Page 37 of The Moment Promised

She jumps a little on her toes. It’s a strange sight, seeing my mom excited. She pulls out a raw fish fillet.

I cock my head, frowning. I don’t understand. My mom and I don’t know how to cook, why would he bring over raw fish?

“I know, right? I was confused too when he showed me. He’s making dinner for us, I guess. Hope he’s a good cook,” she teases.

“And the kitchen?” I ask.

“We cleaned it.” She smiles, nodding her head like she’s proud of herself.

Wow. “So, you and Finn have just been, like…what? Hanging out?” I don’t know why this is so hard to wrap my mind around.

“He’s such a nice boy. They didn’t make them like that when I was your age.” She squeezes my cheek with a knowing expression, turning around to grab the kettle of tea and a mug for me. “Just look at your father,” she mumbles.

My mom continues to fawn over Finn, like she has a crush of her own on him. I try to ignore the several swigs she takes from a bottle of vodka… She even pours some into her mug.

“You know what, I’m okay for now.” I gesture to the tea she just poured me. “Finn—” I call out, walking back to the living room and grabbing his hand. “Let’s watch a movie.” I widen my eyes at him. “Upstairs.”

He shifts uncomfortably as he stands up, following my lead as I march up the stairs with purpose.

Once we are enclosed in the privacy of my bedroom, all the questions pour out of me. “Why are you here? Did something bad happen? Why did you bring raw fish and why are you drinking tea with my mom? What did you talk about for the past—” I check my phone for the time, “Hour and a half. Thanks for the kisses, by the way.” I catch my breath, about to open my mouth before Finn stops me.

“Calm down, love.” His hands gently slide from my shoulders to my hands, causing me to break out into a chill. He releases them at my sides, running a hand through his hair while the other one remains unoccupied.

Grab my hand again.

“I know you’re having a hard time. You know, with your mom and all. I figured I’d feed the Miller ladies and help them out a little.” He shrugs. “Is that all right with you?” he asks sarcastically.

“Only if you hand feed me and wipe my mouth after each bite,” I tease back.

“Sure, love. Oh, and you can have kisses any time you want. All you have to do is ask.” He casually walks to my bed, collapsing onto the unmade mess of pillows and my comforter.

I stand unmoving, while all the blood in my body drains. I choke, “W-what?”

He leans against my headboard, a grin spreading across his face as he lifts the comforter up to his chest. He doesn’t say anything, he just watches me turn red.

“Um, well…” I play with my fingers, staring too intently at my cuticles.

He breaks my awkward silence with ease. “HersheyKisses,” he elaborates.

I inwardly kick myself. “I know,” I say with too much confidence, hoping he’ll believe it as I climb into bed with him. A bolt of electricity shoots into my core as my leg grazes his, hidden beneath the covers.

Neither of us move, our legs touch in secret and tingle every nerve ending within my body. I let my toe softly run over his shin like a whisper.

He tenses next to me.

The heat I felt a second ago darkens. It sits heavy on my chest.

“Ad.” His sharp voice touches my entire body.

I swallow. An unfamiliar fear creeps in, speeding the beat of my heart.Please don’t break it.My voice comes out small, “Yeah?”

“You look really pretty today,” he says.

Who knew such simple words could become my favorite?

Youandlookandreallyandprettyandtoday.

They burn inside my chest, melting my heart to goo. I smile. “So do you.” I quickly shut my eyes. “I mean, handsome. You lookhandsometoday. Well, not just today?—”

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