Page 31 of The Nicest Thing

I couldn't wipe the smile off my face.

I knew I must look like an idiot but couldn't stop. Happiness was the only thing I felt. That and gratitude. And love, so much love it overflowed my heart.

Probably had something to do with last night—and the way Rose woke me up this morning.

A satisfied exhale left my lips as the memory replayed in my mind. I'd never appreciated my ability to recall details so vividly until now.

Something woke me early in the morning, wasn't sure what.

We hadn't slept much the previous night.

I looked over…and Rose wasn't there.

Deep sadness hit me before I felt something different.

A feeling below my waist.

I'll never forget looking down to see Rose's mouth on me.

The feel of her lips wrapped around my length.

How she looked up at me and smiled.

Around my cock.

I groaned at the sight.

Rose hollowed her cheeks, giving a hard suck before releasing me.

"Good morning, Finn," she said.

"Morning," I choked out.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yeah. The way I woke up was better though." I reached for her, but she shook her head.

"I'm not done with you yet," she said.

I swallowed.

"Just sit back and enjoy."

"Rose…"

"I love you, Finn O'Brien," she said, stealing my breath with the words.

My eyes softened. "I love you too."

"Good. Then sit back, wrap my hair around your fist, and let me make this cock mine."

It is yours, I thought.

You own every part of me. Heart, body, and soul.

Instead of saying that, I did as she asked, tangling me fingers in her hair.

"Good boy," she murmured.

It was hours later, and the vision of her stayed with me, how I'd tried to let her know I was going to blow but she only latched on tighter, swallowing everything I had to give, how swollen her lips were after, the color riding high in her cheeks, the way the strands of her hair felt so soft in my hand.

The details were crystal clear in my mind.

We made love again before showering—separately unfortunately, but when I went to follow her inside, Rose had put a hand on my chest, saying "If you come in with me, we'll never make it down on time.

" She was right as usual, so I didn't push.

But God, I'd wanted to. Maybe I could convince her to try it in the shower later.

I put that on my mental to-do list.

Sex with Rose was more than that.

I'd known it would be.

I had her three times before we both finally fell into an exhausted sleep, too tired to move.

And then this morning.

Making love with Rose was just that. I felt closer to her than I did with anyone. And I wanted that feeling again.

I licked my lips.

If I could die with her in my arms, I'd leave this Earth a happy man.

"Hey," Rose said, poking my biceps to get my attention, "look alive, O'Brien. It's almost time."

I stood, trying my best not to touch her. "Do you need me for something?"

"Well, the table's all set up. The books are on display, looking gorgeous. The Liv Lamoreaux banner looks good too."

"Your face always does," I said.

She waved that off. "That picture's from like ten years ago, but it's one of the only ones I like. Anyway, I've got more books in boxes under the table. Pre-orders are set apart, stacked, and labeled."

She looked around then gave a shrug.

"I think we're good," Rose finished, but it sounded more like a question. "Don't you, Finn?"

I took her hand in mine, giving it a firm squeeze. "Just breathe, Rose."

I watched her take a deep inhale and exhale.

"You'll be amazing. Romance or Die is going to love you."

Rose gave a quick nod.

"Not as much as I do, but they don't know my best friend like I do," I said.

"Thank you, Finn," she said softly.

"For what?"

"For being you."

It felt like she had my heart in her hand, and I wanted that. I wanted her.

"I wouldn't want to do this with anyone else."

"Okay, enough of the mushy stuff," I said, clapping my hands together. "My girl is about to own this book conference. First up, we have the signing. Then we got that romance writers panel, lunch, and another two hours of signing. Did you eat anything?"

Rose shook her head. "No, but I'm fine."

Anticipating this, I pulled a granola bar from my pocket and tossed it to her.

"Blueberry and vanilla?" she said.

"Your favorite," I said with a nod, pushing a bottle of water into her hands as well. "Eat up. You need fuel."

"I'm nervous, Finn," she admitted, wringing her hands together.

"That's good," I said. "It means you care."

She nodded. "I love you."

"I know."

"If you ever stop loving me and my anxious, nervous, self-doubting self, I wouldn't blame you a bit," Rose went on. "Just maybe keep being my best friend."

I rolled my eyes. "Thought we covered this last night."

