Hello! Definitely meant to get this chapter out sooner, but life has since gotten in the way. Things are still building up here...hope you enjoy it! As always, please let me know what you think. I appreciate and love all of the reviews!
"Finn, someone's here to see you." Sugar said, walking into the office from the front door.
"Huh?" He looked up from his laptop towards Sugar, and saw Rachel standing next to her.
She looked amazingly beautiful in her casual outfit of cut off shorts and a t-shirt. He was still trying to get images of her in her yoga gear out of his mind. It's been a few weeks since he last saw her at the yoga studio. After their last encounter, he really tried to muster up the energy to attend but there was no way he could really do that again. Why couldn't she teach something easier? Like football or something?
"Rachel, hi." He stood up from his desk.
Rachel gave him a small smile. "Hi Finn...can we speak?" She looked around the room at everyone else in the room staring at her. "Privately?"
"Uh, yeah. Sure. Let's go into one of these meeting rooms." He suggested as she nodded her head.
Finn led the way into the room, ignoring the eyes and smirks that were headed in his direction from Sam and Puck. He closed the door behind them and turned towards Rachel.
"So, to what do I owe this lovely surprise?" He smiled at her, before sitting down at the table across from her.
"Well you haven't been at yoga for me to share my news..." She smiled knowingly at him.
Finn laughed. "Uh yeah, about yoga...that's never happening again. What's the news?"
"I know what you did Finn." she responded pointedly.
"What?" He looked back at her innocently.
"Out of nowhere, someone contacted me for a job...a job that I didn't even apply before. But I said, hey what the heck...why not right? So, I go through the interview process. The job sounds amazing, the company sounds amazing. And so he offers me the job. Once I actually accepted, the first thing he said to me was 'I knew Finn wouldn't steer me wrong.' I don't know another Finn...so I'd really love for you to fill in the gap."
Finn laughed a little, but decided to play a long a little bit. "You don't know another Finn? I know at least like 3..."
She let out an exasperated sigh. "Will Schuester told me you told him to hire me Finn. Tell me what you did."
"I didn't say he should hire you..I simply said I know someone who would be a good fit and passed on your resume. The fact that he hired you just confirms the fact that I knew you were good." He responded. "And Congratulations, by the way. He's not an easy man to impress."
"Well.. thank you...thank you for doing that." She responded softly. It took Finn for a surprise, expecting her to want to rip his head off.
He shrugged and smiled. "I really didn't do anything. It was all you." He reached his hand over her the table and rested it on top of hers, giving it a little squeeze.
She gave him a small smile, ignoring the little boost of electricity that flowed through her the moment he touched her.
"So did you come all the way here just to question and thank me?" He asked.
"Well yes...it only seemed to right to come find out the full story. Which I still don't even think I know..."
"I don't believe that." He grins, moving his hand off of hers. "I think you just wanted to see me again."
"What! That is not true!" Rachel was clearly flustered and Finn seemed to know the right words to rile her up. He laughed at her expression.
"Hey if you wanted to see me again, all you have to do is ask, Rach."
Rachel rolled her eyes. "I wanted to show a sign of gratitude to you. I was going to invite you to dinner, but since you are being so annoying, I think I'll just see myself out."
"I was totally kidding Rachel. Dinner sounds great." He gently grabbed her by her wrist to prevent her from walking out.
"Good. So how is tonight?"
"Tonight's great. I was just going to stay at the office late, but it'd probably do me some good to get out of here for a bit." Finn said. It was a Wednesday, which usually had a routine of him staying at work until 7 or 8 and then heading to the gym for a quick workout. He was totally willing to break routine to hang out with her.
Rachel nodded and took her phone out. "What's your phone number?"
Finn grinned. "Moving kinda fast there aren't we?" He took the phone from her hand and entered in his number. He sent a text from her number to his so he also had her number. I mean, technically he had her number from her resume...but now that he's earned her number, it's a much different feeling.
Rachel took the phone back from him. "You're so ridiculous. This is just so I can text you the address for dinner. Let's meet at 8? And remember, this is not a date."
Finn laughed. He had a feeling she was going to say that. "8 sounds great. I get it - you just want to thank me for hooking you up with Will."
"Yes." Rachel smiled at him. "So I will see you later tonight."
Finn walked Rachel out to her car. Once she was in the car, her phone vibrated, indicating she had a new message. It was from Finn.
