Rhythm by Marie Lipscomb

Epilogue

Beth

 

Two months ago, if you’d asked her what she thought of Finn Tovey, she’d have told you he was loud, smug, and irritatingly handsome. None of that has changed.

As she watches him from the side of the stage, she can’t help but smile. He’s hers. She’s his. And she’s all but glowing with pride as he plays.

The art center’s first public exhibition almost kept her from the show, but seeing him in his element, unaware that she’s there, makes all the rushing around worthwhile.

The audience roar the words along with Mia as Vixen’s Wail blasts through the final song of the evening. Another triumphant sold-out show for an enraptured audience.

Beth can’t take her eyes off him as he pounds the drums, biceps flexing, skin shining with sweat. Her fingers flex with the desire to touch him, to have him. They haven’t said it to each other yet, but she loves him. She loves him so much, and she’s just about done with playing it cool.

The song ends, and he bows to the audience, throwing out his battered sticks. Her heart pounds as he turns to her, the aftershocks of the thundering rhythm of his drums.

“You’re incredible,” she beams as he hurries toward her with a wide grin. “The new stuff sounds amazing.”

He takes one of her hands in both of his, and brings it to his lips, sending a flurry of excitement coursing through her. “Really? I was distracted by the gorgeous woman watching me from the wings during the last few songs.” He takes a towel from one of the backstage staff and wipes the perspiration from his face. “How was the gallery?”

“Good. There are a lot of talented young people in this town.” She follows him into his personal dressing room. “They’re excited to see you there tomorrow. I think your lessons are their favorite part.”

He beams as he collapses on a brown leather couch. She stands back, giving his time and space for the adrenaline of the show to run its course, and admiring the body she can’t get enough of.

He sits with his legs spread wide, one elbow resting on the arm of the couch as he takes deep breaths. It takes all her willpower not to climb on top of him.

When she meets his eyes, he’s looking at her, his gaze soft, his lips parted a little. He stands and steps toward her, and her body tingles in his presence.

“Hey,” he reaches out, brushes a strand of hair back from her face and tucks it behind her ear, sending bolts of electricity across her skin. “There’s something I want to tell you, and I’ve been waiting for the right time, but nothing seemed good enough to tell you—”

“Is it that you love me?” She grins as he freezes. “Because if it is, I know, and I love you too.”

“Yeah,” he chuckles. “I guess it really is that simple. I love you.”

She raises onto her tiptoes, pulling him toward her as she melts against his kiss. She wouldn’t exchange all the quiet in the world for this.

He pulls away, his chest slowly heaving and eyes glassy, as he slowly peels off his sweaty black tank top. “I never want to be without you, Beth.”

“Me neither,” she grins, her teeth sinking into her lower lip as her eyes feast on the sight of his bare torso. “But you’re still not bringing the spare drum kit to my apartment.”

His smile widens as he crouches and lifts her over his shoulder. She laughs as he carries her over to the shower in the corner of the dressing room.

“You wouldn’t dare,” she shrieks as she dangles upside down, swatting his ass as he turns on the steaming jet of water. “Finn, I swear I’ll bite you.”

“I’m counting on it,” he says as he sets her back down, and she doesn’t have time to draw breath before he’s kissing her, his hands pulling at her clothes.

That irresistible bastard.

This is it, their rhythm, and damn, they play so well together.

Finn

He knowsshe’s watching him as he showers, knows she wishes it was her hands lathering up his body. Usually, he takes his time getting clean after a show, but he can’t stand to be away from her. Not tonight. She said she loves him.

She loves him.

Nothing can take the smile from his face as he rinses off. He can hardly believe it, and yet, he’s known for almost the whole time they’ve been together.

“What’s funny?” Beth asks, unashamedly letting her eyes wander over his naked body as he steps out of the shower. Despite her casual tone, her cheeks are pink and her eyes dark.

He shrugs, pulling a soft blue towel around his hips. “That this all started out with a noise complaint, and that’s exactly what our neighbors will be doing tonight before I’m through with you.”

“Oh,” she narrows her eyes and purses her lips. “Smooth.”

He flashes her a grin before he begins to dry off. In his heart, he knows she’s the one. She’s the one he’ll ask to marry someday, the one he’ll grow old beside. Their hearts beat to the same rhythm, and it’s a song he’ll happily dance to for the rest of his life.