Page 58 of Finn Rhodes Forever

I smiled and nodded. “Be right back.”

“Where are you going?”

“To the creek,” I called over my shoulder. Five minutes later, I returned with two cans and set them down between us.

Finn’s face burst into a big grin. “You brought beer.”

I couldn’t help the smile creeping up on my mouth. A warm, pleased flush moved through my chest. “Yep.”

He picked one up. “And it’s cold.”

“I put it in the creek while we ate dinner.”

He tilted his head, staring at me with an expression of pure affection. My mouth twitched and I struggled to meet his eye.

A tiny dose of panic hit my bloodstream. I wasn’t supposed to be bringing him cold drinks and making him smile. I was supposed to be repulsing him.

“Come here.” He set the beer down and held his arms out.

I stiffened. “Huh?”

“I want to give you a hug.”

“Why?” I took a step back.

Softness and amusement melted in his eyes and he flashed that wicked grin again. “Because I like you, Liv, and I want to say thank you for bringing me a cold beer. It’s just what I wanted right now. And that’s what couples do. They hug,” he said in a condescending, teasing tone that made me want to roll my eyes and laugh. His gaze sharpened. “Among other things.”

My heart hammered at his words and I blinked.

“I’m coming in,” he said quietly as he stepped forward and slowly wrapped his arms around me, pulling me into his chest. “That’s it. You’re doing great.”

I snorted. “Shut up.” God, he was warm.

He squeezed me tighter. “You’re supposed to put your arms around me, too.”

“Do you find yourself funny?” His chest felt nice, broad and firm, and I had the urge to rest my head against him.

“I can show you if you need help.”

I rolled my eyes at him but my lips pulled into a grin as I wrapped my arms around his lower back.

“There we go,” he murmured, dipping his head down so his mouth hovered inches from my ear.

I dragged in a breath, inhaling his scent. His deodorant, his body wash, and then something uniquely Finn. Probably sweat. His scent made a muscle pull low in my stomach. His hands smoothed across my back in calming strokes and I let myself lean into him. A low hum escaped him as he exhaled, and he brought his lips to my temple.

“Thank you for bringing me beer, Liv,” he murmured against my skin, and my eyes closed.

“Mhm.” I didn’t trust myself to say anything more. I might accidentally moan.

He inhaled once more, his chest expanding against mine, and I didn’t even care that my boobs pressed into him. He was warm and comfy and I didn’t want to let go, but I unhooked my arms and stepped back.

He smiled down at me with hooded eyes. “That was nice.”

I shrugged. “Yep.”Coward.

“Say it.”

My gaze snapped up and I saw the dare in his eyes. “What?” My eyebrow shot up.

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