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At the thought, the age-old niggling worry burrowed its way between them like a wedge in the branches of a flourishing tree. So, with more restraint and self-control that he’d known he’d possessed, he pulled away from Maisie, breaking their kiss slowly before resting his forehead on hers.

They didn’t speak for a minute, both of them breathing deeply before he pulled back and met her gaze. Not a word was spoken as he took her hand in his and led her away from the beach, the rain pouring down around them.

As their footsteps tapped mutely on the pavement, the concern between them grew.

“That probably wasn’t the smartest thing for us to do,” Maisie said first, breaking through their silence.

“No, it wasn’t,” he agreed. He held his breath before speaking again. “And even though it kills me to say it, we shouldn’t do it again. Least not until you’re no longer a passenger on Bob.”

Maisie nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“You don’t have to be. In fact, I hope you’re not.”

“Okay, I’m not sorry that we kissed, but I am sorry if something happens because of it. I’d never forgive myself if you lost your job because of me.”

Finn hesitated. He wanted her to understand that it was so much more than his job, but he also didn’t want to make her worry.

Still, she’d trusted him on that bridge and after, sharing her feelings with him—he wanted to do the same with her.

“There’s more to it than that,” he said softly. “Me da lost his job ’bout six months ago, and I’ve been helpin’ him make ends meet since. Problem is, I don’t earn enough to pay for their home and me own flat, now that me savings are gone.”

She stopped walking, turning to face him, but he couldn’t meet her gaze. The shame he felt for not earning enough, for not being able to help himself and his family when that’s all they’d done for him their entire lives, was overwhelming.

But he wasn’t finished.

“Without that bonus,” he continued, his eyes on the pavement and her now-stained white shoes, “I’ll lose me home. And without this job, me family will lose theirs.”

“Finn,” she breathed out. “I’m so sorry. I had no idea.”

“I know,” he said. “I’m not tellin’ you any o’ this to worry you. I just wanted you to know why I’ve behaved the way I have. Flirtin’ one day, pullin’ back the other. I just can’t seem to help meself when I’m around you.”

He finally managed a glance at her, seeing the smile on her lips, though sorrow still touched her eyes. “Well, I certainly haven’t helped in that regard, either,” she said, “staring at you all the time and writing food journal entries about you.”

There she went again, lifting his downtrodden spirits.

“I have to admit,” she said, “I heard a small amount of your conversation with your dad earlier, but nothing in great detail.” He waved a passive hand, and she continued. “What does he say about you losing your flat?”

“He doesn’t know. He’s a good man. The best. He tried payin’ me back today, but I know he can’t afford to yet. He’s got another job he’s waitin’ to hear back on, but if he doesn’t get it, and if I lose me job—me only ability to help—he’ll be sellin’ the house.”

Maisie’s face contorted with regret, then her expression slowly shifted to one of resolution. “Alright,” she began, “then we won’t let that happen. We’ll keep our distance the rest of the trip. It’s only a week, so that’s manageable, right? Then come Friday, when the tour is ended, we can…we can see where we are.” She ended with more hesitation than the way she’d begun. “Maybe?”

Finn shook his head in amazement. He should have told her about all this days ago. Her thoughtfulness and humility astounded him.

“Aye,” he agreed. “Friday it is, then.”

She smiled up at him, then the two of them headed back home. He was pleased with the plan, and indebted to Maisie and her goodness, but there was still one thing worrying him.

Because he had no idea how on earth he was going to be able to see Maisie for five days, all without being able to be with Maisie for five days.

Maisie called an Uber when she got back to Finn’s house, saying goodbye to his family and friends and praying it wouldn’t be for the last time.

Each of them was as generous and kind as the next, though his granny’s words had been her favorite as the woman had placed her wrinkled hands on Maisie’s cheeks and said with a sweet smile, “Oh, you are lovely. Even for an American.”

Everyone had laughed, Maisie included, then she’d bid farewell to the group before climbing into the Uber with Finn, who had insisted that he’d see her back to the hotel.

Their ride home was filled with silence. Finn reached across the space between them and held her hand, squeezing it to reassure her that all would be well. She tried to feel the same, but her smile wouldn’t come naturally, so she looked out the window instead.

Moments ago, when they’d kissed, things had seemed so simple, so hopeful.