Page 33 of The Nicest Thing

Finn leaned in. "What happened?"

"Keely talked about me with other authors," I said. "I found out about it. What she said…was unflattering and untrue."

"Bitch," Emmy said.

Finn nodded his agreement.

"Eh, I know I'm not everyone's cup of tea." I shrugged, ignoring how much it hurt to learn that someone I'd trusted stabbed me in the back. "But I hate gossip. I'd never talk about someone like that."

"Of course, you wouldn't," Finn said. "You're a good person."

"Am I?"

He continued to stare, but Emmy rolled her eyes.

"Please, Rose. Don't let someone like that make you think less of yourself," she said.

I looked between the two of them. "She was right, though. I am a liar."

"Because you use a pen name? That's—"

"Because I made everyone believe Finn and I are married when we're not," I cut in.

Emmy frowned. "What's wrong with that? Marriage of convenience is one of my top 10 tropes. It's right after brother's best friend and enemies-to-lovers."

"Emmy," I groaned, "this is my life. Not fiction."

"Well, I say you shouldn't feel an ounce of guilt."

"I agree," Finn said. "You did this for Grandma Rose. No one would fault you for that."

I wasn't so sure.

"But she's fine now, and I'm still lying," I said.

He stared at me. "It really bothers you, huh?"

I nodded.

"Hey, it's just one more day," Emmy said with a smile. "Get through the conference, and then you're home free."

"Yay," I said weakly.

"I think we should go up to the room and get some sleep," Finn said then glanced at Emmy. "You need help carrying all those books out to your car?"

Emmy's look turned sheepish. "I may have gone a bit overboard."

"That's a yes," I said with a laugh. As we stood, I hugged Emmy tight once more. "I wish you could stay."

"Me too," she said, stepping back. "But I've got to go see about a hockey internship."

My brows raised. "You came down to scout the team?"

"Of course! I couldn't agree before seeing what I was getting myself into could I?"

Finn narrowed his gaze. "You're going to a hockey game?"

"Not until next month," she said with a sniff. "The Hornets are supposed to play an exhibition game. This first trip is just to get the lay of the land."

"Nice."

"Why don't you look surprised?" Emmy asked suspiciously.

"Emmy, please," he said. "I know all about your internship."

"How?"

Finn gave her a look.

"You're not going to tell me."

"Nope."

"Have you told or are you going to tell anyone else?" she retorted.

"We'll see," Finn said.

"I love you, Finn, but sometimes you piss me off."

"Same, sister. Same."

They hugged, and after we helped her, Finn and I ended up in our room.

"I feel dirty," I mumbled, thinking of that word again—liar, liar, liar—and the way I'd felt seeing those women flirt with Finn. "I'm going to go shower."

Finn's mouth tilted up. "Want company?"

"Um about that…"

"What?"

I took a deep breath. "I know you said you love me—"

"I did, many times. Before, during, and after," he said with a wink.

"But seeing you with so many women made me think."

"That doesn't sound good."

A smile tried to form, but I couldn't make it last. "I'm a liar, Finn. I feel so unworthy of you, of your love. I honestly don't understand why you love me."

"But—"

"I think you just think you're in love with me," I rushed out. "That makes a lot more sense. Us being best friends, your affection for me, it made you think that, feel that. You're confused. But you'll get over it once you find your real person."

Finn crossed his arms. "Really?"

I nodded. "You deserve someone honest, someone better than me."

"Good to know."

"So, you should find that person."

"I'll get right on that. You done?"

I gave a curt nod then walked in the bathroom and closed the door, leaving Finn standing in the middle of the room.

I removed my clothes in angry jerks, practically ripping the material from my body.

Frustration burned in my core, but I wasn't sure why.

I'd told Finn the truth, released him from this sham romance, let him go.

But I'd expected…something. Did I want him to fight for me?

Tell me I was wrong? Beg me to change my mind?

I wasn't sure, but I didn't expect him to just watch me walk away.

With a sigh, I wrapped myself in one of the hotel's towels, started the water.

The door flew open a second later.

Finn stalked inside with fire in his eyes.

"Finn? What are you—"

"Where do you get off?" he growled, not stopping until he was right in my face. "Telling me what I think and feel?"

"I didn't—"

"Yeah, you did. You said I think I'm in love with you, that our friendship confused me. That I'll just get over it."

I swallowed.

"I'm not stupid, Rose."

"I never said—"

"You said plenty." Finn leaned down so his warm breath caressed my lips, heating them with every word. "It's my turn to talk. Got it?"

I gave a slow nod.

"I know what love feels like," he said. "I knew it when you walked out in those silk pajamas at Magnolia House the first day.

I knew it when I spent time with you. I knew it when we binge-watched Bridgerton, and I didn't even complain because I got to be near you.

I knew it when you laughed at my dumb jokes. "

"They're not dumb," I murmured, but he silenced me with a look.

"I knew it when we kissed at Christmas. I knew it when being with you was the only thing I wanted. I knew it when my heart fell out of my chest and into your hand and never left."

He leaned even farther into me.

"So, you telling me that I don't love you or just think I do, that really pissed me off."

"Obviously," I said shakily.

"You're joking right now?" he said.

"It's what I do when I don't know how to deal."

"Deal with…"

"With you," I huffed. "With these feeling in my chest. All this doubt running through my head along with your pretty words."

"Everything I told you is true," Finn said.

"I'm getting that."

"Are you angry at me?"

"I don't know," I said.

"Do you want me to leave?"

"No—but I'm not brave enough to ask you to stay."

His eyes flashed at that.

"I wouldn't be able to take it if you reject me right now. I know you're pissed off, Finn. I have a lot of doubt running through my head, and yeah, I'm just a mess. Will you close the door on your way out, so I can wash the day away?"

He nodded and turned.

"Always the gentleman," I whispered.

I thought he was going to leave, was sure of it, but instead Finn locked the door.

"What are you doing?"

With one hand, Finn grabbed his shirt and removed it in a swift motion, dropping it to the floor. My breath caught as he walked toward me, his muscles shifting beneath his skin. The look in his eyes made my knees weak.

"Finn?" I breathed as his hand cupped my cheek.

"I obviously didn't do a good enough job convincing you the other night," he murmured. "Allow me to remedy that."

My towel suddenly hit the floor, leaving me naked before him.

"You are my person, Rose. There's no one better."

Finn dropped his pants, and I whimpered as his other hand went to my hip and squeezed.

"Wrap your legs around me."

I did.

"Give me that mouth."

We kissed, and it was all fire and tongue.

"I'm going to love you so good, there won't be any room left for doubt," he said.

Then Finn proceeded to do just that.