Page 84 of Study You

Finn lifted a shoulder. “No idea. I’m not available anyway.”

“Finn, you should go. You need to have a break, and it could be good for you to unwind away from the house you’ve just spent several weeks working on.”

“You’re right, but I’d rather be here with you.” Finn leaned in, trailing her lips across Gillian’s jawline. “Surely you know that.”

“Mm. I do know that. But I’m not going anywhere, and I expect you back here when you’ve met your friend.” Gillian wouldn’t think of Deena as her student right now. It only confused everything in her head. “Please, for me, go and have a few drinks with her. I can carry on unpacking some bits, and when you come back here, we can relax and start some kind of box set.”

“I’d love that.” Finn held Gillian at arm’s length, her head cocked. “Are you sure you don’t mind?”

“Not at all. Maybe without you here, I’ll get more done. God knows you only distract me in those sweatpants.”

Finn smirked as she took a step back, then another. “Well, I’ll be in the bedroom changing…if you want to join me very briefly.”

“Go! And don’t even try to tempt me!”

* * *

Finn strode into The Corner, grinning at Deena where she stood at the bar. It was nice to get out for a few drinks tonight; she just wished it didn’t have to be so secretive about Gillian. Finn would have loved her to be here, too.

“Got you a pint,” Deena said as she turned away from the bar and handed a glass to Finn. “Let’s sit down. I refuse to leave this place until I’ve at least had a few.”

“Everything okay at home?” Finn asked, concerned for Deena after the last time they’d gone out together. “I know you said your mum has the kids, but is there a reason why?”

“She just thought it would be nice to give me a break since it’s reading week.”

Finn smiled as she pulled out a seat. “Yeah, that is pretty nice.”

“I haven’t seen you around much lately. Couldn’t tell you the last time I saw you having lunch on campus or working from the library.”

“Yeah.” Finn dragged a hand through her hair. She hated lying, but she had no choice. “I’ve been getting as much work done as I can when I’m not on campus. The house renovation I’m working on is really taking shape, so I’m focusing all my time and attention there.” While being madly in love with our lecturer! Finn wanted to add but would never. “Got to take the work while it’s on offer.”

“I’m happy for you.” Deena clinked her glass to Finn’s as they lifted them from the table. “It’s nice to see things coming together for you. You seemed so…miserable the other month.”

“Well, no use sitting around feeling sorry for myself. It doesn’t get shit done.”

“You’re right.” Deena nodded slowly, looking up as Morgan stopped at their table.

“You know, you’re going to get a name for yourself around here soon, Finn.”

Finn almost spat out the sip of beer she’d just taken. “Excuse me?”

“You’re in here with a different woman whenever you come through my door. I wish you’d pick one of them and settle down.”

“Oh, no.” Deena cut in. “I’m just Finn’s friend.”

Morgan regarded Deena with a sarcastic laugh. “Sure. So is the other one…apparently.”

Deena quirked a brow. “What other one?”

“Gill, was it?” Morgan lifted a shoulder as she rested against the bar. “I have to say, I am surprised to see you here without her. That chemistry is off the charts, Finn.”

Finn felt Deena’s eyes on her, but all she could do was sink lower into her seat. If she wasn’t careful, she would end up under the table soon. Maybe that was the best place for her. Hidden away.

“Anyway, it’s good to see you. I’ll bring you some shots over in a few.”

Finn cleared her throat. “Oh, it’s not that kinda night out. I’m good.”

Deena laughed. “I’ll take her shot. Though, judging by the colour of her now, she’s going to need it to calm her nerves.” She eyed Finn, smirking. “Maybe we need more than one round of shots.”

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