Blue Comes Through

Chapter Twenty Five

I sob against his shoulder for a few minutes and he presses me tighter against his lean body, massaging my scalp with his big hand and murmuring comforting words. Despite my soaked clothes, I feel warm for the first time in days and my arms creep around his back and slide under his T-shirt.

"Fuck! Maddie. That's enough now. It's going to be ok." He groans and lifts my chin with a gentle finger, his eyes warm as he scans my face.

"We'll work it out. We can fix this." He presses a soft kiss on my lips and his conviction is as comforting as his arms. "I'm glad you came. I'm glad you're here."

I sniff inelegantly. "Me too. I can't believe you've been here the whole time." He kisses me again, flicking his tongue across my lips.

"You fucking sent me away. I didn't want to railroad you again." My eyes fill again, as I think about that scene on the cliff and Finn groans.

"Come on, enough with the tears." He looks down at his damp T-shirt and my bedraggled state.

"You're soaked. You must be freezing. How are you so wet?"

"I got caught in the rain with Wilf." Finn grunts and pulls away, taking my hand to lead me upstairs. I resist though, tugging on his hand. "I've left the keys in the car and my bag. I should get it in case Meg calls about Will." In my crazy woman state, I'd practically abandoned the car.

"I'll go. You need to get out of those wet clothes." He nudges me. "You been raiding my wardrobe again?" I blush and look down at his hoodie and he chuckles.

"Go on up. I've been using the rooms you furnished. They look good." He nods towards the stairs. "You'll find something to change into up there."

He disappears outside and I take the stairs to the guest room. The door is open with just a side light on. There is evidence of Finn's untidy occupation. The bed is unmade and there are clothes and towels littered around. The bed and furniture are a light oak. I'd chosen duck egg coloured curtains and duck egg striped bedding. Despite the mess, it does look good.

I pull the hoodie over my head and shiver slightly, goose bumps breaking out on my arms. I open a cupboard and find a white fluffy towel. I hear Finn slam the front door and bound up the stairs. He bypasses this room though. I'm suddenly self-conscious and quickly strip off the rest of my clothes; even my knickers are wet and I wrap myself in the towel, tucking the ends between my breasts. I could do with a hair tie, but I'll have to wait for my bag.

I pad into the ensuite and find another towel to rub my hair, glancing around to see Finn's toiletries dotted around. It smells of him too; that yummy citrusy scent.

I daren't look in the mirror, I must look a fright. As well as self-conscious, I feel a little awkward now I'm here. The last time I saw him, he told me he loved me and I basically screamed at him to unsay it. I also have to confess about the job and the flat. I don't know exactly how fully Team Finn have kept him informed; now I'm feeling a little bit sick at what he might perceive as betrayal.

Finn comes back in with a glass tumbler with amber liquid. His T-shirt is damp in places from my tears and wet clothes and it's clinging to his lean frame. I watch him as he pads towards me. Other than looking a little tired, he looks none the worse for our separation. I wish I could say the same.

"I've only got beer and whisky." He passes me the glass. "This will warm you up though."

I take a sip as much for courage as warmth and grimace. The whisky burns the back of my throat and pools in my belly, but the warmth floods my bones. Finn watches me with a soft smile.

"We need to decide if we're staying here or going back to the lodge. I could go and get Will. Would it disturb him too much if I move him? Or is he best left where he is? The room next door is all ready for him."