Finn Part 10

It had been a busy morning for Finn. She’d meticulously cleaned her house, and prepared for her visitors. Her bed had fresh bedding for her father, and two other sets of bedding sat on top of that. Jaime could have the couch, and Finn would crash on the airbed a neighbour had kindly lent her.

At about three her nerves were getting the better of her. How on earth did she let her father talk her into inviting Jaime? That he hadn’t had to twist her arm there, she gladly ignored. That man, in her house, all night. She very hard tried to see him as one of the guys, like at work. It wouldn’t do though.

She expected it, but the ringing of the intercom still startled her.

“We’re here.” Her father cheerfully said.

“Come on up.” Fin said and pushed the buzzer to let them in.

She greeted her father with a hug and Jaime, behind him, lined up to do the same. “Great that you’re here.” She said. Jaime’s arms spread a nice warmth through her body.

“Glad to be here. Thanks for the invite.” He let go of her. Hung on to her hand for a moment longer though. “You look lovely today.”

He looked her up and down. She wore a long black dress with a bright red poppy design. It brightened the red of her hair. Over is she wore a warm woollen shawl. It was bound to get chilly.

“You can put your bags on the bed for now, if you want.” She pointed towards it.

Jaime’s put his on the table first and opened the zipper. To Finn’s surprise, he handed her a little gift. “What’s this then?” She asked him. He smiled. “I was raised to bring a gift to my hostess when invited to a party. Especially when inconveniencing them by sleeping over.”

“It’s not an inconvenience. You’re welcome.” The neatly wrapped box contained an array of coffee specialities for her machine. It made her smile.

“I couldn’t escape the impression that this family takes their coffees very seriously.”

“You’re not wrong.” Finn stepped towards him. He opened his arms to catch her. That was a bonus he thought when she hugged him again. “Very thoughtful, thank you. Your mother raised you right.”

“I’ll make sure to tell her next time I visit.”

Finn retreated to the kitchen to make coffee and cut the cake she’d baked the day before. Given a few days off, she loved baking and cooking a bit more elaborately. She made sure to keep it light though. There would be plenty of food later that evening when her neighbours would arrive, but that wouldn’t be until after nine.

“Dad, I made the bed for you. Jaime, you get the couch, sorry about that.”

“No problem. But where will you be?”

“Oh, a neighbour has kindly lent me their airbed. I’ll be fine.”

She could see it click in his head. “I can’t let you sleep on an airbed, Finn. It’s not…”

“Don’t worry. It’s fine. When working I sleep in worse conditions sometimes.” He opened his mouth to speak. She wouldn’t stand for it. “It’s fine.” She finished the conversation. He could see she meant it and decided that was not the moment to discuss this.

Finn was the perfect hostess, Jaime found. Of course, she’d had Brent and his mother as her drill sergeants.

Even Alex wondered who this woman was. She was so different from the woman, or maybe even girl, she’d been before she’d met that cheating bastard. That evening she was happy to chat and to smile.

There was a light dinner. Alex had a wee little nap on the bed afterwards, while Jaime and Finn had coffee and watched a movie together. Alex was infinitely sorry the apartment didn’t have a separate bedroom. There was no way to give them some alone time. He heard them softly speak, trying not to disturb him. Smiling he lay back. This was going well. Finn surely was showing her best side that evening.

Finn was very comfortable on the couch beside Jaime. There was a movie on, with the sound turned low. “How was your Christmas?” She asked him. Gladly he told her about his parents, and his brother and his family. “I love my nieces and nephew. They’re cute.” He had a glow about him when he spoke about them.

“They’re thinking of coming over for a weekend or something. That would be nice.”

“Can your house harbour so many guests?”

He shrugged. “Maybe if the weather is good enough, the kids can sleep in a tent in the yard. They love camping out. We’ll make it work, I’m sure. How was your Christmas?”

