Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Live out here for a few years, and you won’t even care about the internet. It’s one of the many advantages.”
I’m sure it does, but I can’t relate. Not when I have to market myself as an artist, apply for commissions, and network.
When we go inside, I look at my painting again and lightly brush my fingers against the edges of the canvas.
“It’s getting there,” I say as Finn stands beside me. I watch him admire it as pride rushes through me. I figured he’d be my biggest critic, but I still wanted to impress him.
I was waiting for him to say the colors were wrong or the details were off, but I was so meticulous that it nearly looks like a photograph. The only thing that gives it away is the textures made by my brushstrokes.
“Oh, I almost forgot about this little guy,” I tell him, grabbing the small 12x12 canvas I painted for his grandmother. I left it sitting on the kitchen counter after I finished it a few days ago.
Finn reaches out, and I hand him the small painting of the inn. “She’s going to love this.”
“I hope so,” I say, heat rushing to my cheeks. With just one look, I’m putty in his hands.
“When I met your grandma, I instantly adored her. She was so sweet and gushed about my work like I was someone important. I’d never really had anyone know so much about my short career as a professional painter. In the grand scheme of artists, I’m obscure. I’m going to give it to her as a thank-you gift for giving me a chance on the project.”
Finn meets me with soft eyes. “You know she’s not gonna let you leave after this.”
I chuckle, though it’s covered in sadness. “Wonder where she’ll hang it in her house.”
Turning, I look at the sunrise painting I made for Finn that’s hanging above the mantel. It was the perfect place for it.
“Somewhere so everyone who visits will see it, and she can brag about it.”
I smile at the thought. “I hope she does. Maybe that way you won’t forget about me.”
Finn pulls me into his arms as a smile creeps across his lips. “Oakley Benson. You’re unforgettable. My family will talk about you nonstop to the point where I’ll have to beg them to stop.”
I laugh at his attempt to compliment me. “And who said romance is dead?”
He brushes his nose along my cheek, feathering kisses as he moves down my jawline. “I’ll miss you, Sunshine. Don’t think I won’t.”
I hold on to those words like they’re a promise. But I’m sure someone will come along and snag Finn up as soon as I’m gone. He’s too much of a catch when he drops the grumpy man act.
After our moment comes and goes, Finn dials his mom to see if they need any help. When he ends the call, he sits next to me on the couch.
“They need me to grab more foldable tables and chairs because Grandma doesn’t think there’ll be enough picnic tables.”
“Do you want me to help?”
“Nah, I’ve got it. Plus, you’ve got a lot of packing to do.” He looks around at my supplies, which are exactly where I left them.
“You’re right,” I say, knowing I’ve been procrastinating. Putting everything back in their boxes means my stay here is nearly over. And I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye yet, a feeling I’ve never experienced.
I’m a free spirit at heart, and after I graduated with my master's, I promised myself I’d travel the world. Be a painting nomad, get a camper van, and hike the Appalachian Trail. But staying with Finn makes me appreciate the slower pace in the country.
Finn opens his mouth like he’s going to say something but then closes it. After clearing his throat, he speaks up. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours. However, I’m sure they’ll find a million other tasks for me to do. I’ll pick up dinner from the inn if I’m gone that long.”
“Sounds great.”
He grabs his keys off the counter, then leaves. As I look around his place, I laugh at how my stuff has completely taken over. I carefully open the empty boxes and can’t find it in me to pack. Not yet. It seems too soon. Funny because a week ago I was ready to quit.
Instead, I text my sister back.
Oakley: Sorry! It’s been wild. How are things going?
Tatum: Not me wondering if you fell into a sex coma or if you were just ignoring me all day.
Oakley: We’ll go with the sex coma.
I sigh, replaying everything that’s happened between Finn and me.
Tatum: Fill me in! Just not too many details. I am your sister after all.
I snort, hearing her big sister voice in my head.
Oakley: Finn worships my body in all the right ways. Crawling in bed with him was the best idea you’ve ever had. So tell Easton to suck it.