Page 54 of Falling for Finn

“What do you mean?” I furrow my brow.

“Don’t play dumb. I’ve known you way too long.”

I shrug him off. “Not sure what you’re talking about.”

“You like her,” he says softly. “Not that I can blame you. She’s gorgeous.”

“She’s too young. And leaves in two days.”

After Oakley finishes her painting that’s the size of her palm, she strolls toward us. “I painted you something.”

“Let me see.”

“Hold out your hand and close your eyes.”

“Oakley,” I warn because I know Levi is eating this shit up, but I can’t deny her.

I sigh and do what she asks.

“Alright, you can look now,” she tells me after placing it in my hand.

I hold it upward and see it’s a heart with an F&O in the middle.

“You two, Jesus.” Levi shakes his head. “Get married already.”

Right as the words leave his mouth, Aspen prances by.

Levi’s laugh slightly fades as Aspen shoots daggers at him. Then when she notices me watching her, she flips a switch.

“Levi!” She shrills in that high-pitched fake voice that’s worse than nails scratching down a chalkboard. “How’ve you been? Almost didn’t recognize you without your axe,” she says, flashing her cunty smile.

“Aspen,” I warn, not wanting to deal with her right now.

Levi chuckles, sweeping hair out of his face. Not much annoys him as he’s always had a naturally bubbly personality, but if one person grates on his nerves, it’s my ex.

“Aspen…” he says, forced and firm. “I can’t believe you found room to park your broom.”

Oakley holds back laughter as Aspen blinks fast. She acts like he literally slapped her. “Good seeing ya,Santa,” she snarls, then flashes her eyes between Oakley and me.

I hold my breath until she’s out of sight.

Oakley looks at Levi. “Okay, that was funny. But what did she mean by the axe and Santa comments?”

“My family owns a Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of Maplewood Falls, and I live in a big mountain cabin on the property. She likes to make fun of me for it but forgets I’m the one who knows how to chop wood and use a deadly tool.”

Oakley laughs, and I shake my head as he brags about his skills. “That sounds so cool. How fun!”

Levi instantly perks up again. “I think so too. It’s the best time of the year.”

“You gotta ignore people who don’t understand your passions,” Oakley tells him.

“Trust me, I’m not worried about Aspen. She has never liked me oranyonewho had Finn’s best interest in mind.” He turns to me. “I’m so glad you didn’t end up with her.”

“Same,” Oakley and I both say.

“Geez, you even talk in unison.” Levi glances between us, then waves at someone across the way.

“Hey, I’ll catch up with you two in a little while. I have to chat with James.”

---