“Y-yes. Of course. So far, all the simulations are failing. I can’t code for variables I can’t see.”
To my surprise, Finn slips a finger sleeve on my ring finger.
My heart jolts and my watch beeps.
I try to hide it by acting defensive. “But that doesn’t mean I can’t figure it out. I know you don’t believe me, but I’ll find a way.”
“I didn’t shut down your idea because I doubt you can do it,” Finn says. “From an architectural standpoint, a design like that takes time.”
He fits the sleeve on my left hand. As he moves, his fingertips brush mine and send heat scorching through my body.
“You’ve gotten a lot farther than I thought was possible, but it’s not enough. You should stop now and get some rest.”
My jaw tightens.
When Finn tries to put on another finger sleeve, I pull back. “I’m not a patient right now, Finn. I’m still in the game.”
His eyes meet mine, dark brown and indecipherable.
“I’ve got to get back to work.” I attempt to swerve my chair back to the computer but realize that I can’t budge.
Finn is gripping the arm of my chair with one hand. He’s not even trying to show off, but somehow, he’s flexing his strength without a word.
“Let go.” I nudge him away.
He holds firm.
Exasperated, I roll my eyes. “Doubt me all you want.From over there.” I point to his bed. “What time is it anyway?” I check my watch and gasp. “It’s eight o’clock? When did it get that late?”
Now that I’m paying attention, I see that Finn’s lamps are on, and the balcony doors reveal a velvet black sky with twinkling stars overhead. I didn’t even notice that the sun had set.
“Here.” He tosses something on the desk. The package crinkles as it lands.
I pick it up with eyes of wonder. “My cotton candy chocolate bars!”
“Martina said you didn’t eat breakfast or lunch…”
I rip the package open before Finn can change his mind and take it away.
“… she’s asking if her cooking isn’t to your liking.”
“It’s not that,” I say, my tastebuds full of magical chocolate. “Her food smelled amazing, but if I stopped to eat, that would take time. I prefer snacks like this.” I lift the package. “That I can cram into my mouth fast.”
Finn’s eyes latch onto my lips.
Without warning, he swoops in and presses his mouth against the corner of mine, making a slight suckling motion. Fireworks explode in my chest, and my watch face flashes yellow immediately.
Finn pulls back and licks his lips slowly, his eyes on the ceiling. “Mm,” he mumbles. “That’s not bad.”
I curl over, gasping in pain. “You… jerk.”
Finn nudges the cup of tea that Martina brought in a few hours ago closer to me. “I didn’t even kiss you? Why is your heart beating so fast?”
“You surprised me… you bastard.” Fishing around in my pocket, I pop one of the pills that Finn brought from the hospital and wash it down with the tea.
Finn tilts his head, studying me with a thoughtful expression. “Where did you get those pills?”
Every muscle in my body pulls tight, and I carefully avoid eye contact. My watch quiets down, but I pretend to still be in deep pain.
