Page 77 of Can't Get Over You
“I started playing with essential oils and making scented soap.”
“What does the moose smell like?”
“It’s pine and cinnamon. I have a flirty line, too, with lips and hearts and high heels. I use sexy perfume for those.”
“That sounds like a good idea.”
“I thought so, but was it the best use of my time? Because we wanted to buy a house and save money for our honeymoon, and all that stuff, so working at a daycare in the summer and tutoring after school made a lot more sense.”
“That’s bullshit.” He stepped around the boxes. “Where’re the molds and essential oils?”
“Matt put them in the attic.”
He set the hammer down and started off.
“Jude, wait.” She laughed. “I’m not making soap right now. I’m your nanny, remember?”
“You’re making holiday soaps. That’s what I want for Christmas. A bar of moose soap.”
A flash of sunlight glinting off metal drew their attention as a car pulled into the driveway. “They’re here. Let’s put the bags away so Cody doesn’t see the mess.” She couldn’t give him magic with store-bought boxes and receipts lying around.
Jude headed to the bottom of the stairs and called, “Ava’s here.” When he came back to the fireplace, instead of cleaning, he cupped her elbows. “Just so we’re clear, you’re not a burden, and there’s nothing sexier than you unfurling.”
“Really?”
“Fuck, yeah. You know, the night you ran from your wedding, you said you weren’t ready to talk to anyone, that you needed to process everything on your own.” A car door slammed, and he collected the boxes and stomped on them with his boot. “But it’s probably more that you don’t want to drive people away. As long as you’re fun and sweet and easy to be around, they’ll stay.”
His words hit the bull’s-eye, sending a jolt that straightened her spine. “I think you’re right about that.” He’d nailed that one.
He carried the boxes into the kitchen and tossed them in the garage. On his way back, he said, “I get that you don’t have the most supportive parents, but you have a lot of people who love you. If someone pulls away because you ask for what you need, then they’re not for you.” He set the hammer in the toolbox and locked it up. “The right people will be honored to be there for you.”
“Hello. We’re here.” Ava came into the house, handing Jude a stack of pizza boxes.
But Finlay was still stuck on what he’d said.Honored to be there for you.
She knew it was true because that was how she felt when Eloise lost her husband, and Finlay put together a meal chart for their friends and family. And when Willa broke her ankle, Finlay didn’t think twice about taking a few days off to fly to New York and help her. She’d wanted to do it. Jude was right.
I felt honored to be the friend who got to do that for her.
“Wow, look at this place,” Ava said.
“I know, right?” It looked like a family had lived there for years, and Finlay loved it. “It’s all Gunnar.”
Ava cocked her head, confused.
“The couch, the TV…” Finlay gestured to the staircase. “The beds and dressers. Pretty much everything you see, the guys brought over.”
“They did that?” Ava’s smile was filled with affection. “That’s so sweet.” She stepped back to reveal Cody, who stood behind her. “And look who I brought with me.”
“Yay. Come on in, sweetie.” Finlay headed for him as Ava unzipped his coat and tugged it off his shoulders.
The boy’s gaze roamed the room. “Is this your house?”
“It is. And while your grandpa’s with the doctor, you and Jude are going to live here with me. Does that sound good?”
“I get to stay here?” His eyes widened in marvel. “With you?”
Chapter Fifteen
