Page 17 of Mistletoe, Mayhem & Mr. Grump
"Less romantic but very memorable." She's fighting a smile now. "We'd definitely trend on social media."
"'Local Couple Makes Out During Biblical Disaster,'" I suggest.
"'She Said It Was Still Better Than Her Last Relationship,'" she counters.
"Harsh."
"But accurate," she sighs.
Finn chooses this moment to reappear, carrying what might be coffee or might be motor oil in a mug. "So, did you two kids figure out your business?" He smirks at the look on Wren’s face. “I told you the walls in my office are thin.”
"We have an arrangement," Wren says primly.
"An arrangement." Finn grins wickedly. "Is that what we're calling it?"
"A mutually beneficial arrangement," I clarify.
"Even better. When does this arrangement start?" he asks.
Wren and I look at each other. We didn't actually discuss that.
"Now?" she suggests tentatively.
"Now works," I agree.
"Great, because your first test is coming," Finn says, looking toward the door. "Speak of the devil."
Sure enough, Iris appears in the doorway carrying a tray of coffee cups and wearing an expression that suggests she smells gossip.
"Coffee delivery! Oh, Wren! I didn't know you were here. With Holden. Together. How interesting," Iris says with excessive innocence.
Wren freezes like a deer in headlights. I can actually see her forgetting everything we just discussed.
I reach over and take her hand, lacing our fingers together like it's the most natural thing in the world. Her hand is smaller than expected, warm despite the cold outside.
"She came to invite me to lunch," I say smoothly. "Couldn't wait until later."
"Couldn't wait," Wren echoes, finding her voice. "Because I'm... eager."
"Eager," Iris repeats, her eyes lighting up like Christmas came early. "For lunch."
"Very eager," Wren confirms, squeezing my hand hard enough to cut off circulation. "For food. Eating. Together. Like people do."
I wince internally. We need to work on this.
"We're dating," I announce, deciding to rip the band-aid off.
Iris drops her coffee tray.
The crash is spectacular. Coffee everywhere. Cups rolling. Finn jumping back with a very ungraceful squeal.
"DATING?" Iris practically screams. "Since when?"
"Recently," I say calmly.
"Very recently," Wren adds nervously.
"So recently it just happened," I confirm.
