Page 5 of The Nicest Thing
When she kept staring, I tilted my head and arched a brow.
"Do you want me to get down on one knee?" I asked."Because I will."
Her lips lifted into a smile then, and suddenly she laughed.The sound caused a fluttering sensation in my chest like it always did.But I had a feeling this wasn't going to end in my favor as she stood from the couch and patted my shoulder.
"Good one, Finn," Rose said."I almost bought it."
"But—"
"I'm going to make some tea.Emmy, you want any?"
"No, I'm good," my sister said.
"Finn?"
I shook my head.
Before I could stop her, Rose walked past me into the kitchen.It was as if I hadn't spoken at all.I squared my shoulders, prepared to go after her.Like always, I felt myself pulled toward Rose by some unseen, inexorable force.I knew it in my gut.I couldn't let this go.
"Finn," Emmy said before I was more than two steps away.
I met her gaze and waited, hoping she wouldn't tell me not to do it or that it was a lost cause.Rose never noticed me before.Why would she now?I didn't need Emmy to warn me that I was risking my heart.I already knew that.But it was a risk I was willing to take.
My sister studied my face for a long moment then gave me a nod.
"Be careful," she finally said, adding with a small smile, "and good luck."
"I'll need it," I mumbled.
When I joined Rose in the kitchen, she was on her tiptoes trying to reach the teapot which was on a high shelf.
Well, high for her
Stepping in close, I said, "Here, let me help."
Rose stilled, and I could've sworn I heard her breath hitch as I reached past her, my chest brushing against her back and myother hand lightly gripping her waist.As I set the teapot on the counter, I resisted the urge to pull her closer.
It was a near thing.
She smelled like vanilla and mint and everything I'd ever wanted out of life.
"There you go," I murmured.
"Mmm."
My hand flexed on her waist, and I didn't think she realized it, but she was swaying toward me slightly.I wanted nothing more than for her to just rest her back against me.Let me hold her.Give me whatever weighed her down, and just let me be her person.
"Need anything else?" I asked.
"Like what?" she said.
"Ah, I don't know.Sugar, honey…a husband?"
Rose laughed softly and turned around to face me, looking up into my eyes with a smile that struck right between my ribs.
"Very funny," she said then held up the jar of honey in front of her."But I've got it."
"What about the other thing?" I asked.
