Finn’s medal.
The gold glinted under the bright lights, the ribbon hung loosely from her hand. She bit her lip. She’d shoved it into her pocket last night and had forgotten about it—it looked like Finn had too. But how could anyone forget they had an Olympic gold medal? Sam turned it over in her palm, her finger tracing the surface lightly. The weight of it pressed against her skin—a reminder of how his body had pressed against hers last night—real, hard—and within her reach. She pushed his medal back into her pocket. Finn—she really needed to see him—to talk to him aboutthem. And now was as good a time as ever—maybe even the best time.
“Enjoy your … Würstels.” Sam grinned. “I have to go. I’ll see you later.” Sam pulled her gloves from her pockets and tugged them on as a swirl of butterflies danced in the pit of her stomach.
Inhaling the cold, sharp air, she slipped away, avoiding the crowds and cameras by dodging down a quiet street. The snow hadn’t stopped since this morning and had only gotten heavier as the day progressed. Now it was beginning to really come down and she tilted her face up for a moment, letting the large, soft flakes land on her nose and eyelashes. This was what she loved, the stillness after the adrenaline, and the sense of achievement. But right now, she couldn’t wait to see Finn, to see his warm, open face—and how he seemed to smile in a certain way only for her. She wanted to share his space, her tummy rumbled, and his food—and if it went well, then she’d maybe tackle that she wanted more than friendship. She’d have to wait and see how he took some normal conversation first before launching into how much she wanted him. Crossing her fingers, she quickly turned the corner and dashed across the road to Rustico.
19
Finn
“Davide texted me,” Finn said as he added sugar to his latte. “He said you’d called by and met Valentina.”
Sam nodded. “You never told me you’d bumped into him.”
Finn grimaced. “Sorry—I meant to. But Valentina, eh, what about that?”
“She’s lovely,” Sam said. “Perfect for that big old grumpy bear.”
Finn laughed, making Sam smile again. “You’re so right. She’s a honey.”
“I see what you did there, Finn Bradley—bear, honey.” Sam grinned.
“I can’t eat any more.” Finn dropped his pizza crust on the plate. He leaned back and patted his lean belly. “That was the best pizza I’ve ever eaten.”
“You’ve said that about every pizza you’ve had since you got here.” Sam laughed. She picked up his crust and took a bite. Finn shook his head in wonder. Who was this Sam sitting beside him—relaxed and calm, with a hint of somethingabout her that he couldn’t figure out. It was as if she’d won the lottery and hadn’t a care in the world, and it was a far cry from the Sam he’d left at the ski center not long ago. He gazed at her, as she watched the world pass by around them.
The snow was still coming down, and the server passed them some warm outdoor rugs so they wouldn’t get too cold. They were sitting at an outside table, cozy, under an awning and outdoor heaters. She looked adorable with her blonde braid sat on one shoulder and her nose matching the cute pink hat she was wearing. She seemed to be lost in a daydream, staring into space, sipping her hot chocolate and wrapped up as if she was about to set off on an expedition to the North Pole. She smoothed out the outdoor rug that she’d pulled over her knees. A smile lit up her face as she watched a couple walk down the street, arms wrapped around each other and oblivious to anyone else. He knew it, always had since the very start—she was a romantic at heart. The way she looked right now, it was the way she’d looked that very first day that they’d met.
She’d been wearing a pink hat that day too, and her smile, her voice, her laugh, the way she’d stomped that course without breaking a sweat. He stretched out his legs and reached for his latte, sighing happily. Sam turned to him, her smile making her eyes sparkle.
“What?” She nudged him with her knee. He nudged her back.
“Nothing,” he said. She slow-blinked at him, and he laughed and ran his hands through his hair as he sat up. “Okay! Okay! I was just remembering the very first time we met.”
Sam’s smile widened. She looked down and traced the rim of her mug, as if she was trying to distract herself.
“At the park.” She bit her lip. Finn’s heart beat a little faster.
“You stomped it,” he said, his voice low. “Every feature—you owned it. I’d never seen anyone make it look so easy.”
Sam glanced up at him, a gleam of recognition in her eyes.
“You,” she said, nudging his knee again. “You were standing at the barrier—trying not to look impressed.”
“Oh, and I failed that. Mightily.” He laughed. He licked his lips and took a breath. “How could I not be impressed by you?”
Sam looked up, her green eyes wide and searching his face. “Finn—”
He raised his hands. “I know, we’re not supposed to talk about it—or think about it, or break the pact we made, but hell, Sam—I can’t do anything but think about it. The other night, and last night …”
She sat back, her eyes still locked on his. Damn, his mouth went dry.God, how had it all gotten so complicated?And why the hell had he opened his mouth—talking about those two moments—as if that was all he wanted from her. He picked up his latte, and put it back down again, trying to find the right words, trying to find the perfect way to tell her that yes, he’d fallen for her the moment he saw her, but that it was the years since that had made him fall in love with her. He ran his hand through his hair again and sighed deeply.
A tight knot formed in his chest as Sam, facing him, scooched closer and reached up to smooth down his hair.The scent of jasmine and vanilla, of her, took him by surprise—he closed his eyes and inhaled. Her hand brushed his cheek. Without thinking, he grasped it as if to steady himself and pulled it to his lips in a fleeting kiss. Opening his eyes he caught a change in her expression, like someone had lobbed a bomb between them.Wait, don’t say it, don’t tell me to back off.His stomach lurched at the thought that he’d messed up. She took his other hand gently in hers.
“Wait,” she said before he could say a word. “Let me talk.”
Finn nodded, his hands tingling as she squeezed them gently. She looked nervous, biting her lip and blushing. She took a deep breath and looked down at their hands. He stiffened.Please don’t, please don’t say there’s no hope.
