"Because it's Friday night. I want to take my girl out on the town."

I can't suppress a little tremble of excitement. Going out on a proper date was something that we never got to do when we were younger. Finn and I worked part-time jobs to help our moms' with bills and we never really had extra money for that kind of thing anyway. Our dates were usually things you could do for free like hanging in the park or making out on the bleachers at school during football games.

"I guess we've never really done that, huh?"

Finn winks at me. "I can finally take you out properly. I always wanted to take you to one of those restaurants where they speak French and all the portion sizes look like they're for ants. You know, the real fancy places."

I think of all the proper, elegant dates I had with Andrew. The Carringtons have a lot of influence in the state and there were many dinners and fundraisers that Andy was expected to attend. All those evenings when I would try to fit my curves into a dress that his mother would find appropriate and then have to spend the evening smiling at the insipid people he was trying to impress. It seemed like he was always playing a role. Until the mask slipped and I saw the ugly underside.

Even when he took me out and we were alone, it never felt like I really had his full attention. Leaving him has gotten more of his attention than anything else I've ever done.

"I used to dream about that, too. But my dream wasn't about where we were going. It was just about having all that time with you. And you'd only have eyes for me."

"I only had eyes for you anyway," Finn replies.

"Now, I know that. But back then I'd see you flirting or smiling at someone else and it made me wonder. I wasn't sure if I was enough to keep a man like you interested."

It's difficult to admit out loud that my insecurity is what ultimately drove us apart. If only I'd trusted in him, we could have been together, loving each other, for all these years.

Finn looks pained. "I never knew that. I always thought of flirting as harmless. Half the time I don't even realize when I'm doing it. But it's obviously not harmless if it cost me you."

He looks so sad and that's not what I wanted at all.

"Okay, I'll make some calls and arrange for someone to cover for me tonight. Then I'll swing by my house and change clothes."

"Wear your best dress. And pack a bag before you come back." He gives me that intense stare again and my nerves start dancing again. Everything feels like it's moving so fast but I wouldn't stop it even if I could. For the first time, I'm doing something reckless and it feels completely right.

It feels like home.

*   *   *   *   *

When I get back to Finn's place that afternoon, I'm carrying a small suitcase and two garment bags. I brought one formal dress but also a really cute, black jersey knit dress that can pass for cocktail if necessary with the right accessories.

Finn hasn't told me anything about where we're going so I'm not sure which one I'm going to wear yet. I wish he'd give me a hint. Men don't understand these things. Being overdressed can be just as uncomfortable as being underdressed. 

I'm in the tub again when he comes back home. I look up to see him observing me from the doorway.

"Another bath?"

Suddenly self-conscious about my obvious love for this decadent bathtub, I poke my tongue out at him. "I'm pampering myself before our date. I didn't get to relax last time. I was too busy being ravished by this insatiable caveman."

"Cavemen are so demanding, aren't they?” His eyes roam over every inch of my exposed skin. "I could definitely get used to this view."

I draw my knees up teasingly, blocking my breasts from his view. "You can't just watch me! If you want to see then you have to get in."

"If I get in there with you, we won't make dinner." But that doesn't stop him from sitting on the side of the tub and stroking his fingers over my skin.

"Hmm, are you sure?" Because I'm starting to care less and less about going out now that he's here and his hand is making its way slowly up my thigh.

"I'm sure. But that doesn't mean I can't play a little." His mouth covers mine just as his hand cups me. I arch into the touch and when I gasp, he chuckles against my mouth.

"So soft. So sweet. I could just play with this all day." He croons between kisses.

The water laps against the side of the tub as his arm moves, dancing over my pussy lips, teasing me until my hips lift of their own accord, trying to get more contact with his fingers. When I open my eyes, he's watching me. That sends my desire skyrocketing. I've never come like this, while I'm lost in ecstasy and he's so still. Watchful.

"I just want to see it. The moment when you fall apart. It's so beautiful."

Suddenly he thrusts one thick finger deep inside me, pressing and holding it there while his palm grinds against me. I explode against his hand, my cry swallowed when he kisses me again. The pleasure rolls through me like a wave until I'm leaning against Finn's arm completely boneless. When I open my eyes again, his carnal stare is fixed down at the water where his hand is buried between my thighs. He gently pulls his fingers out and I shudder at the small shocks of pleasure caused by the movement. He sees my reaction and grins, looking completely pleased with himself. I laugh weakly. I can't even fault the man for his arrogance in this particular case. He really is quite talented.