Page 97 of The Nicest Thing
"But we all have one…"
"I know that."
"Okay."
"Okay."
Carlos squinted at Finn as if trying to figure out if he'd been insulted, and I bit back a laugh.
"Lay off, Carlos.Look at those pretty-boy looks," Louis cut in with a nod."Finn's obviously not a threat."
"To her"—Finn nodded at me—"no.But you?That depends on how you treat Rose."
The other three ooh'd and ahh'd, but Derek stepped right up to Finn until they were chest-to-chest.
"You threatening my cousin?" he said.
My best friend shrugged."I think I just stood up for her, but I'll let you be the judge of that."
Derek stared down at him for a few tense seconds.Then his mouth tipped up into a small grin.He held out a hand."Name's Derek."
"Finn."
"Want to participate in a friendly competition, Finn?"
"Sure," he said as they shook.
Carlos nodded, rubbing his hands together like some kind of villain, wearing a shit-eating grin."Well, alright then.Let's go."
I didn't trust that smile for a second, but it was too late now.Finn had already agreed.
"What are we doing?" Finn asked belatedly.
"Having second thoughts already?" Carlos asked.
"No way.Just curious."
"Chili pepper eating competition," Louis said."It's a family tradition."
"What do I get if I win?"
"Bragging rights and the rest of the empanadas."
Finn arched a brow as he looked at me."Did you make those?"
I nodded."Yes, but I'll make more for you.You don't have to do this."
"Yeah, I do," he said, reaching out to touch my cheek."Hey, don't look so worried.The O'Brien competitive streak is legend.I've got this—and I'm twice as stubborn as my siblings."
"Finn, you don't have anything to prove here."
Instead of answering, he said, "Hold my jacket would you?"
"Sure."
"I think it's about to get hot in here."
"Ha ha," I deadpanned.
