“You don’t have to work?”
I shake my head. “Just tonight. But no weddings this weekend.”
He smiles, sipping his hot cocoa. His eyes narrow as he thinks for a moment. “Picnic on the beach?”
I give him a look like I’m considering his idea. “Could be fun,” I say. “Let me check the weather.”
He grins and takes another sip of his cocoa, practically bouncing in his seat. His teacher may hate me later after the sugar high kicks in. I take my phone out of my purse and pull up the weather app. Scrolling down, I see that a storm is expected to pass through on Sunday, but tomorrow looks promising. Nice and sunny. Not too hot. I turn to Liam to tell him when I see his face light up at something behind me.
“Finn!”
That single word from Liam has me cringing inwardly. Before I can react, Liam hops down off his stool and runs past me toward the cash register. I turn and watch as he runs up to Finn and begins chattering. Finn smiles down at Liam indulgently before looking around until he spots me. We lock eyes for a moment across the crowded room. Finn looks a little uncertain, but eventually he gives me a hesitant smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes. I take a deep breath to steady my nerves before returning the smile. I might as well walk over. It would look odd if I didn’t. Besides, I’m going to have to deal with him eventually. Granted, I hadn’t planned to see him quite so soon, but it can’t be helped now. I stand and make my way over to where Finn is waiting for a to-go order. Liam is still talking.
“And then I hit a double! Everybody cheered and stupid Tommy didn’t say anything at all.”
“Hey,” I say, giving Liam a disapproving look. “Don’t call people stupid.”
Liam curls his lip. “Well he is,” he mutters.
I work hard not to smile or laugh. “Even if he is, you don’t get to call him names. Got it?”
“Yes ma’am.”
“Good.”
I glance up at Finn who’s struggling to mask his own amusement. I feel the awkward tension between us dissolve. I’m still mad at him, but I don’t think we’ve ruined things between us. I hope.
He looks down at Liam and holds out a fist. “Nice! Bump it.” Liam grins and bumps his little fist lightly against Finn’s.
The young man behind the counter calls out Finn’s name, causing us all to look his way. Finn takes his cup and bag, thanking the man. I glance back toward our spot at the counter and see the server carrying over two plates.
“Food’s here,” I say to Liam. “We better eat so you won’t be late.”
“You don’t want to have to deal with that cranky lady in the front office,” Finn says. He gives a theatrical shudder.
A laugh escapes me before I can stop it. Liam giggles. “That’s Miss Stokes. Momma says she’s mean.”
My mouth drops open. “Hey! I never said that.”
Liam points at me. “You said she never smiles.”
I don’t have a response for that, so I just say, “Go eat your French Toast. Maybe it’ll keep you from telling Finn everything I say.”
Liam grins and waves at Finn. “Bye!” He runs back to his seat and digs into his breakfast.
I turn back to look at Finn. He looks nervous now that Liam isn’t there to act as a buffer. I take pity on him.
“I’ll see you at work.” I keep my voice bright and casual, adding in a little wave.
He nods. “Yep. See you.”
Then he turns and walks out of the café as quickly as his legs will carry him. Did I hope things wouldn’t be awkward between us? We couldn’t make it a full minute alone without one of us running for the hills. That’s going to make work more interesting. I make my way back to my chair and do my best not to think about it. Instead, I focus on Liam and my omelet. And I absolutely do not think about how good Finn had smelled just now.
The morning passes quickly in the pre-wedding frenzy. I spend it putting out a million tiny fires while trying to maintain an air of calm in the chaos. I’m also avoiding Finn, if I’m being totally honest with myself. I’ve steered clear of the hallway leading to his office all morning hoping not to run into him. Each time I catch a glimpse of his closed door, I remember the night before and a little thrill runs through me. I still can’t believe I let things go that far. Let? Who am I kidding? I was an active, willing participant. I loved every minute of it and heaven help me, but I’d do it again. If I close my eyes, I can see his dark hair between my thighs as he’d worked me over with his mouth. I have to keep reminding myself to focus and push thoughts of last night from my mind. It isn’t like me to be so distracted at work. Then again, what happened last night was also out of character for me. In an effort to focus and stop thinking of Finn every 26 seconds, I decide to avoid the entire back hallway of the main house. I’m not stupid. I know it won’t last. But I’m desperate.
I survive the morning and even manage to carve out 15 minutes to eat a quick lunch in my office. As I’m finishing up, a knock at the door catches my attention. My office door is nearly always open and today is no different. When I look up, I see a woman in a delivery uniform carrying a vase filled with dusty pink peonies.
“I have a delivery,” she says.
I shake my head and stand. “For the Harmon wedding?” It must be a gift for the bride. I know it’s not for the actual ceremony. The bride had chosen hydrangeas for her main flower. The peonies are beautiful,
