Better latte than never, p.11
Better Latte Than Never, page 11
Of course, he might not even get the job. There was absolutely no reason to freak out right at this moment.
He could freak out later. Right now he had to get all of his art put away.
“You sure you got that end?” he asked Lydia before lifting his side of the folding table. The legs were already tucked beneath, but it was still awkward to carry.
All the vendors had started packing up. Most of the crowds had left, heading back up north at the end of Memorial Day weekend. And not a moment too soon. Dark clouds had rolled in, and it looked like a storm wasn’t far behind. Enzo needed to get all of his work inside the cafe.
Life would go back to normal tomorrow, but right now Enzo enjoyed this reprieve from real life. They’d close the cafe up early, and he didn’t have to be back at work until Thursday. He wanted to sleep for both of his days off.
“I got it just fine. Who’s got the door?”
Oh. Good point.
As if summoned, Finn pushed the door open. “Need a hand?”
“Keep doing that,” Enzo commanded, backing up slowly so as not to bang the table into anything. He and Lydia got it inside safely, and down the hallway in the back where they propped it along the wall near a half empty box of Finn’s books and boxes of Enzo’s prints and wrapped canvases. Most of the important stuff was already inside.
“Anything else I can do?” Finn asked when Enzo and Lydia returned to the front.
“Do you want your banner back?” Lydia asked, gesturing to the large full color banner that had stretched across the front of the cafe for the past three days and now lay folded on a table. “We’re almost out of your books.”
Finn shook his head. “You can throw it out. Or keep it if you want.”
“Why don’t you sign it?” Enzo pulled out a Sharpie from his back pocket. “Then we’ll use it to decorate the storage room.”
He’d never forget the location of their first kiss. Enzo would smile every time he saw this banner hanging there.
“I’ll do that.” Finn took the Sharpie, their fingers brushing together. “And then I’ll bring my car around so we can load your stuff in the back.”
“Except for one thing. Hold on.” Enzo darted back down the hall, and picked up the wrapped canvas that held the cafe painting he’d saved for his aunt. He brought it over to the counter, where she was boxing up to-go orders of pastries. His palms were sweaty as he set the canvas down. What if she hated it? “Aunt Rosa? I wanted to give this to you. I thought, maybe, you might want to hang it up in the cafe?”
She stopped what she was doing and wiped her hands on the ever-present rag hanging from her waist. “What? What is it?”
She hadn’t seen the painting at all. Even though it had been on display outside the entire time, she’d been hard at work inside. They’d sold a lot of coffee, thanks to Finn.
Enzo unwrapped the canvas, letting the covering fall to the floor. He held up the painting for her to inspect.
His aunt gasped. She came forward and held out her hand to it, but stopped just short of touching the painting. “Enzo, are you sure? This...this is capolavoro!”
He laughed. He’d put a lot of time and effort into it, and thought it the best thing he’d finished so far. But a masterpiece? No. That was the painting he was currently working on, a portrait of Finn done from memory, using his same texture technique. Enzo kept that one hidden in his bedroom, still shy about it. He didn’t want to show it to anyone yet. There was too much of himself in it, sorting out his feelings for Finn through his art.
“Of course. Thank you for...” His voice caught, and he didn’t expect to get choked up right now. “Everything.”
She slapped him on the shoulder. “We are family.”
Lydia came up on his other side and threw her arms around his waist. “That’s for us? We’ll be able to sell it for a fortune once you’re famous.”
Enzo laughed. “I admire your optimism.”
They put the painting in the storeroom until Enzo could get the hardware necessary to hang it. He’d float the idea of painting over the mural later. He didn’t think his aunt was attached to it, since it had come with the cafe when she’d purchased it from its previous owner. But it had been there for over ten years, so he could understand it if she didn’t want to see it go.
Enzo grabbed his messenger bag and keys from the storage room then said goodbye to his aunt and Lydia, who were handling closing up for the day. Finn had parked behind the cafe where they usually got deliveries brought in. All of Enzo’s paintings and supplies had already been carted out and put in the large back of Finn’s SUV. As soon as Enzo opened the back door, lightning flashed, immediately followed by a roar of thunder. The skies opened up and large fat drops of water fell from the sky. He ran to the passenger side of Finn’s SUV, already soaked in just a few feet.
