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Finlay stares wide-eyed at me, and apprehension trickles into my veins, worried I just made a big mistake and fucked everything up.
Her eyes lower to my mouth before lifting back to mine. “Then ask.”
What?
“Can I kiss you?” the words spill from me.
“Yes.”
Holy fuck.
Fireworks keep rocketing into the air, the celebrations around us growing louder, but it all fades to background noise as I stare at the girl that’s slowly taking up more and more space in my heart.
Lifting my hand to her cheek, I keep my touch gentle while staring deep into her eyes.
Christ, she’s so beautiful, and her skin’s softer than silk.
The way she looks at me, with so much hope, as if I’m able to perform some miracle she desperately needs, is my undoing.
Savoring every second of this moment, I slowly lower my head until I feel her breath flutter over my mouth. Pressing my lips to hers, feeling how full and soft they are against mine, takes every ounce of strength I have to not lose control.
I nip at her lips… once… twice… then force myself to pull back. A breath shudders from me, and opening my eyes, the heartbreaking look of awe on her face rips my heart right out of my chest, making me want to offer it to her to keep in the palm of her hand.
“Thank you,” Finlay whispers, and it sounds like I just gave her the world.
Moving my hand, I brush a soft curl away from her face, drinking in this magical moment.
I got to kiss Finlay.
Best New Year’s ever.
A million words flit through my mind, but none of them feel right, so instead, I pull Finlay against my chest, tenderly hugging her.
She rests her cheek against my chest, her head tucked beneath my chin, her eyes on the fireworks.
It was not my intention to touch Finlay, let alone kiss her. But she no longer has the thousand-foot walls up around her, and she’s relaxed with me.
The cold winter air drops a degree, and I rub my hand up and down her back to warm her a little.
I should walk her home.
Instead of getting up, I press a kiss to her hair, taking a deep breath of her soft scent.
I have her for another ten minutes before she shivers, and I decide to call it a night. I don’t want her getting sick.
Climbing to my feet, I pull her up before grabbing her guitar and the unopened bottle of water. I throw the strap over my shoulder and pull her against my side.
Walking up the pier, I see David sitting out on the porch, his eyes on us. I don’t let go of Finlay because it’s damn cold, and I’m savoring the last couple of seconds I get to hold her.
When we walk up the stairs, I expect a scowl or look of warning from David, but instead, he smiles at us. “Great fireworks show, right?”
Finlay pulls free and presses a kiss on her dad’s cheek. “Happy New Year, Daddy.”
“You too, sweetheart.”
She takes the guitar from me and darts into the house to put it away.
Knowing he had a clear view of us, and he probably saw me kiss his daughter, I clear my throat and square my shoulders. “I like, Finlay.”
He lets out a chuckle, nodding. “Yep. I figured as much from what I saw.”
I swallow hard, tucking my hands in my pockets. “I’d like to take her on a date if that’s okay with you?”
Finlay comes out, her wide eyes darting between her dad and me.
David looks up at her. “That all depends on Finlay. If she’s comfortable going on a date with you, then I’m okay with it.”
A smile tugs at my mouth, and feeling the need to be direct with David, I say, “I’ll always treat her with respect. She’ll be safe with me.”
David gestures in the direction of my place. “You better. I know where you live.”
It’s almost one am, and even though I’ll happily forgo sleep, I know it’s time to head home.
Locking eyes with Finlay, I say, “I really enjoyed tonight.”
A shy smile makes her look cute as a kitten.
“G’night.”
David nods at me. “Night, son.”
To my surprise, Finlay follows me as I head down the stairs. I stop on the bottom one, and it puts us at eye level with each other.
Her cheeks are flushed, the silver flecks in her eyes sparkling.
There’s so much appreciation on her face, it makes me proud of how well I handled tonight.
“Thank you, Ethan.” It feels like she’s thanking me for more than just a pleasant evening.
Reaching for her hand, I give her a squeeze. “Any time.” I nod toward the porch. “Go inside before you catch a cold.”
She nods, sparing me precious seconds of her beautiful smile before she darts up and into the house.
Walking toward my place, my heart swells, and I can’t stop grinning.
