I open my mouth with an automatic response, then close it. "I—” I break off, thinking. How do I feel about Finn? It surprises me to realize I don't actually know. I've spent so many years pushing aside any feeling that wasn't professional or based in friendship. I never really let myself think about what could be or what I'd want if I could have it.
"I don't know," I say in a quiet voice. "I've always tried to ignore whatever I might feel for him. I didn't want to ruin what we had."
"Well," Quinn says. "I'd say the cat's out of the bag on that one. Maybe it's time to reevaluate your plan."
I think about her words, absently chewing my thumbnail. The butterflies in my stomach feel more like a flock of birds. Big ones.
"Listen, Hannah." Quinn is speaking again. "This is a chance to figure all that out. It's a chance you might never have taken on your own. But it's here now and you need to see where it leads. Go to dinner with Finn. Talk to him. Get to know him. Not as your boss or your friend, but as someone you might have a future with. If there's anything I've learned in life, it's that you should take chances when you can because they may not come along again. Life is short and you deserve to be happy."
“You’re right.”
“Usually.”
I smile. "I love you, Quinn."
"I know," she says. "I'm pretty great."
We both laugh, lightening the mood as she'd intended. "I love you too," she says.
My voice serious now, I ask, "Quinn, is everything okay? You seem a little...I don't know. Are you okay?"
There's a brief moment of hesitation on her part before she replies. "I'm fine," she says. "Work has me stressed and I haven't been getting enough sleep because of it. That's all. As soon as I get a few days off, I'm coming to visit you and Liam. I could use a little relaxation."
I smile. reassured. "Good," I say. "Because I miss my best friend."
"Naturally," she says, a hint of that usual Quinn cockiness in her tone. “Tell me more about this Luke guy. He sounds yummy.”
I laugh and describe Luke for her, going into great detail.
“Damn,” she says. “How long is he in town for?”
“He’s leaving tomorrow, unfortunately.”
"Well, shit,” Quinn says. “I missed my window. Oh well.”
“There are other hot guys here in town,” I say. “Plenty of reason for you to come see me.”
“Yeah, and they all have the last name King,” she says with a laugh. “No thanks. Here’s my advice, if you want it. Get off the phone with me. Text Finn 'yes'. Take a hot bath. Get a good night’s sleep. Then tomorrow, put on something tastefully slutty and go get you some! Lord knows one of us should be getting laid."
I laugh again. “Goodbye, Quinn.”
“I want all the juicy details!” I hear her shout as I end the call.
I shake my head, still smiling. Quinn always finds a way to lighten my mood. I think about her words, reconsidering her questions. What do I feel for Finn? Lust, certainly. Affection too. He’s a great guy. I’ve known that for years. I know he’s great with Liam, he loves his family, and he’s an amazing boss. He’s fair and kind, but stern when he needs to be. And damn it all, he’s sexy as hell. Do I want to see where this thing might lead? I’m still not sure. Quinn has a point, though. I’ll never know unless I take a chance. The butterflies in my stomach feel more like pterodactyls now as I stare at Finn’s number on my phone screen.
I take in a deep breath, then blow it out. I repeat the action twice more. Okay, I can do this. It’s just dinner. No big deal. With shaking fingers, I type out the word yes. My finger hovers over the send button. I swallow hard against the nervous lump in my throat.
“Don’t be such a sissy,” I mutter. Then I click send and toss my cell onto the couch. I stare at it for several seconds as though it might bite me. I’m not sure what I expect to happen, but when the phone makes a tiny chirp sound alerting me of a text, I jump.
I chide myself on my stupidity and reach for the phone. On the screen is a text from Finn.
7:00? I’ll pick you up.
I chew on my lower lip as I type.
Me: I’ll see if Liam’s babysitter is available.
Finn: I’ve already asked Claire for a favor. That is, if you’re okay with her staying with Liam?
I shake my head. It seems he thought of everything.
Me: Rather confident, aren’t we?
Finn: Not in the least. I was a nervous wreck until you said yes. It was actually Claire’s idea. So, don’t give me too much credit.
I smile.
Me: A modest man, huh? Those are rare.
Finn: Like a unicorn.
Me: And the flowers? Were those from Claire too? Should I be thanking her?
Finn: Oh, no. Those were all me. I know how much you love peonies.
My eyes narrow, but I know I’m wearing a goofy grin. When had I told him I liked peonies?
Me: They’re beautiful. And thoughtful. Thank you.
Finn: I hope they made you smile.
I feel a blush stain my cheeks as I stare at my phone. Finn King is being charming. Toward me. He’s flirting with me over text messages. I shake my head when I remember what we were doing in his office just last night. You’d think a little flirting would be less thrilling after that, but it’s not. It’s sweet. It has me considering distant possibilities. I think about Quinn’s question from earlier. How do you feel about Finn? I’m still not one hundred percent certain. But I’d like to
