Falling for Finn (Maplewood Falls #1)

Chapter Four

CHAPTER FOUR

FINN

DAY 3

Oakley will never understand our culture or how passionate we are about the farm. Sure, it’s beautiful to look at, but she’ll leave and forget it ever existed like all the other tourists do. The orchard remains a snapshot in their minds, a memory of something they did for fun one time.

But it’s much more than that to me. This is my life. My passion. My family’s legacy. It’s much more than a bunch of apple trees, and I take how it’s run seriously.

Last night when I picked her up for dinner, I wasn’t in the mood to shoot the shit. I had to force a full day of work into an afternoon because of her. To say I’m exhausted is an understatement, and this week will progressively worsen.

This morning, I woke up still annoyed that I had to chauffeur her around. When I arrive at the cottage, I honk twice instead of getting out. After ten minutes pass, I lay on the horn. As soon as I unbuckle, the front door swings open, and she strolls out at such a slow pace that I nearly bite my tongue off.

Oakley hops inside, wearing her signature smile. She smells so damn good that it’s nearly intoxicating, and I hate it.

“Don’t make me wait like that ever again. Next time you do, I’m driving away, and you can figure it out on your own.”

“Try me,” she warns. “I dare you. I know your sweet momma and aunt wouldn’t allow it.”

I roll my eyes at her petty threat. “You’d have to walk five miles to get to them first.”

She groans as I put the truck in drive and make our way to the west side of the property. We spend most of the day driving around before stopping for lunch. It’s nonstop between us, and all day we’re at each other’s throats about how fast I move and how slow she walks. Every punch I throw, she swings right back. One thing is for certain—Oakley is on her A game today and isn’t taking my shit.

“It’s time to go,” I bark when we’ve spent too much time staring at an open field. My grandmother will be serving dinner soon, and I want to make sure we arrive at a decent time so I can get home and shower before bed.

“We’ll go when I’m ready.” Oakley takes more pictures.

“You’re ready.” I settle behind the steering wheel, then honk. She nearly jumps out of her skin, but then flips me off. I roll down the window. “Get in, or I’m leaving ya here.”

After she shoves her phone into her pocket, Oakley makes her way toward me.

“Was that a threat?” She clenches her jaw.

“It’s about to be a promise .” I rev the engine before shifting into drive. As soon as I step on the gas, Oakley jogs after me, and after a minute of slowly cruising and her unable to catch up, I come to a hard stop. The truck slides on the gravel, kicking up dust.

“What the hell? You’re so rude!” She jumps in and slams the door while trying to catch her breath.

“I don’t have time for you to take a hundred pictures of the same thing. It’s exhausting, and you’re wasting my time.”

“I’m trying to work!” she exclaims. “Don’t question my process! You’ve purposely been an asshole all day. It’s like you get off on interrupting my flow.”

We continue arguing all the way to the inn.

After parking, we get out, and she follows me. “You’re always rushing around, for what? Have you ever heard of living in the moment? I’m sure your mother taught you manners. There’s no reason for you to keep acting like a douchebag.”

I turn around and face her. “It’s not my fault you can’t keep up, City Girl.” It only takes a few strides before I’m in front of her. “Respect my time and what I’m sacrificing to drive you around as you take pictures and play with your sketchbook. I never volunteered to be your tour guide.”

“No kidding because a real tour guide would give a shit about my experience. It’s clear that you don’t, and you’re only worried about all the little tasks you have to do. If this painting isn’t finished and perfect…” She clears her throat, removing the little space between us, and I can feel her hot breath on my face. “I don’t understand what your fucking problem is.”

“Sweetheart, you’re my problem,” I murmur.

Her eye twitches as she glowers at me. She lifts her finger and digs it into my chest. “You’re forty acting like a teenager with your mood swings. If only your grandma and mother knew how much of an asshole you are, they would’ve never stuck me with you.”

That makes me chuckle. “I’m not forty, but please be my guest. They’re aware of how I operate.”

“Old enough to know how to treat people. It’s a week’s worth of your time. I bet you can spare that much for something your family will treasure for years.”

“Then learn to keep up with my schedule, and we won’t have an issue.”

“Not everyone works at that speed. Have some consideration for others,” she snaps.

“I lost my ability to give a shit a long time ago, so don’t hold your breath, Little Miss Sunshine.”

Oakley shakes her head as she walks past me toward the inn, and it’s clear this conversation is over. As soon as I catch up and walk ahead of her, I freeze in place, and Oakley nearly crashes into me.

“What the?—”

“Stay put,” I tell her, then take a few steps toward my ex-girlfriend.

“Finn,” Aspen purrs, her ruby-red lips turning up into a smile as she closes the gap between us.

“What are you doing here?” She’s the last person I expected to see. It’s been a year.

“Aunt Paisley practically begged me to help the bakery for the centennial celebration. You know how I can’t tell that woman no.” Her sugary-sweet voice makes me cringe.

