Love’s lens

Chapter 2

A Glimpse of Vulnerability

Days passed, and Max found himself thinking about Finn more often than he cared to admit. He tried to focus on the wedding preparations, but his mind kept wandering back to the billionaire's piercing gaze and chiseled features.

One evening, as Max was working late at the venue, he noticed a figure standing by the bar, sipping a drink. Finn. Max's heart skipped a beat as their eyes met, and for a moment, they just stared at each other.

Finn broke the silence, his voice low and husky. "Max, can I have a word with you?"

Max hesitated, but something about Finn's tone made him nod. "Sure, what's up?"

Finn walked closer, his eyes never leaving Max's face. "I want to apologize for my behavior the other day. I was out of line, and I shouldn't have spoken to you like that."

Max was taken aback by Finn's sudden display of vulnerability. "It's okay, Finn. I understand. You were just protecting your relationship."

Finn's gaze dropped, his voice barely above a whisper. "It's more than that, Max. I have a lot of baggage, and sometimes it gets the better of me."

Max's heart went out to Finn, seeing a glimmer of the man behind the mask. "We all have baggage, Finn. It's how we deal with it that matters."

Finn's eyes met Max's, and for a moment, they shared a connection that went beyond words.

Finn's gaze lingered, and Max felt a spark of electricity between them. It was as if Finn was searching for something, or someone, to understand him.

"Thanks, Max," Finn said, his voice still low and husky. "Just knowing someone gets it makes a difference."

Max nodded, feeling a sense of empathy towards Finn. "We're all human, Finn. We all have our struggles."

Finn's eyes seemed to bore into Max's soul, as if seeking a connection. "You have no idea how much I wish I could be like you, Max. Carefree and full of life."

Max's heart went out to Finn, seeing the pain and longing behind his eyes. "Finn, you are full of life. You just need to let it shine."

Finn's gaze dropped, and he turned to leave, but not before Max saw a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

As Finn walked away, Max felt a sense of wonder. He had seen a glimpse of the real Finn, the one behind the mask of confidence and wealth. And in that moment, Max knew he wanted to see more.

Over the next few days, Max and Finn continued to cross paths as they worked together on the wedding preparations. Max noticed that Finn was making an effort to be more approachable, even friendly, and it caught him off guard.

One afternoon, as they were discussing the seating arrangements, Finn surprised Max by asking about his favorite hobbies. Max, taken aback by the sudden interest, found himself opening up about his love of photography and hiking.

Finn listened intently, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest. "I've always wanted to learn more about photography," he said. "Maybe you could teach me sometime."

Max's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. Spending time with Finn, outside of the wedding planning, was a tantalizing prospect.

"I'd love to," Max said, trying to sound casual. "Maybe after the wedding, we can go on a hike and I can show you some tips."

Finn smiled, and for a moment, Max saw a glimmer of the man he had glimpsed earlier - vulnerable, kind, and genuinely interested in connecting with others.

But as they parted ways, Max noticed that Finn's demeanor changed as soon as they were in public. He would treat Max with disdain, barely acknowledging him, and even looking at him with disgust.

It was as if Finn had two different personas - one when they were alone, and another when they were in front of others. Max was confused, but he couldn't deny the spark of attraction he felt whenever they were together, just the two of them.

(Finn's P.O.V)

I couldn't understand what was happening to me. I had always been straight, never once questioning my sexuality. But whenever I saw Max, my heart would race, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me.

It was infuriating. I didn't want to feel this way. I was Finn Thompson, the billionaire with a reputation for being ruthless and calculating. I didn't do vulnerability or emotions.

But there was something about Max that drew me in. His bright smile, his infectious laughter, his kind eyes... it all made me feel like I was home.

When we were alone, talking about photography and hiking, I felt like I could be myself. I felt like I could let my guard down and just be.

But as soon as we were in public, I knew I had to put on a mask. I couldn't let anyone see the real me, the me that was drawn to Max like a magnet.

I was torn. Part of me wanted to explore these feelings, to see where they would lead. But another part of me was screaming to run away, to hide behind my wealth and status.

I didn't know what to do. All I knew was that I couldn't keep denying the way I felt. And I couldn't keep treating Max like he was nothing more than a nuisance.

Something had to give. And soon.

(Max's P.O.V)

I was confused by Finn's behavior. One minute, he was warm and friendly, showing a genuine interest in my life. The next, he was cold and distant, treating me like I was beneath him.

I couldn't deny the attraction I felt towards him. There was something about his piercing gaze and chiseled features that drew me in. But I knew better than to get my hopes up. Finn was straight, and I was just a lowly event coordinator.

Still, I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with him. To see the real him, without the mask of confidence and wealth. To feel his touch, his kiss...

I shook my head, chiding myself for the fantasy. It was never going to happen. Finn was out of my league, and I needed to focus on the wedding, not my own impossible desires.

But as I watched him across the room, his eyes locking onto mine with an intensity that made my heart race, I knew I was in trouble. I was falling for Finn Thompson, and I had no idea how to stop it.