Falling for Finn (Maplewood Falls #1)

Chapter Twelve

CHAPTER TWELVE

FINN

DAY 9

I wake before my alarm sounds. I should’ve known my internal clock wouldn’t let me sleep in. The anticipation and excitement of today’s celebration wouldn’t allow it either.

I hear Oakley’s soft breathing, but instead of waking her for a quickie, I decide to let her rest a little longer and go shower. We stayed up late last night and lost count of how many orgasms I gave her. Pretty sure we broke another record.

Oakley’s a goddess between the sheets, and I love how she takes what she needs without apology. And damn, do I enjoy giving myself to her.

I undress and step under the hot stream, allowing the warmth to wake me. As I reach for the soap, the shower curtain peels back, and Oakley steps in. Immediately, I grin.

“Thought we could conserve water,” she tells me, taking a step forward, allowing her breasts to press against my chest. She wraps her arms around my neck, and our lips gravitate toward one another. When we pull away, desire is written on her face.

“I need you,” she admits, and those words have my heart hammering. Oakley reaches down and strokes my cock, but it’s already hard for her.

“Mm. Always ready for me,” she says, lifting her thigh to give me better access. I latch onto her leg and slowly ease inside.

She sighs when I fill her.

She holds on to me for dear life as I pump inside her. Her back presses against the wall as she moans through the pleasure.

“Fuck,” I groan out as the orgasm quickly threatens to take over, but I don’t come yet. Instead, I drop to my knees, the stream running down my back, and devour her pussy for breakfast.

I position her thigh over my shoulder, knowing exactly how she likes her cunt devoured. Her wet hair sticks against her forehead, and she pants as she leans her head back.

Oakley tugs my hair with one hand and her nipple with the other as she rides my face. She tenses. “Finn. Fuck. I’m so close.”

And when she comes on my tongue, I don’t stop. I urge her with my eyes to give me one more as I taste her sweetness. She likes this game and plays along, getting back into her rhythm.

Minutes later, she’s losing herself again. I hold her tight as she almost falls, then I stand.

“That’s my good girl,” I praise, sliding my tongue into her mouth, allowing her to savor my new favorite flavor. Oakley looks at me with hooded eyes, then latches onto my cock with a tight grip. “Are you going to continue what you started?”

“Turn around, Sunshine.”

Oakley spins and pops her ass, giving me access to her perfect pussy from behind. I grab onto her hips and slam inside her, my vision nearly blurring from how good she feels.

She presses her palms against the wall, creating more friction.

“God, yes,” she whisper-hisses, and within minutes, she’s falling over the ledge. “Keep going,” she commands, reaching down and flicking her clit. Oakley’s high sex drive and momentum might snap off my dick as I fill her with my cum.

We stand there, catching our breaths. After I pull out of her, she drops to her knees and licks the tip of my cock, then takes as much of me in her mouth until she gags.

“Shit,” I hiss, the tip extra sensitive. “I’ve never had a woman do that before.”

“No? Then you’ve been dating prudes. I love the way we taste mixed together.”

I place my finger and thumb under her chin and force her to look up into my eyes. “You’re so perfect.”

There are too many unspoken words I wish I could say, but instead, I give her a quick kiss as she stands.

We take turns washing one another, and then I help with her hair.

“You’re trying to spoil me.” Her eyes roll to the back of her head as I massage her scalp. I’d spoil her every day for the rest of my life if she’d let me, and that thought alone is frightening. I shouldn’t let those visions give me false hope.

Once we finish showering, Oakley bends over to dry her legs, giving me the perfect view of her gorgeous ass. Over her shoulder, she shoots me a smirk, knowing I’m staring.

“I like the way you look at me.”

“And I like looking,” I admit, wrapping my towel around my waist after I finish drying off. “You’re beautiful.”

“Well, I’m glad you think so, considering I’m your fake girlfriend and all.”

“Do you think it’s believable?” I ask after she wraps herself up and grabs the hair dryer.

