Page 64 of Give Me a Reason

“I think it’s because it’s you. I want more time with you. I want to see you naked.”

“Hmm. We haven’t removed much of our clothes, have we?” I asked, wondering where this light-hearted side of me was coming from.

“No,” he said so seriously, regret filling his voice.

I laughed. “You sound like a child who didn’t get the cookie they wanted.”

He pouted. “I feel like that around you.”

“Like I’m a cookie you can’t have?” I asked.

“Exactly like that.” Then he kissed me, and I forgot about everything else.

Eventually, he slowed until they were small chaste kisses. “You should get back.”

My lips had to be swollen, my hair a mess, and I didn’t even want to think about my dress.

Finn stood and set me on my feet. He pushed the hair out of my face and smoothed my skirt. “That’s as good as I can get it.”

He took my hand, and we moved closer to the trail. He turned and touched my cheek, running a thumb over my lower lip. “You look beautiful.”

I felt a pang in my heart at his sincere words. “Thank you.”

“You go first, and I’ll follow to make sure you’re okay.” Then he let go of my hand and swatted my butt.

I didn’t want to go. I wanted to go home with him, but I was still working. Each step took me closer to reality, to my job, and to everyone who would have a problem with us being together.

I understood what Finn was saying: No one else’s opinion should matter. But that was a fantasy. We weren’t living in a bubble, no matter how much I wanted to. I felt him following behind me, and I felt safe and cared for.

He’d just fucked me against a tree, but we’d also connected. Every time we came together, I felt closer to him. I knew him a little better. It was crazy because it should be just sex. It shouldn’t be more. He’d never made any promises except to be honest with me.

I smoothed my hair again and walked into the reception, prepared to work. I put Finn out of my mind.

Later that night, I rode home with Ireland. I felt guilty as she chattered on about the wedding and how great it turned out. Gia hadn’t worked this one, so maybe she trusted us to handle more on our own. But then it had been a vow renewal, not a wedding.

And Ireland was there. It wasn’t like she’d trusted just one of us to take care of it. I kept my opinions to myself because Ireland didn’t need this job like I did. Plus, I felt guilty for fucking her brother and keeping it from her.

Finn said no one else needed to know, but I wasn’t so sure. Was I betraying my friend by keeping it from her? I’d only just moved in with her, and it would be awkward if she found out.

The thought of keeping it a secret weighed on me. I didn’t want to keep it from everyone forever, but it was the best course of action for now. Especially if Ireland reacted badly or if Gia fired us for fraternizing with each other. There were too many variables.

Ireland glanced over at me. “You’ve been quiet tonight.”

“I have a lot on my mind.” I feel guilty for screwing your brother.

“You can talk to me.”

“I know.” But I couldn’t. This was her brother. There was no chance she’d be okay with what we were doing. Not when Finn was known as a player, and I was a romantic.

“Are you seeing someone?” Ireland asked as she glanced over at me.

“What? No. Why would you think that?” Unease spread through my chest.

“I don’t know. You just seem happier, more content.”

“I think it’s living with you. I feel safe.” I could say that honestly because it was true.

Ireland winced. “I hate that you didn’t feel safe where you were living before.”

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