Page 38 of The Location Shoot
“You have the best ideas,” he said, kissing her again.
“Finn, do you think everyone knows about us?”
“Definitely.”
“I guess it was pretty obvious when we were all out yesterday,” she said.
“Yeah. I actually said something to Michael. I didn’t want him to keep hitting on you.”
“How chivalrous,” she joked.
“Trust me, I was motivated by self-interest,” he replied, running his finger down her arm. “And if they didn’t figure it out yesterday, I’m sure everyone knows by now. We weren’t exactly quiet, and this is an old house with thin walls.”
“Oh my God,” she said, burying her face in her hands. “I was so lost in the moment with you that I didn’t think about anything else. I can’t show my face at dinner!”
He laughed. “Don’t be embarrassed. No one is going to think it was a hookup. They all know I’m in love with you.”
“You think so?”
“Baby, Jean said something to me two days ago.”
“What did he say?”
“He could see how I felt about you. He wanted me to know that it wasn’t going to cause a problem with him if I pursued you.”
“I told you that we’re just friends,” she said.
“I know, but guys can be weird about this kind of thing, and right now, he’s my boss. He was just trying to make it clear that there wouldn’t be any jealousy or anything like that, nothing that could affect our working relationship. Even though to you, you’re just friends, he’s as red-blooded a man as they come, and you are absolutely irresistible,” he said, grabbing her and pulling her against him. “I’m sure he has come on to you before, even if you’ve made it clear you’re not interested.”
“Ages ago, sure. He jokes around, but that’s just his way.” She paused, and in a more serious voice, she said, “If you’re concerned that this, us being together, is a problem for you with the film . . .”
“Don’t even finish that sentence,” he said, kissing her to stop her speaking. “It’s not a problem.” He looked deeply into her eyes. “Ella, I’ve waited my whole life for what we have. This feeling of oneness, just like you described in your book, is something I’ve never felt before. There’s a profound sense of intimacy between us. We’re lovers now, and that means everything to me. We belong together. Please don’t get . . .” His voice trailed off.
“What?” she asked softly.
“Please don’t get frightened away.”
“Why would you say that?” she asked.
“Last night, when I told you I love you, you didn’t say it back, even though I know you felt it. I could see it in your eyes.”
“Finn . . .”
“It’s okay, baby. I couldn’t believe it when you said it this morning. I was prepared to tell you I love you over andover again until you were ready. It’s not about that.” He paused. “It’s just that I get the sense you hold back your feelings sometimes, and it’s also what Jean said to me.”
“What did he say?”
“He said you’re unattainable, that you’d never give yourself fully to a man.”
“But I did give myself to you, completely. Couldn’t you feel that?” she asked, a hint of sadness in her eyes.
“Yes, of course. That’s why it was so beautiful when we made love for the first time and every time since. I don’t want to lose you, that’s all. I’ve only just found you. We’ve only known each other for a short time, and I realize there are many things about you I have yet to learn, but what Jean said resonated with something I already sensed. You mentioned that you’ve never fully given yourself to someone before.” He paused and took her hand. “This is a lot for you, to give yourself to me—not just your body, but your whole heart.”
“How can you possibly know me so well?” she asked.
“I just do,” he replied. “Your heart is safe with me. That’s what I’m trying to say, even if it’s coming out all wrong.”
She leaned forward and pressed her forehead to his, her hands holding his face. “I love you, Ella,” he whispered.
