Page 77 of Falling for Finn

“The townspeople are going to lose their shit over this. Mayor Myers might not let you leave without painting ten more.” I look closer and see the back of a couple holding hands as they stroll down the street. “Is thatus?”

“Yes.” She chuckles. “How’d you know?”

“The flannel gave it away,” I admit. “And your hair.”

“It’s our little secret.” Her gaze lingers on my lips.

“I love it,” I say, pressing my mouth to hers. “I thought we’d do something fun tonight.”

“Oh, I love the sound of that now that I don’t have the weight of the project on my shoulders.”

I inhale the sweetness of her bodywash and am tempted to lick her from head to toe.

“Are you hungry?”

“Starving.”

“That’s all I needed to hear.” I flash her a wink, then make my way to the kitchen. Digging in the freezer, I grab the homemade lasagna my mom made a few weeks ago and pop it into the oven.

As Oakley gets dressed in a hoodie and leggings, I let her know I’m stepping outside. She follows me as I grab large pieces of wood from the stack on the side of my house, then chop them into smaller pieces.

“I’m enjoying the lumberjack vibes. My only regret is that I didn’t grab my phone.”

“It’s not too late.” I lift a brow, then swing the handle over my shoulder and smash the blade on the wood. It cracks and splits.

Oakley runs inside and returns with her phone. She smirks as she takes pictures and videos while making me laugh at her vocal antics. It brings me joy knowing she’ll look at them later. Once I have plenty of logs and have rounded up some kindling, I carry them over to the firepit.

I move the two patio chairs close to one another. It’s already in the lower forties, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we got our first snowfall soon.

“This view…” She sighs happily, and I turn and look over my shoulder at the rolling hills. The sun hangs lazily in the distance, and everything that surrounds us is splashed in burnt yellow.

“It’s the best time of the day to take pictures. Golden hour—when everything is covered in a warm hue. I’d consider it one of my favorite times of day, especially during fall.”

Her eyes meet mine. “This time, I was talking about you.”

I smirk and move closer. “Maybe I can be the subject of your next painting? You do portraits?”

Oakley chuckles. “I’ve not done many. But I’d consider it if you’d be willing to pose for hours…while naked.” She barely gets the words out before she bursts into laughter.

“Sure, but I doubt you’d be able to focus.” I flash her a smug grin.

“You’re right. I’d get no painting done. Just a lot of dicking down.”

I snort.

The timer on the oven blares, so we go inside to eat. The hearty aromas waft through the air. I pull out the pan and place it on top of the oven. While the lasagna slightly cools, I pop in some garlic bread.

As I do this, Oakley grabs some plates, and I love how she moves around my place like it’s her own. It basically has been.

“Want to eat outside?” I ask once the bread is done.

“Yeah, I’d like that if we can start the fire first.”

I grab a lighter as she carries our plates. Once it’s lit, we sit and eat.

“This is amazing.” She moans around a mouthful. “Good food and company. Can’t tell you the last time I’ve done anything like this.”

“When I was remodeling this place, installing this pit was one of the first things I did before moving in. Levi and I have spent many nights shooting the shit out here. But I’ve also enjoyed it plenty of times alone. It’s quiet and peaceful.”

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