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But then, why was his mood so calm? Where was that teasing glint in his eye and that cheeky grin of his?

“What’s wrong?” she asked next, trying to hold onto her hope, though it slipped from her fingers like water.

He looked down at her, then tossed his head, motioning over his shoulder. “Let’s go for a dander.”

Maisie grabbed her jacket and umbrella before following Finn out of the hotel, forcing her thoughts to remain in the present instead of straying to all the things that could possibly be wrong—his job, his parents’ home, his feelings for her.

Their silence continued as they wandered down the street, reaching a small park with a bench that overlooked a bridge over a pond and a large statue of some dignitary.

“How was the rest of the tour?” he asked as they lingered near the bridge, watching a few ducks pass by as they floated down the small stream.

“Boring without you,” she replied honestly.

“Is that even a surprise?”

She smiled. “Not really.” How she’d missed his humor. How she’d missed him. But she needed answers. “So…what happened?”

He averted his gaze. “They’re allowin’ me to stay on.”

Relief rushed over her. “I’m so glad! That must be such a relief.”

“It is,” he agreed. “Thanks to you. Your report helped in their decision.”

Maisie smiled. She’d hoped it would. She’d spent hours writing and compiling enough evidence to help Finn’s case. She couldn’t be happier to know she’d helped.

“It was the least I could do,” she said. “I’m just glad your family will be okay now.”

“Aye.”

“And the bonus?” she asked next.

“It’s gone. So’s me flat. I have to be out by the end of next week, but that shouldn’t be a problem.”

She nodded, praying to understand, though not sure if she really wanted to because something was telling her that wasn’t why he was upset either.

“So…what’s wrong, then?” she finally asked.

He drew a deep breath, then looked down at her. “There are some new rules in place at the company. Rules that are going to affect…us.”

And finally, Maisie understood.

Finn could see the recognition in Maisie’s eyes at once. “You’re not allowed to see me at all,” she said softly.

He nodded. “They say it could damage the company image if things ended poorly between us. I tried to protest, but they’re adamant. The only way I stay on with ’em is if I sign a contract sayin’ I won’t have a relationship with anyone who’s ever been on any o’ me tours.”

He could see the thoughts rushing through her mind. How he longed to pry them out, to push them away and fill her mind with thoughts of loveliness instead.

But he had nothing to offer her.

“I’m sorry,” he said, feeling like a wingless bird, trapped and forever bound to the ground. “I wish there was another way. But I can’t have me family lose their home. If I leave this job, and if my da doesn’t get his…”

He trailed off, and she shook her head, looking up at him with a firm look. “No, you don’t need to explain. Seriously, I completely understand. We’ve known each other for, what, twelve days? And half of those were spent apart.” She pulled on a little smile. “Seriously, I would judge you if you did quit. You’ve got to do this for your family. And I totally get that.”

Her understanding just made him feel all the worse. He was really giving this up? He was really giving her up? “I just wish…” he began. “I wish we could have seen where this might’ve gone.”

But Maisie shook her head again. “It’s okay. You don’t have to say anything else. Sometimes things just don’t work out, you know?” She looked away, rushing on. “Dreams fall through. Wishes remain unfulfilled. It’s life. But it’s okay.”

She smiled again, as if to reassure him she really was fine, but he could see the disappointment in her eyes.