"We did, but—"

"When does the signing start?"

She checked her phone and said, "In 30 minutes. Why?"

"More than enough time." I took her hand and began leading her to the hall.

She laughed as I tugged her along. "Finn, where are we going?"

"To find an empty room and take care of those nerves. I figured an orgasm would help."

A choked sound came from behind me.

"Don't worry, I'll have you back in time."

I kept my promise.

Twice.

And Rose really did look more relaxed when the signing rolled around. Seeing the blush in her cheeks stoked my ego like nothing else.

But that took a backseat as the minutes passed.

Rose's smile dimmed as readers walked by, many not even stopping at the table to say hello.

This first day was made up of famous industry leaders and book influencers.

Rose had explained they were hand-selected by the conference specifically for their follower count and/or their connections.

It was like they looked right through her.

"It's okay," she said, still smiling. "I knew they were here for other authors."

"Whatever," I replied, crossing my arms. "What do they have that you don't?"

"More marketing savvy," Rose said, "spicier books—or squeaky clean books, a bigger online presence, bigger bank accounts, more swag, more super fans—"

"Okay, got it."

Her shoulders went up and down in a shrug. "I can't blame them for not trying an unknown's books."

I scoffed. "You're not unknown."

"Compared to many of these authors, I am."

"Then they should be curious about you and your writing."

"Eh, my books don't have enough hype."

I shot her a look. "So, you're saying 'influencer' just means 'book snob.'"

She chuckled. "I didn't say that, Finn."

"Okay, then I will. They're a bunch of snobs. What ever happened to rooting for the underdog? I love discovering new authors. I love your books—and you, obviously."

Rose whistled under her breath.

"What?"

"I think your little show of anger is drawing attention," she mumbled.

I looked around, noticing several more eyes on me.

"It was pretty hot, Finn."

"I was just telling the truth," I muttered. "I hate their attention."

"Do you really?"

"Yes. The only eyes I want on me are yours."

She shook her head, the smile on her face more genuine now.

"But if it helps sell your books, I'll keep scowling and ranting like an asshole."

"Thanks," Rose said, tilting her head. "It also could've been the way that shirt hugs your chest and arms."

I lifted a brow.

"You look good."

"Do I?"

"You know you do."

"I like it when you say it though."

"Then I'll keep telling you."

Before I could answer, Rose met her first readers.

There were three of them, all women who stopped by her table in a group.

That was followed by a very slow trickle.

Two people made purchases. Pre-orders were picked up, which I helped with while Rose spoke to readers.

Despite her nerves, when she got to talking about books, her eyes lit up like Christmas.

She looked so beautiful in her element like this.

A few women stopped to talk to me too. They mentioned our reels—our couple status was well-known, and I loved it when they asked about my ring.

The feeling increased 10 times over when someone asked Rose about hers.

Her gaze collided with mine, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Um yeah," she said with a blush, "Finn got this for me."

"Your husband has good taste," the woman said.

"Mm, I never take it off."

Hearing that made my chest inflate.

Someone else sighed. "You two are couple goals."

"Are we?" Rose said.

"One hundred percent. I can't wait to tell my friends that I met an actual happily-married couple. In real life."

I thought that was odd, but Rose nodded.

"I get that. It's hard to find two people who choose each other again and again over time," she said. "That's much more common in books."

"Exactly."

"But that's why we read, right?" Rose smiled. "To escape the world and live in a place where happily-ever-after exists."

The woman bought a book after that, and before she left, she told us, "I'm glad you found your happy ending."

"Me too," I said as Rose's smile looked strained. "Hope you find yours."

Once she was gone, my girl exhaled her breath in a whoosh.

"You good?"

"Yeah," she said, "but I don't like lying."

My brow furrowed.

"She thought we were married, Finn."

"It made her happy to think that."

"I know." Rose nodded and bit her lip. "Still, it feels wrong."

"I love you, and you love me. Isn't that what matters?" I said.

"It means everything, but—"

I stepped in close and waited until her eyes were on me. "No buts, Rose. We're here. You're going to make so many people happy with your books. Nothing else is important. Just focus on that."

She sighed. "Yeah, you're probably right. Anyway, I have to go to the panel now."

"Still pissed that I can't come cheer you on."