Finn took one look at him and laughed. “You look like you had a shower between the door and here.”
Enzo shook out his hair, satisfied when Finn sputtered in response to getting hit with the droplets of water. “I’m glad we got everything loaded up before the storm hit.”
Finn put his hand on the gearshift between them, but he didn’t throw the car into gear. Instead, he reached out, and touched Enzo’s leg. “We realistically can’t unload all the stuff at your place right now; it’ll get soaked.”
Enzo swallowed, warmth flooding him, starting with that spot on his thigh that Finn stroked ever so slowly. “Good point.”
“Would you like to come to my place?” Finn’s expression had changed from amused to smoldering. He looked at Enzo like he wanted to devour him. And, God help him, but Enzo wanted to be devoured.
“Yes,” he said, despite the dryness in his throat. “I’d like that a lot.”
Desire coiled in his belly as Finn pulled into traffic and drove in the opposite direction of where Enzo lived, the windshield wiper working overtime. Thankfully Finn could keep his focus on the road, because Enzo couldn’t concentrate on anything but what Finn’s hand would feel like on other parts of his body.
And then Finn pulled into the side street for the Bluffs, luxury condos that overlooked the water.
It was like a splash of ice over his lust. “You live here?”
In the cafe it had been easy to forget the realities of Finn being Morgan Heart—that not only was he a successful author, he was an incredibly successful author, one with movies based on his books. One who could afford a million-dollar condo. God, Finn was so out of his league.
Enzo gripped the armrest as he peered through the window. Even through the pelting rain, the place looked gorgeous. Two stories, with a brick facade and white trim, the condo resembled a stately manor, waiting for their arrival. Finn pulled in front of a massive two car garage. He reached up to hit a button on a device clipped to his sun visor and then blanched.
“I forgot. My garage door opener crapped out on me, and I haven’t had a chance to have anyone out to look at it.”
A giggle escaped. Enzo covered his mouth to keep from laughing again. Yeah, Finn might be able to afford this place, but he was still absentminded enough to forget to fix something basic. Oh, Finn. “We’re going to end up getting wet anyway?”
“Looks like it.”
Enzo threw Finn a grin before he reached for the car handle. “In three. One, Two, Three...” He threw the door open and ran for the front entrance.
In retrospect, he probably should have left his messenger bag in the car, but reflex had him snagging it before he ran. It weighed him down enough that Finn beat him to the front door, which was also good considering Finn had the keys that opened said door.
He could barely see through the rush of water, the rain pouring down on him as Enzo all but fell into the house as Finn pushed the door open. Finn started to laugh and shook the water out of his hair. He was as soaked as Enzo, his clothes clinging to his body like a wetsuit.
Enzo had to kiss him. Apparently, Finn had the same idea, because their lips crashed together. The force of it slammed Enzo back against a wall. He closed his eyes and gave into the kiss, parting his lips for Finn’s. When Finn lifted Enzo’s shirt and made for bare skin he gasped, but only because Finn’s hands were cold.
“I need to get out of these wet clothes,” Enzo whispered.
“Come upstairs with me. The laundry room is next to the bedroom. We’ll throw them in the dryer.” Finn took a step back and held out his hand in invitation. Enzo knew if he took it, there would be no turning back.
He grasped Finn’s hand, and let Finn lead him up the circular staircase in the middle of the room. Enzo caught glimpses of the living area—decorated in creams and dark brown—but he only had eyes for Finn, the way the wet fabric of his shirt stretched across his shoulders, how his soaked jeans clung to the important parts of his ass.
He was allowed to want, to let heat flow through him at the thought of getting his hands on Finn. Of course, that meant he was extremely uncomfortable against his wet jeans. Enzo stumbled near the top of the stairs, but Finn held on, not letting him fall.
They paused long enough to kiss again, standing in the hall while water pooled on the wood floors. If Finn didn’t care, then Enzo didn’t either.