Looking forward to our non-date. ;)
She couldn't help but smile the whole ride home. He was so naturally charming and seemed to brighten up her mood every time she saw him. A huge part of her was also looking forward to seeing him tonight.
After work, Finn headed home to take a shower and get ready for their 'non-date'. He looked through his closet and had no fucking clue what to wear. He definitely wanted to impress her - but didn't want to look like he was trying to impress her. He decided he needed to call the one person who wouldn't judge him.
He searched his contact list on the phone, clicking on the FaceTime icon once he found his little brother's contact information.
"You better be on fire or at the hospital for calling me this late." his brothers voice panned through the phone, annoyance clearly evident.
Finn chuckled. "What's up little bro? It's only like 11 pm with the time difference. Don't tell me you're already in bed." Kurt was currently in London finishing a Master's program in Communications. The two have been step brothers since they were about ten years old, and outside of Sam and Puck, Kurt was like his best friend.
"I'll have you know that I have a very early morning tomorrow. I need my beauty rest." The screen got suddenly brighter as Kurt turned on the lamp next to his bed. He had on his night time mask that as he told Finn, helped keep his face softer than a baby's bottom.
"Alright I'll make it quick! I need to know what to wear tonight..I'm going on a 'non-date' date..."
"What the hell is a non-date date? Why don't you just wear one of your hundred plaid shirts that I know you have hanging in your closet in every color possible."
"Ha ha." Finn rolled his eyes. "Dude I just want to look...a little more mature. What should I wear?"
Kurt sat up on his bed. He lived for the moments Finn came to him for fashion advice. "Show me some options."
"I was thinking like this t-shirt and jeans." Finn held it up for Kurt to see. It was just a plain black t-shirt and black jeans.
"That says you put in no effort and just grabbed the first thing you saw."
"Alright...what about this?" Finn held up one of his newer flannel shirts.
"Finn! No! No plaid and no flannel! Remind me to take you shopping when I get back home."
Finn rolled his eyes once again. What a drama queen.
"Okay let me think...this is clearly a fashion emergency. Okay! I've got it. Why don't you just wear your blue button down shirt that you wore for Thanksgiving a few months ago, your leather jacket and some jeans? It's like saying you're not trying too hard but you put some thought into it. I'm sure the nights in LA are still somewhat chilly anyway."
Finn looked thoughtful for a second as he pictured the outfit in his head. "I like it! That'll work. You're sure it's a no to the flannel?"
"It's a hell to the no!" Kurt said, his face brightening up. "I have to tell Mercedes I just used her catch phrase."
Finn looked confused. "Who's Mercedes?"
"She's in my class Finn! Remember I told you about the girl who was hitting on me non-stop?"
"Ha. Yeah that's right. How'd she take it when you told her you play for the other team?"
"Let's just say it wasn't pleasant." Kurt shook his head. "But we're good friends now."
Finn nodded. "Good! She from Cali as well?"
"Nah, she's from New York. She's heading back there once we're done with classes. I finally have a reason to visit New York!"
"Nice! So when are you coming home anyway?" Finn said, looking through his closet to find his shirt to wear tonight.
"Next week! All I have left is my final thesis but I don't need to be here to complete it. I'm tired of this cold weather."
"That's awesome man. We've missed you around here. Mom and Burt are always hounding me to come home on Sundays for dinner. It'll be good to have you back living in their house." Finn laughed.
"Haha...I don't mind. But I'm gonna need to find me a job ASAP. London has not been cheap."
"You'll find one quick, little bro. Anyway - let me go get ready, the last thing I want to do is be late!"
"Call me tomorrow! I want to hear all about your non-date date! I can't believe I didn't even ask who the girl was! I was so worried about your fashion faux pas!"
Finn laughed. "Later bro." He quickly hung up and jumped into the shower. He got dressed, putting just a little gel in his hair to style it just right. He sprayed his cologne that he normally wore for special occasions. He had to admit, he looked damn good. Now all he had left to do was turn this non-date into a real one.
Finn arrived at the restaurant five minutes early, hoping to get there before she does. LA traffic was not on his side, but he still managed to get there before she did. He asked the hostess to seat him and he ordered a bottle of champagne for the table. He sat there waiting, palms sweating a little. He couldn't believe how nervous he was!
"Get a grip dude..." he mumbled to himself.
