“It’s a safety net,” Finn explained. “If they officially move in together, that’s significant to both of them.”
“But you said they spend every night together.”
“They do.”
“So they really are living together,” Emma said.
“You’ll have to broach that subject with them,” Finn said. “Although, after tonight, I have a feeling their official living status is going to be on the fast track.”
Emma smiled, the idea giving her a small sense of comfort. “Well, thanks for bringing me. I guess I can take a cab back over to the apartment to get my car tomorrow.”
Finn grunted. “I can take you to get your car.”
“I don’t want you to have to come all the way back over here,” Emma said. “That doesn’t seem fair. You’ve already gone above and beyond.”
“Who says I’m leaving?” Finn asked pointedly.
“I … I … .”
Finn didn’t let the ready sigh escape his lips. He was moving too fast. She wasn’t ready – and she’d lost everything she owned tonight. Crowding her wasn’t a good idea. “I’m going to sleep on the couch,” he said. “The bedroom is over there. I just need to get a blanket and pillow.”
Emma’s shoulders slumped, her relief evident. “Oh. That’s nice of you. You don’t have to, you know. I’ll be perfectly fine on my own.”
“Yeah?” Finn challenged. “Well, I won’t. I’m exhausted, and I’m not driving another mile tonight. I’ll be comfortable on the couch.”
“Are you sure?” Emma asked, her lower lip quivering.
“I’m sure.”
It took Finn about ten minutes to settle down on the couch. He stripped out of his clothes – which smelled terrible – and stretched out on the couch wearing nothing but his boxer shorts. Emma was already in bed, the day sucking any energy she was holding on to out of her the minute her head hit the pillow. Finn was pretty sure she was already asleep.
As much as he wanted to dwell on the night’s events – and the fact that Emma had opened herself up to him a little bit – he couldn’t keep his eyes open.
Finn had no idea how long he’d been asleep when he jolted awake. Someone was crying. He bolted up into a sitting position and cocked his head to listen. It was Emma – and she was whimpering.
He slid off the couch, his feet tangling in the blanket as he fought to keep his footing. He made his way down to the bedroom and pushed on the door – which Emma hadn’t closed or locked. He couldn’t see specifics in the dark room, but what he did see was enough to make his heart ache. Emma was thrashing in her sleep, making soft mewling sounds in her throat as she fought off some unknown assailant in her dreams.
Finn wasn’t sure what to do – he just knew he couldn’t let her keep making that noise. It was breaking his heart.
He stepped over to the bed, sitting on the edge cautiously and reaching over to touch her shoulder. “Emma?” She was still crying, so Finn slipped closer to her on the bed. “Emma?”
Emma jumped as his body touched hers, her eyes snapping open.
“It’s me,” Finn said. “You were crying in your sleep. Were you having a nightmare about the fire?”
“Finn?” Emma choked out a half-expressed sob. “I don’t remember.”
Finn was conflicted. “Do you want me to stay in here with you? I promise I won’t try anything funny.”
This time, the sound coming from Emma’s throat was a mixture of laughter and tears. “Do you mind?”
Finn shook his head wordlessly, slipping under the covers and pulling her close. The strange thing was, he’d been dreaming about this moment since he laid eyes on her – about the time he would finally be in a bed with her. The reality was much different than the dream – but somehow, it was even better.
Fourteen
Emma woke slowly, stretching. She stilled when she felt a warm body beside her, and then the events of the previous evening hit her.
She was sharing a bed with Finn Hardy. Sure, they hadn’t done anything, but the simple act of letting him hold her was the most intimate thing she’d done in years. Finn’s rhythmic breathing told her he was still asleep, so Emma cuddled closer to him, basking in the heat and strength emanating from his body.
Finn shifted, tightening his arm around her. “Good morning,” he murmured into her hair.
“Good morning,” Emma said, embarrassment rushing in to replace the warmth she’d felt only seconds before.
Finn either didn’t care – or didn’t notice. He rubbed his chin against her shoulder, pulling her even closer – close enough so she could feel his morning erection poking into her back.