“Should I strip out here?” He wanted it to be teasing and seductive, but really, he was starting to get cold. “I’m messing up your floors.”
Finn shook his head. “Don’t worry about the floors. My cleaning lady will take care of the mess.”
Although he meant it to be reassuring, the words startled Enzo. Finn had a cleaning lady. Yeah. Definitely way out of Enzo’s league. “Um.”
“Trust me. I’ll take care of you.” Finn took Enzo’s hand and led him to his bedroom.
Like the rest of the house, this room had been decorated with dark wood furniture and cream-colored walls. A king-sized bed took up most of the room, but opposite it was a set of French doors that looked out over the river. Enzo could only see torrents of water through them now, so he’d have to check out the view later.
“Here.” Finn held out a blue robe he pulled from somewhere. “Put this on. I’ll take your clothes to the dryer.”
Enzo shucked his clothes as quickly as possible, slipping into the robe to stop himself from shivering. It was the softest thing Enzo had ever touched in his entire life. He felt like a Renaissance courtesan, surrounded by the finest of fabrics. He gave Finn his wet clothing, and then sat on the bed to wait for his return.
Enzo swallowed hard as he caressed the sheets—again, so soft. He’d forgotten the differences between him and Finn. Not forgotten, exactly, he didn’t think it had mattered, that Finn was older, more established in his career. But seeing his actual home, this proof of the chasm between them, struck him. For a moment Enzo considered leaving—well, not leaving, but maybe telling Finn he couldn’t do this, that maybe they shouldn’t do this. That Enzo wasn’t good enough for this luxury.
And then Finn appeared in the doorway, wearing an adorable old ratty flannel bathrobe, his hair all askew, his eyes smoldering with fire. Enzo’s body flushed with heat, and he itched to touch the skin hidden beneath the robe.
FINN HAD GIVEN ENZO the spare robe he’d gotten as a gift so long ago he didn’t quite remember where it came from. For years he’d been wearing the same bathrobe he got at a discount sale at Macy’s. But the gift was too nice to donate, and now he was glad he’d kept it in his closet. He loved the way the color set off the golden tones of Enzo’s skin and made his eyes look more blue than green.
He stopped in his tracks when he re-entered the bedroom. Enzo sat on his bed, the robe half falling off one shoulder, revealing glimpses of creamy skin that Finn itched to touch. Enzo. Sitting on Finn’s bed. He’d never even let himself fantasize about this moment, unable to let himself dream past the light flirting between them.
Finn crossed the room in two quick strides and sat next to Enzo, the bed dipping beneath his weight. With one hand he cupped Enzo’s chin and tilted his head as he came in for a kiss.
Enzo tasted like coffee. It made Finn smile into his lips. Before he could joke or pull away, Enzo charged forward deepening the kiss. What had started as light and teasing, Enzo made forceful and decisive. Finn found himself being owned thoroughly, and by god, he loved every moment of it.
“This is so easy to get you out of,” Enzo growled against his lips, pulling down the robe from Finn’s shoulders.
“No zippers or buttons,” Finn agreed, grasping at the cloth that still covered Enzo.
“But you seriously tied a knot in your belt?” Enzo grumbled.
He rolled Finn onto the bed, straddling his waist until he got the offending knot undone. Finn looked up into sunshine, despite the rain continuing to pound against his window. The glow of the overhead light made Enzo’s damp hair look like a halo, although the gleam in his eye was definitely devilish.
Enzo sat back, shrugged off the robe, and threw it over the side of the bed, giving Finn full access to his nude body. Finn ran his fingers up Enzo’s belly, taking the time to enjoy the softness of his skin, and be jealous of Enzo’s metabolism. For a moment he felt a flush of shame, knowing Enzo was bound to be disappointed in Finn’s older body, the gray hairs on his chest, the slight paunch he was developing from eating Rosa’s pastries every day.
And then Enzo ground his crotch against Finn’s cock, the matching hardness against his own made his eyes roll back in his head.
