Page 8 of The Nicest Thing
"Rose, admit it."I gave her a smile."This face could sell a ton of books."
She stared at me a second before begrudgingly saying, "It could.You're so freaking pretty, Finn.No doubt, itwould."
"So?"
"As your best friend, I cannot in good conscience use you in that way."
"But I want to be used," I said.
"You do?"
"Yeah."
And I meant it.
I wanted to be used.
By her.
In any way, every way.
Wanted it so bad I could taste it.
"Don't look for anyone else," I said."Choose me.I want to be yours."
Rose visibly swallowed.She was looking at me like she'd never seen me before, searching my face—for what I didn't know.But I knew her well enough to read her expression.She was considering it.She wanted to say yes.She wasthisclose.I could've sworn I saw something burning in her eyes that I'd caught glimpses of in the past.Our kiss last Christmas came to mind.We never spoke of it after that, but it rocked my soul.I was pretty sure it had rocked hers too.Was she finally ready to acknowledge this tension between us?But in the next instant, Rose blinked, shook her head and gave me a smile.
"Finn, I love you for offering," she said, "but I can't accept."
My mind got stuck on the first part of that sentence, and I knew I'd replay it again after this conversation was over.But I forced myself to focus.
"It's too much.Plus, do you really think people would buy you and me as a couple?"
Stepping forward, I caught her hand before she could walk away.
Rose turned back as I leaned down and spoke softly into her ear.
"Just promise me you'll think about it," I said."Take the night.I'll check back with you tomorrow.Okay?"
She nodded."Okay, Finn.But it's a crazy idea."
"There's a thin line between crazy and genius."
"Where'd you hear that?"
"Nowhere," I said, straightening and taking a step back."I just made it up."
"Nice," she said.
"I should get going."
"Okay."
"Bye Emmy," I said as I passed the living room where she was pretending to read a book.
"Bye baby shark Finn," she said back."Next time, bring something besides yourself, or you might be barred from entry."
Rolling my eyes, I tossed her a pack of her favorite gum, and she looked back at me with a grin.
