Finally, You (The Finally Book Duo 2)

by Burke, Roseanne

I bought the dress, and walked aimlessly through the mall with the bag slung over my arm. I needed to kill time. This was date two, tonight. Would there be a third? Did I want a third? That was a stupid question. I knew the real answer was yes, but I knew my mind was saying no just in case he said no. I couldn't handle much more rejection this year.

  I headed back to my apartment, trying my best to contain my anxiety. What could I do to distract myself for the next six hours? I realized my first instinct was to curl up on the couch, watch a bad movie, and do a few shots. But I decided against it; I didn't want to be a sloppy mess by the time he got here. I chose instead to go for a run. Endorphins will help, I thought.

  As I stepped into my yoga pants, I realized this was one of the first runs I had been on in a while that didn't start at a one night stand's house. Interesting little tidbit of information there, I scolded myself. What did I want, a cookie? I shook my own judgmental thoughts aside as I threw on my shoes and took off out the door. I turned left out of the building, realizing I didn't have a true destination in mind. I was usually always heading home. I didn't like the feeling of aimless running. I needed a focal point to distract me from my nerves. Johnny's was as good a spot as any; I turned right, heading in that direction.

  I felt myself start to relax as I found my rhythm. It was kind of overcast, but it felt good just being outside. As I maneuvered my way to the bar, my thoughts started flowing steadily. We both really enjoyed spending time together, right? And there was definitely a connection, more than just something sexual. I wasn't imagining it. Look at the decisions I had been making since we met: less drinking, more productive behaviors. This was good.

  "This is good," I said aloud.

  I couldn't help but smile as I ran past Johnny's, looping back to my apartment. With each pace, I was gaining more and more confidence. Tonight would go well, and I was sure there'd be a next time. The mix of excitement and endorphins had me surging on my way home. I had never felt that good running before. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that I wasn't hung over and going on four hours of sleep. I arrived at home and got in the shower, looking forward to the night ahead of me.

  ********

  Seven o'clock on the dot, I heard the buzzer. I grinned, looking at myself one more time in the mirror before answering it. The dress looked awesome. I'd fuck me.

  I walked as quickly as my heels would allow, pressing the buzzer to let him in. I opened my door, peeking my head into the hallway. I watched him enter the lobby, and head toward my unit. His face lit up when he saw me. I flashed him an excited smile. God, he looked so handsome. He had on a dark blue polo shirt, collar down, and khaki pants. The sight of his arm muscles made my mouth water.

  I stepped further back into my apartment, waiting for him to turn the corner. He had only seen my face, not the outfit. I stood, holding the door open with one hand, and the other popped on my hip. As he arrived, I could see the surprise register on his face.

  "Oh my god, Shannon, you look beautiful," he said, eyeing me.

  I grinned, pushing the door open wider and stepping back to allow him in.

  "Oh this old thing?" I joked, looking down at my dress. His reaction was exactly what I had been going for.

  He wrapped his arms around my lower back, kissing me sweetly on the lips. I heard the door close with a thud as his kissed changed, pushing his tongue into my mouth. I instantly perked up, my groin tingling in response. Were we going to do things in reverse again?

  He suddenly pulled back, keeping his hands on me.

  "You do crazy things to me, you know that?" he laughed, running his finger over my cheek.

  I bit my lip, glancing up at him. "Whatever do you mean?"

  "You make me want to skip dinner," he said, his eyes filled with lust. "And I always eat dinner."

  "I could give you something to eat."

  Here I go again. Mind in the gutter as soon as this one arrives.

  He laughed. "I would love that, and I think I'll maybe order that for dessert. But for now, let's go eat food food."

  Dessert, huh? Did that mean he had plans to be with me after dinner? I hoped so.

  "Ok, if you insist," I sighed jokingly.

  He released his hands from my back, and I instantly missed his touch. To my relief, he grabbed my hand as we headed out the door. The anticipation of the night ahead was practically making the air crackle. Just that small taste was all I needed, and I was hooked.

