Page 69 of Seas the Dating Coach

A kaleidoscope flashes behind my closed eyes as her fingers twist the strands, slight pain chasing the pleasure. I barely have time to adjust to the new sensation before Vivian’s lips come over the edge of my jaw, below my ear. I don’t think I’ve ever felt so possessed in my life, so helplessly at a woman’s mercy.Whatever Vivian wants from me, I’ll give it to her and ask if she needs more.

Her lips return to mine, and Vivian uses her firm grip on my hair to slow the pace. She’s almost teasing me now. Each time our lips separate, I can feel her smile.

“Set me down, Finn.”

The gentle command is in exact opposition to everything I want, but I find myself complying anyway. My hands sliding to hold her soft waist is a small consolation. Vivian takes her time righting my hair with languid caresses. My eyelashes flutter, fighting to stay open. The only thing keeping me from closing them is how breathtaking Vivian looks like this, moving with assured confidence, taking what she wants.

“I was just curious.”

An entertained puff of breath escapes me. “Were you doubting my ability to carry you, gorgeous?”

“No.” Her eyes flick to mine, and a cloud passes over them before she focuses on her feet. “Maybe.”

Vivian is many things: mind-bendingly beautiful, delightfully quirky, professionally proficient. But one thing she’s not…or at least one thing she’s notwith me…is shy.

I use a knuckle to gently lift her chin. “I don’t doubt your ability to do anything. Trust that I’m just as capable.”

The way Vivian surveys me, accepting my words after a few beats, is unexpectedly intoxicating. Her small nod and ghost of a smile make my legs tremble slightly. I don’t think I’ve ever felt for a woman the way I do about Vivian. It’s simultaneously the best sensation I’ve ever experienced and terrifying beyond comprehension. My thoughts start to spin out of control, but then Vivian’s grin deepens, drawing my attention.

“I just realized I haven’t answered your question.”

I smirk, slipping from the heartfelt back into flirty territory. “Don’t worry, gorgeous. I got the message loud and clear.”

Vivian’s giggle lights up the space between us, and my heart beats double-time when she rests her fingers on my chest with a mischievous smile. “I’ll go with you…on one condition.”

thirty

Vivian

The following Saturday, I fidget as I sit behind a small table facing Seabreeze Beans’s entrance. I’m somehow more nervous about this than when I spoke to strange men in bars weeks ago. I think my anxiety is twofold. I’m doing this in the epicenter of town gossip, and if I fail here, everyone will see.

To keep myself busy while I wait, I text Finn. Though we haven’t seen much of each other this week because of our grueling schedules, we’ve texted every day. I’ve been slightly overwhelmed with the sheer amount of work, since every adult on Wilks Beach plans to attend the fundraiser. My end-of-day exhaustion had me skipping music trivia and not even contemplating karaoke. Finn has been just as busy, missing his boxing classes for after-closing planning meetings with his fellow librarians.

Vivian

I can’t wait to see you tonight after the library closes.

Finn

I can.

A shocked sound comes out of my open mouth.

Finn

Wait, that came out wrong. I can’t wait to see you, but I think after the hard week we’ve both had, we should have dinner at Bayside Table instead.

I chuckle at my phone. This isn’t the first time Finn has attempted to get out of his condition for taking me to the fundraiser—swimming lessons.

My mind floats back to Tuesday morning after he’d asked me to attend the ball with him.

“I’ll go with you…on one condition. I want to teach you to swim.”

Finn hesitates, his jaw working. “I don’t think so.”

My hands smooth up his neck to frame his face. “I know how hard it is doing something out of your comfort zone, but I fully understand that our fears aren’t the same. What happened to you was horrible, but if you want to try to let go of that fear, I’m here. We can go as slow as you need, and if you decide it’s not worth it, I won’t push. But Finn…”—my thumb slides across his cheek with a featherlight touch—“I believe you can do this.”

His forehead comes to mine, rocking back and forth. “I don’t think I’ve ever trusted anyone the way I trust you.” After a long moment in which my heart can’t decide to soar or shatter at his sweet words, Finn leans back with a heavily drawn breath. “Okay. I’ll try.”

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