Page 116 of The Nicest Thing
"Really?"
"Yeah, I think readers are going to love them.I do."
"Thanks, Finn," I said.
"Welcome."His brows furrowed."Your hand hurting?"
Suddenly aware that I was rubbing my palm, I stopped."No, I'm fine."
"Sure you are."
He went to take my hand, and I shook my head."Finn, seriously."
"Just think of it as payback for letting me hear the chapter.I know you don't like sharing before a book's done."
"I don't usually, but you're special."
"Your #1 fan," he said.
"My only fan," I retorted.
"I think your grandma would have something to say about that.Ana too."
"My only non-blood-related fan."
Finn scoffed at that, and my eyelids fluttered closed as he pressed his thumbs into my palm.The feeling was more than good.It was divine.
"We both know Liv Lamoreaux has loyal readers, Rose," Finn said."You'll see when we get to the conference.I bet there will be some there."
With a gulp, I said, "You mean the ones I lied to?"
Finn sighed."You're really worried about that.Aren't you?"
I nodded.
"Rose, don't be.I'm not going to tell them.And you won't either, right?"
I hesitated but gave another nod.
"Then they'll never know," he said.
"Okay."
"I think we need to get your mind off this."
"How do we do that?" I asked.
Finn gave my hand a squeeze then tugged me to my feet.He reached back down, pressed something on his phone, and suddenly music filled the space, making the cabin seem even more cozy.Intimate.A slow song, one I'd never heard but loved instantly, was playing.I looked to Finn as he entwined our fingers and placed his other hand on my waist.
"Don't think about anything," he said."It's just you and me.Dancing."
"Sounds good," I breathed.
My pulse was racing as he stepped closer.But almost as if a force pulled me forward, I closed the final distance.Finn swallowed as I rested my head against his shoulder.
"Shouldn't we try to save the phone's battery?Just in case," I said quietly.
"Nah," Finn said, "I can go out to the car and charge up if I need to."