“She’s not your aunt,” I remind her, crossing my arms. Aspen’s the one who left without a single backward glance. She doesn’t get to claim my family as hers.

She bellows out that fake laugh I hate. “I grew up here with you, so she will always be Aunt Paisley. Plus, I wouldn’t miss this monumental milestone. One hundred years is a big deal!”

Aspen showing up like nothing happened between us—like we’re old friends and she’s still a part of my family—has me ready to explode. She has no business being here. I’m already dealing with enough. This is the last thing I need right now.

Aspen fiddles with her bangs, and that’s when I notice the huge engagement diamond ring on her finger. It’s impossible to miss, but I know she wanted me to notice it.

For years, Aspen was adamant that we needed to wait and there was no rush to get married. She kept saying she wasn’t ready. But that was all a lie. She didn’t want to marry me .

“Where are you staying?” I bluntly ask as Oakley joins and stands next to me. Before responding, she gives Oakley a dirty look, which pisses me off. I might give her a hard time, but no one else is allowed to, especially not Aspen.

“The cottage.” Aspen’s so confident in her answer that it’s almost comical. Who the hell gave her permission for that?

Oakley speaks up, standing taller. “I’m already staying there.”

Aspen narrows her eyes and gives Oakley a look of disgust. “And who are you exactly?”

I blurt out the words before I can stop myself.

“Oakley Benson. She’s the painter my grandma hired. She’s also my girlfriend .”

I don’t know why those words come out of my mouth, but I say them with my full chest. Before Oakley can react, I interlock my fingers with hers. I’m relieved when she moves closer to me and smiles. Oakley goes on her tiptoes and places a kiss on my cheek, adding the perfect touch to this lie.

I see something flicker behind Aspen’s eyes—anger, jealousy, disbelief that I moved on from her.

“ Oh my God ! You’re such a cute couple. How long have you been together?” Aspen’s squeaky voice can nearly be heard across the farm.

“Um…it’s recent,” Oakley says.

“Like a month,” I interject because I know Aspen’s already mining for information. It’s how she manipulates people into thinking she cares.

“If you’re dating, why can’t she sleep at your place?” Aspen asks, and I wish I had thought of that before I blurted out those words.

“Not that it’s your business, but we’re taking things slow. You’ll need to find somewhere else to stay,” I say firmly.

Her nose scrunches, and she pouts as if she’s not used to being told no. “You know the inn is fully booked for the celebration. And all the hotels in Maplewood Falls are already booking with out-of-towners for the fall festival.”

“Did you look outside of the area?”

She scowls. “Of course I didn’t. I came here as a favor for your family and didn’t worry about accommodations because?—”

“Because you assumed you’d have a place to stay. Not our problem. You can always sleep in your Mercedes.”

Aspen scowls, shaking her head furiously. “Absolutely not. How dare you even suggest that after everything we’ve been through?”

“The past doesn’t matter anymore,” I snap.

Before Aspen can argue, Oakley clears her throat. “If you have nowhere else to go, you can have the cottage. I’ll stay at Finn’s. That okay, baby ?”

Oakley wears a cute little smirk, and I shoot daggers at her, wondering what the hell she’s doing. This wasn’t a part of the plan, but then I remember there was no plan. Still, she doesn’t have to be so nice. Aspen doesn’t deserve the courtesy.

“Thank you.” Aspen beams, satisfied to have gotten her way. “Now that’s settled, I guess we’ll see each other around. Oh, do either of you have the keys to the cottage? I’d like to drop off my luggage before going to the bakery to get started.”

“I’m not handing them over until I pack my overly generous girlfriend’s things.”

Oakley smiles wide. “Gah, you’re the best. Isn’t he the sweetest ?”

“Yeah, he is. Finn was always so thoughtful.” Aspen’s gaze lingers on me, and it takes every ounce of control I have not to tell her to fuck off.

“He is.” Oakley turns to me. “The best boyfriend I could’ve ever asked for. It’s like one day, I woke up, and boom, we’re dating.” Oakley’s tone says it all—she’s pissed.

Aspen doesn’t seem to notice the tension between Oakley and me, so I’m convinced she buys it.

“I’ll meet you at the cottage, then,” Aspen tells me before walking to her car. Once she drives away, I release Oakley’s hand like it’s burned my skin.

“What the hell were you thinking?” She scowls, crossing her arms. “What’re we going to do now?”

“There is no we . You’re going into the inn to eat dinner while I deal with Satan.”

“You don’t want me to join you?”

“No, you haven’t eaten since lunch. Plus, you’ll have a better time listening to my grandmother talk about the birds she saw in the backyard this afternoon than having Aspen grill you about our relationship. And trust me, she will.”

She’s nothing if not predictable.

Oakley pulls the cottage keys from her pocket and places them in my palm. “Be careful with my shit and pack it with care. Also, you’re welcome for going along with your idiotic idea, and you now owe me big time.”

I shake my head, cursing under my breath as Oakley walks inside.