She shrugged. “Fine, I guess. It’s a bit awkward being about half the age of the second youngest there. But it was good. Nice to see my father has good friends. I hate the idea of him living alone in that big house.”

“And he’s dead set on not moving out.”

“He is. Maybe I should find him a young family to move in with him.”

“I’m sure he still…”

“I know what he hopes for. I don’t understand why he’s not given up on it yet.”

Jaime felt guilty when he saw the stern look on her face. She shouldn’t feel the need to defend herself. It was her house, her party. And he hated to see her unhappy.

“I’m sorry.”

“Don’t be. It’s fine.” 

“You’re always saying that.” He reached out and stroked a lock of hair from her face. It was getting long. “Why?”

“It’s easier than explaining why it’s not fine. You’re not supposed to contradict the word ‘fine’.”

“I know I’m not. But I can’t help it. I see it’s not always fine.”

She averted her gaze, and her eyes ran over the clock on the wall. “Oh, crap. I better wake up my father. The first guests will be arriving soon.” They still had some time, but it was as good an escape as any.

Alex had drifted off farther than he’d planned. Startled he opened his eyes when Finn gently touched his shoulder. “I’ve made you a cup of coffee.” She had put it on the nightstand. “Guests will be arriving soon.”

“Oh, that’s kind of you. I’ll be right out.” In some respects Alex and his daughter were alike. They needed time to wake up.

From the bedroom, Finn walked straight into the kitchen to get things ready. She opened one of the cupboards to get her champagne glasses from the top shelf. Incredibly quick Jaime was next to her. “Here, let me.” His hand was on her back. From his spot on the couch, he’d seen her stretch out and was scared whatever she was trying to reach would land on her head. His sudden movement had startled her. She stepped back, bumping into him. With his hands on her hips, he caught her. “Careful there.” He said in her ear. He was so incredibly close.

From the corner of her eye, Finn saw her father sat up. She immediately took two steps away from Jaime. He stepped forward, and as if nothing happened he took the glasses from the top shelf and handed them to Finn who rinsed them. She didn’t use them all that often.

“Anything else?” Jaime asked when he’d given them all.

“No, thanks. Just getting a few things ready.”

“I can help out, you know. Sitting on my behind, doing nothing, and staring at someone at work is not my thing.” Although he had to admit, she was so relaxed and beautiful, that he wouldn’t mind staring at her the entire evening. It was a severe whiplash to see her here and at her father’s house. Two such different women almost. Although she’d seen calmer last time he’d seen her at Alex’. Maybe being part of the work they were doing on that blasted house made it easier for her to tackle that energy. Even he was starting to dislike the house now. He wasn’t sure why. Was it because she was so uncomfortable there, or that he wondered what secrets it harboured?

Alex joined them. That was the moment Finn kicked them out of her kitchen. “Find a good thing on TV, if you want.”

Before long the guest did start to arrive. Most knew Alex already. Finn introduced Jaime to them as a friend of the family. She saw some of the guests look at her to see if that was all there was to it. Finn didn’t give them any reason at all to doubt it. Jaime was the perfect guest. He seemed to feel right at home between her friends. And everyone made sure Alex felt equally welcome.

One of Finn’s female friends joined her in the kitchen.

“Hey, Finn. Are you sure he’s a friend of the family?” The lady in question was a notorious single. Finn had seen her look at Jaime. What was she to say? I don’t want him, but you can’t have him either? And why couldn’t she? Not as if Finn herself was going to start anything with him.

“Yeah, sure. Why?”

“Are you even a woman? Can you not see how hot he is? That hair, dreamy. Those biceps, they can properly hold a girl.”

Finn had to giggle at that. She remembered him carrying her when she’d had that concussion. They sure could.

“Belly could be trained down a bit, though.” Funny, that was one of the things that Finn liked about him. That soft layer on his stomach. She clearly remembered how it had felt that night at the house when he’d held her because she was too scared even to breathe.

“So, what?” Finn still played it dumb.