Rachel arrived to the restaurant wearing a midi length black dress that seemed to hug all of the curves of her tiny body. She wore a thin leather jacket and heels to match her dress. Finn stood up from the table the moment he saw her arrive. She caught his eye from across the room as she walked over, and smiled shyly at the look he was giving her.
"Are you sure this is a non-date?" He blurted out as she got to the table. "I mean, hey Rachel..."
She laughed. "Hi Finn...you look nice."
He smiled at her. "You look beautiful, Rach." He pulled her seat out for her to allow her to sit and then pushed it in once she sat down.
He sat down across from her and noticed her eyes looking at the bottle of champagne sitting in its holder at the side of the table.
"What's this?"
"I thought we could celebrate your new job."
"Finn! I'm supposed to be treating you to dinner, not the other way around."
Finn shrugged, grabbing the bottle of champagne and poured some in both of their classes. "You can treat me to dinner another time. This is on me." He handed her the glass.
"I think you're just saying that to go out with me again." She laughed, taking the glass from his hand.
"You really are a smart woman. Are you sure you don't want to join my team?" He grinned.
Rachel rolled her eyes playfully at him. "Let's cheers. Thank you Finn..."
"Thanks to Sam for dragging me out to that bar in Malibu. Thanks to Sugar for circulating the job. Thanks to you for being so awesome that Schuester had no choice but to hire you."
"How about..cheers to being at the right place at the right time?" She smiled back at him.
Finn nodded, touching his glass to hers before taking a sip.
They went through dinner talking about Will, Finn explaining how he knew Will and giving her advice on how to handle his eccentric ways.
"He can't be THAT bad." Rachel laughed.
"Oh, you'll see." Finn chuckled.
Rachel took a sip of her wine, admiring him for a second as he continued telling her about another encounter he had with Will. He was definitely more mature than the last few guys she's dated. Not that there's been that much...she's never had the time to date. Now here she was with Finn, a successful 25 year old who still made time to hang out, and on a weekday nonetheless! Let's not forget the fact that he looks absolutely fuckable sitting there across from her. She blushed slightly as the thought crossed her mind. Finn seemed to notice the change in her expression, as he stopped telling his story.
"You ok?"
Rachel nodded, taking a sip of her water. "Yeah - sorry, what were you saying?"
Before Finn could start up his story again, the waitress walked over to the table. "We're closing up for the night...would you like anything else before we bring over the check?"
Rachel looked up at her confused. "Closing already?"
"It's 11:30..." The waitress responded.
Finn and Rachel looked at each other, both surprised at how quickly the time flew by. The restaurant was also empty at this point, excluding Rachel and Finn.
"Wow. That just flew by. We can grab the check...thanks." Finn responded.
The waitress nodded and walked off to get the check.
"I can't believe it's already 11:30!" Rachel said. The night really did fly by - the conversation and drinks were flowing pretty easy.
"I know...I've got to be in the office pretty early tomorrow...but uh, if you're up for it, do you want to grab one more drink somewhere else?" Finn asked her, not really wanting the night to end just yet.
"I don't know, Finn..." She responded hesitantly.
"One drink. You can even choose the place." He smiled at her and she could have sworn her insides were melting.
"Fine...one drink." She gave him a small smile as the waitress came back. Finn paid the bill and the two headed outside.
They both drove their cars separately to The Standard hotel. The hotel had a cool rooftop bar that had comfortable couch seating and amazing views of the city.
Finn arrived before Rachel and waited for her at the lobby before they both took the elevator up to the rooftop.
The music was thumping pretty loudly the moment they stepped off the elevator. The two found a little couch that they settled into. Finn went off to the bar to buy some drinks, and Rachel sat there looking around at the people around her. There were mostly couples, and one group of guys who seemed to be inching their way over to a group of girls. For a Wednesday, there sure was a lot of people out and about.
Her eyes set on the guys as she watched them make their move. They looked to be right around their early 20's. One of the guys from the group approached the girls, and within seconds, he had the girls laughing. This queued in his boys to get a little closer so their friend could introduce them to the girls. It was quite funny - watching the way they interacted. She didn't even hear when Finn sat down next to her on the couch.
"They're a little young for you, don't you think?" He joked, holding her drink out for her to take.
"Ha ha ha. Aren't you just the funniest person in the world?" She rolled her eyes playfully, taking the drink from his hand. "I was just watching how those guys started hitting on those girls. I wonder what goes through their heads, and how they plan it all out. Like who chooses which guy is going to be the one to make contact? Meanwhile, the girls are just there, knowing that at some point, a group of guys will approach them. It's all just so fascinating." Rachel responded, taking a sip of her drink.
