Page 6 of Falling for Finn

Shut the fuck up.

Levi

Looking forward to meeting her next weekend. That’s if you haven’t run her off by then.

That makes me laugh. Levi’s known for being a bucket of happiness, and I’m his opposite. But I’m more of a realist and prefer structure. Levi’s always been more adventurous and a risk-taker.

However, after my nightmare breakup last fall, I’ve been working more days and longer hours to avoid thinking about it.

My ex and I dated for five years. I believed I’d spend the rest of my life with her until she blindsided me. Whenever I brought up marriage and our future, she’d change the subject. She eventually confessed she wasn’t ready to settle down, and when she did, she wanted to move to the city.

She knew the farm was my home and livelihood. I never want to leave.

But then she wasted years of my life hoping I’d change my mind.

And now, I’mdonetrying.

Being single isn’t the worst thing. I have the farm and my family, and that’s enough for me.

After another fifteen minutes, Oakley and my grandma come outside. Oakley meets my eyes with a smirk, and my traitorous heart hammers in my chest. A weird underlying current streams between us, but I ignore it and turn my head.

My grandma continues talking her ear off, and Oakley politely listens to every word. “You’ll be staying at a small cottage behind Finn’s house. He’ll drive you here for meals. There’s a bakery on-site, and the fridge and pantry are stocked with plenty of food as well. Please feel free to help yourself to anything you’d like.”

“Thank you so much,” Oakley says, making Grandma smile wide.

“If you find that you need anything once you get settled, please let us know. Finn will be more than happy to help you, too.”

I resist the urge to scoff at my grandmother volunteering me.

“Will do. Thanks again for this opportunity. I hope I can do the farm justice. What I’ve seen so far has been awe-inspiring.”

“Oh, I have no doubt your creation will be incredible.”

“Ready?” I ask, knowing if I don’t pull her away now, Grandma will talk until the sun sets.

Oakley nods, and we walk to my truck.

“Do you want to stop by the bakery?” I ask as we open our doors. It’s within walking distance, so it wouldn’t take long.

“Nah. I’m pretty tired and need to unpack so I can set up my supplies tomorrow.”

“Yeah, you’ll want to rest up. We start bright and early around here.”

She takes her phone out and snaps pictures of the scenery and buildings between yawning and fighting the urge to close her eyes. The three-hour time difference between California and Vermont will catch up to her by morning.

Soon, I’m driving down the road where she’ll be staying. The cottage is close to my place but far enough away to give us each some privacy. It’s set out from the hustle and bustle of the orchard for a reason. When business partners or family friends visit, this is where they usually stay if the inn is booked.

“This is it,” I say, pulling up to the one-bedroom cabin filled with all her shit.

“It looks lovely,” she tells me. “Nice and quiet too.”

I unlock the front door for her, then hand over the key. “Don’t lose this.”

“I won’t.”

I turn to leave once she steps inside.

“That’s it? You’re not even going to say good night?” she asks with a bite in her voice.

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