“If you don’t want him, can I have him?” Good question. Hell no, Finn thought. But she couldn’t very well say that out loud without giving away what her mind thought. What her body told her. That he indeed was the hottest guy she’d seen in ages, if ever.

“Do you need my blessing?” She countered the question. She wasn’t up to the honesty that was expected of her. She heard Erica gasp. “Never mind.” She said.

“What?”

“I saw how he looks at you. Even if I’d dance for him in my prettiest lingerie, he wouldn’t give me a second glance.”

Finn looked at Jaime, who quickly averted his face. “You see ghosts.” Finn merely said.

“I probably am. Shame though. He looks like he knows how to handle his tools, our carpenter.” There was nothing subtle about her words. Finn tried to hide a blush. To end the conversation, she took the dish she had been working on and put it on the breakfast bar that was used as a buffet.

When Jaime walked into the kitchen to Finn, Erica left. “What was that?” He asked. He walked up to the fridge. “She wondered if she could have you if I didn’t want you.” It was more honesty than she’d wanted. He took a bottle of white wine from the fridge. “What did you answer?” He should have let her off easy. But the mood was light and playful.

“I asked her why we should make you choose when you can have both of us,” Finn said with a cool air, and before he could respond, she made that she was well away from him. He chuckled, stared at her form moving through the room and then remembered what he was doing there. She’d told them to be right at home, and he’d seen the stock on white wine on the table was running low.

By all means, it was a small party. Fifteen when everyone was in. A few left after one drink. They’d popped in to say hi and had other plans for the rest of the night. With Brent, she’d been to New Year’s Eve parties that had much more guests than that. But Finn liked current company much more. She felt at home and herself with these people. She was one of the oldest of the block.

That evening she was eager to laugh and chat. Alex loved seeing his daughter like this. And Jaime was equally open and calm. It wasn’t meant to be that way, but somehow everyone saw him as their host. So when midnight came closer, he helped Finn pour out the champagne. That’s how he was next to her when the bells on TV sounded.

He put his hand on her back until she turned towards him. “Happy New Year.” He wished her. She nodded and smiled like crazy. “Happy New Year to you as well. May it make all your dreams come true.” He chuckled. “If only. I won’t wish you the same, as I know your dreams.” He put his hand on her other hip and had meant to kiss her cheek. She turned her face towards him, however, and his lips landed on hers instead. He’d not meant to. But he kissed her as he had wanted to from the moment he’d come in that afternoon. She answered him ever so sweetly. It was a party. They’d had a few drinks. She would get away with it, she gathered. Her mouth opened and she tasted him. Her brain was silent for several wonderful seconds. Until her hands clasped to his sides and he let go of her. “Oh, wow.” Finn panted.

Jaime merely smiled. Since he could face the room, he saw Alex stare at them. He gave the man a moment to turn away and Finn a few seconds to recover. “Indeed.” He stroked her cheek. “The champagne.”

Finn’s brain kicked in again. “Oh, right. Of course.” She took the tray and made sure everyone had a glass, all the while hugging them and wishing them a Happy New Year.

Alex congratulated himself. Happy New Year indeed. Maybe he should take a taxi home and let nature run its course.

“Look at the fireworks,” Finn yelled to distract everyone. And mostly herself. What the hell had she done?

Jaime was close to her when they watched the fireworks together. Some of the guests went up to the balcony to get a better view. Finn preferred watching from behind the glass. Jaime stood next to her, wrapped his arm around her to prevent her from getting cold now the door was open. It looked very special, the bright sparks over the snow covered the city. She had a beautiful home here.

After a while, Finn turned out his arm to see if all her guests were still provided for. She saw her father had dozed off on the couch. She squatted in front of him. “Dad, you can go to bed, you know.”

He looked up at her and decided that might be a very good plan. When Finn checked in on him a while later, he was already vast asleep, despite the noise of the people in the flat and the bangs from outside.

