Craft Beer & Roses

Chapter 26

Something tickled Aviva's cheek. She twitched, the sound of the outside world pulling her out of her dreams. Something warm and soft pressed lightly against her neck; a rough, hot firmness passed over her stomach and slid down to her upper thigh. It felt nice, causing her lips to curl into a pleased smile. The smell of pine wafted to her nose, and the same soft and warm feeling from her neck connected with her mouth. She parted her lips slightly, receiving it willingly. When her eyes fluttered open, still dazed and sleepy, she could see a blur of reddish-brown and white haloed by the shadowy light of the early morning.

"Morning." Finn murmured against her lips.

Aviva raised her hand to hold back his curtain of wavy hair as she deepened the kiss, "It is a good morning." She said, the kiss distorting her words.

Finn reluctantly pulled away, "Okay, maybe not good..."

Aviva blinked the sleep from her eyes, confusion fogging her brain, "What do you mean?"

Finn reached behind him and held out his phone. Aviva squinted at the bright light of the screen.

Boys, pack a bag and head downstairs – it's time to test your loyalty in the house of love! #CasaRemorse #StickOrSwitch

Aviva shot up, flinging the blanket off her body, "They're taking the piss! We just—we finally just—oh my God!"

Finn discarded his phone to the side and put his hands over Aviva's shoulders to pacify her. He spoke, voice smooth and calming, "Hey, it's alright. It's only for five days."

"That's like a month in here!" Aviva snapped, "How can you be so relaxed!? We're just getting started, and now you're leaving!"

Finn secured her in his arms, despite her efforts to fight against him, "I'm relaxed because I'm not worried. This is how the show is. They just wanted to shake things up and stir up some more drama. But you know I've only got eyes for you."

Aviva shook her head, "You cannot definitively say you've got eyes for me...it's not like we've been coupled or anything. There's nothing here to hold you."

Finn's hands found the sides of her face. He held her with a firm but gentle grasp, staring straight into her eyes, "That's nonsense. I've got you. I said I wanted to be with you, and I meant it. No one will change that, alright?"

"But what if your eyes see someone better?" Aviva asked sulkily. The image of a turtle tattoo on a plane of unblemished flesh flashed in her mind's eye for a moment, causing her to wince in displeasure.

His thumbs rubbed at her cheeks with a light touch, almost afraid to smudge her perfection, "How could they when I've seen peak beauty right here?"

"You're just saying that..."

"No way, you're my Rose of Tralee. I don't go throwing that title around lightly, you know."

Aviva tried to hide her smirk as she rolled her eyes, "That's not what Eddie says."

"Alright, maybe some other lads use it as a line, but not me. I really mean that." Finn said ardently. "And it's not all looks. You're also hardworking," he kissed her hand, "and smart," his lips brushed her forehead, "and sweet." his mouth found hers, briefly, but with enough heat and passion to make her weak.

Aviva caught him before he could pull away fully, bringing him back to her lips. Excitement rushed through her, thrilled to finally be able to take such liberties. Deep down, she still felt bad about the way they'd entered this new relationship, but she couldn't deny how good it felt to have him so close. She feared Casa Amor would spoil it all.

"And who's to say some other lad won't come in here and tempt you?" Finn countered teasingly as he fingered her silky coils of hair.

"That won't happen," Aviva said with certainty. She truly couldn't imagine being as happy as she was at that moment with anyone else.