Falling for Finn (Maplewood Falls #1)

Chapter Eleven

CHAPTER ELEVEN

OAKLEY

DAY 8

My eyes flutter open, and butterflies swarm through me as Finn holds my body against him. He spoons me, and I’m almost tempted to fall back asleep, but then his hardness presses into my back. He’s hard, begging for me, and I know exactly what he needs.

Carefully, I slip away from his hold, then slide headfirst under the sheets. I take Finn out of his boxers and place my hot mouth around the tip. Slowly, I swirl my tongue, and when he moans my name, I grin in satisfaction.

Without rushing, I glide down farther, not able to take all of him at once, and nearly choke trying. When Finn pushes the covers down, I remove his boxers.

I steady my pace, loving his hearty groans as I tease my tongue down his thick vein.

“Jesus Christ, Oakley,” he growls, fisting my hair.

Before I can finish him off, he’s pulling me up next to him.

“Good morning,” I say as he moves my panties aside and rubs between my folds.

“It’s about to be,” he mutters, pushing one digit inside me. “Mm. So wet already.”

When I release an eager moan, he thrusts in another.

After thoroughly finger fucking me, he sucks them between his lips. “You taste sweet, like my favorite kind of apple. But I need more. Back that ass up on my face, Sunshine.”

I can’t deny wanting to do that very thing.

I toss my leg over him, then straddle his head, settling on his warm mouth before taking his cock back into my mouth. His scruff tickles but also creates the perfect amount of friction as we sixty-nine.

He grabs a handful of my ass and pushes me down onto him, forcing my clit against his strong tongue. I grind against him, loving how sensitive he’s making my clit. He laps me up and tongue fucks my pussy, and when he smacks my ass, I’m ready to explode.

I nearly choke on his cock, hoping he feels as good as I do. His groans as he thrusts to the back of my throat tell me he is.

“Don’t let me come yet,” I beg as he devours me like his last meal, the pressure feeling so fucking good I might collapse. I want to savor the high and enjoy it a little longer.

“So you like to be teased?” he mumbles against my bare pussy as I grind against his face.

“Yes, please.”

He slows to an almost painful pace, and I allow him to fully take control of me as I dangle by a string.

I stroke and suck, and when his muscles tense, I know he’s fighting the same war as me. Finn gives my greedy pussy his fingers, and my thighs shake. One more lick and it’s over.

Within a few seconds, we’re losing ourselves together. I capture every bit of his hot come, not wanting to waste a drop, then swallow him down.

I fall on the bed next to him, trying to breathe. He rolls onto his side and places his inked arm around me, kissing the softness of my neck. “I could get used to that.”

“Agreed,” I mutter when he slides his lips across mine, allowing me to taste myself. If we didn’t have so much stuff to do today, I’d beg to stay in bed with him.

But it’s another reminder that our time is coming to an end. Two days and that’s it.

After we’re dressed, Finn makes breakfast and a pot of coffee.

“Are you getting nervous?” he asks after he finishes cooking and plates our food. It’s the event of the century to celebrate a century, and I can’t believe it’s already tomorrow.

I take a bite of scrambled eggs, and then answer, “A little, but I’m more excited for your family to see the painting.”

“They’re going to love and cherish it.” Finn glances over at the finished painting still on the easel. While it won’t be completely cured by tomorrow, it’ll be dry enough to display.

“Every time I look at it, I’m amazed by the details you captured.”

I smile proudly. “Thank you.”

Once we finish eating, I decide to grab a sweater from my suitcase. The temperature has steadily dropped since I arrived, and I’m still not used to it. I thank past me for all the thick socks and boots I packed.

Finn grabs his coat and puts on a beanie. I give him a half smile, admiring how handsome he is. I file that snapshot of him in my memory.

“What?” he asks, allowing me to lead the way to the truck.

I shake my head. “Nothing at all.”

“Tell me.” He playfully chases after me. I’m too slow, and he easily catches me, then lifts me over his shoulder. I laugh as he hauls me to the truck like a caveman.

“You can’t pick me up to get what you want!”

“Sure, I can. Now tell me.” He smacks my ass.

“Okay, okay. I was thinking about how sexy you look in that hat.”

Finn sets me down and cages me in against the door. I look up into his brown eyes, arching my hips toward him until I feel the erection pushing into his jeans. My heart hammers in my chest when he leans down and whispers in my ear, “Keep it up, and we won’t make it out of the driveway.”

I bite my bottom lip. “It’s not my fault you find me irresistible.”

He pulls away, placing his other palm on my cheek, offsetting the briskness of the cool weather.

“You’re adorable,” he tells me with a cute smile, then pulls away and opens the door for me.

I don’t know what I expect or even want from him. What we’re doing is purely physical, but this feels like it’s growing into something more than either of us bargained for.