“Yeah, our acting skills are fire.” She meets my gaze in the reflection of the mirror. “No one doubts it, even those who know we’re pretending.”

Unspoken words swirl between us, and there’s so much I wish I could say. The last thing I want is for things to be awkward between us before she leaves. So I push those thoughts away.

“I’m going to get dressed and check in with everyone, then we can head that way.”

“Okay, gimme twenty to finish up.”

“Make it fifteen.” I wink, and she rolls her eyes.

After I put on my clothes, I call my grandmother and mom, and they confirm everything is in place and all we need to do is show up.

Next, I call Levi, and I brew a pot of coffee as we chat.

“I’m probably going to leave and start heading that way. Don’t want to get stuck in traffic,” he tells me.

“Perfect. Be on your best behavior today. You know Aspen’s here,” I warn.

“Ugh,” he groans. My best friend was never a fan of her. “Fine. I’m more excited to meet your girlfriend anyway.”

I chuckle as Oakley prances past me, accidentally-on-purpose dropping her towel with a giggle.

“Did you hear me?” Levi asks when I sound distracted.

“Uh, yeah.”

He clears his throat. “Okay, well, I’ll see you there.”

“Great.” I pour two cups of coffee to go and move farther into the living room so I can watch her get dressed.

“You’re a mind reader,” she says, looking at the one I made for her.

“Or you’re predictable,” I tease.

After she slips on her boots, we carefully load the canvas, easel, and cloth cover into the back of the truck. I can see her mind racing as we drive toward the inn. She quietly sips her coffee.

“You okay?” I ask, and she unbuckles and scoots closer to me, sitting in the middle. She’s holding the small painting of the inn. I lift my arm and hold her as we continue down the gravel road.

“Nervous,” she admits. “I don’t know why. Sometimes self-doubt creeps in.”

“Oakley Benson, you’re the most confident person I know. You’re the real deal, and don’t you dare think otherwise.”

This makes her smile wide, and I grab her hand, interlocking my fingers with hers.

We pass the neon orange signs we placed, and every few miles, an employee waves people forward. The traffic is outrageous, and I’m almost concerned there won’t be anywhere to park.

When we get closer to the inn, the field is already full of vehicles.

Oakley looks over at me with wide eyes. “You weren’t joking about all of Maplewood Falls being here.”

While I expected this, I’m somewhat shocked too.

“We might need to park out here. We can carry the painting and stuff up with us. Later, we’ll grab the small one.”

She glances down at it. “That’s probably a good idea.”

We park on the opposite side of the bakery, and before we get out, I turn to Oakley. “Ready?”

“Yep, let’s go have some fun, fake boyfriend,” she says with a big smile.

I grab her painting. Oakley explains it’s not completely cured yet, so it needs to be handled with care and to hold it on the edges. She takes the easel and cloth covering, then leaves the other one in the truck.

“I can’t wait to surprise your grandma with the other painting after the big reveal.”

“She’ll probably cry,” I warn. “Grandma is like a leaky faucet when she’s overwhelmed and happy. The woman sometimes laughs and cries at the same time.”

“And that’s why she needs to be protected at all costs,” Oakley says as we make our way toward the inn.

It’s not even nine in the morning, yet people eat pumpkin pie and candied apples. Kids run past us wearing fairy wings and superhero capes with painted faces. The smell of sugar wafts through the air, and there isn’t a person without a smile on their face.

“This is so cool.” Oakley smiles as we make our way through the crowd toward the large stage where the band is currently setting up. At the front, there is an area roped off for the painting.

“I don’t want anyone to see it yet,” she tells me as we make our way up the stairs. I hold it close to my body so no one can steal a glimpse.

“Grandma saved that spot for you.” I nod my head toward the velvet ropes. Set up your easel first and then we’ll cover the canvas before carrying it over.”

“Great idea.”

Oakley quickly brings the wooden legs out and checks to make sure the easel is sturdy. Before walking away, she gives it a little push for prosperity’s sake before returning to me.

