Page 42 of The Nicest Thing

---

Finn stared at me while I stared back.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Is there a reason you're hiding me from your family?" he said.

I shook my head."I'm not."

"Because it feels like I'm your dirty little secret or something."

"Finn," I said with a laugh.

"That or you're embarrassed of me," he added.

My laughter cut off quick at that."I'm not and never have been."

Finn shrugged."Then why?"

"I love my family, Finn, but if there's anyone I'm hiding, it's definitely them."

"I liked Ana," he said.

"She's definitely my favorite," I agreed—especially after what she did back there."Still…"

His brow furrowed as I explained.

"My male cousins are…a lot.They're tough to handle, Finn.And that's not a dig at you.It's just the truth."

I blew out a breath.

"Honestly, I'm not sure how I'd react to them hassling you.Even the thought makes want to do violence."

When I looked up, Finn wore a small smile, his eyes shining with amusement.

"What?" I said.

"So, you're protecting me," he said.It wasn't a question.

I nodded, glad that he was finally getting it.

"Even though I don't need it."Finn blew out a breath."That's actually sweet, Rose."

"Thanks, I try," I said."I'm also protecting myself from any harm I might do to my relatives."

"I guess I forgive you."

I crossed my arms."You better, or I won't tutor you anymore."

Finn tilted his head."About that.Why anatomy?"

"It was the first subject I could think of," I said.

"I got an A in that class," he said.

Of course, he had.

"It was one of my favorites."

The way he was looking at me, still so close, was making it hard to breathe.

---