Page 35 of A Hard Fit

“Absolutely!” Rory jumped in. “It’s terrific, really takes advantage of all those beautiful willows, and nice to have a few quieter rides for your guests. Plus, who doesn’t love that vibe—gliding through the water, scent of magnolias in the air, breeze in your hair—”

“Scraping slime off the floor in the pump room, pulling wet garbage out of the reeds,” Markos continued, chuckling. “But you’re right, Rory, you’re right. People love that one. I like how you two made it romantic. Something for the couples.”

Finn’s and Rory’s eyes met, and Finn swore Rory’s cheeks flushed a little.

“Exactly,” Rory said, scratching their nose.

They left with Markos’ enthusiastic approval and a rough timeline for the redesign. It was a massive project, for Markos and for them, and the weight of it sat on Finn’s shoulders a little heavier now. But more importantly…

“Who did he remind you of?” Finn asked once Markos and Ilona had left the room.

“I know, it’s been bugging me.” Rory paused stacking their drawings and frowned. “For some reason I feel like it’s a cartoon character?”

Finn paused too, the name dancing at the edges of his brain until he managed to grab hold. “Oh my God, I know! It’s the bad guy inPinocchio! The puppet-master dude.”

Rory blinked then threw back their head laughing. “Shit, yes! That’s exactly it!”

“Aw, damn it, that’s all I’m going to be able to think about when I see him now.”

“Same.” Rory giggled.

“Hey.” Finn held Rory’s gaze again. “Great job today. You were amazing.”

This time Rory blushed for real, cheeks flushing the sweetest shade of primrose pink. “So were you.”

“Thanks.” The overwhelming urge to hug Rory swept over him. Instead, Finn cleared his throat and shut his laptop. “I guess we’d better get to work.”

* * * *

Later that night, Finn sent Rory a text.

I watched the first two episodes.

Rory replied immediately.

You did??? And????

Well, the guy with the crown is hot, I’ll give him that, but he seems too attached to his snake.

That’s Colios. Yeah, crazy hot, but…he’s got issues, and that’s putting it mildly!

Wait…he’s not in love with his snake, is he?

No spoilers!

The snake thing is a spoiler???

Rory sent the zipper-mouth emoji.

What did you think of Ophy?

They texted back and forth the rest of the night, in between tidying the kitchen, a quick set of push-ups, brushing his teeth, and undressing and climbing into bed. Cozy under the comforter in his boxers, Finn picked up his phone again. A message from Rory waited.

So you’re gonna keep watching it, right?

For sure.

You have to keep texting me your thoughts!

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