Page 6 of The Nicest Thing

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"You know I don't like sugar in my tea."

I nodded."Honey if it's available with a splash of milk, though you'll drink it with nothing added and not complain."

Rose's smile grew at my ability to spout off her tea preferences.

"I pay attention," I said.

"Clearly," she said back.

"And I meant the other, other thing."

Rose sighed."Finn, it was a joke."

"Didn't sound that way."

I followed her to the fridge.

"It sounded like you need help selling your books," I said."And as your #1 fan, I'm obviously the best choice."

"I don't understand why you're teasing me," she said.

"I'm not."

Rose got the milk, turned the kettle on, added water and two bags of tea, then turned as she waited for it to brew.She crossed her arms as she stared at me.I mirrored her pose until her lips twitched up into a smile.

"You're really serious?" she asked in disbelief.

"As a heart attack."

"You want to be my fake husband?"

"Yeah."

"Why?"

Because I want you.

I want you so bad it hurts.

I want any part of you, every part that I can get.

Even if it's all pretend.

"Finn?"

"I want you," I blurted.

Her brows furrowed."You want me?" she repeated.

I nodded, quickly recovering with, "To be happy.That's what I meant, your happiness.If I can help bring that about in any way, I will."

Rose gave a slow nod."I feel the same way about you."

"You do?"

"Of course, I do, Finn!You're my best friend," she said.

And there it was.

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