I took a sip, tasting the exact balance of coffee and oatmilk, the right temperature that wouldn’t make me feel like I could spontaneously combust. I wasn’t sure he understood how much his gesture meant. I wrapped my fingers around his forearm, slid them down to his hand, and squeezed.
“Thank you for this,” I smiled, noting the way his eyes lit up at my appreciation. He squeezed back, his thumb brushing over my knuckles, and let go.
“Also, eat,” Enzo shoved the plate of eggs and toast at me before handing another one to Finn. We both sat at the island, doing as we were told. Enzo prattled on about his plans for the day, maybe the week. I wasn’t sure. The energy around me was crackling at Finn’s proximity. What had been easy and comfortable was now feeling much more electric and exciting, and overwhelming at the same time.
What was I thinking inviting him to come with me? Was I really going to introduce my entire office to my fake boyfriend? And what was he going to do all day while I worked? He was going to get bored. He looked really good in tone-on-tone gray, slim joggers and slim-cut hoodie showing off his physique. Wait, was he trying to look good for me? Did this visit make him as nervous as I felt? Did I make a mistake?
“Stop it,” Finn’s low voice broke into my thoughts. He placed a hand on my knee and gave a gentle squeeze. I shook my head and looked up at him, realizing Enzo had disappeared.
“What?”
“You’re spinning out, Alex,” he hitched a soft smile. “It’s going to be fine.”
“How did you…?”
“Your whole body starts to tense up,” he shrugged, standing and taking his plate to the sink. “And then your face gets a little pinched, your eyes laser focused, and your movements a little more clipped.”
I blinked at him as he finished his coffee. I didn’t know what to say. Outside of Enzo, nobody could read me. Well, maybe Tabitha.Definitely Tabitha. But that still didn’t explain how Finn was able to—
“Stop it,” he chuckled before leaning down to brush a kiss against my cheek. “I’m just good at noticing things like that. Had to be.”
“Creeper,” I shoved the last bit of toast in my mouth with a smirk as his head tilted back, full laugh escaping him that time. I bit my lip in pleasure. I liked making him laugh, I decided. It was better than making anyone else do the same. A drug that I was quickly becoming addicted to. He took my plate and dropped it in the sink as I finished my own coffee.
“Ready to see where the magic happens?” I picked up my brown leather tote bag containing everything I needed for the office.
“More than ready.”
We headed toward the front door, Enzo calling after us about dinner plans and promising to be gone by the time we returned. The morning air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of spring blossoms from the neighbor’s tree.
I stopped beside my 1996 Range Rover, keys in my hand. Finn was studying the car with obvious appreciation.
“She’s beautiful,” he breathed out.
“Thanks. It was my dad’s.”
“How long did the restoration take?”
“About three years,” I watched him trace the lines of the hood. “Want to drive her?”
His head snapped up, eyes wide. “You’re offering to let me drive your car?”
“Are you allowed to drive?” I held out the keys.
Finn stared at the keys like I’d offered him the holy grail.
“Alex, I... yes, but…”
“It’s a clutch. Hope that’s not a problem.”
His slow smile was answer enough. He took the keys before opening my door for me, pushing it closed once he was satisfied I was settled. He practically bounced to the other side, slippinghis aviators over his eyes as I covered my own with oversized tinted lenses.
“We don’t have to get on any freeways, do we?” He pulled out of the driveway.
“Nope,” I was glad I’d backed it into the carport. “Is it better if I keep the music off? Turn right and then left at the stop sign.”
“Mm, probably for the first couple of times until I know the route,” he seemed to realize what he’d said, cheeks darkening as he pressed his lips together. I couldn’t help but grin at his instant assumption that this would become a regular thing.
He didn’t do too bad stopping in time. I watched his eyes flit back and forth behind his glasses as I told him what direction to go. I was impressed, realizing how much I took for granted that I could tell how far away things were just by looking.
