Chapter 22 #2
“Yeah, I almost told you then.” Finn met his gaze, vulnerability written across his features. “But it felt safer, hearing you talk about the books like I was invisible. Like Rhett Wilder was this separate person you admired from a distance.”
“But I wasn’t admiring him from a distance,” Ollie pointed out. “I was standing right next to him.”
They sat in silence for a moment, the weight of honesty settling between them like something fragile and precious. Finally, Ollie leaned forward, his elbows on his knees.
“I think your offer to do the event, to step into the spotlight you’ve been avoiding, means something. I know it’s not easy for you to let people get to know this side of you, but I promise I’ll do everything in my power to make sure you’re accepted for the brilliant man you are.”
“You have no idea how much that means to me,” Finn said, the words barely above a whisper. “I’m tired of hiding. Tired of keeping parts of myself locked away.”
Ollie studied him for a long moment, something shifting in his expression—not forgiveness, not yet, but a softening. A possibility. “Okay. Let’s do it. Rhett Wilder is now the headlining author for the romance showcase.”
Relief flooded through Finn’s chest, so intense it was almost dizzying. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Ollie’s smile was tentative but real. “Not because it fixes everything between us—we still have work to do there. But because it’s right for the store, and because I selfishly want to be part of this huge moment for you.”
“Thank you,” Finn said, meaning it more than he could express.
“Don’t thank me yet,” Ollie said, standing and gathering the papers on his desk.
“We have less than a week to pull this together. Rhett Wilder’s first public appearance is going to be huge, and we need to be ready for it.
To start with, tell Brooklyn she needs to bring her camera down here after school.
We don’t have time to waste before spreading the word on social media, and I have some ideas.
Plus, she can take a Rhett-worthy headshot. ”
Finn felt something shift between them. The awkwardness was still there, the careful politeness of two people navigating new territory. But underneath it was something else—a thread of connection, fragile but real.
They spent the rest of the morning finalizing plans for the event, their conversation growing easier with each passing minute. By the time Brooklyn arrived after school with her camera, they had created a rough schedule that would introduce Rhett Wilder to the world without overwhelming Finn.
“So, you two worked things out?” Brooklyn asked, glancing between them as she set up her equipment near the romance section.
“We’re getting there,” Ollie said, his smile cautious but genuine. “Your dad’s going to be the star of the showcase.”
“About time,” she muttered, adjusting her camera settings. “Dad, lean against that bookshelf. And try to look like someone who writes steamy romance, not like you’re posing for a tax attorney headshot.”
Finn laughed, the sound warming Ollie’s chest. “I have no idea what that means.”
“It means relax,” Brooklyn instructed, circling him with her camera. “Think about Ollie or something.”
Finn’s eyes immediately found Ollie’s, his expression softening in a way that made Ollie’s breath catch. Brooklyn captured the moment with a satisfied click.
“Perfect,” she said. “That’s the one. Now, I’m going to head over to Isabel’s so you don’t have to worry about me tonight. She already asked her dad, and he said it was fine.”
Normally, Finn would have pointed out that he wasn’t a fan of sleepovers on a school night, but he could make an exception this time. It was obvious that Brooklyn was trying to do something nice for them. He’d have to make sure and thank Marcus when he got the chance.
“Text me when you get there,” Finn told her. “And let me know when you get to school in the morning.”
“Do you want me to call you at bedtime too?” she teased. Even her mood seemed lighter now that Finn’s secret was out in the open and he and Ollie were working things out between them. She gave him a quick hug and kissed his cheek. “I’ll be fine. Promise.”
“That may be, but I’m always going to worry.” Finn walked her to the front of the store. “Thanks for helping out. I love knowing that you get to be part of this too.”
“It is pretty cool, isn’t it?” She pushed the door open and glanced over her shoulder. “I’m happy for you. Just make sure you don’t screw things up again.”
“That’s the plan.” He watched her walk down the sidewalk until she turned at the corner, marveling that this was his life now. It felt like everything was returning to full color when they hadn’t been for so long. He hadn’t realized how bland his life had become.
As closing time approached, Ollie and Finn stood in the quiet bookstore, surveying their work.
Finn’s books were displayed prominently, with a placeholder for the promotional photos Brooklyn had taken showing a man who looked confident yet approachable—the perfect blend of Finn O’Riley and Rhett Wilder.
“Are you nervous?” Ollie asked, bumping his shoulder against Finn’s.
