Page 49 of Finch

“Would you like to see what’s been planned so far? You could, if you wished, still make

changes at this point.”

“No! That is, no thank you. I’m sure you have it all in hand and I’d hate to derail your creative

and clever plans. But would you mind if I came by your rooms tonight?” Hugh looked at Finch

beseechingly.

“I… I suppose you may. Although I will be in my bed by ten, sir, I do warn you. I have another

early day tomorrow.”

Hugh rubbed his hands together, his handsome features positively gleeful. “Of course, of

course. I wouldn’t want to impose. But this way we can talk and I won’t be interrupting you.

Yes. Perfect.” Hugh beamed at Finch. “I’ll see you tonight, then.”

Finch continued to stare at his employer. “Yes, sir.”

* * *

Hugh arrived at Finch’s door, true to his promise, an hour before ten at night. The first thing he

said, after Finch ushered him in, was, “I was thinking of getting a treat for your girls. A peace

offering, of sorts. So they won’t bite me.”

Finch was both amused and charmed. “Is it chocolate? The ladies love chocolate.”

“Er… that wasn’t quite what I was thinking. But I don’t see why not. Shall I go fetch some?”

“No, sir, I was just…” Finch couldn’t bring himself to tell Hugh he’d been teasing him. It was so

inappropriate. Instead, he said, “I mean, I have plenty of it here. Would you like to give them

one chip apiece?”

Hugh looked hesitant, then nodded. When Finch lifted the lid on the chocolate chips, Hugh

took three. “One for each of us,” he said. He popped his into his mouth first and seemed to

suck on it, letting the chocolate dissolve onto his tongue. “Mm. I say, chocolate does make one

feel better, doesn’t it?” He took one more chip from the container then held it to Finch’s lips.

“See for yourself.”

Finch’s heart felt like it wanted to explode from his chest. He closed his eyes and opened his

mouth slightly. Hugh put the chip onto Finch’s tongue. Somehow, during the maneuver, Finch

licked Hugh’s finger before he pulled it away. Finch’s eyes flew open and he looked at his

dragon. His eyes were dilated and seemed as dark as the night sky, and every bit as full of

stars.

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