Page 17 of Study You

“Mm?” Finn briefly glanced in Gillian’s direction as she lowered her champagne to the table and instead picked up her beer. Finn wasn’t a champagne kind of person, and that was okay.

“If I offended you—”

Finn held up a hand, that ever-present smile on her lips. “You haven’t. Don’t worry about it. I just…don’t really know what to say to you when we’re not in bed together.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I know what this is. I’ve never not known. But I also don’t want you to feel like I only want to know you when it comes to fucking, you know? Like, I feel awkward because I don’t know what kind of questions I can and can’t ask.”

Gillian offered a weak smile. “Sorry.”

“Can I ask about your new place at least? The plans you have for it?” Finn turned to face Gillian in the booth. “I don’t want to overstep, and I don’t want to push you away, so I need you to tell me what’s what here.”

Gillian noted the confusion in Finn’s blue eyes. Of course they could talk about things. Just…nothing too personal. And there was the small matter of rules they needed to go over. Just…not yet. “For a start, it needs a massive overhaul. A lot of work.”

“Anything I can help with? I’m sure you want to keep costs down where you can.”

That was a sweet offer from Finn, but the work Gillian needed doing was more than a simple paint job. “If you saw the place, you’d understand why I have to turn down your offer.”

Finn shrugged. “Tell me about it.”

“It needs re-plastering throughout. Doors need hanging. The kitchen is incomplete. I need floorboards replaced in several rooms. It’s a lot. Things that I need qualified people for.”

“Who says I’m not qualified?” Finn lifted a brow as she brought her bottle to her lips.

“Finn, I need electricians and whatnot. It’s easier for me to just get a company in who can take care of it all.”

“What’s your timescale to move in?”

“Well, I’m not in any immediate rush. I want to get it right, you know?” Gillian had managed in her apartment for long enough; she could wait a while longer. “Can you recommend anyone to come and give a few quotes?”

“I can recommend me. We can figure the rest out when we know your budget and stuff.”

Gillian studied Finn. She wasn’t lying. “You’re qualified?”

“Mmhmm. Electrician. And I’ve been plastering for…six years. I can also hang the doors, and I’ll have a look at the kitchen when you show me around the place.”

“Finn, are you sure? You have plenty going on with your degree.”

“You’re right, I do. But I still have to make a living. I’m self-employed. I’ve had my own business for two and a half years.”

“I…had no idea.” Still, Gillian wasn’t sure having Finn at her new place was a good idea. Sweaty, covered in paint and other things… She was hot just thinking about it.

“There’s a lot you don’t know about me. But if you want me to take a look and give you a price, I’m happy to do that.”

Say no, Gillian. “That would be great.”

“Okay, cool. I’m free the days I’m not in uni. And the weekends, too. Mostly the weekends, actually. My mum visits a respite place on weekends at the minute. It’s the only thing I’ve managed to get her to try.”

“Hey, whatever works for you.” Gillian settled her hand on Finn’s thigh, closing her eyes briefly when she felt the muscle contract beneath her palm. “There was something else I wanted to ask, too.”

Finn gazed into Gillian’s eyes as she shifted closer. “What is it?”

“Will you…spend the night with me?”

That filthy look flashed in Finn’s eyes. Oh, it was a look that could get them both into so much trouble. “You know I will.”

Now that they’d gotten that out of the way—the rest of their evening plans—Gillian had a few things she needed to say. “I know this is probably going to kill the mood, but could we discuss some ground rules?” She looked around, satisfied that they were still safe here. “If you wouldn’t mind…”

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