Finn made sure that the duvet covered him generously and then, with a loving smile returned to her company. Jaime saw the smile on her face and drank it in. How could any man not appreciate a woman like that? Alex had told him all about Brent, Finn’s one true love. The man that had spent four years grooming her, kneading her into being the woman he wanted her to be. Asshat.

Finn looked up at Jaime and couldn’t quite see what he was thinking. A bit uncomfortable she smiled at him. He gave her a little nod to acknowledge her.

The party lasted until the wee hours of the morning. This lot didn’t get out much, and New Year’s Eve was the perfect occasion to let their hair down. There was music and dancing until everyone was all partied out. The last of the guests left just after 4 am. Finn was exhausted but elated. The silence fell over them like a blanket. Jaime breathed it in. Then hurried to assist Finn in her endeavour to tidy up. “You don’t have to.” She tried to stop him, but it wouldn’t do. It was probably a sign of how adult they both were that they weren’t drunk. After the champagne, Finn hadn’t had any more alcohol. Jaime one more beer.

“I know.”

“You can make your bed instead. And maybe inflate the airbed.”

“I don’t think I have the air for that.” He countered.

It made Finn giggle. “It’s electric.”

As she loaded her dishwasher, the shawl she wore, slipped away. Jaime caught it and made sure it was wrapped around her. “You may get cold. And if you get cold now…” The doors to the balcony were closed. It did seem a lot cooler though, with everyone gone.

“Thanks.” Shyly she smiled again. She couldn’t stop smiling that night.

“You’re very orderly, aren’t you?” He handed her all kinds of things, as he naturally seemed to assess what she was doing. She put the leftover food in containers and stacked them in the fridge. Put the empty bottles in a crate to take care of later.

“This one still has two glasses in it. How about we make the beds, get in our pyjamas and finish it.” It was the last bottle to be corked and put away. Jaime held it up to her. It was her favourite red. She’d not bothered with etiquette for the drinks and stuck to what she liked herself. She’d got quite a taste for good wines over the years.

“Now there’s a plan if ever I saw one.” The kitchen was as good as tidied up. Jaime made his bed on the couch after Finn had converted it to a bed for him. He looked at it for a full second. It was big enough for two.

“You know, airbeds are cold this time of year.”

“Jaime, don’t!” Finn had taken it from the pouch and unfolded it in the far corner, as much out of his way as she could get it. He’d wanted to help her, but had to respect she was a fully trained engineer. She could handle an airbed. And he would not make himself very popular by making her feel like a helpless woman. Finn did not do the damsel in distress thing.

Sitting on the couch next to him in a room full of people, or even in proper clothes was one thing. When it was converted and made into a bed, was another. Jaime wore grey joggers and a worn down t-shirt. Finn the most adorable pink pyjamas that majorly clashed with her hair. Okay, maybe she should have given the matter another thought. Jaime didn’t seem to mind though. He grinned widely when she emerged from the bathroom. “Very becoming.” He complimented. He could see she still had her bra on though. She was pretty well endowed and could imagine how she would feel about it all bouncing around with him looking at her.

“To you, you know how to throw a great party.”

“Thank you.” Finn raised her glass to his. “And thanks for your help.”

“Anytime.”

They were quiet. It wasn’t uncomfortable at all. They slowly tasted the wine, both wondering how to go from here. Finn finished her glass first. “I better go to bed. My dad will be awake quite early.”

“Sure. Last chance.” He pointed at the bed they sat on. It would be so easy, to wrap his arm around her and not allow her to go. But it had to be her decision.

He got up with her though, didn’t want to let her go without at least a hug.

“See you in the morning.” She said, kind of formally.

He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She felt cold in his arms. “Get under those blankets.” He kissed her cheek and gave her a little push towards her bed. She waited until he was settled in to turn off the lights. He’d told her not to bother to close the curtains on his accounts. She never did. The Glasgow night sky gave her enough light to get to the airbed and get in. In the distance, she saw a few more flares explode. She curled up under the blanket and tried to shut down her body, which was easier said than done. Jaime had not been wrong. The airbed was cold. And so was she. The blanket did not seem enough to warm her up, no matter how she rolled it around herself.