“Look at you,” Enzo marveled, taking Finn in hand. “Didn’t know you were hiding this monster inside those nice pants.”
Finn went hot all over. “I didn’t know you had a mouth like this.”
Enzo leaned down and licked a line up Finn’s jaw. “Wait until you see what else my mouth can do.”
“Later,” Finn groaned. “Touch me. Like that.”
“You like it like this?” Enzo squeezed lightly. “Or this?” He started to stroke Finn, his talented fingers moving in a pattern varied enough to keep it interesting.
Finn bucked up into Enzo’s hands, nearly dislodging him. It had been over half a year since he had anyone else’s hands but his own on his dick and his hypersensitive skin was about to betray him. Especially with the way Enzo expertly worked him, like he already knew exactly what Finn liked.
“Close,” he warned.
“Not yet.” Enzo pulled back his hand, only to return with his own cock against Finn’s. He took them both together, and somehow they were slick with sweat and pre-cum, and it felt so good to grind against him.
“Come on me,” Finn pleaded, feeling his balls tighten.
Enzo bit off a cry as he sped up his strokes. Finn rolled his hips as best he could, grasping Enzo’s thighs so hard his fingers left marks. He didn’t know who came first, but the splash of heat on his belly had his orgasm swirling out of him, a fierce explosion that made the room go dark as his mind shut off.
“Holy shit,” Enzo muttered. He leaned down to kiss Finn, making the mess between them worse.
“You’re amazing.” Finn wanted to sink into the sheets and fall asleep, but he knew if he didn’t get up now, they’d stick to the bed. “Let me get a towel.”
Enzo rolled off of him, and Finn missed his weight. He wished he’d been better prepared, as he sped to the bathroom to grab one of the hand towels off the rack. This whole thing had been completely spontaneous, brought on by the rain, and his sudden burst of desire in the car. In that moment, he knew he could not let Enzo go. And now here they were.
Finn wiped them both down, taking the time to look his fill, memorize the golden tones of Enzo’s skin, the dark curls around his cock, and his blush pink nipples. Enzo grinned at him, his eyelids heavy. He stretched like a cat, melting into the bed.
Finn got in beside him and threw one leg over Enzo’s thigh. He had to kiss him again, rubbing his fingers over his jaw and delighting in that stubble. Though he wanted to sink into sleep, he couldn’t give up this chance to kiss and cuddle.
“Um.” Enzo nudged his hips toward Finn’s leg, revealing he’d already gotten hard again.
“Seriously?”
“Well, yeah.”
Finn grinned. He’d finally find out what Enzo tasted like everywhere.
WHEN FINN WOKE, SUNLIGHT streamed through the windows. The rain had tapered off some time in the middle of the night, but he couldn’t recall when. No, there had been Enzo in his bed, and while he was sure they had slept at some point, after getting up for a snack, the evening had been spent mapping each other’s bodies.
He was disconcerted to find the bed empty. Finn sat up and let out a sigh of relief when he noticed the door to his balcony ajar. He pulled on a pair of sweats and a shirt before venturing outside.
Enzo sat on one of the lounge chairs, dressed in his now dry clothes from last night. He had his sketchbook on his lap, and had scrawled a pretty good representation of the river as it stretched out in front of them.
“Hey,” Finn said, not wanting to speak too loudly and disturb his concentration.
Enzo turned to him and smiled, the sunlight on his face making his eyes appear very pale green. “Hey. The view was too gorgeous not to draw.”
“Understandable.” Finn swallowed, not liking this awkwardness between them. It had been so easy last night. Why was it hard to find the right words now?
“Your house is beautiful. How long have you lived here?”
“Not long. I bought it fully furnished when I needed to get out of Cali.” Sight unseen, and based on the realtor’s website. “After everything that happened with Theo, I needed to come home.”
To get away from the person he’d been in California. That Finn wasn’t a writer. He was a content creator, a producer, a brand.
Enzo straightened at Finn’s mention of his ex. “You lived with him?”
“He’d just moved in. Said he wanted to make the relationship official.” Finn made finger quotes when he said ‘relationship.’ It had been a sham.