“Do you want to set it up?” I ask.

“No, I trust you,” she whispers, carefully draping the thin black material over the canvas.

I lead the way, and she stands close as I cautiously put it in place. Oakley repositions the cover, and we take a step back.

I grab her hand and kiss her knuckles. “I can’t wait for everyone to see what you created.”

“What time is the reveal again?” she asks nervously.

“One sharp,” I remind her, leading her off the stage and through the steadily forming crowd.

I run into Uncle Jack and my dad as we make our way toward the food trucks.

“We saw Levi,” Dad tells me.

“Yeah? Where is he?”

“He was in there flirting with Willa.” Uncle Jack chuckles.

I shake my head, not at all surprised. “Thanks.”

“Ready to meet my best friend?” I ask Oakley.

“Uh. Yeah.” She lowers her voice. “And how exactly do I introduce myself?”

I laugh. “As Oakley, the pain in my ass painter who sneaks into my bed. He knows about our arrangement .”

“Which one?”

I lean in and whisper in her ear, “The fake relationship, not fucking each other’s brains out.”

She laughs. “Ah. Good to know.”

We enter through the back door and pass the common room and fireplace. I can hear my best friend laughing with my grandma in the kitchen.

When I enter, they both turn and look at us.

“There’s the happy couple now.” Grandma shoots me a wink. We still haven’t told her the truth, and though I feel guilty about that, it’s easier this way for now.

Levi raises his brows at Oakley and then flashes me a shit-eating smirk as if he knows I’m fucking doomed.

“This is Oakley,” I say, then look at her. “And this is my childhood friend, Levi.”

“The girlfriend ,” she adds, holding out her hand, but Levi ignores it and pulls her into a bear hug.

“Nice to meet the woman my best friend’s gonna marry someday.”

I roll my eyes even though I can’t deny how I like the sound of that. “I already told you I’m never getting married,” I remind Levi, then watch Oakley’s back stiffen. I hadn’t meant to let that slip out with them here.

“You don’t mean that.” My grandma waves me off. “I’m still waiting for one of my grandchildren to give me a great-grandbaby.”

“Yeah, Finn.” Levi smacks my shoulder with a kiss-ass smirk.

When Oakley returns to my side, my arm naturally swings around her, and when our eyes meet, I’m tempted to kiss her. Levi clears his throat, grabbing my attention.

“We were going to enjoy the festivities. Wanna join us?” I ask Levi as Grandma excuses herself to chat with the mayor.

Once we’re outside, Levi turns to Oakley. “So how much longer are you here? Gonna stay for the town’s fall festival next weekend?”

“Don’t ask her twenty questions,” I warn.

“It’s fine.” Oakley waves me off. “No, I fly out Monday.”

“Oh.” He glances in my direction. “What will you two love birds do?”

I shake my head. “You don’t have to answer his nosy questions.”

“I asked two things,” he protests.

Oakley laughs and reaches for my hand. Her fingers are warm, and I like it when she brushes her thumb over mine.

“Not sure yet.” Oakley shrugs. “Finn will have to tell his family once Aspen leaves, I guess?”

“They’ll be heartbroken.” He frowns. “I have plenty of room at my house if you decide to stay.” Levi waggles his brows, knowing it’ll piss me off.

“Is that so? Well, I might need to remember that.”

“Don’t play into his games,” I tell Oakley and scowl at Levi.

“What game? I’m being hospitable.”

Oakley snickers. “That’s more than Finn can say.”

“I already like her.” Levi smirks. “She’s a keeper.”

“She’s a pain in my ass,” I remind him as we pass a few of the craft booths.

Oakley snickers because only she knows the true meaning behind that.

Her gaze zeroes in on the table that has tiny canvases, paints, and brushes. “You never mentioned there was a painting booth.”

“Slipped my mind,” I admit. “But you should go show those kids who’s legit.”

Two little girls smear random colors on their canvases and then glance up at us. Oakley walks over and kneels beside them.