Jaime had drifted off but woke up soon after. He looked in the direction Finn was asleep in and saw her turn over. When she lay still, he could see the tremble.

He threw off the duvet and walked over to her.

“Come over. This is going to be the death of you.” He said softly, not to disturb her father, who was audibly snoring around the corner.

“I’m not getting up from underneath this blanket.” He could hear the strain that indicated she forcibly kept her teeth from clattering. “I usually don’t go against anyone’s wishes, but this is ridiculous, Finn.” He bent over and scooped underneath the blanket to get a firm grip on her. “Jaime, don’t be silly.” The rolled up blanket prevented her from either helping him out or freeing herself. She knew she wasn’t in any real danger, but this was highly unusual. As if she weighed nothing, he lifted her from the airbed and carried her over to the couch. There he gently lowered her. “I’d gladly let you keep the blanket, but my duvet is warm, and you’ll be comfortable quicker.” He said as he attempted to free her from the fabric. “How the hell did you do this?” It turned out to be quite a job in itself. Despite her predicament, Finn had to laugh.

He’d finally managed to free her, then covered her with his duvet and draped the blanket over that. Then he crawled under it with her. “It’s too cold for sleeping rough. I’m very sorry.” He apologised. Even now he could feel how cold she was. He slightly moved, without words offering her his body to warm herself. She didn’t need to think twice and crawled closer to him. Chuckling he kissed her icy nose and then turned her with her back to his chest. His arms warmly around her.

“That’s good.” She mumbled. Within minutes she felt the cold leave her body. Hearing him softly snoring in her ear, exhausted from the long and busy day, she finally fell asleep.

Because her bed seemed to move, Finn woke up. Slowly her surroundings got through to her. She heard her father chuckle. She felt two warm arms around her, and once she realised how her father had found her, her eyes flew open.

“Good morning, milady,” Jaime said hoarsely to her. She was rather reluctant to give up her comfortable position, but there was no way she could stay where she was. She turned over and saw her father sit in one of the chairs, fully dressed, holding a cup of coffee. “Dad.” Finn ran her hand through her hair in the hope of clearing her mind. Nothing had happened.

“Before you throw off that duvet, would you please make sure you’re decent?” He suggested.

Jaime chuckled and pulled his arms away from Finn, who sighed at a loss. Jaime sat up first. He had been asleep at the side Finn’s father sat at. Finn sat up on the other side of the makeshift bed. Both fully dressed in their comfies. Thank heavens for that. She’d fallen asleep in Jaime’s arms, and there hadn’t been any dreams, any restlessness.

“I’m almost sorry I’m here,” Alex said.

Doing her best not to blush, Finn got up and walked to the kitchen to start the coffee machine. She wasn’t willing to explain anything.

“Nothing happened, old man,” Jaime said, defending her honour. “Finn was cold on the air bed. I could hear her teeth clatter from here. So I did the gentleman thing and made sure the lady was warm and comfortable.”

“I see.” Alex merely answered. He didn’t elaborate on it.

Both Jaime and Finn knew trying to explain would only make things worse. They’d done nothing indecent. And even if they had, Finn was 36, Jaime 42. There was nothing wrong if they would have.

First Finn retreated to the bathroom and after her Jaime.

Finn quickly got dressed and made sure the coffee was ready, and the bed was re-converted into a couch when Jaime came back. He’d showered. His hair seemed even longer now it hung from his head in long strands. Finn would love to know how it would feel if she ran her fingers through it. She really should stop thinking about these things.

Alex had gotten up from his chair and started breakfast. He’d tried to get Finn talking during the time Jaime was in the shower. She kept to the story Jaime had told. She’d been cold. He’d been a gentleman.

