Page 16 of Storybook Christmas

“Sold.” I stuff my ridged chips into my wrap and take a crunchy bite. As I chew, I realize Finn’s definitely on to something. “This isn’t bad.”

He cocks his head.

“Okay. It’s divine.”

“There you go.” He puts up a finger. “Did you know humans prefer crunchy food because it is an indication that it’s fresh? It’s part of our survival.”

“I did not know that.” My mouth curves. I love being around people who make me think or teach me things.

Between bites, I ask, “So, shouldn’t Joshua be here helping you with your story, given the tight turnaround?”

“Yeah, but he said he had an important work dinner tonight.”

“Hmm.” A pang of jealousy hits—I haven’t heard about it. Maybe it’s an exclusive “senior editors and above” event? “I wonder what kind of dinner?”

“He didn’t say.” Finn shrugs. “And I didn’t ask. I was just glad not to be fired.”

“Fair enough.” I sigh. “Well, he has you to do his late-night work. So lucky him. He’s smart.”

“He’s not smart.”

I meet Finn’s eyes. “Why do you say that?”

“Because he broke up with you.” Finn’s face is sincere, and it’s a good look on him. Although, let’s be honest—every look is a good look on Finn.

“Yeah, that wasn’t so smart, was it?” I flash him a teasing grin.

He doesn’t grin back. “Not at all.”

Finn finishes his sandwich, wipes his hands on his napkin, then bundles up the wrapping. Before he leaves to throw it away, he takes mine, too. After he returns and takes his seat, he says, “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Why did Joshua get promoted to senior editor?”

I exhale. “That’s actually a great question. I was surprised. Bertha was surprised too.”

Finn leans in. “YouandBertha told me you have the best track record in this department.”

“Well, Finn, I’ve told you about the Suttons’ criteria for management.”

“You did. And I believed you.” Finn scrubs his chin. “But it hits harder now that I’m here and seeing it with my own eyes.” He blinks. “I mean, the favoritism toward Joshua, not his penis.”

I bust up.

I meet Finn’s gaze, and our smiles fade. I wish he wasn’t quite so beautiful, because I think I’m fine, that I’m in control, then I see that smile of his, and my brain fogs. It’s impossible to stay professional when my body betrays me, the jittery knees and tingling skin.

Finn studies my face. “I don’t think you should stay at Sutton & Sutton, Lacy. You’re so talented.”

“Thank you.” I look away, trying to keep myself from blushing. “I’ll find a new job… eventually. But for now, this place is a great resume builder. And I don’t want to leave Bertha. She’s kind of my adopted mom.”

“I hear you there. She’s the best.”

I’m reminded of Bertha’s “life coach challenge,” and how I’m supposed to do something bold. Without thinking, I blurt, “So, my turn. Why do you strip?”

Wow. I did it. There—Bertha would be proud of that bold question. But I feel like I cheated because, with Finn, being straightforward comes so easy. Maybe too easy.

Finn doesn’t hesitate when he says, “It’s fun. The pay is great.” He winks. “And it keeps me in shape.”

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