Page 31 of Strictly Business

MICHAELA

TEN YEARS AGO

TONIGHT IS THE NIGHT I have been waiting for! I apply a layer of my favorite lipstick, “Tell Me More” from AK Cosmetics. The muted mauve purple goes with anything, and it’s perfect for the outfit I’ve picked out for tonight. Heath Samson finally asked me a date — I’ve only been waiting for the past two years. It’s been a back-and-forth game since we met at one of his infamous parties when his parents were out of town.

As excited as I am, I’m keeping it a secret…from Josh. I always tell him about these things, he wants to know who he needs to beat up if something goes wrong but this isn’t his business. I don’t have to tell him every time I have a date, besides he’s going to flip out. He and Heath got into some big argument when Josh was home for Christmas break last year, Nick had to step in and break it up before Josh did something stupid. Naturally, when I asked what happened, my brother said, “Just stay away from him, Michaela, he’s an asshole.”

What was that supposed to mean? He’s never been an asshole to me. Well, except that one time when… No, never mind. He's better now.

I tuck my black turtleneck into my high-waisted white mini skirt and straighten out the nude stockings, at least they’ll fight off the cold weather that has stuck around longer than normal.

“Where are you going dressed like that?” In the mirror, I meet the stare of none other than Finnley Sheffield. He leans against the doorframe, arms crossed tightly over his chest. I roll my eyes ignoring his question. What the hell is he doing here? Josh isn’t even home yet.

Shit, I freeze, is Josh home? A glance at the clock tells me he shouldn’t be home for another hour. I planned everything perfectly so he would arrive home after Heath picked me up. But if he’s home now… No, he’s not home. He would’ve come upstairs by now. I would’ve heard him downstairs, at the very least.

“Go away, Finn,” I say picking up the locket Mom and Dad got for my eighteen birthday last month. The silver chain holds a heart-shaped locket with a floral imprint on the front cover. I try to secure it around my neck, but the clasp refuses to cooperate under the burning stare of the man standing at my door. Why is he still here? Doesn’t he have someone else to annoy? I steal a glance at him in the mirror and instantly regret it. Fuck, he looks good. Really good.

Wait, what?

No, Finnley Sheffield does not look good.

But, damn, can he wear the fuck out of that cable-knit sweater. The cream color looks delicious against his warm, tanned skin. Dark denim hugs his legs, but I’m pleased to know he doesn’t wear skinny jeans. His hair is longer than the last time I saw him. I can only imagine how soft it is.

Pull yourself together, MJ. This is Finn. Sworn enemy. Asshole. You cannot imagine how soft his hair is…

“Let me help,” he says gently standing behind me. Shit, I hope he didn’t notice me jump. When did he get so close? I swallow the lump in my throat as he takes the chain, his fingers brushing against mine. His skin is as warm as I imagined. He makes quick work on the clasp before resting the chain gently around my neck, but he doesn’t move away — not like he should. His eyes meet mine in the reflection, and there’s something there I can’t quite place. Something new. Softer. Gentler. Heat rises under his stare, and I hope he doesn’t notice the blush on my cheeks because they are burning hot right now.

“A date,” I say, answering his question from earlier, watching the way his jaw ticks in response. “With Heath.”

Chocolate eyes narrow, the warmth gone. “You’re fucking joking.”

“Why do you care?”

“Oh please, don’t be stupid, Shortcake.” That fucking nickname. “Samson? After what he said about you, I can’t believe—”

“What are you talking about?” I turn to face him. “What did he say about me?”

“You know what, never mind.” Finn backs away, hands raised in defeat. “Enjoy your evening with Prince Charming.”

Is he serious?

“What the fuck, Finn? You don’t get to do that! You don’t get to come in here judging my outfit, judging my makeup and hair, and then talk shit about my—”

“God, you’re so delusional,” Finn scoffs. “Do you think he just decided he likes you out of the blue? You’ve been chasing after him like a lost puppy for years. Last I heard, he was fucking Miranda Caldwell, Hannah Norris, and Isla Hurley at the same time. You’re still in high school for god sake. You’re not special, Shortcake.”

The tears prick the corners of my eyes, but I try to fight them off. “Fuck you, Finn.”

“And for the record, you look like a hooker, all that’s missing are the boots.” I try to ignore the pair of black boots sitting outside my closet, but my eyes betray me. His eyes follow mine, and a smirk tugs on his lips. “Guess you have everything to fit the part, huh?”

When he’s gone, I take a deep breath and swallow back the tears threatening to spill over. I will not cry over Finn Sheffield. Tonight is supposed to be my night, and I refuse to let him ruin it.

Chapter Fifteen

MICHAELA

HIS TOUCH IS LIKE fire against my skin, rough and warm, as his lips devour mine. A soft whine escapes me when we part, and I open my eyes to meet warm chocolate orbs staring down at me. Our chests heave trying to catch our breath.

Holy shit.

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