“Terrified,” Finn admitted. “But also ready. I couldn’t have done this without you.”
Ollie reached for his hand, threading their fingers together. “You would have gotten there eventually.”
“Maybe. But I wouldn’t have wanted to.” Finn squeezed his hand. “I can’t begin to tell you how much it means having you by my side as I take this leap.”
“I know. And I’m grateful to you for giving me the opportunity, even though I didn’t handle your news in the best way.” The words hung between them, heavy with meaning. Ollie turned to face him fully. “Come home with me tonight.”
Finn’s eyes widened slightly. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” Ollie said, stepping closer. “I don’t want to spend another night apart. Not when we’ve wasted so much time already. If you’d rather go to your place, so be it. I don’t care where we sleep as long as we’re together.”
Finn’s heart beat a steady rhythm of anticipation as they headed toward the back staircase that led to Ollie’s apartment. The narrow steps creaked beneath their feet. Finn’s hand found the small of Ollie’s back as they climbed, a gentle touch that spoke of protection, of belonging.
The stairwell was dimly lit, casting shadows that softened the edges of their silhouettes.
Finn watched Ollie move ahead of him, the curve of his shoulders, the way his curls brushed against his neck—all details he’d memorized but somehow felt new tonight.
Different. As if they were crossing a threshold that went beyond the physical door at the top of the stairs.
“I’ve missed this,” Finn said softly as Ollie fumbled with his keys. “Being with you. Just existing in the same space.”
Ollie glanced over his shoulder, a smile playing at his lips. “It’s only been a day.”
“Longest day of my life,” Finn admitted, the confession easier now that the worst was behind them.
“And you say that as if I haven’t been making stupid excuses to push you away, even if that wasn’t my intention.
I just…the guilt of not talking to you was eating me alive, and I got into my head, concocting all sorts of worst-case scenarios. I’m sorry.”
“Maybe from now on you can leave the dramatics on the page?” Ollie suggested. “And honestly, both of us have things to work on. That’s part of being in a relationship. No, you shouldn’t have pushed me away, but I could have handled you finally telling me better.”
“The important thing is that we got through it, right?”
“Absolutely.” The lock clicked, and Ollie pushed the door open, stepping aside to let Finn enter first. The apartment was exactly what Finn would expect for Ollie: books stacked on every surface, the faint scent of coffee lingering in the air, a soft-looking throw blanket draped over the couch.
The fact that this was the first time Finn was seeing Ollie’s home was a testament to the fact that so far, Ollie had been the one making concessions, slotting himself into Finn’s life. He made a silent vow to do better moving forward, to make sure Ollie knew this was a partnership.
“I could make us something to eat,” Ollie offered, moving toward the small kitchen. “I don’t have much, but I can do pasta or sandwiches.”
Finn caught his wrist gently, pulling him back. “I’m not hungry.” His voice dropped lower as he drew Ollie closer. “At least, not for food.”
Ollie’s eyes darkened, his lips parting slightly. “Oh.”
“Is that okay?” Finn asked, suddenly uncertain. “We don’t have to—”
Ollie silenced him with a kiss, slow and deliberate, his hands coming up to frame Finn’s face. “More than okay,” he murmured against Finn’s lips. “I’ve missed you.”
The admission sent warmth cascading through Finn’s chest. He deepened the kiss, walking Ollie backward until they bumped against the bedroom doorframe. Ollie laughed softly, breaking away just long enough to lead Finn toward the bed.
“I want to show you how much you mean to me,” Finn said, his fingers already working at the buttons of Ollie’s shirt. “How much I need you.”
Ollie’s expression softened. “I want that too.”
As Finn lowered Ollie onto the bed, he felt something shift between them—a new understanding, a deeper connection. This wasn’t just about physical release. It was about coming together as their complete, honest selves for the first time.
They didn’t rush. There was a sweetness in the slowness, in the way Finn’s hands roamed over Ollie’s clothes—palms flat against his chest, fingertips tracing the slope of his body, as if reacquainting himself with every inch.
Ollie’s own hands fumbled with Finn’s shirt buttons, laughter bubbling up when Finn got stuck halfway out of his sleeve.
“Sexy, right?” Finn muttered, untangling himself, cheeks flushed.
“Extremely,” Ollie teased, but his eyes were soft, adoring. “Here, let me.” He pushed Finn’s shirt off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor, and leaned in, kissing the spot just beneath Finn’s collarbone, where his pulse beat steady and strong.
