Page 70 of The Nicest Thing

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My cheeks warmed."I couldn't show up without a gift.That's not the O'Brien way."

"Um hm."

Rose reached forward, plucked the box of chocolates out of my hand, and gave a low whistle.

"You got the good stuff," she said.

"Only the best," I said then sniffed."Guess I'll have to eat them all by myself now.Unless…you want to share?"

Her smile grew."I have a better idea.Follow me."

The next thing I knew, we were in Rose's room.As she closed the door, I cocked a brow.

"Emmy's out with her business management friends," she said."She went to a party, should be gone for a while, but just in case she comes home early."

"You didn't want to go too?"

Rose shook her head."I'm more of a stay-at-home, curl-up-under-a-blanket and read-a-book kind of girl."

I sent her a smile."Sounds cozy.Got room under that blanket for me?"

"Um."Her cheeks went pink as she stuttered."I uh—"

"Just kidding, Rose."

Her eyes were wide as she stared at me."Oh.It didn't sound like it."

She almost sounded disappointed.

But that must've been wishful thinking.

"So," I said, "what are we doing?"

Rose gestured to the items I'd brought with me."We are going to use those fantastic props you brought and have another film session."

I narrowed my eyes."For your books?"

"Yep, the other reels are doing well."

"Sales are up, you said."

"They are!I can't believe it, Finn."She shook her head."I might be able to pull this off after all."

"Pull what off?" I asked.

"Nothing."

"Rose."

After a second, she said, "Like I told you in the beginning, I need to sell more books."

"Why?"I tilted my head."You've never said that before."

"Myyayawas never in danger of being thrown out of senior living before."

It was barely more than a whisper.

But I heard her, loud and clear.

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