Page 26 of The Nicest Thing

It's because it's you.

It's because it's you.

It's because it's you.

Finn's words flowed like a never-ending river in my mind. I couldn't get them to stop. My overthinking was going into overdrive. What did he mean? It certainly sounded like he was struggling not to look because I was getting undressed only feet away. Not just any woman. But…me.

But that couldn't possibly be right.

Could it?

I glanced to the side and caught sight of Finn doing sit-ups.

After I'd gotten into my pajamas, I pulled out my laptop intent on adding some words to my manuscript.

If we were stuck here, I should at least make the most of it.

The atmosphere was perfect for writing. Rainy days were the best. Although it was still icy cold in the cabin, we'd found candles as well as a pile of blankets, one of which I was currently curled up under.

I'd also managed to start a small fire using the skills I'd learned as a girl scout—something Finn seemed to find endearing—and lit the candles that way.

In my writing, I'd reached the part of the book where my characters were seconds away from having a passionate, steamy encounter filled with swoony moments—which was an absolute candy bar scene for me.

I loved romantic scenes. There was only one problem.

I kept getting distracted.

Or actually, no.

Someone was distracting me.

I didn't think Finn was doing it on purpose. He'd popped in his earphones, seeming to completely ignore my presence, and started exercising almost immediately after our conversation. The one where he said…

You're almost naked, close enough to touch. It's taking every bit of self-control I have not to turn around right now.

I closed my eyes, remembering.

It's not because there's a half-naked woman near me.

It's because it's you.

Finn had addled my brain. I was so confused yet flattered. But I didn't know if I should be or if I was taking everything out of context as only a romance author and book lover could. Still…the not knowing was maddening.

Re-opening my eyes, I typed a few words—or maybe it was the same word several times. I wasn't sure. Because Finn had now moved on to pushups. And yeah…

Although I knew it was a ridiculous thought, it felt like he was putting on a show just for me. And I was here for it.

He suddenly paused.

"I feel you watching me, Rose," he said.

"Kind of hard not to, O'Brien," I admitted.

"Thought you were supposed to be writing."

"I was. But I can't seem to focus."

"Why not?"

Why not, indeed?

Finn's eyes came up to meet mine and held.

Crossing my arms, I sat back. "Well, if you didn't want me looking, you could've at least put on a shirt."

His smile was slow. "Didn't say that. I like your eyes on me."

My jaw dropped, and Finn laughed.

"Keep writing, Rose. I expect that chapter to be finished by the time I'm done with my workout."

"Yeah, right," I mumbled. "I'll just write while you're being super distracting"—and sexy—"over there. Easy."

"Feel free to use me as inspiration," Finn added.

Oh, don't worry, I thought. I will.

And surprisingly, it worked. Finn took a while, wasn't exactly sure how long to complete his exercises, and I wrote the whole time.

My fingers felt like they were on fire. I not only finished the chapter I'd been working on but got a good start on another.

Sometimes, writing was magic like that. The words came fast, and it was all I could do to get them out.

The feeling was wonderful. Before I knew it, I'd completed that chapter too.

As I sat back, stretching my stiff fingers, a happy sigh left my lips.

Finn cleared his throat, and I looked his way, surprised to find him sitting next to me.

"Good scene?" he asked.

"Yeah," I said, "I think so. The characters spoke to me. The flow was good. Even though I know it's just a rough draft, it felt awesome."

"Will you read it to me?"

I swallowed. "If you want."

"I want," he said.

"Alright then."

I wasn't sure if he knew, but I loved it when he asked me to read to him.

The organ inside my chest danced. Having someone you love ask about and appreciate your work was one of the best feelings in the world.

As I read, Finn leaned his head back on the couch, closing his eyes.

At one point, he looked so relaxed that I paused.

"You still awake?" I asked.

"Shhh," Finn said with a frown, "keep going. This is my favorite part."

I raised a brow though he couldn't see it. "Oh yeah? Even though you haven't read it yet?"

"Rose, it's obvious they were about to kiss. Don't leave me hanging here."

Biting back a smile, I started reading again, and by the time I finished, my throat was a little hoarse. Wasn't sure if it was from the weather or the reading. But the slight discomfort was worth it to see Finn's bright smile.

"So, what'd you think?" I asked.

