Page 47 of Cosy & Chill
Leo knew how Finn felt. They stood on the edge of something here. Something new and exciting. His heart was beating faster than it needed to and he was warm all over. As nice as it was to know that their attraction was mutual, sorting out where they were going wasn’t as easy. Leo had no issue with saying what he wanted, in bed or out. Finn was clearly not that forward.
“I'm going to fit bolts to the back door,” he yelled in the direction of the living room, hoping Finn wasn't already buried under his headphones. “I’ll see to dinner later.”
It seemed to him as if they were both running from something they weren’t ready for yet, but a little alone time might be just what each of them needed.
The mundane tasks of drilling and screwing distracted Leo from the unaccustomed feelings. When Finn brought him a mug of coffee and a stack of hobnobs a couple of hours later, he had recovered his equilibrium. Only to lose it again when Finn’s lips stretched into a wide grin.
“Keeping your ears warm?”
Leo blinked, confused, until Finn pointed at his head. He reached up, touched wool, and realised that he’d wandered off, still wearing his new hat. “Very nicely, thank you.” He accepted the mug and a biscuit, determined to ignore the way his heart beat like crazy. Again.
“I finished your scarf, but the gloves may have to wait a day or two. I've just realised that I have another hat that I should be sending tomorrow, and it needs finishing.” He made to turn away but hesitated in the doorway. “Can I do anything to help? I could go and pick up dinner.”
Leo waved the offer away, trying for nonchalance and failing. “Go knit. Dinner is taken care of. Do you think you could help me with my to-do list later?”
Finn nodded, serious all of a sudden. “Of course. Just yell when you want me. I do want to help. I feel bad enough as it is with you doing everything around here.” He disappeared through the door, leaving Leo to stare after him with his mouth hanging open.
Finn thought that Leo was doing all the work? What fairy tale didhelive in?
By the time Finn’s latest hat was blocked and drying, Leo had dinner ready. He’d removed his new hat when he’d come upstairs, still wondering why a bobble hat should choke him up more than a whole jumper.
So far, he hadn’t been able to puzzle it out.
He loved the vibrant blue and the bright white and—like Finn—he was convinced they’d stand out even on a grey, drizzly day. Though the colour and the prospect of warmth hadn’t put that lump in his throat. It was Finn naming his dream that had done that. Chill. A description and a suggestion in one. Leo had tried to create something tangible/intangible and Finn’s hat suddenly made it real.
“This makes exactly zero sense,” he muttered and started to dish green beans onto their plates.
“What doesn’t?” Finn slipped both arms around Leo’s waist and squeezed.
Simple touches and hugs were becoming a thing between them, and Leo loved it. He leaned a little in lieu of answering the question.
“Thank you for letting me finish the hat. I’ve got the envelope and note card all ready, too. As soon as it’s dry, there’s another one off my list.”
“No problem. How hungry are you?”
“Pretty much starving.” Finn unwound his arms and reached for corkscrew and wine glasses without needing Leo to prompt him.
Leo watched him lay the table and open the claret he’d bought, feeling warm and content.
They clinked glasses and traded looks but didn’t talk much while they demolished the pork chops and green beans. They’d discuss their days when their dinner was gone, and they each had a second glass of wine.
“I’ve spent part of this morning in a coffee shop,” Leo admitted. “Chatting to a barista I know and looking at coffee-making equipment. I didn’t realise that buying equipment wasn’t the only option. We can do that, of course.”
“What’s the other option? Lease it?”
“Kinda. Or sign a contract with a coffee roaster. They supply the equipment along with the coffee. I’m going to ask Audrey for advice when I see her next.”
“That sounds like a good idea.” Finn moved his wineglass in little circles on the table, trying to appear awake and listening. He failed abysmally.
Leo found it adorable. “You’re nodding off,” he said, stroking the back of Finn’s hand with his fingertips to draw his attention. “I know it’s early for you, but you got even less sleep than usual last night. Let’s wash up and go to bed. Or Monday morning will be here before we know it.”
They washed and dried plates and glasses in companionable silence, well-fed and tired after a busy week. Moving between the draining board and the cupboards seemed to revive Finn, or he’d been faking the fall-asleep-tired, because as soon as Leo finished rinsing the sink and dried his hands on a cloth, an arm slipped around his neck and drew him towards Finn.
“Thank you for a lovely dinner,” Finn whispered before he touched their lips together.
The gentle touch went through Leo like a heated wave. Had he really been tired? Had Finn? Without thought, he grabbed Finn’s hips and pulled them close, leaving Finn in no doubt about his growing interest. Finn revealed himself to be just as aroused, and their kiss grew fiercer and more desperate until they ran out of air.
“I really minded that stupid woman interrupting us last night,” Leo growled as he drew away.
