‘Hey, don’t cry, Star. You’ve got nothing to worry about.’
‘I’m sorry. No it’s not that. I just… I wish they were different. I wish they were more like my mom and dad.’
‘Me too.’ He kissed the top of my head as tears escaped my eyes and dampened my cheeks chilling them.
A group of revellers across the street stopped and one of the men stepped forward. ‘Hey, love! Is that guy bothering you?’ His broad Scottish accent slurred as he called over to me.
I forced a smile. ‘No. Everything’s fine. Thank you though,’ I called back with a shrug and a huge fake grin plastered on my face.
The guy didn’t look convinced. ‘Aye... all right then. You take care, eh?’ My would-be saviour waved as he began to walk on with his group of friends. He periodically glanced over his shoulder at us until he turned the corner onto Queen Street.
‘I think maybe we should get home, eh?’ Fin said with a sad smile. I feel like I’ve ruined the night with my family problems. I would understand if you just wanted me to walk you home, you know.’
I stared up at him and reached up to cup his cheek. ‘You can’t get rid of me that easily. And you didn’t ruin things. We’re not going to let him do that to us. Not tonight.’
He closed his eyes and let his head roll back. He rubbed his hands over his face and huffed a long sigh from his lungs before he lowered his gaze to meet mine once more. ‘God, I’m so bloody lucky we found each other.’
My eyes began to well up again. ‘Me too.’
He rested his forehead on mine. ‘I can’t believe I smashed my bloody phone. I really don’t mean to let him get to me. But...’ He closed his eyes. ‘It hurts, Star. It hurts so much that he treats me like he does. All I wanted was a dad. Nothing more.’
My heart broke for the little boy inside of Fin who only wanted his father’s approval. ‘I know, Fin. I know.’
* * *
Once we were inside my apartment, I closed and locked the door behind us. Alec had gone back to Gil’s house after the gig and wouldn’t be home until morning.
‘What do you want to drink?’ I asked Fin as I peered at him over my shoulder. He was standing in the doorway with his hands in his pockets, looking sheepish.
He cleared his throat. ‘To be honest, I’m not really bothered for a drink. I’d... I’d rather go to bed.’
My pulse spiked, and I placed my keys down on the coffee table. ‘Oh?’
He tentatively stepped towards me. ‘Yeah. I’ve been thinking about being alone with you all night. But then I almost ruined everything.’
I tilted my head to the side. ‘Well, it’s a good thing I forgive you, huh?’
His brow furrowed and he fell silent for a few moments as he just stared at me, orintome, I wasn’t sure which.
‘What the hellisthis, Star?’
I shook my head, wondering what he was getting at. ‘What do you mean?’
He stepped towards me again, and in three further paces, he was standing only inches from me. His vivid blue eyes remained steadfast, locked on mine. ‘This. Between us. There’s a pull. I’ve never experienced it before, and I don’t know whether it’s normal to feel so...drawnto someone. Sorightwith someone you’ve known for a very short time.’
I slipped my hands up the length of his arms, and his came round my waist. I shrugged at his question. ‘Honestly? I have no idea. This is all new to me too. And I have no clue what normal even is. Does the concept even exist? All I do know is that if we’re both feeling it then it must be real, and that counts for something, right?’
With no further words, he took my mouth with his in a deep, toe-curling kiss, searing my soul and stealing the air from my lungs. Before I knew it, we were naked in bed, taking pleasure and giving it back in equal measure. Devouring each other. Feasting on each other. Silently expressing what I guessed we were both feeling, but maybe both thought it was too soon to say.
All thoughts of cruel fathers, TV presenters, bad intentions, and anger flew out through the window along with the sound of our muttered words and heavy breaths.
37
Fin
I awoke with a pounding head to find Star fast asleep in my arms. Despite my headache, I smiled as I watched her chest rise and fall with each silent breath. I would have loved to stay there with her forever. Just holding her, feeling her next to me, and taking in her beauty. Her warmth seeped into my own skin and settled somewhere round my heart. At that moment, I felt sorry for those who didn’t believe in love at first sight, or falling fast for someone. I’d experienced it, and I say, don’t knock it ‘til you know the feeling.
The events of the night before both haunted and thrilled me. The words of disapproval from my father almost spoiled everything for me yet again. But I would be damned if I’d let him win this time. I allowed thoughts of him to dissipate and instead focused on the good memories—most of them involving Star. It was like our souls were already connected and we had been destined to meet, only it had to be the right time.
