A New Leaf (Hemlock #1)

Chapter 41

Chapter Forty-One

Charlie

Christmas flew by in an absolute blur. Jack, Joey, Lucy, Vera, and I spent Christmas together at my parents’ house. Even though Jack is still renovating the house, he was able to finish the living room just in time so that we could all celebrate there.

Jack takes after my dad. Quiet, yet thoughtful.

Joey left yesterday, headed back on the road ready to explore whatever her next destination is. My sister wanted to stay with me for the remainder of the holidays, but I forced her to leave. I love her so much, but she always hugs me like she’ll never see me again.

She takes after my mom—a tender-hearted free spirit.

It’s New Year’s Eve and I’m frantically making the final adjustments to my outfit before we head downstairs to the wedding reception. We decided to book a room at the hotel that is hosting the reception, because a night away sounded like a magical way to spend New Year’s Eve. The room we got in the hotel is beautiful: large floor to ceiling windows, plush white bedding, and even a fireplace. It was so cozy and romantic that I was tempted to skip the reception and spend the evening curled up with Finn, watching a movie and ordering room service.

I shudder at the thought of having to mingle with all those people downstairs at the reception.

Cheerful, mingling people are among the top five things I detest the most in this world.

Followed by slow walkers. But that’s a story for another day.

I’ve locked myself in the bathroom to get ready because, even though Finn has seen me in various stages of disarray, he does not need to see me struggle with a strapless bra. Dresses and my body do not get along well. Thankfully, I found one that I didn’t hate too much. It’s a floor-length gown in navy blue, with a plunging neckline and long billowy sleeves adorned with vintage gold buttons. The chiffon material flows all around me, revealing a slit that hits my thigh. My hair is styled in loose waves and pinned to one side to complete the look.

Between the deep neckline and high slit in my dress, this was all the sex appeal I could muster.

Taking a final glance in the large bathroom mirror, I mutter to myself, “This’ll do.” I smooth my hands down the front of my dress, feeling the soft, silky fabric beneath my fingertips. I have to admit, I think I look pretty good tonight, which puts a smile on my face.

When I look in the mirror, I see a different woman staring back at me compared to a year ago. Over the last year, I’ve been through a lot. So much so that I'd often not recognize the woman staring back at me in the mirror. But now? I finally see myself again, after so long. I see the new and improved version of me.

A woman who, despite having been through hell and back, has persevered.

A woman who was strong enough to endure every painful obstacle that came her way and kept her head held high the entire time.

A woman who has dealt with a constant stream of insecurities, who always doubted herself, but now knows her worth.

I see a woman turning over a new leaf.

Even though it’s taken me thirty-something years to get here, this version of myself is the one I feel most comfortable in and the one I’m most proud of.

When I look in the mirror, I can confidently say that I love the woman I’ve become.

“What is taking so long in there? Does the tub drain lead to Narnia or something?” Finn hollers from outside the door. “Oh, shit. Is there a window in there? Did you make a break for it?” he says the last words in a barely audible whisper. I shake my head, softly laughing at his commentary.

I walk out of the bathroom and look down at my watch, mentally calculating the most acceptable and appropriate time to leave the reception without it being rude.

“Okay, here’s the plan. It’s six p.m. now. We can say our hellos, eat dinner, watch the first dance, and then steal some cake to go. We’ll be back here . . . by eight-thirty, give or take a few minutes. Sound good?” When I look up from my watch, Finn is staring at me. His lips are parted, his eyes taking in my body, and a blush is beginning to form on his cheeks.

Finn’s eyes sparkle with admiration and satisfaction behind his glasses.

“What?” I question. “Do I look funny?”

I’m fishing for compliments.

Finn takes a slow, tentative step toward me and reaches for my hands. His long fingers thread through mine as he continues looking me up and down.

“You look absolutely stunning, Charlie.” Finn’s voice is laced with adoration as a slow smile spreads across his face.

My whole body feels like it’s been covered by a warm blanket, and I can’t help but smile up at him. “Thank you. You don’t look half bad.”

“Are you kidding me? I look incredible. This suit was custom made because the store didn’t carry my inseam.” He laughs. “It’s a tough life being Gumby , you know.”

