Page 25 of Forever Finn

“Different how?”

“The chemistry between us is insane.” I push back from the exam table, my chair rolling back smoothly, needing some space as I try to order my thoughts. “There was this connection between us…” My voice trails off, not really sure how to explain it.

“Scary, isn’t it?” Jesse says knowingly, and I stare at him. “When you meet someone you just know is about to turn your world upside down whether you want it or not.”

“I don’t know what to do with this… this feeling,” I finish in frustration. “It can’t be anything long term. He doesn’t live here. I don’t even technically live here. We have very different lives. There’s no way it’ll work, but for the first time in my life, he makes me want something that I’m not sure I can have.”

“I’m probably the worst person to give advice.” Jesse smiles. “I spent over a decade ignoring my feelings for Deak, but that being said… do you want to know what I think?”

“Sure, why not.” I shrug.

“I think you’re overthinking this,” he says gently. “This guy, whoever he is, has you feeling something unexpected, and it’s thrown you, but it doesn’t mean you have to have all the answers right now. If there’s something there between you, something which could potentially be great, it’ll work itself out. Just enjoy each other and stop worrying about tomorrow or you’ll waste the time you do have together.”

“That’s not bad advice actually.” I stare at Jesse. Sometimes I forget beneath the sarcasm and quirky humour that Jesse is actually a very insightful person who feels things deeply.

“Anyway.” He glances down at his watch as he rises from his seat. “I’m done for the day. I’m gonna head over to the boatyard. Deak wants to show me the sloop he and Garrett are building. It’s the first one they’ve designed together, so he’s kinda like a new mum right now showing off twenty million pictures of what is essentially, at this point, a hunk of wood.”

“Have fun,” I chuckle.

“What about you?”

“Mrs Green and her daughter, Maisie, will be along in ten minutes to pick up Mr Snuggles, but after that I’m done too,” I reply.

“Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow then.” He turns and heads toward the door, pausing at the last minute. “Wyatt?”

“Yeah?”

“I really am glad you came to the bay,” he says seriously. “I know this job was only temporary for you, but no matter what happens I hope you know you have a permanent place here, and I’d really like it if you decided to stay.”

“Thanks, Jess.” I feel a warmth in my belly and a rush of affection for him.

I watch as he turns and heads out the door, letting it swing shut behind him quietly. He’s right, this job was only supposed to be temporary. I’m four months into the six months I said I’d stay for. This was supposed to be an escape for me. A way to put everything that happened with James behind me and figure out where I wanted to go from here. I always thought it would be straight back to Toronto, but I never expected to fit in so well in the bay.

Although I miss my family, I’m content here. I know that Jesse will start interviewing for my replacement next month, but the seed has been planted, sneaky bastard. What if I didn’t go back? What if I extended my contract for another six months or even a year, or longer?

It’s a lot to think about, and in fact I’m so lost in my thoughts I barely register the light tapping on the door as Laurel pokes her head into the room.

“Mrs Green and Maisie are here for Mr Snuggles.” Her gaze drops to the carrier sitting on the exam table. “Are you all done? Do you want me to take him through?”

“If you don’t mind.” I nod. “His vaccination is done. He’ll need another booster in a year but otherwise, a clean bill of health.”

“Great.” She smiles. “I’ll let them know.”

She scoops up the rabbit carrier and the notes and heads back out. Feeling my phone vibrate in my pocket, I retrieve it, unable to help the smile tugging at my lips as I read the message.

Change of plan, meet me here…

My gaze scans the address, and I can’t help the hum of anticipation low in my belly.

It’s been days since I first had Finn in my bed, and we’ve seen each other every night since. Fortunately, I live alone, and Reed is at the hospital a lot at the moment so hasn’t realised Finn isn’t spending his nights at his house. It’s been relatively easy for us not to be seen together. I don’t like the secrecy, but I understand the need for it. It’s only a matter of time before someone lets slip to the press where Finn is. Most of the people who know he’s here would never do that, Finn’s one of their own and they protect him fiercely, but all it takes is for one tourist to recognise him and post a picture to Instagram and our little bubble will burst.

I think we both know it can’t last, we’re on borrowed time, and we’re trying to spend as much time together while we can. Jesse is right, not that I’d necessarily tell him that to his face, but I don’t want to waste a minute I have with Finn. I’ll never be able to keep him, but right now he’s mine, and I am going to make the most of every minute, even if the cost is a broken heart… my broken heart to be exact. Somehow, I know that when the shit hits the fan this time… and it will…. it always does, that it won’t be like it was with James. This time it’s really going to hurt, but I still won’t trade a single moment of our time together, even if it’s not meant to be.

Grabbing my jacket, I close the room up behind me and head out of the building, bypassing the reception desk with a casual wave to Laurel as she’s locking up tonight. Within minutes I’m in my car and pulling out of my parking space. I probably should go home and change but I’m too eager to see Finn.

The man’s like a drug I think to myself ruefully as I head down the coast road, window open to let in the cool sea air. After a while I pull into a gravel car park in front of the dilapidated old theatre that Molly is trying so desperately to save. I can see the appeal I muse to myself as I climb out of the car and head toward the steps leading up to the main entrance. There’s a certain charm about the place. I don’t really understand the British listed building policy, but I know that Molly will literally chain herself to the railings before she lets anyone tear it down.

The door swings open as I reach it and Finn’s hungry gaze flicks over my scrubs and denim jacket to my hair falling down from its messy bun. He grabs me by the shirt, hauling me inside. The door slams behind me and before I can utter a single word, I find myself shoved up against it roughly as Finn’s mouth slams down on mine.