Page 104 of Where We Belong

It makes sense that she’d ask for updates today. Still, I like to tease Finn, so I say, “Your mom, huh?”

He rolls his eyes, then rubs harder. “Yes, my mom. Now answer the question.”

I snicker, then lean back against the plush pillows of the bed. “Tell her I’m doing okay, all things considered.” This freaking foot hurts like a bitch, but today went well, so I’m carefully optimistic. I release a groan when he hits a sensitive spot. “God, has anyone ever told you you have magic hands?”

“I think you have a few times.”

I return his smirk, knowing damn well he’s not talking about massages.

“And how areyoufeeling, Mr. I’m-Hot-and-I-Know-It?”

He gasps, his thumbs pausing on my foot. “You think I’m hot?”

“Shut up,” I say, hitting his hard chest with my foot, chuckling. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much as I have this past year, and I don’t need to look far to find the reason.

“Seriously, though,” he says, resuming his massage, “I’m so proud of you. You did the damn thing, Lex.”

“I haven’t yet.”

“Yes, you have. You’ve faced all the hurdles life could possibly throw at you and still got here, with better technique and skills than you’ve had all year. To me, that’s doing the thing.”

My heart swells, and swells, and swells, and I don’t know how it hasn’t burst yet. I keep telling myself I couldn’t have stronger feelings for this man, and every day, he proves me wrong.

“You’re right.” I let my head fall to the side, the bed soft and smelling like detergent. “A podium to get to the Olympics would still be nice, though.” It’s not a hard rule, but usually, the three all-around medalists at the World Championships get a sure invite to the Olympic trials of the following year.

“Oh, of course, but I have no doubt about that, so it’s not even worth mentioning.”

“Don’t jinx it.”

“Sorry,” he says, lifting his hands in surrender. “You’re going to be terrible and everyone’s going to laugh at you.”

I narrow my eyes, then jump to my knees so I can tackle him to the bed. “Not funny, Finny.”

His nose brushes mine as he lifts his chin and says, “I think you still like me.”

Oh, how close to the truth he is.

Eyes boring into mine, I’m sure he can see it all. Emotion after emotion, written all over me, pouring out of my skin. I don’t know how I could hide it.

He presses a kiss to my lips, so tender I nearly melt, before he asks, “And after this weekend, what next?”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves.”

“Humor me,” he says. My body is lined on top of his, but despite this, he doesn’t make a move to bring things further. Instead, he lays his hands on my lower back and waits.

“Hopefully, training with Team USA, and then the Olympics.” Again, I’m tempted to keep quiet in order not to jinx things, but I’m also not a big believer in all things astrology and luck. I believe we make our own chance.

I do believe in karma, though. I like the sound of it.

“What about you?” I ask, tapping his chest twice.

“I’m not the one competing in an international championship. It’ll be the same old for me.” A pinch at my hip. “Please don’t forget about me when you get all rich and famous, yeah?”

Finn’s grin falls as he sees I don’t return it.

“Wait here,” I say, then get up to go grab my phone, which I left on the minibar. Finn’s in a seated position by the time I walk back to the edge of the bed.

“What’s up?” he asks.

---