Page 20 of Something Unforgettable

Xavier cracked a smile. “A long-term lease made more sense than calling every time I’m going to be in town.” Xavier liked having the ability to come and go as he pleased without having to think about lodging or impose on Nick and his partners. And since he loved the cottage-like efficiency apartment, and money wasn’t a concern, it was a no-brainer to rent the place on a monthly basis. He hadn’t expected to need it like this, but he was glad he had it. “You can stay as long as you need, and once they release your grandfather, we’ll figure things out.”

“I’m sure you’ll be able to go home soon. The investigation shouldn’t take long.” Paul retrieved his coat from the back of a chair and pulled it on over his uniform. “Come on, Finn. I’ll walk the two of you out.” He fished in his pocket then handed Xavier a business card. “Text me your number and I’ll make sure someone contacts you if there’s any change here.”

Xavier’s eyebrow went up and he looked at Finn in question.

“My phone broke when I fell down the stairs.”

Shit. Xavier pulled him close again and pressed a kiss to his forehead. It could have been so much worse than just a broken arm and a smashed phone.

“We’ll get you a new one tomorrow,” he promised, then let Finn go so he could say goodnight to his grandfather.

Finn rested his cheek on the old man’s chest for a moment before leaning closer to whisper in his ear. He wiped his eyes as he straightened up, then crossed back to Xavier.

Xavier removed his overcoat and held it so Finn could slide his arms into the long sleeves. It was big enough on him that even the bulky splint didn’t get in the way. Xavier did up a few buttons, then wrapped an arm around him again. Finn leaned into his side, like he was drawing just as much comfort from Xavier’s touch as Xavier was from having him close.

Finn was quiet as Xavier helped him into the car, careful of his splinted arm. The sheriff told him that Finn had been discharged earlier with a prescription for painkillers and the recommendation that he follow up with an orthopedist in a few days. Xavier needed to find a pharmacy, but it would have to wait until the stores were open.

It was after four in the morning and the streets were dark and silent. It only took a few minutes to reach their destination, then Xavier was out and jogging around the front of the car. The icy air was sharp in his lungs and managed to reenergize him a little. Winter wasn’t too far off up here in the mountains, despite the fall leaves still clinging to the trees.

He got Finn out of the car. Once he was on his feet, he glanced around, blinking like it was an effort to keep his eyes open.

God, he looked so small and lost, standing there in Xavier’s oversize coat. Xavier resisted the urge to drag Finn back into his arms and carry him inside. Instead, he took him by the elbow and steered him to the cottage’s private entrance.

“Home sweet home,” he said as he opened the door.

The lamp by the bed cast enough light that Xavier didn’t bother with the overheads. He got the door locked behind them, then turned to help Finn as he fumbled to take off the coat.

“Easy. Let me, little one.”

Finn stopped his struggling and let Xavier work the sleeve of the coat over his arm. As soon as he could, he tossed it on a nearby chair. When he turned back, Finn was practically swaying on his feet.

“I’ve never been here before.”

Xavier tried not to let his amusement show. “Well, that’s not surprising. You wouldn’t need a hotel room when you’ve got a place of your own in town.”

“Oh,” Finn said, his voice soft and breathy in a way that hit so many of Xavier’s buttons. “That makes sense, I guess.” He took a few wobbly steps before Xavier jumped into action and directed him to sit on the end of the bed before he fell and injured himself further.

“Just wait right here, okay? I’ll find you something to sleep in.” He hurried to the dresser and dug out a white undershirt that would be a dress on Finn’s slim body but would also be more comfortable than the khakis and tee he was wearing.

When he got back, Finn was trying to toe off his still-tied shoes. Without thought, Xavier dropped to one knee to help him, tugging his shoes and socks off, then setting them aside. He looked up and caught Finn staring at him in confusion. Xavier grimaced. Shit, he’d been going full-on “Daddy” with the boy ever since the hospital, without so much as a discussion first. He reeled it back in and stood, holding out the T-shirt.

“I thought you might like to sleep in this. It’ll be more comfortable than the clothes you were working in all day.”

Finn took it with a murmured, “Thanks.” Then clutched it in his lap, still looking at Xavier like he wasn’t sure he was real.

Xavier cupped his cheek, stroking the soft skin with his thumb. “Get changed. I’m going to do the same.”

He was halfway to the bathroom when Finn’s voice calling his name made him pause. “Where should I sleep?”

Xavier closed his eyes and cursed himself. After all of their late-night conversations the last few weeks, he’d assumed…but then, Finn was different from the boys he’d been with in the past. For one thing, he doubted Finn even knew what Xavier was, the things he tended toward in a relationship. And now wasn’t the time to bring it up.

“You take the bed, sweetheart. You need it after today.”

“Where—where will you sleep?”

“The sofa pulls out. I’ll be perfectly fine,” Xavier assured him. He ducked into the bathroom and got himself ready. When he came back out, dressed in a pair of sleep pants and nothing else, Finn was flat on his back on one side of the mattress, the blanket pulled up to his chin and the splinted arm lying across his chest. Xavier’s heart ached with the urge to go to him. Instead, he turned to make up the sofa bed.

“You can sleep here. I-If you want?” Finn said. His voice wavered with the question but, fuck, Xavier was proud of him for getting it out. He was so damn screwed when it came to this boy. Finn shifted to his side and peered at Xavier across the dimly lit space. “There’s plenty of room.” His fingers twitched against the covers, and Xavier thought his cheeks might be darkening in a blush.

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