unprofessional.”
“We still work together.”
He scratched his chin. “And we’re both adults.”
And in fact, he looked a lot less professional than he did at work as well. He wasn’t wearing the suit and tie. He had on a pair of dark jeans and a T-shirt. Almost normal. And very much like old times.
I slid my key card into the slot on the door and walked into my apartment. Finn waited in the doorway, one hand propped on the frame.
He grinned. “I won’t come in unless you ask me.”
I sighed. “I’m heading out after I change.” Then I flashed him a smile. “But if you need to talk, you can make an appointment with my assistant.”
“I might do that. Where are you heading? Dinner? Because I could keep you company.”
I walked down the hallway to my room, calling behind me, “You can come in!”
Needing order, I set my shoes in my closet in the same spot I’d retrieved them from this morning and found a pair of yoga pants and a tank top. I tossed them on my bed and returned to the living room, pulling my hair into a ponytail at the same time.
Finn stood at the window, taking in the view again. I wondered how many times a day he did that. Wondered, just a little, what he was thinking when he did it. And how he could look so peaceful, like nothing in the world could touch him.
“I’m not going to dinner,” I told him. “I’m having dinner in at my neighbor’s.”
He turned, eyebrows raised. “New friends already. That’s good. Is this a…female neighbor?”
I laughed. “Wouldn’t you like to know.”
“I could find out pretty easily if I wanted to.”
“You won’t do that,” I told him.
Walking to the kitchen, I ducked into the pantry and grabbed the only bottle of wine I had. I was going to have to make a trip to the store.
“Is there a liquor store in Main? I didn’t–” I broke off when I stepped out of the pantry and Finn was there, blocking my way.
“Why did you say I won’t do that?” he asked. “Find out about your neighbor?”
“Because that’s obsessive and rude, and if you want to get anywhere with me, that’s not the way to do it.”
He smiled. “So you’re giving me a chance?”
“I’m not saying yes, I’m just saying you absolutely won’t have a chance if you pull any kind of shit like that.”
I was through with men like that. I didn’t need them in my life, as friends or otherwise. If I had to work with them, I’d stay professional but that was it.
A loud clap of thunder boomed outside and I jumped, nearly dropping the bottle of wine. Finn reached out and took it from my hand to set it on the counter.
“Why don’t we just keep this safe over here until you’re ready to go,” he said, frowning.
I pressed a hand to my chest, my heart thudding beneath my palm. I tried to laugh it off. Finn was already suspicious and I didn’t need him to get even more so. “Just a little jumpy today.”
“And yesterday.”
I met his eyes. The blue around his irises was so dark, it was almost black. Like staring into a deep pool of water. “It’s nothing. Just stress.”
“I wasn’t lying yesterday when I said I’m here for you. I’m a good listener–even better than you remember.”
“I remember,” I murmured.
This time when his hand came out, I was ready for it. “Finn,” I warned.
He didn’t listen. He cupped my cheek in his palm, brushing his thumb under my eye. “You look tired.”
In that moment, I almost mentioned the phone call and the trouble sleeping. Just to have someone to talk to. Someone I knew would listen. Finn was right, he was a good listener.
He moved in, his scent surrounding me. My eyes closed in response, and I felt the slightest brush against my lips.
“Charlotte,” he murmured.
Thunder growled again. I could do it. I could lose myself here and now. Part of me wanted to. Not just to take away my thoughts and worries, but because I still had feelings for Finn buried deep inside. He made me feel safe, and