Page 29 of Falling for Finn

“What kind of guy would break up with you?” he asks, then winces as if he hadn’t meant to say that aloud. “Never mind.”

“Oh, come on, we’re fake dating. We should be able to talk about previousrealrelationships.”

He cracks the tiniest of smiles. “Fine. Tell me what scrawny idiots you used to date.”

I burst out laughing at his assumption. “One was an MMA fighter, six-two, and over two hundred pounds of muscle.”

“So why’d you break up? He suck at fighting?” He smirks.

“Ha! Nah, we didn’t have much in common outside of sex.”

He swallows hard. I knew that’d get a reaction out of him. We’re silent for a few awkward seconds.

Finn clears his throat and points. “Look.”

I follow his finger and gasp at the view. We’re at the summit of the hill. I can see the orchard farm, Finn’s house, and even the inn, which is miles away.

As soon as he parks, I jump out and rush to take it in.

“Careful!” he shouts as I move toward the steep edge. “There are no barriers out here.”

“It’s…I don’t even have words. It’s beautiful. I’m adding this into my painting somehow.”

I snap photos from every angle, wanting different perspectives of the trees that overlook the farm.

“Oakley, I’m serious. Be careful.”

“If you’re so worried, why don’t you come closer and make sure I don’t fall?” I inch toward the edge.

“Dammit, woman,” he mutters, and I quickly feel him at my back.

I pretend to take another step forward, and he grabs my waist, pulling me against him.

“Look at you being all heroic and trying to save me. Proof that you care.” I close my eyes when the cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, and I breathe in the fresh air.

He snorts. “The last thing I need is people thinking I murdered my new girlfriend.”

“Just admit you’ll miss me when I leave.”

“Miss what? Your loud mouth? You hogging my bed? Chauffeuring your ass everywhere?”

I shrug as if he didn’t hurt my feelings. “I think you’ll missmuchmore than you’re willing to admit. Don’t think I didn’t hear you in the shower last night.”

His body stills, and I know I’ve got him. Though I’m bluffing, his reaction confirms my suspicions. After he listened to some of my naughty audiobook, Finn rushed to the bathroom. Now I have no doubts he was as turned on as me.

“Did you get enough pics? I need to get back to work.” He releases me and walks toward the truck.

I take a few more, and once I’m satisfied, I meet him inside.

“I’m feeling super inspired now and am ready to get some painting done,” I admit as he drives us.

“Great, I’ll get to work in peace today.” His fingers grip the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turn white. It’s hard to believe this is the same man who opened up about his ex twenty minutes ago.

“I’ll be back later. Text me if you need anything,” he says, parking in front of his house. He’s yet to look at me during the ride here, so I don’t poke the bear.

“Will do, thanks.”

For several hours, I get lost in my work. The summit and gorgeous sky inspired me to tweak my painting, and now it’ll be even more perfect.

---