Page 54 of The Nicest Thing
"Ah, friends to lovers.A classic."
"It's always been one of my favorites."
"Reminds me of my first husband," she said wistfully."And my fourth.Hewas my favorite."
I nodded, frowning as I watched a woman place her hand on Finn's arm.If it made him uncomfortable, he didn't show it.But the small, most likely innocent touch, made me feel ill.
"Does he have any siblings?" she asked.
"A sister and four older brothers," I said absently.
"Are the brothers single?"
"No."
"Too bad," she replied as another person proceeded to ruffle Finn's hair."You going to just stand here and let them flirt with him?"
It felt like there was a weight on my chest."I'm not sure how to make them stop," I admitted."Don't think I have the right."
"Oh honey."
"I mean, I've never done this before.Playing the jealous girlfriend isn't really in my DNA."
Finn deftly shirked them off, never losing his smile.
"Please, it's in everyone's blood.Your eyes are practically green with envy," she commented which made my gaze shoot to hers.She studied me with shrewd eyes, her mouth tipped up in amusement."Just walk over there and kiss him senseless."
"I couldn't," I said.
"Why not?He's your husband.Isn't he?"
"N—I mean, yes," I said, catching myself."Of course.But you know, Finn's free to do what he wants."
"Seemed to me like he wants you," she said.
"I wish," I mumbled.
"Want some advice?"
"Sure."
"Open your eyes, or you'll miss what's right in front of you," she said.
"Sounds like something myyayawould say."I turned to her with a smile."She's the smartest person I know."
A sage nod was the only response.
"It was fun talking to you.So, you're a romance writer?"
Her smile grew."I am."
"Would I know any of your books?"
"Perhaps.I'm fairly well-known in some circles.Good to meet you, Liv."
"It's Rose," I said, giving her a small shrug."I use a pen name."
"The good ones often do," she said with a wink."Thanks for talking to me.I'll let you and your man have some time alone."