  Jack's was close by, so we arrived shortly thereafter. It had old signs covering the walls, and we were seated under a display with neon pink lighting. It looked like a typical chain restaurant, but it wasn't a chain. In fact, they boasted having the best burger between here and Minneapolis. That would have to wait for another day. I was not about to eat a giant messy burger in this dress.

  "So, what do you usually get?" I asked, picking up my menu.

  "The BBQ Blues is the best," he responded.

  I glanced down the list. Half pound burger with homemade barbecue sauce, two slices of cheddar cheese, and a pile of onion straws. Um, no way.

  "That sounds good, but I think I'm gonna go with the salmon,” I said distractedly, continuing reading the menu. When I didn't hear him respond, I looked up at him. He was staring at me with a look of horror on his face.

  "What?" I laughed.

  "Salmon? Here? No. It's just blasphemous. I won't allow it." I knew he was just kidding around, but something about him all riled up seemed to rile me up.

  I laughed out loud. "What do you mean?"

  He set his menu down emphatically. "You have to get a burger! They're so good. You can't waste a trip here on salmon," he cried, shaking his hands in front of him.

  I smiled, thinking to myself. Oh what the hell.

  "Ok fine, I'll get a burger, but it's under protest," I grinned. His smiling eyes were locked with mine. "What are you doing to me?" I asked, shaking my head.

  "I think the real question is what are we doing to each other? I couldn't stop thinking about you all day."

  My heart fluttered.

  I rested my chin on my hand. "Again, you flatter me."

  "Well it's true," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

  It was true for me, too.

  I smiled, bring my attention back to the menu. I settled on the classic cheeseburger. Hopefully it wouldn't be too messy.

  "What about to drink?" he asked.

  Oh my god, I hadn't even thought about that. How had I not thought about that?

  "Oh, um, I'm not sure. What are you having?" I stuttered, flipping to the back of the menu, searching for the drink section.

  "Probably a Sam Adams."

  There was no way I was going to have both beer and a burger. "I think I'll go with my vodka soda."

  Our server came over and took our order. As she stepped away, Todd took my hands in his. It warmed my heart when he did that. I could get used to this whole sweet hand holding thing we had going on.

  "Tell me about your day," he said, his dimple catching my attention as he smiled.

  "Oh, nothing interesting. Just did a little shopping, went for a run." Didn't drown myself in a bottle... "What about you?"

  "Work was work, nothing too exciting." Investment banking definitely did not sound very exciting.

  We sat quietly for a moment, just grinning at each other. I honestly couldn't control it.

  "So," he said, clearing his throat. "Do you have a favorite movie?"

  "Favorite movie? Is this in the guidebook for date number two? I thought it was date three when we discuss movies?" I teased.

  He brought his hand to his forehead. "Oh yes, you're right. It is date three. I guess I'll just have to wait til then to ask you again."

  I tried not to let my excitement show on my face. Was he just joking? Or did he really want a third date?

  "I'm sorry, rules are rules," I smiled.

  He squeezed my hands. "Ok, so what is an appropriate second date discussion topic then?"

  I sc
runched my face in pretend thought. "Um... TV shows."

  "Ok," he nodded. "What TV shows do you like then?"

  I cringed. "I'm a trashy reality TV junkie. And movies on Lifetime. Don't ask me why. It's a guilty pleasure." Seriously, it was so embarrassing to admit that.

  "What about like Mad Men or The Walking Dead? Any shows like that?" he asked.

  "Oh, you mean like quality TV shows?" I asked, causing him to laugh. "Um, not usually. I mean, I've heard of them and heard they're good, but I've just never gotten into them." I didn't have a DVR in my place, and it was hard to watch shows consistently with my work schedule.

  He threw his hands in the air. "Ok, that's it. We're having a Mad Men binge watching session at my place. I can't tolerate this."

  "Tolerate what?"

  "You not seeing such a great show," he said, shaking his head in mock disappointment.

  "So you're sure you won't hold it against me that I watch Lifetime movies regularly?"

  He rubbed his chin. "I suppose I won't hold it against you. As long as you give my suggestions a try."

