Page 14 of Something Unforgettable

Xavier reached across and stole Finn’s water, washing the cloying sweetness from his mouth.

“Feel free to make assumptions from now on,” he told Finn with a wink to let him know he wasn’t upset. “I’ve lived in cities my whole life. I’m woefully out of the loop when it comes to rural mountain towns in the south.”

Finn grinned. “We’re not that rural. It’s only quiet around here in the early spring when the snow melts but the flowers aren’t up yet and in the late fall when the leaves are gone but it hasn’t snowed. With all the different outdoor activities, we’re a tourist town most of the year.”

He reached out, took the sweet monstrosity from Xavier, and wrapped his pretty lips around the straw, his cheeks hollowing as he took a sip. Then he grinned, his eyes bright with humor, white teeth framing the straw.

Xavier smiled back, too pleased at seeing Finn happy to do anything else. While they waited for their food, Xavier stuck to easy topics that drew Finn further from his shell. Apparently, Finn was a fan of hiking, and was a passably good skier. Xavier shared his own experiences skiing, which amounted to a few trips spent impressing clients when he was younger, and then schmoozing in the lodge when they got too cold and wet. He preferred hiking, though he hadn’t been often in the last few years, as work and meetings took up most of his time. Owning one’s own business was lucrative but time-consuming.

Not that the money mattered to Xavier. The only reason he’d gone out on his own in the first place was that he was tired of people above him making poor decisions that only made their employees’ lives harder. The best way to avoid that was to be your own boss, so that was what he’d done. He’d started his company from the ground and now they were one of the most sought-after PR agencies in the country.

Their food arrived and was just as messy as Finn had predicted. Xavier didn’t mind at all—in fact, the sight of Finn licking sauce from his fingers made him want to hunt down something equally messy for their second date. He hoped he could talk Finn into a second date.

“I’ll take you to see my favorite trail,” Finn offered. “It’s not as popular as some of the others, but it’s got a beautiful view if you know where to look.”

Xavier grabbed on to the opportunity. “That sounds perfect. We could make a day of it.”

Finn’s cheeks pinked but he didn’t hide his face, which Xavier took as a major win. “I’d like that.”

When they’d finished eating, Xavier settled the bill.

Finn bit his lip and looked like he was going to protest, but Xavier didn’t give him the chance.

“I’ve got it, sweetheart,” he said.

Finn flushed pink at the endearment and ducked his head.

Their server swooped in and took Xavier’s card before Finn recovered. Once it was returned, Xavier stood, took Finn’s hand, and laced their fingers together, pleased when Finn let him tug him to his feet.

It was a good thing they had walked, based on how crowded the streets and sidewalks were. According to Finn, the crowds were due to an event that afternoon called Art in the Park.

“It happens twice a year,” he explained. “Artists from all over get booths and set up their work in the square. It’s really popular and makes parking a nightmare, but it also brings lots of business to town.”

It sounded interesting, and like an excellent way to extend their date. Xavier was nowhere close to ready to let Finn go.

“Shall we check it out?” he asked.

Finn agreed and led the way toward the center of town. White tents lined both sides of the wide street, people milling in the space between them. Each booth was adorned with a sign announcing the name of the artist in residence and their hometown. The variety of art on display was impressive. They wove through booths displaying paintings, photography, jewelry, pottery, and wood carvings, pausing to chat with the artists. Xavier was impressed with a fiber artist selling mounted wall hangings. He collected her card and promised to call her later.

As they neared a crowded booth, someone shouted Finn’s name. A figure ducked out of the booth and a moment later Finn was being hugged by a petite man with a shock of white-blond hair. He had to release Xavier’s hand to return the hug as Xavier looked on, bemused.

“H-hey, Eli,” Finn stammered, glancing to Xavier with big eyes. Xavier gave him an encouraging smile.

Eli, who was even shorter than Finn, looked up—and up—at Xavier. “We haven’t met. I’m Eli.” His gaze was curious and he kept an arm wrapped around Finn’s shoulders.

“Xavier DeCain.” Xavier offered his hand and Eli, his fingers adorned with multiple rings, shook it.

Eli turned back to Finn. “Have you seen Archer yet? We’re sharing a booth.” He grabbed Finn by the elbow and towed him toward the tent.

As they stepped into the shade of the canvas overhang, Xavier made a sound of surprise. Centered on the far wall was a large canvas. It took him a moment to realize that the piece—which depicted a shirtless man astride a horse, no saddle or bridle in sight—was a painting and not a photograph. It took his breath away.

He stepped closer, attention caught by the muscular lines of the young man’s body. He was reclining along the horse’s back, his abs stretched taut, one arm dangling, the other hand splayed across his chest. His hair was windswept, and his skin glistened in the bright light. It took Xavier too long to realize he knew the model.

“Wow,” Finn whispered at his side. “Is that Micah?”

Eli grinned. “Yep. And his horse, Lex. Stunning, isn’t it? Archer is crazy talented.”

“He is,” Xavier agreed. He wasn’t an expert, but he’d spent enough time in art galleries—usually for work-related events—to recognize the skill on display.

---