Page 64 of Lavender and Honey

Finn's eyes crinkled at the corners as he smiled, the dying firelight dancing across his features.

"It was," Finn agreed, his voice a gentle murmur that seemed to blend with the night sounds around us. "Though I think that has more to do with the company than the stars."

My cheeks warmed at his words, and I was grateful for the darkness that hid my blush. We sat for a moment longer, neither of us quite ready to break the spell that had woven itself around us.

Finally, with a reluctant sigh, Finn began to gather our things. I helped him fold the blanket, our hands occasionally brushing in the darkness, each touch sending a small thrill through me. He carefully extinguished the fire, making sure every ember was out before packing up the remnants of our picnic.

The drive back to town was quiet, a comfortable silence hanging between us. Occasionally, I would catch Finn glancing at me, a soft smile playing on his lips before his eyes returned to the road. I leaned against the window, watching as the stars gradually faded behind the approaching glow of Haven's Rest.

All too soon, Finn's truck pulled up in front of my apartment. The gentle rumble of the engine died as he turned the key, leaving us in a pocket of silence that felt both intimate and charged with unspoken words.

"I had a wonderful time tonight," I said softly, turning to face him. In the dim light from the street lamp, his features weresoftened, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that made my breath catch.

"So did I," Finn replied, his voice low and warm. “ As I said, stargazing can be our thing. So we are definitely going to be doing it again if you are up to it.”

I grinned at this, nodding my head, “I would like that.”

Finn's smile was gentle, his eyes reflecting the soft glow from the dashboard. "Good…” He paused before asking, “May I walk you to your door?”

"Yes," I said softly, unable to keep the smile from my voice. "I'd like that." We walked side by side up the path to my apartment, our shoulders occasionally brushing in a way that sent little sparks through me. The night air had grown cooler, and I pulled my sweater tighter around myself as we reached my door. I turned to face Finn, suddenly shy under his gentle gaze. The porch light cast a warm glow over us, illuminating the soft affection in his eyes.

"Thank you again for tonight," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "For the stars, the picnic, everything."

Finn stepped closer, his hand reaching up to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear. The gentle touch sent a shiver down my spine that had nothing to do with the cool night air.

"I should be the one thanking you," he murmured, his voice a gentle rumble in the quiet night. "For sharing this evening with me."

His hand lingered near my face, warm and slightly calloused from years of working with wood. I found myself leaning into his touch almost instinctively, drawn by the safety and comfort I felt in his presence.

"Lydia," Finn whispered, his eyes searching mine in the soft porch light. "May I kiss you goodnight?"

My heart fluttered against my ribcage like a captive bird. I nodded, unable to find my voice as he leaned in slowly, givingme every opportunity to change my mind. His lips met mine with gentle reverence, a whisper of contact that sent warmth cascading through me. The kiss was tender, unhurried—a perfect conclusion to our evening under the stars.

When we finally drew apart, I felt a little dazed, my lips tingling from the gentle pressure of his. Finn's eyes were warm as they met mine, a soft smile playing at the corners of his mouth.

"Goodnight, Lydia," he said, his voice a low rumble that seemed to vibrate through me.

"Goodnight, Finn," I whispered back, still feeling the ghost of his kiss on my lips.

He waited as I unlocked my door, giving me one last smile before turning to walk back out the apartment building. I slipped inside my apartment, leaning against the closed door with my eyes shut, trying to memorize every detail of the evening—the stars, the shooting meteors, the warmth of Finn's arms around me, and the tender sweetness of his goodnight kiss.

These men sure knew how to sweep me off my feet…and there was still Sorens’s date. I was very much looking forward to what else they planned for me.

Chapter Forty

The days that followed our stargazing date felt different, as if the universe had shifted slightly on its axis. I found myself smiling at random moments—while mixing paints, during quiet moments at the shop, or when a text from one of the four men lit up my phone. There was a lightness in my step that hadn't been there before, a subtle change that I couldn't quite define but felt deeply.

"Someone's in a good mood," Janet, a regular, remarked as I hummed while arranging a new display of sketchbooks.

"Must be those four handsome men I've been hearing about." She gave a grin as she picked up a few different colored paints.

I felt heat rush to my cheeks. "I don't know what you're talking about," I mumbled, though the smile tugging at my lips betrayed me.

Janet laughed, her eyes twinkling with knowing amusement. "Honey, a good portion of the town knows. They have beengiving you space because the boys have told them too. It is the only reason your store isn’t overrun by nosy people.”

I stared at Janet, my hands freezing mid-arrangement. "What do you mean 'a good portion of the town knows'? Knows what exactly?"

Janet's expression softened, and she placed a gentle hand on my arm. "That you've been spending time with Elias and his pack. Small town, honey. People notice things." She paused, studying my face. "And those four men have been practically glowing lately."

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