Levi and I stand back and chat as Oakley praises the kids’ artwork. She’s mesmerizing, and I can’t take my eyes off her.

“So you wanna tell me what’s really going on between you two?” Levi asks, crossing his arms over his broad chest.

“What do you mean?” I furrow my brow.

“Don’t play dumb. I’ve known you way too long.”

I shrug him off. “Not sure what you’re talking about.”

“You like her,” he says softly. “Not that I can blame you. She’s gorgeous.”

“She’s too young. And leaves in two days.”

After Oakley finishes her painting that’s the size of her palm, she strolls toward us. “I painted you something.”

“Let me see.”

“Hold out your hand and close your eyes.”

“Oakley,” I warn because I know Levi is eating this shit up, but I can’t deny her.

I sigh and do what she asks.

“Alright, you can look now,” she tells me after placing it in my hand.

I hold it upward and see it’s a heart with an F&O in the middle.

“You two, Jesus.” Levi shakes his head. “Get married already.”

Right as the words leave his mouth, Aspen prances by.

Levi’s laugh slightly fades as Aspen shoots daggers at him. Then when she notices me watching her, she flips a switch.

“Levi!” She shrills in that high-pitched fake voice that’s worse than nails scratching down a chalkboard. “How’ve you been? Almost didn’t recognize you without your axe,” she says, flashing her cunty smile.

“Aspen,” I warn, not wanting to deal with her right now.

Levi chuckles, sweeping hair out of his face. Not much annoys him as he’s always had a naturally bubbly personality, but if one person grates on his nerves, it’s my ex.

“Aspen…” he says, forced and firm. “I can’t believe you found room to park your broom.”

Oakley holds back laughter as Aspen blinks fast. She acts like he literally slapped her. “Good seeing ya, Santa ,” she snarls, then flashes her eyes between Oakley and me.

I hold my breath until she’s out of sight.

Oakley looks at Levi. “Okay, that was funny. But what did she mean by the axe and Santa comments?”

“My family owns a Christmas tree farm on the outskirts of Maplewood Falls, and I live in a big mountain cabin on the property. She likes to make fun of me for it but forgets I’m the one who knows how to chop wood and use a deadly tool.”

Oakley laughs, and I shake my head as he brags about his skills. “That sounds so cool. How fun!”

Levi instantly perks up again. “I think so too. It’s the best time of the year.”

“You gotta ignore people who don’t understand your passions,” Oakley tells him.

“Trust me, I’m not worried about Aspen. She has never liked me or anyone who had Finn’s best interest in mind.” He turns to me. “I’m so glad you didn’t end up with her.”

“Same,” Oakley and I both say.

“Geez, you even talk in unison.” Levi glances between us, then waves at someone across the way.

“Hey, I’ll catch up with you two in a little while. I have to chat with James.”

I glare at Levi. “Please tell me you aren’t betting on football games with my grandpa again? If my mom finds out you two are back at it, you’re done .”

“Pfft, your mom loves me more than you,” he gloats, and that might be true. “Anyway, nice meeting you, Oakley. Hope we can hang out some more before you leave. I’d love to learn more about your art.”

“That’d be nice,” she admits, then grabs my hand again as Levi jogs through the crowd.

“Thanks for the artwork,” I tell Oakley. “I think out of all the paintings you’ve done this week, this one’s the best.”

She snorts. “Now, if you want to hang that one above your toilet, go for it.”

“Oh, I planned on it.”

We wait in line for curly fries from one of the food trucks and then share a bag of cotton candy. Afterward, Oakley gets a caramel apple, but I pass. I’ve eaten enough of them as a kid to last me two lifetimes.

Once we’ve seen most of the activities, I check the time.

“We need to go get your other painting,” I remind her, so we walk hand in hand down the path to my truck.

“Has Aspen always treated Levi that way?” she asks.

“Yeah. I was stupid to ignore it and should’ve noticed all her red flags.”

Oakley squeezes my fingers. “At least he can give it as good as she tries to.”

