Page 50 of Something Unforgettable

“Oh, good.” He stopped on the stairs and beckoned Xavier closer, giving him a quick kiss once he was in reach. “Stay downstairs, okay? I want to surprise you.”

Xavier chuckled, enjoying this side of Finn. He’d never seen him so vibrant and excited. “All right, little one. But I’d say you’ve already surprised me.”

Finn grinned. “Just wait,” he said, then ran up the stairs after Remy. A door slammed. He heard Finn say something indistinct and Remy laugh. He shook his head and made his way back to his office, curious what else his boy had up his proverbial sleeve and wondering how he was going to keep working now.

Isabella’s Malibu home was about thirty minutes up the PCH from Xavier’s, taking traffic into consideration. When they arrived at the sprawling, red-roofed beachside mansion, Xavier’s driver pulled past the cars parked along both sides of the driveway and stopped in a pool of light by the open double doors. A group was just heading inside, and Xavier recognized two Oscar winners and a Golden Globe recipient among them.

He stepped out of the car then reached down to help Finn, who was dressed exactly as he had been earlier—Xavier was left to guess what the “surprise” might be. Remy hopped out on the other side and circled around to them. Finn’s gaze darted back and forth, like he was trying to look in every direction at once. He had found Xavier’s home impressive, but Isabella was playing an entirely different ball game. Her home was full-on old Hollywood glamor, with crystals dripping from the chandeliers, mirrored tables, and gold accents mixed in among the cream furniture and carpets. Xavier knew many of the vintage pieces had come from her grandmother’s home and Isabella loved them as much as she had her grandmother.

As they walked through the marble foyer and into the main living room, Xavier kept Finn’s hand in his, murmuring in his ear when they passed a celebrity he might know. Finn clung to him, but he also stood tall, with his shoulders back and interest on his face as he looked around the room. When anyone met his eyes, he returned the look with a half-smile and a slight nod. Xavier was a little shocked by how calm and put together he appeared. They reached one of the bars Isabella had set up around the room and Xavier ordered himself a glass of brandy. Finn requested a whiskey sour from the printed menu of vintage cocktails.

While they waited for their drinks, Xavier leaned down and pressed a kiss to Finn’s temple. “You’re doing wonderfully, sweetheart,” he murmured.

Finn gave him a crooked smile. “Remy had some tips on how to look like I know what I’m doing.”

Xavier made a note to buy Remy a bottle of his favorite whiskey.

“Remy is an excellent person to listen to when it comes to those things. He’s been around Hollywood a long time.” He tilted Finn’s face up with a finger under his chin, then pressed a lingering kiss to his full lips.

The warmth in Xavier’s chest tonight was unexpected but undeniable. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d come to one of these events and been happy to be there, but he found himself wanting to show Finn off at every opportunity.

They spent some time strolling through the first floor, stopping here and there to speak to people Xavier knew. He made a point to keep Finn included in the conversation, introducing him and making sure it was clear that he was Xavier’s. Finn turned out to be excellent at asking people questions about their favorite topic—themselves.

By the time Xavier was looking for a place to sit and take a breather, Finn had endeared himself to at least three formidable actresses and a director who had never been a huge fan of Xavier. They ran into Remy, who was entertaining a group of producers with something that had them nodding in agreement. He gave Finn a wink that made him duck his head and grin, then turned back to his conversation.

Xavier found them a spot in a seating area near the open back patio. The sofa was a massive curved thing that took up half the room. He tugged Finn down beside him, the cast resting on Xavier’s thigh since Finn’s other hand was occupied with his second drink of the night. Xavier draped his arm over the back of the sofa so he could play with the soft hairs at the back of Finn’s neck.

He felt Finn take a deep breath, then relax further into the cushions. That was good. A breather now and more socializing later once his boy had another drink or two in him. Xavier’s goal tonight, apart from getting Remy out in public, was to make sure Finn enjoyed himself. Finn deserved a fun night out after everything he’d been through.

“Xavier!” a familiar voice called above the noise. “You’re here!” Isabella Brantford crossed the room, her dress fluttering around her ankles as she glided toward them on sky-high stilettos.

Xavier stood before she could do something like throw herself dramatically into his arms.

“Isabella,” he said with a smile, returning her cheek kisses. “It’s so good to see you. You’ve outdone yourself once again.”

Isabella laughed, light and tinkering. “Shut the fuck up, Xavier, and introduce me to your boy.” She sat delicately on the edge of the coffee table in front of them, smoothing her skirt over her knees. Isabella was a study in contrasts, by turns brash and graceful, beautiful and rough around the edges. She could turn on the dramatics or be “one of the boys,” depending on what the situation called for. It was part of what made her such an excellent actor. She was also more than a little overwhelming.

Xavier settled back down and rested his hand on Finn’s knee.

“Finn, I’d like you to meet Isabella Brantford. One of my favorite clients and the host of this party.”

Isabella smacked Xavier’s arm then held her hand out, as if Finn had the choice to shake it or kiss the back of it.

“Shut up, Xavier. We all know I’m nowhere near your favorite. That would be Remy. Or Oliver.”

Finn looked like he wasn’t sure what to do. Xavier didn’t blame him; he rarely knew what to do with Isabella himself. After a pause, Finn lifted his casted arm in a little wave.

“Sorry,” he said with a half-smile. “I’d shake your hand, but—” He gestured with the drink in the other. “Sorry.”

Isabella dropped her hand and laughed, delighted. “No. No. Don’t apologize. I didn’t realize.” She tossed her head, flipping her curls over her shoulder, then leaned closer, showing off her impressive cleavage. “Now. You have to tell me how you met Xavier. Everyone is dying to know where this guy picked up a sweet little thing like you.”

Finn looked to Xavier, his eyes begging for help.

Xavier squeezed his knee. “I met him out east and I couldn’t stay away. He’s finally agreed to give me a chance, haven’t you, sweetheart?”

Isabella clapped her hands together in excitement that Xavier believed was honest. “That’s wonderful.”

Finn looked relieved that that was all the information she needed to be satisfied. Xavier leaned in to brush a kiss to Finn’s cheek and Finn tilted his head to give him better access. It was shocking how much Xavier liked that.

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