I hold up a finger. "Rule number one: No sex at work."
Finn's blue eyes smolder and I know he's thinking of the other night in his office again. Finally, he nods. "That's sensible."
"Rule number two," he says holding up two fingers. "No hard feelings. If things don't work out between us, we won't hold a grudge. You'll keep your job and I won't do anything to make things difficult for you."
Finn’s consideration is sweet. I’m the one with the most to lose if things go badly between us. He owns the business I work for. He’ll be fine. I’d be the one worried about losing my job if things don’t work out. I believe him though. He’s not the type of man to retaliate against an ex just because things didn’t work out. I nod my agreement.
“Rule three,” I say. “No cheating. If I’m with you, I don’t want to worry about some other woman showing up and accusing me of stealing her man.”
Finn doesn’t laugh as I intended. Instead, he regards me with a serious expression. “I’m not a cheater, Hannah. If I’m with you, no matter how serious or light this thing between us is, I’m with you. No one else.”
Unable to think of the right words, I just nod. Finn seems to sense that I’m uncomfortable. He smiles. “Same goes for you,” he says. “No boy toys sniffing around?”
I laugh, which I think was his intention. I shake my head. “Definitely not.”
“Good.” He leans back in his seat. “Rule four: honesty. I’m not saying we have to divulge our deepest, darkest secrets. But no lying.”
“Agreed. I hate liars,” I say.
“Okay,” Finn says. “Any other rules?”
I give it some thought before I say with complete seriousness, “No butt stuff.”
Finn barks out a laugh that draws the attention of several diners around us. I can’t help but giggle at his amusement. He’s so rarely this playful at work. Seeing this other side of him makes me want to bring it out more often. When he catches his breath, he’s still smiling, and my stomach does that flip that I used to find so annoying. For the first time, I don’t ignore it or try to push the feeling aside. Instead, I reach across the table to twine my fingers with his.
“I like that laugh,” I say. “You should do it more often.”
Finn looks away from my gaze, appearing almost embarrassed. It’s cute. I want to find more ways to make him blush.
The server returns with our drinks and asks if we’re ready to order. Finn keeps his eyes on mine when he answers.
“I know what I want.”
He grins at me, showing off that dangerous dimple once again. I squeeze my thighs tighter together, trying not to be obvious. Finn turns to the server and casually orders a steak as though he didn’t just turn me into a puddle with a smile. I pull my eyes off him and look at the menu, not seeing any of the words. When the server turns to me for my order, I somehow manage to tell him my order in a somewhat normal voice. After he leaves, I kick Finn lightly under the table.
“Ow! What was that for?” He’s wearing a look of confusion, but I can see the humor in his eyes.
“You know.”
He shakes his head and sips from his water glass. “I have no idea what you’re talking about.”
The rest of the dinner goes well. It turns out that dating Finn is surprisingly easy. He’s funny and smart and easy to talk to. I knew that before, but something about tonight feels different. He’s an amazing listener. Unlike some of my past dates, he doesn’t spend his time trying find a way to steer things back to himself. Instead, I find myself steering the conversation back to him so I can listen to him talk. I love learning more about him. It’s a strange revelation to realize that this man I’ve known for years is still so unknown to me. Now that I’ve given myself permission, I realize that I’m starving for more details about him. I want to know all there is to know about Finn and that’s a little scary.
Chapter Eighteen
Finn
By the time we finish dinner and I pay the check, it’s all I can do not to pull Hannah across the table and onto my lap. We’ve spent the last hour talking and laughing as we find out more about one another. I love talking to her. She’s open and honest and seems to be having a good time. I love the way her eyes light up when she laughs, the pride in her voice when she talks about her son. The longer we talk, the more she draws me in. I don’t know where things between us might lead, but I know that something about Hannah captivates me and I’m not going to deny it any longer. Occasionally, I’ll catch her looking at me with a hungry gaze and I know she’s wishing we were alone right now. She’s not the only one. By the time the server returns with my card, I’m thinking up excuses not to take her home yet.
I walk slowly back toward my truck—anything to keep her with me longer.
“I had a great time,” she says, looking suddenly nervous.
“Me too,” I say, meaning it.
We both reach for the door handle at the same time. When she turns to look at me, a smile on her face, I do what I’ve wanted to do all night. I kiss her. Hannah is surprised for only a second before she seems to melt against me. Her arms come up around my neck and she leans back against the truck. This is a much gentler kiss than anything we shared the other night. I take my time, exploring her mouth with mine, teasing her lips. It’s just as incredible as I remember. I feel like I could kiss her for days
