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)
Finn stands, taking his half-filled plate, and I quickly follow, setting our dishes in the tub.
As we go to his truck, he doesn't take my hand or open my door. I don't bother to ask where we're going next, so I silently look out the window as he drives.
He turns down a road I haven't seen yet, and I take more pictures. The colorful leaves are breathtaking, and I can't believe I'm here at the perfect time of year to witness their beauty.
“Wow...it's gorgeous,” I say as he throws the truck into 4-wheel drive, and we climb higher up the hill.
“It's where I planned to propose,” he says quietly, almost as if he hadn't wanted me to hear. I don't bother responding, but he continues anyway. “I even looked at rings.”
“How long were you together?” I ask.
“Over five years.”
“Was she your first long-term girlfriend?”
“No, I dated someone in high school, and we stayed together a few years while she went to college. Long distance didn't work out.”
“So no disrespect, but if you've had previous relationships before, why did this last one make you so jaded?” I ask, turning to look at him.
He keeps his eyes on the road. “She was the first person I ever imagined a future with. I thought we wanted the same things.”
“Here's a hard truth for you.” I clear my throat, hoping he won't reach across the truck and strangle me. “She wanted those things. Clearly, she got engaged not long after you broke up. But not with you.”
His jaw ticks as if he’s holding back a scream, but I quickly add, “And I know that's harsh but isn't it better to know before you actually proposed? Better to find out before you invested not only your heart but also your money and mind into something she wouldn't have given her whole self to?”
“You talk like you've experienced a lot of breakups. How's that possible at your age?” he asks with sincerity.
“Just because I'm young doesn't mean I'm stupid. In fact, I was at the top of my classes from elementary through grad school. That's not to brag. It's just a fact. Creatively brilliant, but not always people smart. Did you know that was a thing? Well anyway, I don't have to personally experience heartbreak to sympathize with how it must've felt for you.” I breathe out slowly. “And FYI, I’ve had some relationships end badly. Not close to settling down type of breakups, but they still hurt.”
“What kind of guy would break up with you?” he asks, then winces as if he hadn't meant to say that aloud. “Never mind.”
“Oh come on, we're fake dating. We should be able to talk about previous real relationships.”
He cracks the tiniest of smiles. “Fine. Tell me what scrawny idiots you used to date.”
I burst out laughing at his assumption. “One was an MMA fighter, six-two, and over two-hundred pounds of muscle.”
“So why'd you break up? He suck at fighting?” He smirks.
“Ha! Nah, we didn't have much in common outside of sex.”
He swallows hard. I knew that'd get a reaction out of him. We’re silent for a few awkward seconds.
Finn clears his throat and points. “Look.”
I follow his finger and gasp at the view. We're at the summit of the hill. I can see the orchard farm, Finn's house, and even the inn, which is miles away.
As soon as he parks, I jump out and rush to take it in.
“Careful!” he shouts as I move toward the steep edge. “There are no barriers out here.”
“It's...I don't even have words. It's beautiful. I'm definitely adding this into my painting somehow.”
I snap photos from every angle, wanting different perspectives of the trees that overlook the farm.
“Oakley, I'm serious. Be careful.”
“If you're so worried, why don't you come closer and make sure I don't fall?” I inch toward the ledge.
“Dammit, woman,” he mutters, and I quickly feel him at my back.
I pretend to take another step forward, and he grabs my waist, pulling me against him.
“Look at you being all heroic and trying to save me. Proof that you care.” I close my eyes when the cool breeze brushes against my cheeks, and I breathe in the fresh air.
He snorts. “The last thing I need is people thinking I murdered my new girlfriend.”
“Just admit you’ll miss me when I leave.”
“Miss what? Your loud mouth? You hogging my bed? Chauffeuring your ass everywhere?”
I shrug as if he didn't hurt my feelings. “I think you'll miss much more than you're willing to admit. Don't think I didn't hear you in the shower last night.”
His body stills, and I know I've got him. Though I'm bluffing, his reaction confirms my suspicions. After he listened to some of my naughty audiobook, Finn rushed to the bathroom. Now, I have no doubts he was just as turned on as me.