“You could have slept in bed with me, you know.” He said to his daughter. “It’s a Queen. We wouldn’t ever run into each other.” The thought had not even crossed her mind. “Didn’t want to disturb you.” She lied.

“I’m sure you didn’t.”

Jaime joined Alex in the kitchen, forbidding Finn even to come close. Instead, she cleared up the bedding, started the washer and when they still weren’t done by then, sat down, sipping her cappuccino. Alex was manning the eggs. Jaime was cutting up some fruit and making a smoothie of them. While he waited, he drank his strong espresso and stared at Finn, who sat curled up on the couch comfortably. She didn’t put on a show that day. Just being herself, as she was at home. No dress up, no make up. He doubted if she’d even taken the trouble of combing her hair. With her hair, it was hard to tell. He couldn’t help but smile. Alex didn’t point it out to him, instead threw some finely chopped vegetables in the omelette and poured the liquid in the pan.

“Mistress, your breakfast is ready.”

Jaime had laid the table and invited her to join.

“A girl could get used to this.” She said happily as she jumped up from the couch, happy to finally be allowed to do something.

“A woman.” Jaime corrected her. “Lady.”

“Hmmm, I’m barely the Lady of the Mansion.” She contradicted. He didn’t answer. She was. Both Jaime and Alex thought it.

After the elaborate breakfast, and Finn clearing the table with Jaime, the gentlemen left. There were more hugs. Finn felt Jaime wanted to ask her something, but didn’t want to do that with her father present. It was for the best. She’d had such a fun day, night and morning, having to disappoint him now would be very hard. She wasn’t up to it.

“I’ll see you both soon.” She promised.

Jaime drove Alex home. The older man did try to find out if there hadn’t been anything else than Finn being cold.

“Alex, you have a wonderful daughter, but apart from a drunk kiss, she’s not shown any interest in me. We’re working on your house together. I think it’s best if you keep that in mind.” Jaime finally said. Not that he didn’t cherish the thought that there might at some point be more between him and Finn, his body had protested wildly at his strictness not to do more than hold her that night, he was not going to tell Alex that and possibly break the old man’s heart. Alex had to take Jaime’s word for it. “Okay, but if, at any point, the two of you would decide to… ehm start anything, know I’m fine with it. Nothing would make me happier than seeing Finn and you happy.”

“Don’t get your hopes up,” Jaime warned him. Finn was a very strong woman. He doubted if Alex knew half how strong she was. Jaime’s first impression of Finn might not be that favourable, by now he’d gotten quite a good grasp of the person she was. She wasn’t a scaredy cat. To fall apart the way she had that night, there had to have been something rattling her chains. More and more the quest of renovating the house was becoming a quest for making Finn a complete person again. Because he knew it wasn’t just the house. There were things she didn’t understand about the house, but even more about herself. And as soon as she could get closure on those, she could finally start living for herself. This was weighing her down, stopping her from truly feeling, truly getting attached to anything or anyone. And most of all loving herself.

Finn felt very accomplished when they’d left. She’d managed to pull off the perfect party. The company had been great, and everyone had had a good time. She was almost inclined to pour herself a glass of champagne and toast to it. “Up yours, Brent, with your ‘you really should try harder to fit in’.” She said it out loud while raising her coffee cup in a toasting motion. Jaime had been a big bonus. It wasn’t surprising people had seen him as the host. He and Finn worked very well together. And the way he’d held her that night. This time she couldn’t stop blushing. It had felt nice. And if she hadn’t been so cold and tired, and not for her father asleep within earshot, who knows what might have happened. She shouldn’t entertain the thought. For that day she granted herself the fantasy. Who knew, maybe one day, when she’d come clear with herself, she might indulge. Not before the house was done though. And preferably sold. Even now, with time and distance between them, she could feel it stir in her insides. It would get worse. It would put up a real fight if they were going to change things. In that respect, it was very good to have Jaime as her anchor, without any other complications.