He shrugged. ‘Yeah. I mean, she was doing a favour for a friend, but…’
‘Oh? What favour?’
‘Her friend at Edinburgh Nights rag who reviews bands has broken his leg and so she came instead. How bloody awesome is that?’
I poked his arm playfully. ‘Oh yeah? Should I be worried?’
He pulled me close and kissed me tenderly. ‘A while ago, I would have said yes.’ The wink that followed wasn’t reassuring. ‘But now I only have eyes for my pink-haired American lass.’ Okay, so he redeemed himself. ‘And anyway, she was wearing a huge engagement ring so some lucky bugger has snapped her up.’
The hurt that squeezed my insides must have showed all over my face as he ducked so his eyes were level with mine. ‘Hey. I’m only messing, Star. You’re all I think about now. You’re the one I want. And I mean that in every sense.’ His voice was husky, and I shivered as he lowered his mouth so it was almost touching mine. I suddenly forgot why I was annoyed as his hot breath teased my lips and the noise in the room no longer registered in my brain. My heart pounded as if trying to make its way towards his, and I closed my eyes, relishing the sensation of the anticipation of his kiss. At last, he brushed his lips over mine, and I sighed.
‘Hey, you okay?’ he whispered.
I nodded. ‘I think your spell worked.’
He smiled as I hinted at the ‘Strange and Beautiful’ song lyrics. But I was already head over heels.
No spell needed.
He stroked his thumb over my cheek. ‘That’s good to hear.’ I adored the way he rolled his ‘r’ and I closed my eyes to revel in his tender caress. I opened my eyes to find his vivid blues locked on me. ‘Hey, I want you to meet my brother and his wife.’ He turned quickly and pointed to the couple I had seen him with earlier. ‘Cal, Tori, I’d like to introduce you to Star.’
‘Tori immediately pulled me into a hug. ‘It’s so lovely to meet you. Fin talks about you all the time,’ she told me enthusiastically.
‘Yes he talks about you guys lots too. And baby Charlotte.’
‘Tori’s folks have the pleasure of our little bundle of joy this evening. I’m Callum. But call me Cal.’ He held out his hand and I shook it.
‘Great to meet you. So, what did you think of your brother’s performance tonight?’ I asked and eagerly awaited his response.
He grinned. ‘Bloody amazing. A regular Jon Bon Jovi. Hetty would be so proud.’
I turned to Fin. ‘Did you invite her?’
He nodded. ‘I did. But she couldn’t make it. She was so gutted.’
‘I got lots of photos so I’ll email them to her,’ Tori told him. ‘Although they won’t be professional shots like yours,’ she added with a flush to her cheeks.
‘Do you guys want to come back and have coffee?’ Fin asked.
Callum cringed. ‘I’m so sorry, Fin but we have to get back to pick Charlotte up. Tori isn’t ready for her to go for sleepovers yet.’ He kissed his wife’s head.
‘It took all my willpower to leave her with my mum and dad,’ Tori admitted.
‘Understandable. Let’s meet up again soon though huh?’ I said with a bright smile.
‘Deal. Now you make sure my brother can squeeze his head through the door after all the ego polishing. Goodnight.’ Callum hugged me and Tori followed suit, then they both hugged Fin and left.
Fin bent to whisper in my ear, ‘I’m kind of glad they didn’t come back for coffee. I want to take you home right now.’
My insides clenched at his unspoken intentions, but I frowned. ‘B-but the other guys’ girlfriends came over and mentioned a party they’re having over at Nate’s house. Don’t you want to go?’
He shook his head slowly. ‘I just need to get you alone.’
I pulled my bottom lip in between my teeth, trying not to grin like a complete idiot. ‘Okay. I think it can be arranged.’
He crushed his mouth to mine and slipped one hand into my hair while the other snaked around my waist. I knew people could see our passionate exchange, but I didn’t care.
It was just Fin and I that mattered.
