Page 42 of The Complication with the Best Man

“It was good. I managed to sleep for a bit, so hopefully that will help with the time change.”

I close the door behind him and turn around. Suddenly, it feels awkward with just the two of us in an empty house. My house. I watch him glance around.

Finn pushes his hands in his pockets. “Do you live here alone?”

“Used to.” I walk past him into the living room. “My cousin Maven moved in with me a bit ago, but she’s at work right now, so it’s just us.”

He holds my gaze.

Oh god, did that sound like a proposition or something?

“I just mean that we can talk in private, that’s all. Do you want something to drink?” I ask, changing the subject.

“Water would be great. I’m dehydrated from the flight.”

I nod and head into the kitchen to grab him a bottle of water from the fridge. Our fingers brush against each other’s as I pass it to him, and I snap my hand back.

“Have a seat.” I gesture to the couch.

He sits on one side, and I sit on the other.

“How are you feeling?”

For some reason, his question takes me back, but I guess it’s normal for a man to wonder how the woman carrying his baby is health-wise, even if they’re not a couple.

“I’m doing good. The nausea I was feeling before is mostly gone now. Sometimes I still get it, but at least I don’t feel like skipping every meal anymore. But I do miss coffee. God, do I miss coffee.” I groan, but it comes out sounding more like a moan for some reason.

Finn snaps his gaze away from me. “Sorry, that must suck.”

I shrug.

Neither of us speaks for a minute.

When I can’t stand it any longer, I finally ask the question that’s on my mind. “How did it go with Tamra?”

He blows out a breath and pushes a hand through his hair, something I’m starting to realize he does when he’s uncomfortable or stressed.

That well? Awesome.

“You first. Did you talk to your parents?” he asks, looking concerned.

I smile. “I did, and it went way better than I thought. I mean, they’d definitely prefer if I were married and in a loving relationship when I’m having a baby, but overall, they were really great. They’re excited actually.”

“Really?” He arches an eyebrow. “That’s awesome, Harper.”

Hearing my name on his lips does something to me, and I have to work to appear unaffected. “Yeah, I feel way better now that they know, but to be honest, they didn’t find out from me originally.”

He cocks his head in question.

“You need to know that we were in Buzz Wheel. Someone took a picture of us in the pharmacy that day.”

“Hudson told me when he called to tell me about him and Palmer expecting. How bad is it?”

I cringe, then nod. “Yeah, so I’ve been dealing with everyone I know calling or texting me. Good times.”

He shakes his head. “That’s bullshit.” When I don’t say anything back, he continues. “You shouldn’t have to deal with that kind of thing in your condition. You should be able to tell people if and when you want.”

My chest warms at his need to protect me. I know it’s not about me. It’s about the baby or maybe himself, but still… it feels good to have someone in my corner willing to fight for me.

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