Page 13 of Falling for Finn

“What the hell? You’re so rude!” She jumps in and slams the door while trying to catch her breath.

“I don’t have time for you to take a hundred pictures of the same thing. It’s exhausting, and you’re wasting my time.”

“I’m trying to work!” she exclaims. “Don’t question my process! You’ve purposely been an asshole all day. It’s like you get off on interrupting my flow.”

We continue arguing all the way to the inn.

After parking, we get out, and she follows me. “You’re always rushing around, for what? Have you ever heard of living in the moment? I’m sure your mother taught you manners. There’s no reason for you to keep acting like a douchebag.”

I turn around and face her. “It’s not my fault you can’t keep up, City Girl.” It only takes a few strides before I’m in front of her. “Respect my time and what I’m sacrificing to drive you around as you take pictures and play with your sketchbook. Inevervolunteered to be your tour guide.”

“No kidding because a real tour guide would give a shit about my experience. It’s clear that you don’t, and you’re only worried about all the little tasks you have to do. If this painting isn’t finished and perfect…” She clears her throat, removing the little space between us, and I can feel her hot breath on my face. “I don’t understand what your fucking problem is.”

“Sweetheart,you’remy problem,” I murmur.

Her eye twitches as she glowers at me. She lifts her finger and digs it into my chest. “You’re forty acting like a teenager with your mood swings. If only your grandma and mother knew how much of an asshole you are, they would’ve never stuck me with you.”

That makes me chuckle. “I’m not forty, but please be my guest. They’re aware of how I operate.”

“Old enough to know how to treat people. It’s a week’s worth of your time. I bet you can spare that much for something your family will treasure for years.”

“Then learn to keep up with my schedule, and we won’t have an issue.”

“Not everyone works at that speed. Have some consideration for others,” she snaps.

“I lost my ability to give a shit a long time ago, so don’t hold your breath, Little Miss Sunshine.”

Oakley shakes her head as she walks past me toward the inn, and it’s clear this conversation is over. As soon as I catch up and walk ahead of her, I freeze in place, and Oakley nearly crashes into me.

“What the?—”

“Stay put,” I tell her, then take a few steps toward my ex-girlfriend.

“Finn,” Aspen purrs, her ruby-red lips turning up into a smile as she closes the gap between us.

“What are you doing here?” She’s the last person I expected to see. It’s been a year.

“Aunt Paisley practicallybeggedme to help the bakery for the centennial celebration. You know how I can’t tell that woman no.” Her sugary-sweet voice makes me cringe.

“She’snotyouraunt,” I remind her, crossing my arms. Aspen’s the one who left without a single backward glance. She doesn’t get to claim my family as hers.

She bellows out that fake laugh I hate. “I grew up here with you, so she will always be Aunt Paisley. Plus, I wouldn’t miss this monumental milestone. One hundred years is a big deal!”

Aspen showing up like nothing happened between us—like we’re old friends and she’s still a part of my family—has me ready to explode. She has no business being here. I’m already dealing with enough. This is the last thing I need right now.

Aspen fiddles with her bangs, and that’s when I notice the huge engagement diamond ring on her finger. It’s impossible to miss, but I know she wanted me to notice it.

For years, Aspen was adamant that we needed to wait and there was no rush to get married. She kept saying she wasn’t ready. But that was all a lie. She didn’t want to marryme.

“Where are you staying?” I bluntly ask as Oakley joins and stands next to me. Before responding, she gives Oakley a dirty look, which pisses me off. I might give her a hard time, but no one else is allowed to,especiallynot Aspen.

“The cottage.” Aspen’s so confident in her answer that it’s almost comical. Who the hell gave her permission for that?

Oakley speaks up, standing taller. “I’m already staying there.”

Aspen narrows her eyes and gives Oakley a look of disgust. “And who are you exactly?”

I blurt out the words before I can stop myself.

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