“A little larger than my college apartment.”
“No roommate?”
“I’ve been thinking about a cat.” We entered, passing my home office and stepping into the large open kitchen, dining, and living room area—one big room differentiated by cabinetry and furniture.
Fin turned, taking in the two walls of windows. “This puts my two-bedroom apartment to shame.” He shrugged. “I suppose your contract has a better guarantee than mine.”
I set the wine on the kitchen island. “I suppose. I’m not going to be traded anytime soon—or decide to bolt.” If my words hit a target, Fin wasn’t letting it show.
Walking toward the balcony door, I said, “It’s a nice night. I thought we might want to sit outside.”
Fin reached for my hand, spinning me back until I was facing him. My breath caught as I stared at the blue of his shirt, pulled tight across his chest. Swallowing, I lifted my chin.
His deep voice affected me more than I wanted to admit.
“I was hoping to repeat last night. One kiss.”
Tugging my hand away, I feigned a smile. “You said we needed to talk about shit. Let’s do that. Whatever happens after will depend on our conversation.”
Fin followed me out onto the balcony where we were met by warmer temperatures and a gentle evening breeze. Tendrils of my long brown hair fluttered around my face. In the distance, beyond the skyline, the western sky was a kaleidoscope filled with fire: reds, oranges, and purples changing and glowing on the horizon. The sun was still at least a half an hour from disappearing.
“I already opened this wine, but if you want the one you brought…?”
Fin motioned toward the far chair.
Tucking the skirt of my dress around my legs, I sat.
It was only slight, but I noticed the way Fin grimaced as he took the other chair.
“Your shoulder?” I asked.
“I’m fine.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be icing and warming it?”
“I think I’ll be good. I’ve gotten nothing but ice since I arrived.”
Pressing my lips together, I sat taller and reached for the wine bottle. “This is a sweet red, but at the same time it’s dry. It’s from a winery not too far from here. I know most people associate Kentucky with the Bourbon Trail, but really, we have some amazing wineries too.”
After pouring wine into both glasses, I looked up. “What?”
Fin’s expression was difficult to read.
“You’re rambling, Vee. That isn’t like you.”
“Honestly, Fin, you don’t know what I’m like anymore. Don’t make assumptions.”
He nodded. “That’s fair.” He took a drink of the red liquid. “You were right. Sweet, but still has that dry bite.” Setting down the glass, he met my stare. “Today in your office, I thought…” He shook his head. “Did I read you wrong?”
Tears I wasn’t expecting stung my eyes. Blinking them away, I clenched my jaw. “I told you that I trusted you or that I did. That was past tense.” I felt my nostrils flaring as I tried to breathe. “What happened when you left for Tennessee? I thought we had…” I picked up my napkin and covered my face.
Shit.
Standing, I went to the balcony, turning my back on Fin.
“Ignore me,” I managed to say between attempts to fill my lungs with air. “This is stupid and ridiculous.”
Fin didn’t speak, yet from the radiating warmth on my back and the scent of sandalwood in the evening breeze, I knew he was now standing behind me.
