Falling for Finn (Maplewood Falls #1)

Chapter Eight

CHAPTER EIGHT

FINN

DAY 6

Yesterday after my shower, Oakley curled up on the couch with a book, and we didn’t speak for the rest of the evening. When she thought I fell asleep, she slid under the blankets and stayed on her side of the mattress all night.

As I stretch, I’m a little disappointed to see the spot next to me is empty, and the sheets are cool to the touch. It almost pains me to admit that I miss waking to the feeling of her ass rubbing against me—even if she did it to rile me up.

That was a part of our little game.

She knows my body will respond to her, even when I try like hell not to. Oakley’s gorgeous and witty, smart and sassy, but she’s too damn young.

And she’s leaving in less than a week.

Which is why I pushed her away after being too vulnerable yesterday. Talking about my past is one thing, but discussing my relationship with Aspen and how it broke me is something I never should’ve mentioned to her. There’s no point in getting close.

Opening up to her only opens my heart to break again.

I should’ve blown off some steam before I came home because I was still annoyed at myself. Seeing her on my bed, surrounded by my things, pissed me off. She fits in so damn well, even if she’s constantly pushing my damn buttons. And yesterday, she hit the nail on the head—I will miss her.

Not to mention, my family already loves her.

Hell, we’re already acting like a couple in public, and by this weekend, the entire town will believe we’re together.

But that’s all it can be— pretend .

Regardless, I should still apologize for how I acted. Oakley’s here to do a job for my grandmother, and I’m making it harder for her. I love my family and don’t want to let them down by upsetting their guest. If she were to quit, it’d be my fault.

Reluctantly, I pull on some sweats and a hoodie, grab my phone, then search for her. It’s barely six, so I know she hasn’t gone far. From what I’ve learned about her, Oakley isn’t an early-morning person. But that could also be the time difference.

I notice her easel and painting supplies are gone when I get downstairs.

What the hell?

Did she take my truck and bail? Would she do that?

If I were stuck with some asshole, I’d have already left. Wouldn’t even blame her for it.

Slipping on my shoes, I open the front door and am greeted by her silhouette on the front porch. Oakley stands with a brush in her hand in front of the easel holding a canvas, but it’s not the one she’s been working on. It’s something new.

With her back toward me, I drink her in as she paints the sunrise as it appears over the horizon.

“Oakley,” I say softly, not wanting to startle her. “You’re up early.” Standing next to her, I admire how damn gorgeous she looks. Messy bedhead and all.

“The sunrise inspired me, and I wanted to take full advantage while I’m here,” she says without meeting my eyes. I watch as she meticulously blends the bright colors and wisps of clouds.

“It’s stunning,” I tell her truthfully, staring at how effortlessly she makes it look. “You’re good.”

She snickers, and a pink hue covers her cheeks. “Thanks. Guess that means your family is getting their money’s worth.”

“They wouldn’t have sought you out if they weren’t impressed by your portfolio. Considering you were at the top of your class, I shouldn’t be surprised by how badly my grandma wanted to hire you.”

“Wow, guess you were listening.” She smirks, keeping her focus on the canvas.

“Kinda hard not to when you talk so much.”

That gets her attention. “You have something against making small talk?”

I shrug. “Depends.”

She rolls her eyes. “Typical answer for someone who deflects anytime something serious comes up.”

“That’s not true. I listen to everything you say,” I admit. “Even if it seems like I’m not.”

My heart hammers in my chest as I wait for her response. My body aches to touch her, to pull her close, and carry her into my bed.

Only God knows why.

We’re opposite in every way, so she shouldn’t always be on my goddamn mind.

“So what got you into painting in the first place?” I ask when the silence lingers too long.

“Growing up as a gifted child, I constantly needed stimulation for my brain. I’d get into trouble if I wasn’t drawing, writing, reading, or doing something creative. One day, I got a painting set, and it became my new obsession. It challenged me. I started with landscapes, which have always been my favorites. When I was in middle school, my art dominated college-level painting contests and won scholarships.”

