes. “I’m your best friend?”
“Yes—” she drawled out and rolled her eyes, “you are my best friend, and best friends are supposed to share these kinds of things.”
“It’s not anything to really talk about.”
“Bullshit! Roan hasn’t looked at a woman since Sherry died years ago, and then he decides he wants to help you, protect you, and kisses you in front of us. I totally think that is something to talk about.”
“Why? Because it’s hard to believe a man like him would be interested in a woman like me?”
The shocked look that passed over her face had me holding my breath. “What are you talking about? I would have tried to fix you up with him months ago if Chris hadn’t told me to stop meddling in his life.”
“You would have?” I squeaked.
“Yes, you are exactly the kind of person who would appeal to him. He likes women who are real, who believe in things and don’t fawn all over him because he’s gorgeous.”
“He is gorgeous, but don’t tell him I said that.”
“Yeah, don’t repeat that I said it either.” Robin laughed and then sighed, “Finley, I love that you and Roan are trying things out. Have you slept with him?”
If anyone else had asked me that, I would have put my hand up and said that was way too personal, but with Robin it seemed nothing was off limits. We talked about our sex lives—or she talked about hers and I talked about my lack of one—all the time.
I shook my head. “No, we haven’t, but—”
She sat up straighter. “But what? But you’re planning on it? Tell me you are. I need the details.”
I laughed, “I think we might. God knows that I want to, and we’ve almost done it like three times now, but we are either in the wrong place, or it’s the wrong time.”
Robin shimmied herself so she was cozied back into her pillows and then patted the side of the couch. “You come here and tell me all the details! I need something juicy.”
For the next thirty minutes, I filled Robin in on everything that had been going on, not just the hot moments with Roan, but everything: from after Robin fell at the diner and broke her ankle, to how his brother had walked in on me naked. Robin cackled and oohed through much of the story but listened intently as I talked about the key and my adoption.
“I can’t help thinking that the key might tell me who my parents are, but I’m not sure I will ever get it back.”
Robin squeezed my hand, “If anyone can help you get it back, it’s Roan. I’m so glad that he called the police. It sounds like you have multiple departments working on this, so hopefully they will catch the bastard and find the key.”
“Yeah, but even if I do get it back, I still don’t have any idea what it goes to.”
“I’m sure Roan will help you, and Chris and I will, too.” She squeezed again, “You’re not alone now, Finley. You have us, and Roan, and a new life and family here. We’ve got your back.”
“You have no idea what that means to me.”
�
�It means you have to keep giving me details. I want to hear about that scene in the living room with you against the glass wall again. I might have to try that with Chris.”
The two of us laughed and gossiped for a few more minutes before we finally got back to work.
It was almost dinner time when Robin and I were caught up, and the boys, along with Geri, were chomping at the bit to eat dinner. The nanny had taken Abigail out for the day and when she came in to drop off the baby, she was pleasant, but stiff with me. I felt her iciness increase when Robin introduced me as Roan’s girlfriend. I wasn’t going to quibble with her about the fact that I wasn’t his girlfriend, not in front of the nanny anyway.
I headed downstairs to find out how the men were doing and let them know we were done. Roan sat on the couch in the downstairs family room, his legs propped up on the coffee table, his laptop settled over his thighs.
I studied him for a few minutes, loving the way his eyes shifted, and his brows moved as he typed and thought about what he was working on. He had to be the most handsome man that I’d ever spent any time with, and those lips which moved slowly as if he were silently reading the words he’d written tantalized me to distraction.
I jumped and squeaked when Chris stepped out in front of me.
“Oh, sorry, Finley, I didn’t see you there. You guys done?”
“Yeah, Robin and I are finished. She wanted to talk to you about dinner.”
“That’s what I was heading upstairs for. Why don’t you and Roan stay?”
“Robin suggested the same thing. I’ll talk to him about it.”
Chris rubbed my arm and smiled kindly at me as he passed, and as he cleared my view, I discovered Roan watching me.
I was hungry, but at the moment it wasn’t food that I wanted. I meandered toward him. “Chris and Robin asked if we wanted to stay for dinner.”
“And what did you say?”
“I said I’d talk to you about it.” I paused in front of him.
He closed his laptop, put his feet back to the floor, and set the laptop on the table. When he leaned back against the cushion, there was something else in his eyes as they slipped slowly up my body. When his gaze locked with mine, my body was hot and begging for his. He reached out and touched the seam of my jeans and I climbed over him to straddle his lap.