I FOUND LOVE IN CALIFORNIA 4: What A Cozy Surprise

Heat flared where his palm pressed through my jeans and I tried to swallow the sudden surge of desire, but the only sound that came out was a soft, broken exhale.

“You didn’t have to do that,” I managed, though the words sounded weak even to my own ears.

He leaned in, his breath warm against my ear. “I love you, Alex,” he replied, his voice edged with danger, it made my skin prickle with both warning and want at the same time. I could feel him watching me, waiting for me to decide whether I would pull away or let him keep going.

“I’ve been thinking about you,” he said quietly. “And I always thought you did too.”

My heart hammered in my chest, and I hated how honest he sounded.

“Justin, I…” I started, but my voice broke, and the rest of the sentence died in my throat as he dragged his thumb along the edge of my jeans, tracing a line that made my skin burn.

My eyes fluttered shut for a moment, savoring the faint scent of his cologne and the touch of his hand.

“You did,” he said, and the word came out like a claim. “You always do.”

“I’m not sure this is a good idea,” I whispered.

He chuckled softly and leaned in again, close enough that I could feel the warmth of his lips near my neck. “You’re not a kid anymore.”

That sentence hit me wrong, and I shoved him back, my voice sharp. “Back off.” He tried to lean in again, and I snapped, “Fuck off!”

The door swung open immediately and we turned to see my mother standing in the doorway.

“Boys, is everything alright?” she asked calmly.

Justin’s face stayed calm, almost proud. “We’re cool,” he said, turning his head toward me as he backed away toward the door. My mother stepped aside without a word, letting him pass. He walked out, and for a moment she stared at me, watching my back as I turned away.

“My baby boy…” she whispered, concern heavy in her voice.

“Please, Mum,” I said, my voice firm but calm. Her worry vanished into sudden silence, and she took a sharp breath before closing the door.

******

✦THE NEXT MORNING✦

◈8:00 AM◈

I walked down the stairs and slowed when voices carried from the living room. My parents were seated with a family I recognized immediately. Finley sat beside them, relaxed but attentive, his parents on either side of him. The room felt full in a way it had not been the day before.

As I stepped into view, every conversation stopped. Eyes turned toward me, then paused. Mine locked with Finley’s before I looked away, my attention shifting to my mother as she leaned back slightly on the couch and studied me.

“Late again,” she said, her tone calm but pointed. She waved a hand lightly, dismissing the remark as she turned to the couple beside her. “Anyway, Alex, these are Mr and Mrs Hartwell. Your father’s associates. And their son, Finley,” she added smoothly. “They are our new neighbors in the estate, and I would love you to meet them.”

I glanced away, then back to my mother, who was already smiling at Mrs Hartwell.

“Good day,” I said warmly. “You're all welcome.”

“Thank you,” Mrs Hartwell replied, her smile easy and polished.

My father and Mr Hartwell sat calmly, both men smiling as if this meeting had been rehearsed. I stepped forward and bowed slightly toward them, my posture polite and my movements automatic. My eyes shifted back to Finley, searching his face, and we held each other’s gaze for a brief moment before I blinked and turned to my mother.

“I will be late,” I said, my voice calm and controlled.

She studied me for a second, then smiled as if nothing was off. “Do not skip breakfast next time,” she replied lightly.

“I will not,” I said.

Her eyes softened just a fraction as she nodded. “Drive safe.”

“I will,” I answered, then turned and walked out, closing the door behind me.

“Oh my God,” my mother exclaimed the second the door shut. She turned quickly toward Finley stretching her car keys towards him. “Please, can you help me give this to Alex. I would like him to take mine today.”

Finley stood at once, collecting it carefully and she placed the key into Finley’s hand. “Of course,” he said, already moving toward the door.

My father shifted slightly beside my mother, glancing at her. She turned back to him with a smile, smoothing the moment as if nothing unusual had happened. “Sorry,” she said lightly, “where were we?”