“Levi’s not one to back down. He’s too nice most of the time, but when it comes to her passive-aggressive comments, he always puts her in her place.”

“Must’ve been uncomfortable for your girlfriend and best friend not to get along.”

“It was. Honestly, I should’ve put a stop to it a long time ago, but it’s not my problem anymore.”

Once I unlock the truck, she grabs the inn painting, and I set the tiny heart canvas on the dash. When we return to the celebration, we find hay bales in front of the stage to sit and wait.

The band warms up and opens with a Beatles cover. I check my watch, realizing we have a little under an hour before it’s showtime.

“I like Levi. He seems like a nice guy,” Oakley tells me, sitting so damn close, I can feel her body warmth.

“He’s always been one of the friendliest, kindest people I’ve ever known. The man wouldn’t harm a fly and would give anyone the shirt off his back in the middle of a snowstorm if they needed it. That’s how he’s always been.”

“Hard to believe he’s not married.”

Right as I’m about to speak, my cousin Jessa plops down on the other side of me. I nearly knock Oakley off the edge, then hurry and catch her while keeping hold of the canvas.

“Jessa!” I growl, turning toward her.

“Oops, sorry,” Jessa hurries to help Oakley, who’s laughing at her antics. “I didn’t realize I had so much oomph in my trunk.”

“It’s fine. I think I need to find a bathroom, though,” Oakley admits, and I can tell she’s growing more nervous.

“The inn will be your best bet,” I tell her. “Do you want me to walk you?”

“No, it’s fine. I’ll be right back.”

I watch as she walks away, then when I turn to Jessa, she’s grinning like a fool.

“You’re in love with her.”

I make a face. “What?”

“Dude, it’s so ridiculously obvious. Tell me…is this girlfriend act real or fake?”

“Shush,” I say, looking around, making sure no one is within earshot because she’s being loud as fuck. “It’s whatever you want it to be since you’re apparently the expert.”

“I knew it.”

I groan. “Sometimes you’re overly annoying.”

“And sometimes you’re extremely transparent. I need the real story. Did you set this fake dating scheme up on purpose?”

“Give me a break. None of this was planned. I didn’t know Aspen’s spaceship was invading the farm this week.”

She snorts. “And they say you’ll meet the love of your life when you least expect it.”

“It’s not like those books you read. Trust me.” Then I remember Oakley’s audiobook and almost take it back. It’s exactly like that.

“We’ll see. I’d almost be willing to make a bet you two end up together,” she muses.

“A bet?”

“Yeah. When is Oakley leaving again?”

“Monday.”

“Well, I’m betting she doesn’t ,” Jessa states with confidence rolling off her, and I can’t stand it when she acts like a know-it-all.

“She already has her plane ticket booked, Jessa. Don’t shake on things you’ll lose.”

“If you’re so confident, then let’s shake on it. Two hundred bucks.”

“Two hundred? Pfft. Double it and you have a deal.”

“Double that and then we do. Unless you’re too scared.” Jessa holds out her hand and waits for me to take it.

“You’re being way too cocky.” I shake it. “She’s not staying.”

“You better pay up when I win.” Jessa grins confidently.

I see Sebastian waving her over, and she nods.

“I should feel guilty for taking your money, but I’ll be too busy swimming in fifties,” I gloat before she walks away.

“We’ll see,” she calls out over her shoulder.

A few minutes later, Oakley returns. “Sometimes when I get nervous, my bladder rebels.”

I grab her hand and thread my fingers through hers. “Good to know. Hey, what time does your flight leave on Monday? Don’t think you’ve told me.”

She frowns. “Seven. I’m supposed to be there at five. I’m sorry.”

“Nah, it’s fine. Happy to take you.” I smile, knowing Jessa is fucked and will have to pay up.

Oakley looks around as more people take the empty seats. I hand her the painting she made for my grandmother and wrap my arm around her shoulder.