"I think Avery and Pierce are one of your best couples," he said.

"Really?"

"Yeah, I think readers are going to love them. I do."

"Thanks, Finn," I said.

"Welcome." His brows furrowed. "Your hand hurting?"

Suddenly aware that I was rubbing my palm, I stopped. "No, I'm fine."

"Sure you are."

He went to take my hand, and I shook my head. "Finn, seriously."

"Just think of it as payback for letting me hear the chapter. I know you don't like sharing before a book's done."

"I don't usually, but you're special."

"Your #1 fan," he said.

"My only fan," I retorted.

"I think your grandma would have something to say about that. Ana too."

"My only non-blood-related fan."

Finn scoffed at that, and my eyelids fluttered closed as he pressed his thumbs into my palm. The feeling was more than good. It was divine.

"We both know Liv Lamoreaux has loyal readers, Rose," Finn said. "You'll see when we get to the conference. I bet there will be some there."

With a gulp, I said, "You mean the ones I lied to?"

Finn sighed. "You're really worried about that. Aren't you?"

I nodded.

"Rose, don't be. I'm not going to tell them. And you won't either, right?"

I hesitated but gave another nod.

"Then they'll never know," he said.

"Okay."

"I think we need to get your mind off this."

"How do we do that?" I asked.

Finn gave my hand a squeeze then tugged me to my feet.

He reached back down, pressed something on his phone, and suddenly music filled the space, making the cabin seem even more cozy.

Intimate. A slow song, one I'd never heard but loved instantly, was playing.

I looked to Finn as he entwined our fingers and placed his other hand on my waist.

"Don't think about anything," he said. "It's just you and me. Dancing."

"Sounds good," I breathed.

My pulse was racing as he stepped closer. But almost as if a force pulled me forward, I closed the final distance. Finn swallowed as I rested my head against his shoulder.

"Shouldn't we try to save the phone's battery? Just in case," I said quietly.

"Nah," Finn said, "I can go out to the car and charge up if I need to."

Thunder boomed as the rain continued to beat against the roof, and I looked up at him with raised brows.

"One song, Rose. It's not going to die after one song."

"You don't have to convince me."

"I don't?"

I shook my head. "I love dancing."

With you, I thought.

I love dancing with you, Finn.

I'd do it all night if you let me.

"I know," he said.

"Plus, you're a good dancer, Finn."

"Hmmm, you too."

"I'm a little scared about the books being outside."

"They'll be fine."

"But what if we left the doors unlocked?"

"We didn't," he said.

"What if one of the windows is cracked?"

"It's not."

"What if a grizzly bear is really smart, and they figure out how to open the trunk?" I asked.

"Unlikely."

"But what if—"

"Rose, the books are fine. Just be here with me."

"Okay," I said, and it was far too easy.

Slow dancing with Finn was like a prolonged hug, the best in the whole world, and I didn't think I'd ever want to leave the safety, the absolute bliss I felt in his arms. One song ran into the next.

A third started, and we just kept dancing.

I had to keep reminding myself that this meant nothing.

At least not romantically. It was one dance—a very long dance—shared between friends. Nothing more.

As the current song ended, Finn's phone went silent, the screen turning dark.

The two of us glanced down.

"No more music," I said, trying not to sound too disappointed. Wasn't sure I succeeded.

Finn shrugged. "I could hum if you want."

My eyes went to his. "You sing?"

"Nah, I can't."

"I don't believe you. You're good at everything."

"Not really. But I can hum and do a mean karaoke."

"Ah, no, that's okay," I said with a laugh, putting some distance between us.

"Okay, trying not to be offended even though you look horrified at the thought of me singing," he said.

"It's not that."

He raised a brow in question.

The answer was anything but simple.

If I found out Finn had an amazing voice, it would make him even more attractive. In my eyes anyway. I was struggling as it was to keep my heart in check. I didn't need to add another reason to love him. There were too many of those already.

"Fine, don't tell me," Finn said after a moment. "Just know I'm going to take you to karaoke at some point and rock your world."

"Is that a fact?" I asked.

"It's a promise."

I smiled and shook my head.

"So, did it work?"

"What?"

"Are you more relaxed?" he said.

"A little bit," I said then yawned. "Honestly, I'm kinda tired."

"Okay, then let's sleep."

"Sleep sounds amazing."