I give an amused eye roll, and he responds with his charming wink that never fails to make my heart race.

“When does the reception start?” he asks.

“Uhh. Right now, actually.”

I walk across the room to grab my purse on the couch when I feel the heat of Finn’s body close behind me. His hand delicately trails over my arm as his lips caress the shell of my ear. A shiver courses through my body.

“Sweetheart, I don’t think I can keep my hands off of you for the whole night,” he murmurs, as his fingers trace a line from my collarbone to between my breasts. He lets out a groan of approval when he slips his hand under the fabric of my dress, brushing his fingers over my peaked nipple. Giving my breast a gentle squeeze, Finn’s lips gently make their way down the side of my neck. My eyes flutter close as his hands continue to explore my body, intensifying the pressure building between my thighs.

I hate being late.

But I also hate being horny in a public setting. “Fine.” My voice comes out in a flustered huff. “Don’t wrinkle my dress, though.”

“The dress is coming off. I need to see all of you, Charlie.” Finn stands behind me, his fingertips brushing the base of my neck as he sweeps my hair to one side, exposing the sensitive skin. He places a soft, lingering kiss on my neck, causing goosebumps to erupt over my body. The warmth from his breath fans over my skin, sending a shiver down my spine. I can’t help but lean into his touch.

Slowly, Finn pulls down the zipper of my dress, catching it before it hits the floor. I step out of the dress, left only wearing my bra and panties.

Usually, I’d feel exposed standing here in nothing more than my underwear, but Finn makes me feel beautiful regardless of whether I’m in dirty overalls or completely naked.

His desire for me is all-consuming. He cherishes every part of me—flaws and imperfections included.

Finn hangs my dress up, so it doesn’t wrinkle, and I turn to see him unknotting his tie and unbuttoning his crisp white shirt. His lustful gaze burns into me and I match it with equal intensity. With slow, deliberate movements, Finn removes the rest of his clothes.

A spark ignites deep in my chest at the sight of him standing before me in nothing but a snug pair of black boxer briefs, clinging tightly to his thighs, his tattoo in full view. My heart beats fast with anticipation when Finn walks over to me. I take in the sight of him before me. The dim light casts the most delicious shadows over him, highlighting every angle of his lean body.

Finn’s hand goes up to cup my jaw and he smiles down at me before placing a kiss on my forehead. Then he starts exploring my body with tender reverence. With a delicate touch, his fingers trace every curve with the utmost appreciation and adoration.

Beginning at the nape of my neck, Finn places featherlight kisses along my skin. As his lips reach my breasts, he unclasps my bra and lets it fall to the ground, leaving me on display for him.

Another groan of approval escapes from Finn’s mouth. “ Fuck. You are so stunning.”

I’ll never get tired of hearing him say that.

Eagerly, Finn drops to his knees before me, his lips and tongue tracing the curves of my body. His tongue swirls around my sensitive nipples before pulling one into his mouth. Finn gently nibbles on the tender flesh and my back bows at the rush of pleasure flowing through me.

His mouth moves lower, and I feel myself getting more aroused in anticipation of what’s to come. Finn’s lips skim over my stomach and just above the elastic of my panties. His fingers dip below the waistband, running them painfully slowly back and forth against my heated skin. I let out an impatient whimper as he breathes out a dark chuckle. After teasing me, he finally hooks his thumbs into my panties and pulls them down.

The intense ache between my thighs is all consuming. I feel like I’m on the brink of imploding. He’s so close that I can feel every hot exhale of his breath against my pussy. All of my thoughts are overtaken by the intense need for Finn’s touch to soothe the burning desire within me.

“I love how your body responds to me, sweetheart,” he says, admiring how aroused I am.

I feel unsteady in the best way possible, having to lean my body against the wall beside the couch. There’s only a few minutes between now and when my knees will surely buckle. His large hands skim over the back of my calves and up behind my knee before lifting one leg and hooking it over his shoulder. Finn presses soft, open mouth kisses on the sensitive skin between my thighs. A gentle nip from his teeth sends an unexpected shiver through me. Arousal floods through my body as Finn’s tortuous lips and tongue continue to tease me. Once again, I let out a frustrated whimper and Finn’s low chuckle vibrates against me, relishing in my impatience.