"It's quite easy really...it's kind've like a game sometimes. You send the guy who has no problem making an ass out of himself if he fails." Finn shrugged. "Sam, Puck and I usually just take turns." he laughed.
"Hmm so you do this kind've often do you?"
"Not often...but I guess the whole point of going out is to meet people, right? " Finn shrugged. "Remember how we met? Sam kind've did the work with Quinn but...I'm pretty sure the Hudson charm had you hooked." He grinned, his dimples shining brightly.
Rachel turned towards him and laughed. Their knees were lightly pressed against each other and it felt oddly comfortable.
"Whatever you say, Hudson."
"Can't say I wasn't hooked at all either by your witty banter...it was definitely refreshing."
"Really?" Rachel looked at him curiously.
"Yeah.." he chuckled. "I had a great time chatting with you. I was pretty happy actually, seeing you again in my office. Now if only you'd give me the time of day..." He half joked.
"You'd have a much better time with someone closer to your age...I almost guarantee it."
"How will I know if you don't give me a chance? Age really is nothing but a number...so you're 6 years older than me...you can teach me things. I've never been with an older woman." He said cutely.
"Ha...I really doubt I can teach you anything." She muttered, looking down a little.
"I'm sure that you can, Rach. All those years of experience.." he joked, suggestively moving his eyebrows.
"I haven't actually been with someone since...well...three years ago." she said quietly.
Finn scrunched his forehead in confusion. "You mean like a relationship?"
"No...I mean like, physically."
Finn choked on his drink, eyes looking like they were about to pop out of his head.
"Oh my God, it's so embarrassing isn't it?!" she said, face starting to turn red.
"How the hell is that even possible?" Finn asked. "First of all, you're like super hot and..three years?! what?!"
"I told you, I spent all of my time working!" Rachel cried out. "I can't even believe I just told you that. Please do not tell a soul I just told you that!"
"I'm totally not judging you, and I won't tell anyone, honest." Finn looked lost in thought for a second. "Do you miss it?"
"Finn! We are not talking about this." She finished her drink.
"You can't just say that and not expect me to not have questions, Rach. Plus, I helped you meet Will. You owe me. Answer my questions and we're even." He smiled at her.
"Seriously? And this is what you want to hear?"
"Uh, yeah. You're like a science experiment. I need to know how something like this can even happen." He laughed.
"It's just that I don't really sleep around...I was with my first boyfriend in college, but we broke up shortly after. I was then dating someone a few years ago..."
"Three years ago." Finn said.
"Yes." Rachel shook her head. "Three years ago. But I was always working and it didn't really work out between us. We weren't together that long." It kind of saddened her to think how much time she wasted at work, considering the way everything turned out. No wonder her father's and Quinn were always hounding her to get out more.
"So you're like...pretty inexperienced." The thought alone was turning Finn on.
"If you put it that way...kind of...yes." Rachel sighed, taking the last sip of her drink. She had to admit she was feeling just a little bit tipsy. She looked up at Finn. "Do you think I'm still super hot now?"
"I don't think you could possibly be any hotter." He gave her a small smile, licking his lips lightly. "I think it's pretty cute that you're so inexperienced..."
"Oh, get out of here." Rachel laughed. Why was he just so sweet? and hot? She couldn't stop thinking about the way he licked his lips, or about the way his lips felt on hers not that long ago. She wanted to feel it again, and soon.
"What?" He looked at her innocently. "We've got to find you someone to break this three year spell of yours."
"Where do you suppose I'll find someone?" she looked at him, leaning in to him a little closer, hand resting on his knee.
Finn looked around them, pretending as if he was looking for someone. "Hmm...no one around here looks like they might be up for that challenge. Except...well...there is one possibility." He looked over at her with a thoughtful smile.
"Yes?" She was practically at the edge of her seat, wanting nothing more but to reach over and grab his face for a hot, passionate, steamy, tongue-swapping kiss.
"I don't know...on second thought, you might think he's just a little too young for you." He said apprehensively, mocking her previous words, but also moving in closer to her so there were faces were just inches apart.
"I guess there's just one way to find out..."
"I was hoping you'd say that." He grinned.
Her lips were on his within seconds.