  "Ok, deal," I grinned. Any reason to spend more time with him... "Apparently I've just been so lost."

  "Well I'm just glad I found you. So I can save you."

  I felt my breath leave my lungs. I knew what he meant when he said it, but his words held so much other meaning. I tried not to let show what I was thinking. Would he save me? Would he help pull me out of this self destructive spiral I've been on? I admonished myself internally. It was only date two, too soon to tell.

  "Yes, I'm glad too," I recovered.

  Luckily, our server returned just then with our food. New topic.

  "Oh my god, that's huge!" I cried, looking at his burger.

  "That's what she said," he teased.

  I rolled my eyes, laughing. It really was gigantic. With the pile of onion straws, it looked like it stood six inches tall. Luckily, mine was a bit smaller. I still cut it in half so I could manage it better. I watched as he picked his whole burger up, practically unhinging his jaw to take a bite.

  He grinned at me as he chewed. He had a small spot of sauce on the corner of his lip. Before I could stop myself, I leaned over and licked it. Ooh, that sauce was really good, but the palate it was on was even better.

  I could see the surprise flash in his eyes, which quickly turned to desire. He finished chewing, then said, "You don't want to make me hard here. I will take you in the bathroom and fuck you if I have to."

  I swallowed harshly. "Is that a promise?"

  He glanced down at his plate. "No."

  I felt my heart start to sink.

  He brought his eyes back up, piercing into mine. "No, I am absolutely going to fuck you tonight. But not here.”

  I smiled, letting his words soak in.

  ”But that’s not to say that if you ever do that again, I won't follow through."

  I crossed my legs under the table, trying to control the tingling. He had plans to fuck me tonight.

  "Ok, I'll behave," I said, bringing my burger to my mouth. "Mmm, you were right again. Definitely worth getting a burger."

  He grinned as he took another bite. "I told you, I'm always right."

  I couldn't help but think, Mr. Right?

  We continued eating, and I realized I had barely even taken a drink.

  "Ok, any other suitable second date topics?" he asked, wiping his hands on his napkin.

  I scratched my head jokingly. "Um, I think I read that holiday traditions are ok to talk about."

  "Oh yeah? What are some of yours?"

  "Our big one is Christmas. We always have a big turkey, and have all my extended family over. But most importantly, there's lots of booze. It's usually a lot of fun," I smiled.

  "Booze is a must have when it comes to family gatherings," he laughed. "We usually do a bigger Thanksgiving with my family. It's typically just a day filled with eating, drinking, unbuttoning our pants on the couch and watching football."

  I giggled. "Sounds like fun." I tried to picture him and his brothers joking around, just relaxing and enjoying being together.

  I picked up my glass, sipping the rest of my drink, as the server brought our check. Ok, dinner was over. Was he still in the mood for "dessert?"

  He looked up at me, grinning, as he scribbled his signature on the receipt.

  "So, princess, should we get going?"

  That told me nothing. "Sure," I answered uncertainly.

  He stood, offering me his hand. I grabbed it, rising up. He kissed me gently on the tip of my nose, and flashed me his adorable smile before walking with me out of the restaurant. He still didn't say anything as we climbed into his car. What the hell was he thinking? Should I say something? What could I say? Want to follow through on that promise you made earlier? No, he hadn't promised anything. It was more of a threat than a promise. So, how about some dessert? Ugh, so cheesy. What was wrong with me? Why was I so nervous? The sound of him snickering to my left pulled me back to earth.

  "What's so funny?" I asked.

  "Oh, just you." His eyes were fixed on the road ahead, but I could see a huge grin on his face.

  "What about me?"

  "Just the fact that you're worried I may not want you."

  I sat silently. Had I been saying all that out loud?

  "I don't know how to get it through your head. I want you. Bad," he said as he reached his hand for mine, bringing it to his lips. I suddenly realized we were nowhere near my apartment.

  "Where are we going, then?" I asked.

  "My place. If that's ok with you." He glanced at me quickly. Now he was the one that looked nervous.