Fifteen minutes later, the band finishes their first set and my aunt and uncle, parents, and grandparents walk up on stage. My mother taps the microphone.

“Hello? Whoa. Wow . Hot mic. We wanted to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for coming to our family’s centennial celebration. It’s our honor to be able to thank you for one hundred years of business.” Mom waves over my aunt, who shakes her head, so Grandma steps up.

“Yes, thank you so very much. My parents had always dreamed of owning an apple orchard, and my father hand planted the first trees himself. Without the decades of support from the community, we wouldn’t have lasted this long.” She continues with more history about the farm, and although she’s repeated it dozens of times, I still enjoy hearing her describe the hardships and successes.

I turn around and take pictures of everyone who’s here. At least eight hundred people are in attendance, maybe even more. While Grandma speaks, kids play in the field, chasing one another.

“While you’re all here and enjoying yourselves, I wanted to share something I’ve dreamed of having for years. It’s something that we can all cherish. Oakley?” Grandma calls out, scanning through the crowd. She blocks her eyes from the sun with her hand, and Oakley stands and waves. “Come up here, sweetheart. I’d like for you to do the honors.”

I grin. “Go ahead.”

She makes her way up and meets my grandma on stage.

“I first learned about Oakley Benson’s work online. Yes, before any of you say anything, I know how to use a computer,” Grandma adds, and laughter breaks out. “Anyway, I emailed her and nearly begged for her to come out and paint a scene for the farm. She’s also dating my grandson.”

My cheeks heat. This is not what I expected her to do.

“Stand up, Finn! Wave at everyone.”

I force a smile and do as she says. Oakley beams as she moves closer to the microphone. She clears her throat, and I can see her blood pumping hard by the pulse in her neck. It’s adorable to see her so nervous.

“Mrs. Bennett. Before the big reveal, I’d like to give you a small gift, a thank you for giving me a chance.”

Grandma looks surprised as Oakley hands her the small canvas. Instant tears roll down her face, as I expected. As my aunt and Mom surrounded Grandma, Oakley takes the opportunity to pull the sheet from the large painting.

The audience breaks out in applause and gives her a standing ovation. Oakley’s overwhelmed by everyone’s reaction as she wipes her cheeks. My entire family grows emotional as they admire the painting. Even my grandpa has tears rolling down his face. The fact that she was able to paint something so realistic in such a short amount of time proves how incredible of an artist she is.

“I’m speechless,” Grandma says, and the crowd laughs. She thanks everyone for coming again and hordes of people move closer to the stage to look at Oakley’s masterpiece.

Several people ask her for business cards as she makes her way toward me, but she directs them to her Instagram page for all her contact information. After Oakley fights her way to me, she smiles and falls into my arms.

“They loved it.”

“I’m so happy they did.”

“Me too,” I admit.

“Ready for that hayride I promised earlier?”

She reaches for my hand. “Let’s do it!”

As we make our way past the crowd, chatting about Grandma telling everyone we were dating, we’re interrupted.

“Oakley Benson?” a voice I recognize shouts above the chatter.

We both turn, and I realize it’s Mayor Myers running toward us.

“Apologies for yelling your name like that, but I wanted to catch you before you left.” He sucks in air, then continues, “We’re having a town fall festival next weekend to commemorate autumn. We held an emergency board meeting since everyone was here, and we’d like you to paint for us next weekend.”

Oakley’s eyes widen, and for a moment, she’s speechless.

“Please. Money isn’t an issue,” he adds as he waits.

That’s when I remember that damn bet I made with Jessa and know she’s somehow behind this. Fucking cheater.

Oakley looks at me, and I hope with every inch of my being that she’ll say yes even though I’ll be in the hole eight hundred bucks. But I don’t care. I’d empty my savings for another week with her. Call me selfish, but I’m not ready for her to leave yet. Not when each time I look at her, my heart skips a damn beat.

A few seconds pass as the mayor and I wait with bated breath for her answer. And for a moment, when she hesitates, I’m afraid she’ll say no.