Page 15 of Falling for Finn

When I arrive at the cottage, Aspen is lifting her suitcase from the trunk. I pass her, unlock the door, and look at all the shit Oakley has lying around. A small pile of clothes is on the bathroom floor, and her paint supplies are everywhere. I try to hurry as I put everything in the empty boxes, but I do my best to be careful with her art stuff. Aspen stares at me, but I try to ignore her.

“All this is hers?” she questions when she can’t take my silence any longer. Aspen looks disgusted as she glances at the easel, paintbrushes, paints, drapes, and luggage.

“Yeah,” I say, lifting a few boxes to load them.

When I return, Aspen sits on the edge of the bed and watches me. I refuse to make eye contact with her, but I can tell her mind is running wild.

“How have you been, Finn?”

“Good.” I fold the easel and stack the paint bottles in a box.

“Justgood?”

I meet her eyes. “Amazing. For the first time in my life, I’m truly happy.”

The lies roll off my tongue like water. The truth is, I’m miserable, but I’ve learned how to be alone.

A small smile plays on her lips, and she glances down at her ring that reflects sunlight. “I’ve been amazing too. Got engaged a few months ago.”

“Congrats.” I grab more of Oakley’s stuff and head outside because I need air. Aspen’s confession means she saidyesto someone within months of dating them.

I stall outside for five minutes, hoping I can get the rest of Oakley’s things quickly loaded so I can get the fuck out of here.

When I return, Aspen strips the sheets off the bed and throws them in a pile on the floor. She struts to the small linen closet and grabs fresh ones.

“In case you christened the bed.” She giggles, but I don’t crack a smile.

Aspen continues talking and brings up old memories between us. It’s torture.

The next time I see my aunt Paisley, I’m going to give her a not-so-nice thank-you for this. She or my mother could’ve at least warned me that the devil would be arriving. While good help is hard to come by on such short notice, they must’vebeen desperate to ask Aspen. Regardless, blindsiding me was uncalled for.

“Remember that one time we made love on that hiking trail?” she asks.

“What are you doing?” I turn toward her.

“Reminiscing. We had some good times.”

“Do us both a favor and don’t.”

She meets me with hooded eyes as I lift the last two boxes, then follows me to the door. “Hopefully, we can hang out before I leave. I’ll be here through the weekend.”

I don’t respond. Just because she’s here doesn’t mean I have to be around her.

Before going to the inn, I stop by the bakery. They’re already closed for the day because it’s well after five, but I know they’re playing catch-up. My aunt spots me as soon as I enter and tries to escape to the kitchen.

“Nope!” I pick up my pace, following her. “Don’t you dare.”

My mom carries a tray of peanut brittle and smiles when she sees me.

“Why didn’t you tell me Aspen was the extra help coming?” I glower.

Aunt Paisley nervously laughs. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you but never found the opportunity. You know how busy we’ve been?—”

“I do, but I was caught off guard by her showing up.”

“You didn’t tell him?” Mom asks with her brow furrowed.

She shrugs. “I forgot. I’m sorry, Finn.”

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