When we arrive at the inn, I’m pleasantly surprised by how quickly it’s transformed from yesterday. Vehicles are parked along the driveway, and tons of employees are running around.

A few men carry random picnic tables as others set up hay bales for extra seating. Finn is all smiles as we walk hand in hand and look at the progress. I can see he’s mentally checking things off his list. The man is meticulous when it comes to the farm, so none of it surprises me.

Time is running out, and it’s all hands on deck as people rush around to finish everything that has to be done by tomorrow.

“There’s the stage where the live band will play,” he explains as it’s being assembled.

“Oh wow.” Of course I knew it would be big, but I didn’t realize it would look like a mini carnival. There’s a bouncy house for the kids and tons of booths set up for activities. Food trucks are parked around the perimeter too.

“This is incredible.” I take it in as we walk across the crunchy leaves scattered on the ground.

“And it’s all free for the public.”

“ Really? ” I hadn’t realized they weren’t profiting from this.

“Yep. We’re expecting the locals and tons of tourists. That field will be full of cars by daybreak. Speaking of, we need to set out the signs so no one gets lost.”

“Sounds good.” I follow him inside the packed inn. Finn keeps me close to him as we look for his grandma. When we find her, she glances down at our interlocked fingers, and I almost pull away but don’t when I see her smile. She still doesn’t know we’re faking.

We’re faking it, right?

“There you are! Was wondering when I’d see you. Have you two eaten yet?”

“Yes, we had breakfast already,” Finn explains. “We were going to put out the signs starting at the main road. Is there anything pressing you need done after that?”

“Nah, we’ve pretty much gotten it all taken care of. You could check with your mother and see if the bakery needs anything.”

Finn gives me a side-glance, and I know he doesn’t want to step foot near it with Aspen lingering around. She seems to conveniently pop up at the exact wrong times.

“I’ll call my ma and see if they’re doing okay,” Finn states, keeping his tone steady, but I notice his clenched jaw.

“Great. Everything is waiting for you in the shed. James reminded me this morning they were there. You know your grandpa won’t let me forget a thing.”

I chuckle because they have the cutest relationship. We say our goodbyes, and as soon as we’re in the storage shed, I see a large stack of signs.

I try to lift half, but they’re too heavy, so Finn carries most of them. He throws them in the back of the truck, and I do the same.

Once I’m inside and buckled, he turns on the heat.

“Thank you,” I offer as a shiver runs through me.

He snorts. “Such a baby. I’ve worn shorts in colder weather.”

“Of course you have.” I snicker. “I mostly wear dresses or skirts with bikini tops.”

“Wow, must get hot there.”

“Yeah, but I love it. The earthquakes are unsettling, but the views and nightlife are incredible. There’s always something to do. Poetry readings, open mic nights, wine and paint nights at local galleries—those are my favorites.”

Finn nods, and his lips turn down. I hate that I can’t read him.

We spend the next few hours placing signs every mile or so on the property. Tiernan texts me for an update, but I tell her I’ll chat later after I’m done.

When we shove the last one into the ground, I turn to him. “How many people do you think will still get lost?”

He chuckles. “Handfuls. People don’t read or pay attention.”

“But they’re neon orange.” I glance down at the blinding bright color.

“A few distillery employees will be out here with flags, guiding people in the right direction.”

“Smart. I guess it does take an army for an event this size?”

He nods.

“Is this the first time the farm has had a celebration this large?” We climb back in the truck and head toward his house.

“They had a seventy-fifth-anniversary one when I was nine. But now that social media is a thing, it’ll be much bigger. Jessa’s been posting about it nonstop.”

“Wow, that’s a good point. I don’t know what life is like without having a mini computer in my pocket.”

“Live out here for a few years, and you won’t even care about the internet. It’s one of the many advantages.”

I’m sure it is, but I can’t relate. Not when I have to market myself as an artist, apply for commissions, and network.

When we go inside, I look at my painting again and lightly brush my fingers against the edges of the canvas.

“It’s getting there,” I say as Finn stands beside me. I watch him admire it as pride rushes through me. I figured he’d be my biggest critic, but I still wanted to impress him.

I was waiting for him to say the colors were wrong or the details were off, but I was so meticulous that it nearly looks like a photograph. The only thing that gives it away is the textures made by my brushstrokes.

“Oh, I almost forgot about this little guy,” I tell him, grabbing the small 12x12 canvas I painted for his grandmother. I left it sitting on the kitchen counter after I finished it a few days ago.

Finn reaches out, and I hand him the small painting of the inn. “She’s going to love this.”

“I hope so,” I say, heat rushing to my cheeks. With one look, I’m putty in his hands.

“When I met your grandma, I instantly adored her. She was so sweet and gushed about my work like I was someone important. I’d never had anyone know so much about my short career as a professional painter. In the grand scheme of artists, I’m obscure. I’m going to give it to her as a thank-you gift for giving me a chance on the project.”

