Page 49 of The Nicest Thing

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Rose looked up at me in confusion."You don't have to do that, Finn.I can get my own door."

"I know," I said.

"Ever the gentleman," she said with a smile.

"Your gentleman."

She nodded, but when I didn't move, her eyes lifted up to mine again.

"I need you to understand something, Rose."

"Okay."

"When we do this, I know our goal is to make everyone think we're together, soulmates, the happily-married couple.And we will.You told a little lie, and I agreed to help."

"Which I'll be forever grateful for," she said."But we really should go..."

"In a second," I said, capturing her chin between my thumb and forefinger.

Her mouth snapped shut at the contact.

"After today, no one will doubt how much I adore you.No one will question our connection when I'm through."

I stared at her hard.

"But it doesn't matter what they think."

Rose frowned, and her confusion was so cute I wanted to kiss the lines forming between her brows.

"You need to know you could have anyone you want," I said.

"Well, not really—"

"Anyone," I repeated.My thumb caressed her jaw, and I felt a bolt of pleasure shoot through me as she shivered."You're beautiful, inside and out.Rose, you're everything.Don't you get that?"

"I…Finn, we're going be late," she stuttered.

I nodded then took a step back, holding the door open for her.

"Just needed you to hear that before we go," I said.

"Thanks," she said softly.

Despite leaving a little later than planned, we got to the venue in plenty of time.The "Annual Romance Author Brunch and High Tea" was being held at a hotel about 45 minutes away.As Rose and I stood outside, looking at the welcome sign, I watched her take a deep breath.It was like she was steeling herself for battle.

"You okay?" I asked.

"Yeah, of course," she said with a shrug."It's just brunch.I love brunch."

"Um hm."

"And they're authors.Romance authors are nice people—for the most part."

"I've only met one, but I like her," I said.

At that, Rose shot me a bright smile."Have I told you that I love you?"

My heart thudded like a drum in my chest.

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