Page 115 of The Nicest Thing
"Kind of hard not to, O'Brien," I admitted.
"Thought you were supposed to be writing."
"I was.But I can't seem to focus."
"Why not?"
Why not, indeed?
Finn's eyes came up to meet mine and held.
Crossing my arms, I sat back."Well, if you didn't want me looking, you could've at least put on a shirt."
His smile was slow."Didn't say that.I like your eyes on me."
My jaw dropped, and Finn laughed.
"Keep writing, Rose.I expect that chapter to be finished by the time I'm done with my workout."
"Yeah, right," I mumbled."I'll just write while you're being super distracting"—and sexy—"over there.Easy."
"Feel free to use me as inspiration," Finn added.
Oh, don't worry, I thought.I will.
And surprisingly, it worked.Finn took a while, wasn't exactly sure how long to complete his exercises, and I wrote the whole time.My fingers felt like they were on fire.I not only finished the chapter I'd been working on but got a good start on another.Sometimes, writing was magic like that.The words came fast, and it was all I could do to get them out.The feeling was wonderful.Before I knew it, I'd completed that chapter too.
As I sat back, stretching my stiff fingers, a happy sigh left my lips.
Finn cleared his throat, and I looked his way, surprised to find him sitting next to me.
"Good scene?" he asked.
"Yeah," I said, "I think so.The characters spoke to me.The flow was good.Even though I know it's just a rough draft, it felt awesome."
"Will you read it to me?"
I swallowed."If you want."
"I want," he said.
"Alright then."
I wasn't sure if he knew, but I loved it when he asked me to read to him.The organ inside my chest danced.Having someone you love ask about and appreciate your work was one of the best feelings in the world.As I read, Finn leaned his head back on the couch, closing his eyes.At one point, he looked so relaxed that I paused.
"You still awake?" I asked.
"Shhh," Finn said with a frown, "keep going.This is my favorite part."
I raised a brow though he couldn't see it."Oh yeah?Even though you haven't read it yet?"
"Rose, it's obvious they were about to kiss.Don't leave me hanging here."
Biting back a smile, I started reading again, and by the time I finished, my throat was a little hoarse.Wasn't sure if it was from the weather or the reading.But the slight discomfort was worth it to see Finn's bright smile.
"So, what'd you think?" I asked.
"I think Avery and Pierce are one of your best couples," he said.
