Page 24 of Something Unforgettable

When he woke, the lights were dim and Xavier was sitting next to him, propped against the headboard with a laptop across his thighs. Finn soaked in the sight of him—soft and rumpled, like he might have taken a nap as well. Finn smoothed a hand along Xavier’s forearm, enjoying the texture of wiry hair under his palm. Xavier was hairier than he was and Finn loved it.

Xavier’s typing paused at the touch. “Hey, sleepyhead. How are you feeling?”

Finn tugged Xavier’s arm closer so he could play with his strong fingers.

“Sore,” he said. Everything had stiffened up while he napped and moving sounded miserable. “Did the pharmacy have the painkillers?” He had been half asleep when they’d stopped on the way back from the hospital and it had been easy to let Xavier run in and pick up his prescription.

“They did. I also got you some Epsom salts. Soaking in the bath should help.”

That sounded really good. He groaned as he rolled onto his back and everything protested. “Yes, please?”

Xavier set his laptop aside and slid out of bed, padding into the bathroom. Finn definitely didn’t ogle his butt as he walked away. A moment later, the tap turned on.

The rushing of the water didn’t do much to drown out his thoughts. Worries about his grandfather, the test results, and what the doctor might suggest felt like a huge weight on his chest. What was he going to do if Pops— He didn’t want to think about it. Pops would be okay. It was just the concussion and the fact that he was getting older. The concussion would heal, and he had Finn to help with the rest of it.

When the tap cut off, Finn pushed himself upright and swung his legs off the bed. He seriously felt like he was the old man as he shuffled into the bathroom.

Xavier was down on one knee at the side of the large soaking tub, sleeves rolled up as he swirled Epsom salts through the water.

“I put your pain meds on the counter. You can take two right now.”

Finn did as he was told, swallowing them down with a cup of water. When he turned back Xavier had stood. The bath was steaming invitingly. He could already feel himself relaxing in the warm air. This was going to be amazing.

“Thank you,” he said with a grateful sigh.

Xavier stepped closer and kissed his forehead. “Of course. Do you need help getting in?” he asked with a quick smile. “I promise not to look.”

Finn hoped the heat from the bath was disguising his blush, but from the look on Xavier’s face, that was wishful thinking. He could probably manage just fine, but there was something enticing about Xavier helping him. Something that made his heart beat faster and his skin warm further.

“I—m-maybe?” He cursed himself for sounding so hesitant. He liked Xavier. They’d kissed, and shared a bed, and he’d never felt safer than he did in Xavier’s arms. He swallowed hard. “I don’t think I need help, but—but maybe—you could stay?” He looked away, pretending he found the towel rack fascinating so he didn’t have to see Xavier’s reaction.

Xavier’s hands cupped his face, tilting it up until he could kiss Finn, once, twice, soft and lingering. “Of course I can stay, sweetheart. Anything you want.”

Finn shivered at the brush of Xavier’s lips, aching for more. He stepped back instead, working to get his tee over his head. A moment later, Xavier’s hands were there, helping him ease it past the heavy brace. Finn let it fall to the floor, then reached for the waistband of his sweats. He paused and tried to get himself under control. His heart was banging against his ribs, and his dick was taking way too much interest in the proceedings.

Xavier reached past him and snagged the empty glass from the counter.

“You should drink something so you don’t get dehydrated. I picked up juice and soda while I was at the pharmacy. Beer, too, but you’ll have to avoid that one while you’re on painkillers.” He smiled and touched Finn’s cheek. His eyes dipped for a moment, taking in Finn’s bare chest and turning dark with appreciation. “What would you like?”

You. Please.Finn ignored the intrusive voice and answered, “Juice would be great.”

Xavier nodded and walked back out of the bathroom. Finn took the opportunity to shuck off his sweats and climb into the tub. He settled into the water with a hiss. The temperature was perfectly hot, and his muscles melted once he adjusted to it. There was a folded towel on the side of the tub, placed to rest his splinted arm on. He ducked under the water for a moment, then pushed his hair out of his face and leaned his head back against the tiled edge, closing his eyes with a contented sigh.

“That’s a good sound,” Xavier said as he stepped back into the room. Finn opened his eyes and smiled at him. Then he remembered there was nothing but water between him and Xavier’s gaze. He moved his uninjured hand to cover himself.

Xavier grinned, then grabbed a hand towel from the rack and held it out. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about, Finn. You’re beautiful.”

Finn grabbed the small towel, using it to cover his groin, ignoring the way the wet cloth tickled his sensitive skin. Xavier handed him an ice-cold glass of juice next and didn’t give him time to reply.

“I didn’t realize you’d changed your name.”

Finn shrugged, one-shouldered. “My first year in college.” He took a sip of his juice. “I was tired of being ‘little Corey.’ Pops’s name is Cormac too, you know.”

“I didn’t know,” Xavier said as he settled on the floor at the other end of the tub, his back to the wall.

Right. Duh. Because Xavier hadn’t been around that long. “My dad’s Cormac Finnegan the third. I’m the fourth.” He paused, waiting for Xavier’s reaction.

“You don’t strike me as a Cormac.”

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