Although it was over a year ago, it’s still the talk of the town.
“It was incredible,” Oakley says. “I’d never experienced anything like it before.”
“Yeah, Levi told me,” Fallon says. “I saw your painting in the town hall and the one you did for the tree farm. You’re talent is amazing.”
Oakley blushes. “Thank you. I’m glad you liked them.”
“I could’ve stared at that fall festival painting for hours.”
With a laugh, Oakley turns to me. “Okay, I like her.”
“I haven’t met anyone who hasn’t,” I say truthfully, meeting Fallon’s beautiful eyes. A silent conversation streams between us before Oakley speaks up.
“Want to see some small things I’m working on?” Oakley asks, and Fallon immediately agrees. They move to the far side of Finn’s place, and I’m grateful for Oakley’s ability to keep the conversation flowing. She’s really great at making anyone feel comfortable.
“Would you guys like someadulteggnog?” Finn asks.
I follow him into the kitchen as he pulls everything from his fridge, along with the amaretto and rum.
As the girls are busy talking, Finn sets out four glasses, then stares up at me. “You fucked her, didn’t you?”
I narrow my eyes, trying my best not to give myself away. “Don’t know what you’re talking about.”
He furrows his brow as if he’s waiting for me to break, and I eventually do. “It’s not like that.” It wasn’t just a one-night stand for me even though that’s ultimately what it turned into.
Finn laughs. “That’s what they all say.”
“She’s different,” I mutter, keeping my voice low while stealing a glance over at the girls.
“Wait, you actuallylike-likeher.”
“Shut up,” I say, not wanting them to overhear.
“C’mon, spill the beans.”
I lean my lower back against the counter, watching Fallon as Finn mixes our drinks. “Something happened between us that she’s made clear she doesn't want to happen again.”
“Ah, I see. The tables have turned, and you’re finally doing the chasing.”
“I’m notchasinganyone,” I argue. “That hasn’t changed.”
“It will. I basically said the same thing. It’s what we like to call denial, especially when we meettheone.”
I glare at him.
“Whatever. You’re too stubborn to admit shit, I get it. Good luck because you’ll need it when it’s time for her to go. Letting her leave will be the hardest thing you’ve ever done. Take it from someone who experienced that kind of heartache.”
“Yeah, I remember…” He was a goddamn mess. Luckily, Oakley returned two weeks later to put him out of his misery.
He hands me my glass, then delivers the others to the girls.
Fallon will only be here for another week, and I’ll keep her at arm’s length until she leaves because that’s what she wants.
As if she knows I’m thinking about her, she meets my eyes from across the room, then takes a sip. Her gaze lingers a little too long, and I break the spell by looking away. I swallow hard, not wanting to think about what she stirs inside me, replaying the words she said the next morning.
Finn returns and grabs his eggnog. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah,” I say, following him to the living room. Fallon and I sit on the couch, our arms brushing as we get comfortable.