Page 87 of Give Me a Reason

“I love you too.” He kissed me. “So much.”

Then he rolled me so we were on our sides, facing each other.

“I have to go to work,” I said.

“Me too. I have to man the front door when the bell rings.”

We’d never discussed his job beyond him teaching kids to play instruments and to read music and rhythms.

“I didn’t realize you had other responsibilities at the school beyond teaching music.”

“We all have to help out at the beginning and the end of the day. I’m the only male teacher in the school, and I like to make my presence as visible as possible. I don’t have to, but I like to play with the kids at recess.”

“What do you do with them?” I asked, loving that I was getting to see this side of him.

“Usually kickball, sometimes football. It depends on if one of the kids tried to tackle anyone and football was banned. That actually happens quite often. If it’s blacktop, then we play basketball.”

“Are you the only teacher who plays with them?

“It’s most teachers’ lunchtimes and planning hours. I have time for work when Paisley’s with Naomi, and I like connecting with the kids that way, showing them that band is cool.”

“Kids in elementary school think that band isn’t cool?”

“Third-grade boys. That’s when it starts. But for the most part, kids are open to trying it. I think that comes more into play in middle school and high school. But learning music is so good for the brain. I want them to be open to it.”

“How will they know if they have a talent for it if they don’t try?”

He kissed me. “Exactly.”

“I bet you’re a good teacher,” I said against his lips.

“I strive to be.”

I loved that he was a teacher and that he wanted to connect with kids in different ways. I’d met quite a few teachers who tried to talk me out of going to school for education because they felt stifled in their job. So Finn’s optimistic outlook on teaching was refreshing. It made me admire him even more.

“Are you ready to try this thing with me?” Finn asked.

“I thought you didn’t believe in relationships,” I said, needing to know the answer. There was still time to make a clean break. It would hurt, but I’d rather know now than face the truth later.

He brushed a strand of hair out of my face. “I didn’t. Not until you.”

“So I’m the exception to the rule?” I asked lightly, a little afraid of his answer.

“You’re the exception to every rule,” he said with such honesty I believed him.

“Then, yes, I’m willing to try this with you.”

“I never thought I wanted to try to have something long-term, but you make me want everything. I already have the house and the white picket fence; the only thing missing is you.”

Was this the same Finn who argued against love and romance? I wanted to believe he was. That I’d changed his outlook on what was possible for him. I loved him enough to give this a try.

He kissed me, and it was slow and leisurely like we had all the time in the world. Then he was lifting off me, holding out his hand to me. “Shower with me?”

“This is turning out to be a very pleasant morning,” I said as he tugged me behind him into his bathroom.

“You like waking up to sex and a shared shower?” Finn asked as he turned on the shower.

“As long as it’s with you.”

---