  I reached my hand over, rubbing it up his thigh. "How can I get it through your head? I want you. Bad."

  His grin returned.

  "Good, we're almost there."

  I sat back in my seat and folded my hands in my lap, trying to contain my smile. I was ecstatic that we were going to spend more time together. Plus, being able to see his place? Couldn't be more perfect.

  He pulled into a parking garage underneath a building. He looked over at me as he put the car in park. The air was thick with anticipation. He leaned toward me, lifting the arm rest, and unbuckling my seat belt. I could feel his breath on my neck. His broad hands were so close to me, skimming my skin through my dress. I realized I was holding my breath. I didn't think I could wait to get inside.

  "Ready?" he asked, pulling away from me.

  More than ready.

  "Yep," I grinned.

  I climbed out of the car and followed him to an elevator. He pushed the button for the fourteenth floor as we stepped in. We arrived at his door; he quickly unlocked it and we walked inside.

  It was a really nice place. Apparently, investment banking paid well. It was very spacious and clean; his living room was practically the size of my whole apartment. But you could definitely tell just a man lived there. There were minimal decorations, and the furniture was big and dark, with a giant flat screen TV on the wall. What I could do with this place, I started to think. Nope, stop it. Too soon.

  He led me into the kitchen, which had dark granite counters and all stainless appliances. He pulled open the freezer, bringing out a comically large bottle of Belvedere vodka.

  "What is that?" I laughed. "It's huge! That's what she said!"

  He chuckled. "I'm glad I've taught you so well. It's just a handle. But I know, it looks giant."

  "Do you even drink vodka?" I asked, reaching for the bottle. You needed two hands to hold it. That's what she said.

  "Not usually."

  I looked up at him. "You got this for me?"

  He had a sheepish look on his face. "Well, yeah."

  "That is really sweet," I said, setting the bottle down. I reached my arms around his neck, planting a slow, sweet kiss on his lips. "Thank you."

  "You're very welcome," he smiled. "How about I make you a drink?"

  "Sounds good."

  That was a promising gesture, buying
that big of a bottle. Obviously that was meant for more than one night, right? Like he expected me back here again? I shook my head slightly, trying to just focus on the present.

  He poured drinks for the two of us, then said, "Follow me, I want to show you something."

  "Ooh, a surprise?" I asked, clapping my hands.

  He grinned, motioning with his head toward the door. I grabbed my drink from him, and we walked back out to the hallway and stepped into the elevator. He inserted a key and pressed a button labeled "R." Where was he taking me?

  My question was answered as the doors slid open, revealing the roof of the building. It was dark out, but I could detect a pretty garden, with a few benches and chairs. Small twinkling lights hung above the sitting area.

  "This is so nice. Do you come up here often?" I asked as he grabbed my hand, leading me to a bench.

  "Not as often as I would like, unfortunately." We sat down, him keeping his hand on mine. "Usually just too busy."

  I brought my drink to my lips. "I see."

  We sat quietly together, looking out over the city. I rested my head on his shoulder, breathing in his scent. God, I was loving this. I began picturing having picnics up here or coming out for a glass of wine after dinner. And for the first time, those thoughts of the potential future were making me excited rather than anxious. I nuzzled into him further.

  "So," he said suddenly.

  I lifted my head up to look at him.

  "It's been bugging me ever since you told me you've never had sex in a crazy place."

  I immediately perked up. "Oh it's been bugging you, huh?"

  "Yes," he said, bringing his drink to his lips. "I've been thinking of ways to rectify that. And then I came up with this." He raised his hand up, motioning around the roof.

  I felt my eyes widen as his words sunk in. "Here?"

  He gave me a sexy grin as he set his drink down. I followed his lead, carefully setting mine to the side and turning back to him.

  His hand moved to my thigh as he nodded his head, answering my question. I closed my eyes as his mouth pressed against mine. Holy shit. Were we really going to do this?

  I pulled away, running my fingers through his hair as his lips moved to my neck. "Won't someone see us? What if other people come up here?"