When I arrive at the cottage, Aspen is lifting her suitcase from the trunk. I pass her, unlock the door, and look at all the shit Oakley has lying around. A small pile of clothes is on the bathroom floor, and her paint supplies are everywhere. I try to hurry as I put everything in the empty boxes, but I do my best to be careful with her art stuff. Aspen stares at me, but I try to ignore her.

“All this is hers?” she questions when she can’t take my silence any longer. Aspen looks disgusted as she glances at the easel, paintbrushes, paints, drapes, and luggage.

“Yeah,” I say, lifting a few boxes to load them.

When I return, Aspen sits on the edge of the bed and watches me. I refuse to make eye contact with her, but I can tell her mind is running wild.

“How have you been, Finn?”

“Good.” I fold the easel and stack the paint bottles in a box.

“Just good ?”

I meet her eyes. “ Amazing . For the first time in my life, I’m truly happy.”

The lies roll off my tongue like water. The truth is, I’m miserable, but I’ve learned how to be alone.

A small smile plays on her lips, and she glances down at her ring that reflects sunlight. “I’ve been amazing too. Got engaged a few months ago.”

“Congrats.” I grab more of Oakley’s stuff and head outside because I need air. Aspen’s confession means she said yes to someone within months of dating them.

I stall outside for five minutes, hoping I can get the rest of Oakley’s things quickly loaded so I can get the fuck out of here.

When I return, Aspen strips the sheets off the bed and throws them in a pile on the floor. She struts to the small linen closet and grabs fresh ones.

“In case you christened the bed.” She giggles, but I don’t crack a smile.

Aspen continues talking and brings up old memories between us. It’s torture.

The next time I see my aunt Paisley, I’m going to give her a not-so-nice thank-you for this. She or my mother could’ve at least warned me that the devil would be arriving. While good help is hard to come by on such short notice, they must’ve been desperate to ask Aspen. Regardless, blindsiding me was uncalled for.

“Remember that one time we made love on that hiking trail?” she asks.

“What are you doing?” I turn toward her.

“Reminiscing. We had some good times.”

“Do us both a favor and don’t.”

She meets me with hooded eyes as I lift the last two boxes, then follows me to the door. “Hopefully, we can hang out before I leave. I’ll be here through the weekend.”

I don’t respond. Just because she’s here doesn’t mean I have to be around her.

Before going to the inn, I stop by the bakery. They’re already closed for the day because it’s well after five, but I know they’re playing catch-up. My aunt spots me as soon as I enter and tries to escape to the kitchen.

“Nope!” I pick up my pace, following her. “Don’t you dare.”

My mom carries a tray of peanut brittle and smiles when she sees me.

“Why didn’t you tell me Aspen was the extra help coming?” I glower.

Aunt Paisley nervously laughs. “I’m sorry. I was going to tell you but never found the opportunity. You know how busy we’ve been?—”

“I do, but I was caught off guard by her showing up.”

“You didn’t tell him?” Mom asks with her brow furrowed.

She shrugs. “I forgot. I’m sorry, Finn.”

I huff but am unable to stay mad at her, especially when I know they’re swamped. “Nothing can be done about it now. I came to tell you both that Aspen thinks the painter and I are dating, so go along with it. Aspen also assumed she was staying at the cottage, so I had to move every single box of Oakley’s out of there because Aspen had nowhere else to go.”

My aunt slaps her palm against her forehead. “I totally forgot to tell her she needed to find a place to stay. That’s my fault. I can text her and explain what happened, then offer our guest room.”

“No, what’s done is done, but let me make it very clear that Aspen and I are over. I don’t care how much you two like her. She’s engaged. I hope this wasn’t some sort of sick matchmaking setup to try to get us back together.”

“It wasn’t, I swear. And we knew she was engaged. Her fiancé is driving here next weekend,” Paisley explains. “But why does she think you and Oakley are dating?”

“It’s a long story, but don’t out us, please. I don’t want her in my business. I don’t want her knowing anything about my life. If she mentions me, shift the conversation to something else. She was the last person on the planet I wanted to see this week. I’m already stressed without having to deal with her.”

“That’s quite the predicament you’ve got yourself in, Finn,” my mother scolds. “We won’t lie for you, but we won’t offer any info. If she brings it up, we’ll tell her it’s none of her business.” Mom glares at her sister, who nods, and I imagine she’ll have a few choice things to say when I leave.

“Secret’s safe with us,” Paisley promises.

“Thank you. Now I have to get Oakley from the inn and bring her to my house. Because of Aspen staying at the cottage, I will have no alone time in my own home.”

Mom grins. “At least Oakley’s a nice girl. She seems very sweet and easy to talk to.”

I nearly choke on my tongue.

“You both owe me big.” I check my watch, then head toward the door.

I already know I’m in over my head and am now stuck living with Oakley until she leaves. This has turned into a damn mess, and I’m not sure I’ll be able to clean it up.