Finally, he uses his thumbs to spread me as this tongue takes one long swipe from my wet entrance to my clit. I cry out in relief. Threading my fingers through his soft, wavy hair, I pull him closer to me and rock against him. He hums in approval as his tongue thoroughly works me.

My breaths come out sharp and fast with every stroke of his tongue. The throbbing ache in my core becomes almost unbearable. Every nerve in my body is on fire, begging for release.

I’m thankful for Finn’s firm grip on my quivering body because when he seals his lips around my clit and sucks, I feel myself about to collapse. I press my head back against the wall, letting out a satisfied moan.

As Finn works my body, my eyes snap shut, and my grip tightens on his hair. I rock my hips eagerly against his mouth, desperately chasing my orgasm.

“Don’t stop. I’m almost there,” I gasp.

I feel Finn groan with satisfaction against me, which ultimately sends me over the edge. He slows his pace, savoring every moment as my limbs tremble beneath his touch. Finn takes his time, drawing out my orgasm and wringing every ounce of pleasure out of me.

Pulling back, he stands to his full height, looking down at me with pure lust.

“We’re not done yet,” he says hungrily. Finn leads me to the front of the couch, spins me around, and has me kneel on the cushions with my back towards him.

I’m staring outside through the large window behind the couch, admiring the beautiful view of the dark night sky and mountains in the distance. I hear the crinkle of a condom wrapper before feeling the heat of Finn’s body behind me. He takes my hair and wraps it around his fist. Gently tipping my head up to his face, he claims my lips with a soul consuming kiss. When he pulls away, his intense gaze peers deep into mine.

“Please,” I whimper. “I need you.”

An appreciative groan escapes from deep in his chest. He swipes the head of his cock through my arousal, pressing it against my clit a few times, causing me to shudder. With one hand on my hip, Finn eases himself all the way into me and lets out a guttural moan. Once his pelvis is flushed against me, I know I’ve taken all of him.

My fingers grip tightly onto the back of the sofa, desperate for something to hold onto as the overwhelming feeling of him deep inside me takes over. I arch my back, letting out a pleasured moan. Every inch of my body tingles, longing to be consumed by this man for the rest of my life.

I can feel his body trembling as he bends to nuzzle into my neck. “Fuck. You feel incredible,” he rasps. “You’re it for me, Charlie.”

Those words give me a euphoric high. You’re it for me .

The feel of his body moving against mine makes my head spin with pure bliss. As he thrusts into me, his hands glide down the curve of my spine. Each affectionate touch of his fingertips ignites a trail of fire on my skin.

Our erratic breaths fill the room, both of us completely entangled in this moment of pure lust. Finn quickens his pace, each thrust more eager than the last. As if we aren’t already close enough, he pulls me back, pressing my back into the front of his body. The heat of our bodies now melding together as one.

One hand roams over my curves before gently squeezing my breast, while his other hand settles between my legs. With two fingers, Finn begins circling my clit. The wave of pleasure makes my head tip back on his shoulder.

“Fuck,” I whimper, my eyes fluttering shut. The sensation is almost too much, too overwhelming.

I’m addicted to it, though, because I’m completely lost in Finn.

I feel like I’m drowning in pleasure, desire—and love .

His head dips down near my face. “Look at me.” His voice is deep and gruff in my ear.

So I do.

I turn my head to meet his ocean-blue gaze. He gives me a sexy smirk and then kisses me senseless, completely taking my breath away.

That kiss sends me over the edge as I come completely undone and cry out his name louder than I anticipated.

“That’s my girl. Let everyone know who’s making you feel this way,” he rasps in my ear.

It’s only moments before I feel Finn pulsing inside me, with his own release taking over his body.

Both our chests are heaving, and our bodies are seconds away from going limp.

I’m about to pull away before Finn grabs me tightly against him. He nuzzles against me, still panting. “I’m never letting you go, Charlie. Never.”

My lungs feel completely devoid of air, my head is in the clouds, and I’m blissfully happy.

I truly, deeply, and wholeheartedly love this man with every cell in my body.

And I’m never letting him go, either.