No Boss of Mine

Underneath It All

Ashley woke up to the dimness of the blanket fort, stretching lazily. She reached out to the space beside her, only to find it empty. Finn was gone.

The aroma of coffee lured her into the kitchen. She touched the coffee pot, savoring its warmth, and reached for her favorite mug from the cupboard. Her fingers brushed against something unexpected—a rolled-up sheet of paper.

"A note?" she murmured, unrolling it.

Finn's messy handwriting greeted her:

Sorry, I had to run out. Even the magic of the fort can't stop an office emergency. See you tonight!

She was halfway through her breakfast when the doorbell chimed. Frowning, Ashley stood. Did Finn forget something?

She opened the door to a woman standing there, her eyes widening at the sight of Ashley.

"Oh...um, who are you?" the woman asked, her voice uncertain.

"I'm Ashley," she replied cautiously. "And you are?"

"I'm Janette. Is Finn here?"

"Sorry, no. He just left for work."

Janette cursed under her breath. "Do you know where he is?"

Ashley shrugged casually. "No idea, but I can text him now."

"That would be great," Janette said with a tense smile.

Ashley sent Finn a message, telling him it was urgent. Within moments, Finn replied that he'd be back in ten minutes.

"Oh, thank God," Janette sighed in relief.

"Have a seat while you're waiting," Ashley offered, gesturing toward the couch.

"Thank you," Janette said, sitting stiffly. "I...uh...lost an earring in his car the other night. It has sentimental value, and I haven't been able to settle since I realized it was gone."

Ashley's thoughts spiraled. An earring? In his car?

The minutes crawled by until Finn finally arrived.

"Janette? What brings you here this early?" he asked, his tone curious.

Janette blushed, her gaze dropping to the floor. "There's just some—"

"Excuse me," Ashley interrupted abruptly, retreating to her bedroom. She closed the door and dove into her bed, screaming into her pillow.

"Why do I even fucking care?" she whispered furiously, her emotions roiling.

After a while, the sound of the apartment door opening and closing caught her attention. They must have left.

Ashley stepped out, glancing around. "Finn?" she called softly. No response. Her eyes fell on a bottle of leftover wine, and she reached for it as though it were a lifeline. She drank deeply, seeking relief, when a familiar voice startled her.

"It's a little too early for that," Finn teased.

Ashley spat out the wine, coughing and choking as she glared at him. "God—dammit!"

"Whoa there," Finn said, moving closer. He rubbed her back, trying to soothe her, but she pushed him away.

"Slow down! What's wrong?"

Ashley laughed bitterly, her anger making her voice rough and cold. "Nothing! I don't give a shit if you fuck any other woman!"

Finn froze, stunned. The realization dawned in his eyes. "Is this about Janette?"

"Oh wow. What a genius!" Ashley snapped.

"Ashley—"

"I'm calm!" she yelled, cutting him off.

Finn's frustration boiled over. "I'm going to need you to stop right there," he said, his voice sharp and assertive.

Ashley flinched. This tone was rare, only surfacing when Finn detected complete nonsense.

"Janette is not my side chick," Finn said firmly. "She's Lester's wife."

"Lester...the driver?"

"Yes. They used my car for a date that night, and she lost her goddamn earring. That's why she was here. And now, here we are."

"Oh, God," Ashley whispered. "Janette and...Lester?" Her voice dropped to a murmur. "What have I done?"

She looked up at Finn, her face burning with humiliation. "I'm sorry, Finn. I let my emotions take over me."

Finn's expression softened. He stepped closer, pulling her into his arms. "No harm done. I mean, at least you didn't break my nose."

Ashley laughed, a genuine sound escaping her lips. "Finn..."

He cupped her face, his eyes locked onto hers, and kissed her deeply.

"Mmmph!" Ashley's eyes widened, her knees weak from the intensity. When his lips continued their slow, deliberate assault, she felt herself losing control. Just as things heated up, she pushed him away gently.

"Slow down, lover boy," she said breathlessly.

Finn smirked. "You liked that. I can tell."

"Finn, look, I—"

He shushed her, holding her gaze. "I just want the truth. You like me, don't you?"

Ashley's heart pounded. She took a deep breath. It was now or never.

"Finn," she whispered, her voice trembling. "I do. I like you more than I probably should."

Her confession hung in the air, heavy and electric. Finn leaned in, his lips brushing hers again. This time, she kissed him back with fervor, their connection deepening with every touch.

He wrapped one arm around her waist, pulling her closer, while his other hand explored her body. She felt herself surrendering to the undeniable pull between them, each moment intensifying the spark that had been building for so long.