“Wow, so you’re self-taught?” I ask.

“At first, it all came naturally. I taught myself the basics and practiced a lot. Painting helped calm my brain because I could hyper focus on something productive, which kept me out of trouble in school. Once my teachers learned I was painting, they let me do more creative extracurriculars. Instead of being labeled the weird smart kid, I was the weird artsy kid. I preferred that stereotype over the first one. It gave me more opportunities to make friends. Still, most couldn’t relate to me. I didn’t meet people who were at my level until college.” She pauses and flashes a cheeky grin. “Well, almost my level.”

I smile at how proud and confident she is. I don’t know much about any of this, but she makes painting look easy.

“When I’m done with this, you can keep it if you want,” she says, glancing at me. “No pressure, of course. Otherwise, I’m sure your grandmother wouldn’t mind an extra piece.”

“She’d love it,” I agree. “But I’d be honored to have it, too.”

I move to get a better view of the piece. Though this canvas is smaller than the one for the commemoration, it’s already nearly complete.

“I’ll need something to remind me of the sassy pain in the ass who keeps sneaking into my bed,” I add.

She snorts, then steps back until her ass nearly presses against me. I grip her hip, tempted to spin her around and do something I shouldn’t. Since that first time we kissed, I’ve thought about doing it again.

Oakley turns and meets my eyes. “You call me that, but I think you’ll secretly miss my company. I bet it gets lonely out here.”

She’s right, but I’m not about to admit that to her.

I’m also not ready to admit how much I want her right now.

“Oakley.” I lower my voice as our mouths pull toward each other.

Right before I do something stupid, my phone rings in my pocket.

“Shit,” I mutter, taking a few steps back when I realize how close we were. “It’s probably my uncle Jack.”

I quickly silence it. “I better return his call and get ready to go meet him. He needs an extra hand in the orchard. Gonna be getting dirty today.”

“Oh yeah? Maybe I should come watch. Sounds entertaining.” She smirks, then returns her attention to the canvas.

I walk to the door but stop before I go inside. “I gotta help set up for Saturday after I help my uncle, but I’ll pick you up for lunch. Text me if you need anything before then.”

“Will do,” she says without a second glance.

Maybe I’m broken, or maybe she’s growing on me, but I look forward to eating meals with her, even if it slows me down.

“So I gotta tell you something,” Oakley says. She’s sitting across from me at the inn as we eat lunch. I’m filthy, and my shirt has grass stains, but I can’t go home and shower. After this, I’ll be heading out again.

I drop my fork and flash her a deadpan expression. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

“Aspen stopped by your house shortly after you left and asked if we’d join her and her fiancé for dinner.”

“Please tell me you didn’t?—”

“I had no choice! If I came up with an excuse, it’d be fishy.”

“ Hell no. I’m not going on some weird double date with my ex,” I say firmly.

“Well, suck it up, buttercup. I already agreed and told her we’d be happy to join them. If we bail now, it’ll be too suspicious. She was already looking at me weird.”

“Tell her I couldn’t break away from work on time. She knows I’m busy preparing for Saturday.”

“Oh, come on, it won’t be that bad. Pretend you like me, and I’ll do the same, and she’ll be none the wiser.” She shrugs.

“Yeah, that’s easier said than done,” I mumble.

“Trust me, it’s no picnic for me, either, especially considering your mood swings. But I’m already in too deep to confess the truth, and I don’t want to look like a fool.”

I hadn’t considered how this would affect Oakley, and now I feel guilty as hell.

“Fine,” I grind out. “One hour max and then we get the fuck out.”

“Works for me. The less I have to listen to her squeaky voice, the better.”

That makes me snort. “She wasn’t always so damn annoying.”

She gives me a doubt it look. “You were probably too blinded by love to see it.”

Probably true.

Before we leave, I say hello and goodbye to my grandparents. They chat with the guests while they check in. Thanks to Aspen’s loud mouth, my grandma thinks Oakley’s my girlfriend, so now we have to play the part when she’s around too.

