Page 37 of The Nicest Thing

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I shook my head as she sat back, having finished with my hand."In case you forgot, I grew up with four older brothers—and Emmy.Honestly, besides Dex, I think she was the most volatile."

Rose grinned."That doesn't surprise me at all."

"I'd love to meet your cousins someday."

"Not if I can help it," she mumbled, but I was serious.

"So, are we still on for tonight?" I asked.

She nodded."Our first reel filming session.Sure you're ready for that?"

"Please, I was born ready."

Stretching my hand gingerly, I looked up.

"Thanks, Rose," I said."Feels better already."

She rolled her eyes, but I think we both noticed at the same time how close we were.

Rose cleared her throat, placed a bag of frozen corn in my hand, and leaned back against my headboard.

"You have to hold that for 15 to 20 minutes," she said.

I lifted a brow.

"I'm going to stay here to make sure you do.Just pretend I'm not here."

Yeah, right, I thought as I stared at her.Seeing Rose reclined against my pillows was not something I could ignore.Not that I wanted to.

Rose glanced back at me, and I quickly looked away.

"What were you doing before I got here?" she asked.

"I was about to read," I said.

"Okay then, I'll turn the pages for you."

I leaned back next to her as Rose scooted closer.The book was nice, but nothing could draw my attention from the girl at my side.God, she felt good.

"Just tell me when, Finn," she said.

I tried to focus for another minute—then her head landed on my shoulder.After a moment, she yawned.

"You tired?" I asked.

"Yeah, a little.It's been a stressful few days."

"Why don't you take a nap?"

"I couldn't…"

"Yeah, you could," I said with a smile."You rest.I'll read."

She opened her mouth again, but another yawn interrupted whatever she was going to say.

"I promise to keep icing."

As she settled in more, I breathed a sigh of contentment.

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