"Someone has to stay here if by some miracle people want to buy my books," Rose said with a laugh.

I placed a kiss on her forehead. "Good luck, my Rose."

When I pulled back, her eyes were hazy.

"Book panel," I reminded her.

"Right, right," she said, starting to walk backwards. A slow grin appeared on her face, making me curious. "Good luck to you."

"Why do I need it?"

"Because you're a gorgeous guy in room full of romance addicts. Who knows what'll happen without my awkwardness to scare them off?"

I scoffed.

"Seriously, Finn."

"I'll be fine," I said, lifting my chin in a nod. "Go rock that author panel. I want to hear everything when you get back."

Rose ran over and gave me a quick kiss that left me leaning after her.

"Don't disappear, Finn O'Brien," she called back. "And don't fear the romance readers."

I nearly laughed.

Disappear on her?

Yeah, right. I'd be here waiting.

And fear a bunch of book lovers? Please, these were my people. The author panel was supposed to be an hour long. All I had to do was hold down the fort until Rose got back. How hard could it be?

#

I had underestimated them.

The ladies at Romance or Die were a cool bunch.

No doubt about that. I didn't think I'd ever talked so much in my life.

They gathered around Rose's table and asked me questions as if I was the one giving the panel.

That was fine. I could talk about Rose's books all day.

I knew the characters and stories by heart.

What made it difficult was the flirting.

Single, married, or other, they threw seductive glances and innuendo my way like it was nothing.

Even the shy ones.

And basically no one had a filter.

Not sure they'd even heard of one.

These women were sexually liberated, read what they wanted to read, and enjoyed talking about their likes and dislikes. And I didn't just mean coffee versus tea.

Had I ever had such an in-depth discussion on kinks?

Nope, didn't think so.

But like I said, it was fine. At least I managed to sell 10 books. I couldn't wait to tell Rose. My cheeks were probably a permanent shade of red.

Thank God, my brothers weren't here. Or Emmy , my sister would've taken way too much joy in my discomfort. Who was I kidding? They all would've enjoyed the hell out of this. Even Dex and Bay who didn't love books would've gotten a kick out of watching me squirm.

My phone buzzed in my pocket.

I pulled it out and saw my sister's name on the screen.

Emmy: How's it going at the conference?

Me: Fine. I got the present you and Bay left in my suitcase.

Emmy: No idea what you're talking about.

I leaned back.

Was she being serious?

Was it possible my brother got help from someone else putting the condoms in my bag?

Me: Rose got her present too from the Book Club. A little creepy but thanks.

Emmy: Again, WTH??? I know nothing about these so-called presents. Where's Rose? I tried her first but couldn't get through.

That was because Rose was at the book panel that just ended.

I told her as much.

Emmy: Sounds like fun. Wish I was there.

I grinned.

Me: You'd love it, Em. Lots of books, fellow bookworms, and inappropriate banter. You'd fit right in.

She replied immediately.

Emmy: Awww, inappropriate banter is my jam!

Me: I know.

"Yoohoo." A woman who looked about 60 with different colors interspersed through her gray hair waved me over, but I held up one finger.

Me: Duty calls. I gotta go.

Emmy: Well, take care of Rose. Tell her that I love her.

Me: Will do.

"Excuse me," the woman said again, fluttering her lashes at me. "Can I get some help over here?"

"Be right there," I said. "I'm just texting my sister."

"Okay, you take your time, honey."

"Thanks."

"Sexy and sweet is a good look on you," she added.

Yep, I was definitely blushing.

Another text came through, and I looked down.

Emmy: And tell all those thirsty women to back off. That one's too old for you—though I love the hair.

My head popped up, and I glanced around, looking for her.

Me: You're here?

Emmy: Yeah, genius. I missed her first signing. No way I was missing this one too. I'm at the main entrance with your girl.

I spotted them immediately, Rose and my sister standing side-by-side. I couldn't make out their expressions from here, but there was something off about Rose. She didn't look happy.

The next text confirmed it.

Emmy: P.S. I think Rose is jealous.

I grinned, enjoying that a little too much. It probably made me an ass, taking even a hint of pleasure in the situation. But there was absolutely no reason for Rose to feel that way. Not about these women or anyone else.

I was hers.

All hers.

And I looked forward to making sure she got that message. Loud and clear.