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He held her in his arms, rubbing circles on her back, bewildered by the intensity of her fear. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“When will it stop?” she asked after more rolling thunder.
“I think it’s moving away. I’ll hold you all night if you want me to.” He continued to rub her back. He would do anything to make her feel safe. “Whatever you need, I’m here.”
Colleen relaxed a little and leaned into his shoulder. “I was so afraid.”
He helped her sit on the couch. “I’m not going to let anything bad happen to you.”
Alfie wandered back in the room and darted straight onto Colleen’s lap.
“Your friend is back,” Finn said, giving Alfie a scratch behind the ear.
“I wouldn’t have made it without him.” She let out a soft giggle as Alfie licked her face.
“It’s good to hear you laugh,” Finn said, taking her hand in his.
Colleen looked up, her expression calmer. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” he said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “Let me find some candles.”
After the storm subsided, the electricity came back on. Instead of turning on the lamps, they filled the living room with candlelight instead.
Finn lit the gas log in the fireplace, poured some wine, and microwaved frozen macaroni and cheese for dinner. The soft rain against the windows was peaceful and relaxing. It was so normal, and so different from when he first got here. He was immensely grateful that her mood had shifted from intense fear to calm.
“It’s not my mom’s, but you need comfort food.” He took a seat on the couch next to her.
Colleen looked up from snuggling into Alfie’s fur.
Handing her a fork, he said, “You’ll have to let him go one of these days, you know.”
“I can eat with one hand and hold him with the other.”
Finn was glad Alfie had been here with Colleen during the storm.
“Who knew I would bond with Alfie? I’m not a dog person.”
“You are now,” he said, giving her a gentle kiss. “Eat,” he said, pointing a fork at the macaroni and cheese.
She picked up a forkful of pasta and smiled around a forkful, chewing it slowly. Taking a sip of wine, she said, “It’s just what I needed, besides you.” She leaned in to kiss him.
He took Alfie out her arms. “Get lost for a few minutes, buddy.”
Colleen gave Alfie a final pet before he wandered away.
“Come here,” Finn whispered. “I want to show you how much I missed you today.”
He rolled Colleen on her back, tucking a pillow under her head.
“Where’s my kiss?” She gave him a seductive smile.
“What’s your hurry?” Finn cupped her cheek. “You look beautiful lit only by candles and a fire. I want to enjoy the view.”
“I want you to kiss me,” she said, grabbing his shirt and tugging him closer.
“How are you feeling?” He searched her face for any sign of anxiety, but her face was relaxed, and her eyes clear.
“Getting frustrated if you don’t kiss me pretty damn quick.”
