Chapter Twenty-Four
Finn
I ’ m careful with Sammie the first time we’re together. I know her heart is still fragile with all that she revealed, so I love her slowly and passionately and with all the emotion I feel for her in my heart.
In the morning, though, we just straight-up fuck.
Sometimes that can bring healing too.
With how Sammie is singing joyfully in the shower right now, I think it was rejuvenating.
No, I know it was.
That makes me smile as I stretch and sit up in bed, propping up the pillows behind me so I can lean back.
When Sammie emerges from the bathroom in black leggings and a gray sweatshirt, I’m surprised. “Hey, when did you have a chance to grab clean clothes?” I glance at where her outfit from last night was piled high on the chair and say, “I see your sweater and jeans are gone too.”
“That’s right,” she replies with a smug smile as she combs her fingers through her long, damp hair. “I ran to my bedroom before you woke up and brought back some stuff.”
“Ahh, got it.”
Sitting down on the edge of the bed, she places her hand on my comforter-covered thigh. “I’m going to go downstairs and make us a big, delicious breakfast. I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.”
I snort. “Hell, I’m fucking starving too.” I then put on my sweetest smile and ask, “Can you make some of those awesome scrambled eggs?”
Laughing, she taps my leg before standing up. “Of course. After you’re done showering, come on down. Everything should be ready by then.”
My stomach rumbles at the prospect of good food, and I reply, “You got it.”
A short while later, I’m pounding down scrambled eggs that taste even better than the last time Sammie made them.
I tell her as much, and, sitting across the table from me, she waves her hand and pshaws. “Aww, you’re just hungry.”
That is true. I’ve also devoured a good portion of bacon, hash browns, and three pieces of toast.
“Come to think of it, I’d better stop,” I say as I set my fork down. “I’m going to gain so much weight before we get back to Atlanta.”
Sammie laughs. “No, you won’t. Besides, I’m sure we can find ways to work off any extra calories.”
She winks at me, and I agree, “Hmmm, I’m certain we will.”
This feels so amazing, sitting together and sharing breakfast as a couple, not just as friends.
Yeah, life is good.
The snow from last night unfortunately turned to rain, and it’s been a downpour that’s continued throughout the day.
Because of the crappy weather, Sammie and I decide to just hang out inside the cabin.
She has some laundry she wants to get done anyway. That’s fine. I need to call Easton back in Atlanta. I saw that he sent me a text early this morning, asking for me to give him a ring when I could.
He must have some kind of news.
Plopping down on the sofa in the living room, I locate him in my contacts and give him a call.
Easton picks up on the first ring. “Hey, Finn.”
“Hey,” I reply. “I saw your text earlier, but this is the first chance I’ve had to get back to you.”
“No worries.” He chuckles knowingly. “How’s Alaska, by the way? How are things going with Sammie?”
“Shit, man.” I pause. “Alaska is fantastic, as always. It’s good to be back. And as for Sammie…” I trail off.
Easton laughs. “You guys hooked up, didn’t you?”
“We did,” I confirm. “But it’s more than that. I love the girl.”
“I knew it!” he exclaims. Then he asks, “What about her? How does she feel?”
“The same way,” I share.
Quietly, he murmurs, “So, she’s okay with being in a relationship now?”
“She is,” I confirm. “We worked everything out, and we’re finally on the same page.”
“Shit, Finn, I am so happy for you.”
“Thanks, man.”
There’s really not much more that needs to be said on the subject, so I ask him, “Is something up back home? I figure if you want to talk, there must be some kind of news.”
He blows out a breath. “Actually, there is. The Thunder management hasn’t approached me or my agent yet about a new contract. It’s looking more and more like I may be testing the free agency waters soon.”
“Damn.”
I’m a mix of emotions on this one. For as much as I don’t want my friend to go to a new team and move away from Atlanta, I understand that it’s just business. Our team didn’t make the playoffs, so it’s inevitable that there will be some changes in the lineup.
Sighing, I say, “Hey, you have to do what’s best for you. But if you do leave, I’m going to miss you, my friend.”
“I know. Same here.” He releases a breath. “It’ll suck in a lot of ways. But nothing’s a done deal yet. I could still sign with the Thunder, so I guess we’ll see. I just wanted to let you know where it stands as of now.”
“I appreciate that,” I tell him.
I really do. I’d hate to hear this kind of news through the grapevine. Or worse yet, read about it in some random post or tweet.
That would suck.
We talk a few more minutes, and then wrap up.
Afterward, I sit and think about how life is full of constant changes—some good, some bad.
In the “bad changes” column, if I lose my teammate, it’ll be sad. But it’s not like we won’t keep in touch.
Now in the “good changes” column, I’m officially with Sammie now, and we’re in love.
Truly, nothing can beat that.