Finn’s breath caught, and he closed his eyes, letting himself feel it—Ollie’s mouth, the soft scrape of stubble, the careful way Ollie’s hands slid down his arms, peeling away the layers that separated them.
“Let me take care of you tonight,” Finn said, voice low and rough. He turned them gently, walking Ollie backward until his knees hit the bed.
Ollie sank down, looking up at Finn with open, hungry eyes. “We take care of each other.”
Finn’s hands were reverent as he undressed Ollie—tugging his shirt up, pressing kisses to each newly revealed inch of skin, easing his jeans and boxers down with slow, careful hands. Ollie shivered, not from cold but from the intensity of being seen, wanted, cherished.
He reached for Finn, pulling him down, their bodies aligning, skin to skin. Finn’s weight was grounding, a comfort and a promise.
They kissed, mouths open and searching, tongues tangling as their hands mapped familiar territory. Ollie’s fingers threaded through Finn’s hair, tugging gently, and Finn groaned, grinding their hips together.
“Is this okay?” Finn whispered, his hand sliding between them, cupping Ollie’s cock, stroking him with slow, deliberate movements.
“God, yes,” Ollie gasped, his hips canting up into Finn’s touch. “More, please. Don’t stop.”
Finn’s mouth found Ollie’s neck, sucking a mark just below his ear, his breath hot and ragged. “You’re it for me, Ollie. Even when I’m scared. Especially then.”
Ollie’s eyes fluttered open, meeting Finn’s gaze. “I’m not going anywhere. Not after this. Not ever.”
Finn kissed him again, softer this time, then slid lower, trailing his mouth down Ollie’s chest, pausing to worship every freckle, every scar.
He took Ollie’s nipple between his lips, sucking gently, his hand never leaving Ollie’s cock.
Ollie’s hands scrabbled at the sheets, pleasure sparking through him with every touch.
“Finn, please,” Ollie begged, his voice rough with need. “I need you. Want you inside me.”
Finn’s eyes darkened, and he pressed a lingering kiss to Ollie’s stomach before reaching for the lube on the nightstand. “Let me know if you want to stop,” he murmured, slicking his fingers, his touch gentle, careful.
“I won’t,” Ollie promised, spreading his legs, opening himself up completely.
Finn slid one finger inside, slow and steady, watching Ollie’s face for any signs of discomfort. Ollie’s breath hitched, but he nodded, urging Finn on. “Feels good. More.”
Finn added a second finger, scissoring gently, stretching Ollie open. He leaned in, kissing Ollie’s knee, his voice a low murmur. “You’re so beautiful. Every part of you.”
Ollie laughed, breathless. “You’re such a sap.”
Finn grinned, pressing a kiss to Ollie’s thigh. “Only for you.”
When Ollie was ready, Finn rolled on a condom, slicked himself up, and pressed the head of his cock to Ollie’s entrance. “You sure?”
“God, yes. Please, Finn.”
Finn pushed in slowly, inch by inch, giving Ollie time to adjust. Ollie’s hands clutched at Finn’s shoulders, grounding himself in the heat and fullness, the way Finn’s eyes never left his.
They moved together, finding a rhythm that was more about connection than urgency—Finn thrusting slowly, deeply, his hands cradling Ollie’s face, his mouth finding Ollie’s with kisses that were equal parts apology and promise.
Ollie wrapped his legs around Finn’s waist, pulling him closer, deeper. “Harder,” he gasped, and Finn obliged, his thrusts growing more desperate, their bodies slick with sweat and want.
“Come with me,” Finn whispered, reaching between them to stroke Ollie’s cock in time with his thrusts. “I want to feel you.”
Ollie’s orgasm hit hard, his whole body tensing, pleasure crashing through him as he cried out Finn’s name. The sight, the sound, the feel of Ollie clenching around him pushed Finn over the edge, and he spilled into Ollie with a ragged groan, collapsing onto his chest, boneless and spent.
They stayed tangled together, catching their breath, the only sounds the slowing beats of their hearts and the soft, contented sighs that filled the room.
Finn pressed a kiss to Ollie’s temple, brushing sweaty curls from his forehead. “We’re going to be okay, aren’t we?”
Ollie smiled, tracing lazy patterns on Finn’s back. “Yeah. We’re more than okay. We’re real.”
They drifted off to sleep wrapped around each other, the last words between them a quiet promise—love wasn’t about never fighting, never hurting. It was about coming back, choosing each other, again and again, no matter what.