Finn meets me with soft eyes. “You know she’s not gonna let you leave after this.”

I chuckle, though it’s covered in sadness. “Wonder where she’ll hang it in her house.”

Turning, I look at the sunrise painting I made for Finn hanging above the mantel. It was the perfect place for it.

“Somewhere so everyone who visits will see it, and she can brag about it.”

I smile at the thought. “I hope she does. Maybe that way you won’t forget about me.”

Finn pulls me into his arms as a smile creeps across his lips. “Oakley Benson. You’re unforgettable . My family will talk about you nonstop to the point I’ll have to beg them to stop.”

I laugh at his attempt to compliment me. “And who said romance is dead?”

He brushes his nose along my cheek, feathering kisses as he moves down my jawline. “I’ll miss you, Sunshine. Don’t think I won’t.”

I hold on to those words like they’re a promise. But I’m sure someone will come along and snag Finn up as soon as I’m gone. He’s too much of a catch when he drops the grumpy man act.

After our moment comes and goes, Finn dials his mom to see if they need any help. When he ends the call, he sits next to me on the couch.

“They need me to grab more folding tables and chairs because Grandma doesn’t think there’ll be enough picnic tables.”

“Do you want me to help?”

“Nah, I’ve got it. Plus, you’ve got a lot of packing to do.” He looks around at my supplies, which are exactly where I’ve left them.

“You’re right,” I say, knowing I’ve been procrastinating. Putting everything back in their boxes means my stay here is nearly over. And I’m not sure I’m ready to say goodbye yet, a feeling I’ve never experienced.

I’m a free spirit at heart, and after I graduated with my master’s, I promised myself I’d travel the world. Be a painting nomad, get a camper van, and hike the Appalachian Trail. But staying with Finn makes me appreciate the slower pace in the country.

Finn opens his mouth like he’s going to say something but then closes it. After clearing his throat, he speaks up. “I’ll see you in a couple of hours. However, I’m sure they’ll find a million other tasks for me to do. I’ll pick up dinner from the inn if I’m gone that long.”

“Sounds great.”

He grabs his keys off the counter, then leaves. As I look around his place, I laugh at how my stuff has completely taken over. I carefully open the empty boxes and can’t find it in me to pack. Not yet. It seems too soon. Funny because a week ago, I was ready to quit.

Instead, I text my sister back.

Oakley

Sorry! It’s been wild. How are things going?

Tiernan

Not me wondering if you fell into a sex coma or if you were ignoring me all day.

Oakley

We’ll go with the sex coma.

I sigh, replaying everything that’s happened between Finn and me.

Tiernan

Fill me in! The PG-13 version. I am your sister, after all.

I snort, hearing her big sister voice in my head.

Oakley

Finn worships my body in all the right ways. Crawling in bed with him was the best idea you’ve ever had. So tell Everett to suck it.

Tiernan

Ha! I’ll let him know.

Oakley

I’m sad to leave even though I have so much shit to do at home.

Tiernan

Aw. It’s normal to feel that way when you’ve had a good time. You can always visit again. Make it a yearly tradition or something.

Oakley

I know. But it’s more than that.

Tiernan

Ready to admit that you’ve fallen for your crush?

Oakley

No.

This feels like much more than an infatuation or a crush , but I keep that to myself for now.

Tiernan

I felt the same way when Everett and I first stayed at the beach house. But remember, everything works out the way it’s supposed to. Have faith, little sis.

Oakley

I want the type of love you have.

Tiernan

You’ll find your Prince Charming. Maybe you already have.

I need to change the subject because it’s making me sad. No reality would allow us to be together long-term. Not with three thousand miles between us.

Oakley

Enough about me. How’s my niece doing?

Tiernan

Amazing. She’s been keeping us updated on every little thing, and it’s feeling more real each day. Even did some baby shopping today.

Oakley

And you didn’t send me pictures?

Tiernan

I will! We were so tired after shopping that we took a nap when we got home.

Oakley

Sounds like you had a good time. I’m so excited to meet little Bluebell Rayne.

She sends me laughing emojis because we both know Everett is outnumbered on the baby’s name.

Tiernan

Me too.

I yawn and let Tiernan know I’m going to take a nap. Packing doesn’t sound appealing, so I’ll rush on Sunday to get it all done, as usual. At least then, my mind will stay busy after the excitement of the celebration wears off.

After we say our goodbyes, I go upstairs and crawl into Finn’s bed that smells like him and sex. I wish I could inhale the sheets or bottle up the scent and take it home with me.

I try to drift off and the dread of getting on that plane in two days creeps over me. Falling for Finn wasn’t something I planned or expected. Maybe it’s my heart playing tricks on me, but it’s never steered me wrong before, so why would this be an exception?