Judging by the way my phone blew up after the interview, I’d been wrong.
Despite my worries, Jake had been fair, open, and hadn’t brought up the Vancouver debacle. He’d even teased me about small-town living being far more interesting than most city folk thought.
I’d laughed.
That laughter hadn’t even been forced.
“Are you feeding me or just going to stand there staring at me?” Finn cracked an eye.
Then winced.
“How’s the head? Are you due for more painkillers?”
“Not taking them. Pain’s manageable. I’m going to live.” He eyed me. “You can take off your jacket, you know.”
“I know.” I held up the bags. “Soup, chili, or burger?”
“What are you having?”
“Well, I brought two servings of everything so you don’t have to be a polite host and take my preferences into consideration.”
He grinned. “That’s planning.”
“And we have enough food to last several days.”
“So you don’t have to go anywhere?”
“So I don’t have to go anywhere.” I shifted my messenger bag on my shoulder. “Even brought my laptop. Spring’s holding down the fort. I will warn you that I might have to do some interviews with other media outlets. I can do them from your mom’s room.”
“With the frilly flowers?”
I laughed. “I don’t give a shit about that. I just—” I swallowed hard. “I don’t want to leave you. I should’ve been here.”
“Hey.” He extended his hand.
I hotfooted to the kitchen. After dropping the food onto the counter and putting my messenger bag on the dining room table,I made my way back to Finn. With gratitude, I grasped his hand. I knelt by the side of the recliner so our faces were mere inches apart. “I wanted to tell you. But the police asked me not to speak to anyone. And yeah, you’re not justanyone, and I trust you with my life—”
“But you couldn’t take the risk. I don’t blame you. I’ll never fault you for that.” He stroked his fingers down my cheek. “Now, what did I miss?”
“You read the article?”
“Several times, yeah.”
“Has anyone called you?”
He shook his head. “Well, Mom. I figured the fire hall is probably up in arms about the entire thing.”
“I’m sure. I did a live interview with Jake McGrath at CNC.”
“Marnie’s husband?” His smile was a little dreamy.
I cocked my head. “Yes, they’re married.”
He grinned. “Don’t tell Loriana—Marnie’s my favorite librarian. Loriana’s—”
“Intrusive?”
“Yeah. That.”
