Finn collects a paper towel from the floor next to his art supplies and tears a strip off. “Here, let’s wipe your nose.” He swipes the paper towel under my nostrils.
“You might need to wipe your chest, too.” I point to the drool, tears, and what could be snot making the black ink on his chest shine. “I’ve ugly cried, haven’t I?” Heat creeps up my neck into my wet cheeks.
Finn gives me a small smile as he continues to wipe my face and brush my matted hair from my cheeks with his fingers. “There’s nothing ugly about you. Even whenyou cry, you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”
My eyebrows pinch together, and I almost burst out into a laugh. “Now I know you're lying. I’m all right, but I’m not Miss Magnolia or anything.”
“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, isn’t it?” He dabs another paper towel into a jar of water next to his paints, then wipes my face again. “Some people don’t like reptiles. They’re weird looking, scaly, and just plain ugly. But you’ve made it your life’s mission to take care of turtles.”
“Are you saying I’m like a turtle?”
He chuckles, wiping his chest. “I’m saying people don’t always see the beauty in things until they look a little closer or learn more about them. Like the turtle, for example. When you realise they’re intelligent, complicated, fascinating, you appreciate and respect them more and see their true worth and beauty.”
The beauty in him is now clear to me. His true essence is much more than a chiselled god with a British accent who has me going through underwear faster than I can launder them. Tonight I see his kindness and caring nature, making me feel safe and heard. I can’t find the right words to convey all what I feel. Especially when he’s so close and gazing into my eyes, but there’s so much more about him that I want to swim into his depths and explore every side to this man.
I’ve been so stubborn, all because he’s friends with Magnolia Point’s finest asswipes, but Finn’s nothing like them. My heart races. I lean into him, hoping he’ll take the kiss I owe him.
Chapter Ten
FINN
Ifight the urge to take what’s mine. The kiss I’ve paid for. The kiss that’s cost me ten grand, along with a roasting from my mother and probably a call into my father’s office any day now. The kiss I thought I wanted, to see her take back her words and buy back my pride.
But staring into her green eyes, glistening like pearls in a shell, I don’t want the kiss I’ve paid for; I want the kisses she gives for free, the kisses she wants to give because if she doesn’t, her heart will burst. The kisses she wants to give because she wants me like I want her.
This confident sassy woman, who I thought was impenetrable, showed me a crack in her armour. Her vulnerability today made her more beautiful to me than ever before.
With parted lips, she leans closer. My heart stutters in my chest. Our noses brush, and I’m almost washed away, losing myself in her ocean scent like a salty sea breeze.
Pulling back, I clear my throat. I need to put somedistance between us. I won’t kiss her like this, in her moment of weakness. “Are you hungry?”
“Starving.”
I take her hand in mine, leading her to the kitchen. She laces her fingers with mine and I enjoy the calm closeness of her with no one-upmanship, just mutual respect.
Opening the fridge, I stare at the pitiful amount of food I have in stock. I’d offer taking her out to eat, but after this afternoon’s disaster, I’m safer here. Reluctantly, I let go of her hand to pull my mobile from my trousers and speed dial my favourite takeout place, Just in Queso.
“You like tacos?”
She nods.
“Just in Queso. Can I take your order?”
“Phoebe, it’s Finn.” I groan inwardly, realising me being on first-name terms with the local Mexican takeout only proves how much I order from here. “Can I have my regular order delivered to my place, and just one second while I find out what Shell wants.”
Shelly’s rosy cheeks lift with a smile. “Just tell Phoebe I’ll have my regular meet-free tacos and soda.”
“OMG, is that Shelly Myrtle you’re with?”
“Yeah, you know her?”
“Of course I know her. Put me on speaker.”
“I’m pretty sure she can hear you screeching down the phone.”
“Girl, your speech was incredible. I’m so proud of you and all the money you raised.”
“Thank you for your donation, too, Phoebs. It means so much to have the locals’ support.”