“You two make the sweetest couple,” she gushes. “Are you planning to date long distance, or are you moving here?” She directs her question at Oakley, and again, I feel awful that she’s put on the spot, so I quickly chime in.

“We’re still figuring things out, Grandma. Nothing’s set in stone.” I wrap my arm around Oakley, pulling her into my side. She snakes her arm behind me and pinches my waist.

“I’ll be visiting often,” Oakley tells her.

“That’s great to hear.” My grandma smiles.

After we escape the inn, we unglue ourselves on the way to my truck.

“I finished that painting,” she tells me once we’re buckled.

“Yeah? I’ll have to find a place to hang it. There’s a nice empty wall above the toilet.”

She punches my bicep as I drive us out of the parking lot. “You better not. I don’t want you thinking of me when you’re taking a piss.”

I chuckle at how easy it is to push her buttons.

Once we’re at my house, I get out and walk inside with her.

“Wow…” My brows shoot up when I see the finished painting. “It’s… breathtaking .”

I glance at her wide smile, admiring the other beautiful thing in my house.

“I’m glad you like it. I’ll find a place to hang it because I don’t trust you.”

Chuckling, I shrug. “Go ahead.” As long as it’s not in my bedroom because that will haunt me long after she’s gone.

I wash my hands in the sink, then as I dry them, I turn toward her. “Oakley.” I grab her attention. “I’m sorry for last night. I shouldn’t have acted how I did or treated you that way.”

She lowers her eyes as if she hadn’t expected me to apologize, but I can admit when I’m wrong. Even to her.

“Thanks. Sorry for getting on you for being a slob. I was talking to my sister and complaining about how you didn’t offer me any pizza, and my frustration snapped when you came in.”

She meets my gaze, and I frown. “You mean when you were painting and listening to your porno book?”

She shoots me a glare. “I’d been working for hours and was starving.”

I scrub a hand over my scruffy jawline, feeling like shit for not asking if she was hungry. “I figured you’d help yourself to the food in my fridge like you do with everything else around here.”

“Or you were worked up from all the panting and moaning.” She smirks.

I shake my head, not jumping into another battle with her. “I’ll be back in a few, then I’ll shower and get ready for the worst date of my life.”

She gasps. “I take offense to that! I’m a great date, thank you very much. Even when I end up with assholes like you.”

Oakley flashes a cheeky grin.

“It’s not a real date,” I remind her. “It doesn’t count.”

“Yes, it is! Aspen thinks it is anyway, so we have to treat it as such.”

“Well, if that’s the case, prepare to put out afterward. I like eating my dessert in bed.”

Her jaw drops, and I chuckle. I’ve left her speechless— for once .

After I leave, I drive to the bakery and meet up with my mom, who gives me a to-do list. With the celebration in only two days, we still have a lot of things left to get done.

“How’s Oakley?” she asks.

“Fine.”

“I can’t wait to see her painting.”

“It’s coming together nicely.”

“And?”

I face my nosy mother. “And what?”

“How are you two getting along?”

I shrug, not wanting to share any details. “Alright, I guess.”

She comes closer, lowering her voice. “Aspen’s been asking personal questions about her nonstop. I think she’s jealous.”

Rolling my eyes, I scoff. “Doubtful.”

“She told me you’re going on a double dinner date tonight?”

“She asked Oakley, who agreed. I wouldn’t have.”

“Well, I’m sure you’ll have a lovely time.”

By the time I get home, I’m ready to crash and cancel our plans. However, as soon as I see Oakley coming down the stairs, I change my mind. I also completely forget how to breathe.

“Wow…” I admire every inch of her curvy body.

“Too much?” she asks self-consciously, smoothing her palms down the sides of her dress. “Jessa let me borrow it.”

“No, I think it looks great. Surprised my cousin had something like that in her closet. Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever seen her wear a dress.”

She giggles. “Yeah, she said she’s only worn it once and never plans to again.”

“Fits you perfectly,” I tell her. “I’ll go shower and be ready in a half hour.”

