Page 147 of The Nicest Thing
"That doesn't sound good."
A smile tried to form, but I couldn't make it last."I'm a liar, Finn.I feel so unworthy of you, of your love.I honestly don't understand why you love me."
"But—"
"I think you just think you're in love with me," I rushed out."That makes a lot more sense.Us being best friends, your affection for me, it made you think that, feel that.You're confused.But you'll get over it once you find your real person."
Finn crossed his arms."Really?"
I nodded."You deserve someone honest, someone better than me."
"Good to know."
"So, you should find that person."
"I'll get right on that.You done?"
I gave a curt nod then walked in the bathroom and closed the door, leaving Finn standing in the middle of the room.I removed my clothes in angry jerks, practically ripping the material from my body.Frustration burned in my core, but I wasn't sure why.I'd told Finn the truth, released him from this sham romance, let him go.But I'd expected…something.Did I want him to fight for me?Tell me I was wrong?Beg me to change my mind?I wasn't sure, but I didn't expect him to just watch me walk away.With a sigh, I wrapped myself in one of the hotel's towels, started the water.
The door flew open a second later.
Finn stalked inside with fire in his eyes.
"Finn?What are you—"
"Where do you get off?" he growled, not stopping until he was right in my face."Telling me what I think and feel?"
"I didn't—"
"Yeah, you did.You said IthinkI'm in love with you, that our friendshipconfusedme.That I'll justget over it."
I swallowed.
"I'm not stupid, Rose."
"I never said—"
"You said plenty."Finn leaned down so his warm breath caressed my lips, heating them with every word."It's my turn to talk.Got it?"
I gave a slow nod.
"I know what love feels like," he said."I knew it when you walked out in those silk pajamas at Magnolia House the first day.I knew it when I spent time with you.I knew it when we binge-watched Bridgerton, and I didn't even complain because I got to be near you.I knew it when you laughed at my dumb jokes."
"They're not dumb," I murmured, but he silenced me with a look.
"I knew it when we kissed at Christmas.I knew it when being with you was the only thing I wanted.I knew it when my heart fell out of my chest and into your hand and never left."
He leaned even farther into me.
"So, you telling me that I don't love you or just think I do, that really pissed me off."
"Obviously," I said shakily.
"You're joking right now?" he said.
"It's what I do when I don't know how to deal."
"Deal with…"
