Page 113 of The Nicest Thing
"What was that?"
"Uh, nothing.Can you turn around?"
Finn's lips tipped up."Do I have to?"
I simply stared at him.
"Alright, fine," he said, flipping around."But you were staring pretty hard a second ago.I think it's only fair I get a peek."
"Yeah, right," I said.My giddiness at his words was tempered by the fact that I knew he was only teasing.He had to be."Maybe if I had a body like yours I'd be good with stripping too."
"Meaning?"
"My body has curves and imperfections, Finn.Lots of them."
He stayed silent.
"Don't get me wrong," I added."I'm not ashamed—or super confident, but still.I like my body.I just…"
Don't know if you will.
And if you don't, it would kind of break my heart.
So, I'd rather you not see all my wobbly bits at once.
"I just don't think you want to see all that.And I'm not as comfortable with nudity as you are apparently," I finished lightly.
Finn didn't laugh, but he didn't press either.He kept his back to me and crossed his arms, making his shoulders bunch and flex in this way that made me feel a little lightheaded.How could I be so attracted to his back?This was madness.
"No peeking, promise?" I said.
"I promise," Finn uttered softly."But I want it on the record that I disagree."
With what? I wondered.
Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I pulled my shirt over my head then softly dropped it to the ground.Next, I removed my shoes and socks then my pants which was a trial.I almost asked for Finn's help.The material got stuck on my hips, and I had to wiggle to get out of them.When I was done, and they were in a pile at my feet, I straightened, smiling in triumph.But the smile dropped as I noticed Finn's stillness.His whole body looked tense, strung tighter than a bowstring.
"Almost done?" he asked, his voice a deep rasp.
"Yeah, just have to get some dry clothes out of my suitcase," I said."Are you okay, Finn?"
"Perfect."
Despite his answer, the sound of his voice was strained.
"Seriously, is something wrong?" I asked again.As I took a step toward him, Finn held up a hand.
"I had to listen to you get undressed, slow as fuck.You're standing behind me, nearly naked, and you're asking me what's wrong?Come on, Rose."
"Sorry," I said quietly, "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable."
"It's not that…"
"Then what?"
"I'm trying to keep my promise, but it's hard."
"I don't understand."