Once I’m dressed in black slacks and a button-up, I meet Oakley downstairs. She’s sitting on the couch, scrolling on her phone. When she lifts her head, she quickly lowers her gaze down my body.

“You clean up nice, Country Boy. But you’re missing something.”

I look down at myself, mentally checking off all the boxes—shoes, pants, shirt. Brushed my hair and teeth.

“What are you talking about?”

She gets to her feet, then points at the couch. “Sit.”

I look at my watch, seeing that we don’t have much time, but I’m curious, so I obey.

She takes me by surprise and straddles my legs after I sit. When she moves against my groin, I instinctively grip her hips.

“What are you doing?”

She leans in with a devilish grin. “Giving your ex something to look at.” Her amused tone is almost frightening, and when her mouth latches onto my neck, I nearly jump out of my skin.

“Oakley.” I squeeze her hips harder as she rocks against me. My traitorous cock responds, begging for more. “I don’t think this is necessary.”

She continues sucking, no doubt giving me a hickey. On top of Aspen seeing it, so will my entire family.

“ Fuck , Oakley…” I hate that my voice comes out strained and desperate, but her moans and hot breath test every ounce of willpower I have left.

Finally, she pulls back and smiles in satisfaction. “That should do it. Will be nice and dark by the time we get there.”

She’s proud of herself as she wiggles off my lap and adjusts her dress. “Ready?”

I’ve never been more uncomfortable in my entire life.

Aspen hasn’t stopped talking since the moment we sat down. Oakley’s trying her best to be polite and engage in conversation, but I’d rather drive a fork through my skull.

“The moment Austin and I met, we immediately bonded over having city names,” Aspen says, barely taking a breath to eat. “Basically love at first sight.”

“Aspen and Austin, that does have a ring to it.” Oakley pretends to gush right along with Aspen like they’re friends.

Every detail Aspen shares about meeting and falling madly in love with Austin makes me want to vomit. I couldn’t give two shits about how they met or anything that happened after we broke up. The more she talks about herself, the more I notice how self-absorbed and insufferable she is. I can’t believe I put up with someone I had nothing in common with for so long. As I sit here, I can’t think of one likable quality that made me want a future with her.

I’m fidgety as hell as I try to keep my composure. It isn’t until Oakley leans over and squeezes my knee that I realize my leg is shaking.

Remembering I’m supposed to act like her boyfriend, I wrap an arm around her and pull her close. “We know a thing or two about love at first sight, don’t we?” I blurt out, my gaze lingering on her lips.

“How’d you two meet?” Austin asks as Aspen narrows her eyes on my neck. Confirmation that the hickey is dark and noticeable.

Before I can come up with something, Oakley’s already sharing our story as if it’s one hundred percent true.

“About a month ago, I visited the farm for an in-person interview. Finn was my ride from the airport. He introduced me to his family and gave me a tour of the orchard. We connected, and it was almost like we’d known each other our entire lives. When it was time for me to leave, we exchanged numbers and talked every day. We took the time to get to know each other over text and FaceTime and decided we’d figure out if doing long distance was worth it when I returned for the celebration.”

“Safe to say it was an easy decision,” I quickly add, unable to look away from her.

“Couldn’t agree more,” she muses.

Though sprinkles of truth line her fabricated story, it sounds legit.

Without thinking, I lean in and press my mouth to hers. She stiffens briefly before opening wider and letting my tongue slide across her lips. When we pull apart, I meet her heated gaze, then we continue eating and chatting. But after that, I hardly pay attention to what anyone says. My body’s aching to touch or kiss her again, but it’s a bad fucking idea.

Thankfully, the rest of the date seems to pass in a blink.

“See, that wasn’t so bad.” Oakley gloats as we hop in the truck. “I think she bought it too. You even did a good job pretending to like me. I’d say you’re almost at pro level because I almost believed it myself.”

I’m tempted as hell to admit I don’t have to pretend anymore. I do like her, and that’s the fucking problem.

But what’s the point when she lives across the country, is much younger, and is too talented to be stuck here with a guy like me?