by Claire Adams
"I do, but we can spend the day together." He squeezed my shoulders from behind. "I'll teach you to snowboard."
"Yeah. Okay. I'd like that," I agreed. I pulled from him and worked to finish my breakfast. My father kissed the top of my head before leaving, which was a surprise. The last time we'd hugged or kissed had been the day I left for college five years ago.
* * * *
I pulled up the address for Warner Removal Services and plugged it in my GPS before changing into a pair of jeans, a cute sweater, and knee-high boots. I fixed my hair and put on a little bit of lip gloss. We were just going to be friends, so I needed to look nice, but not hot.
I checked my appearance one more time before letting out an angry growl and leaving the house. I would always find a million things wrong with me. It seemed to be one of the criteria for being a woman in my early twenties.
I made it to Finn's father's shop within twenty minutes and then sat in the parking lot, trying to decide how to go about getting his number. Maybe one of the other guys that worked with him would just give it to me. I didn't think talking to his dad was a good idea seeing that my dad and him had some bad blood between them.
It was already ten, and the day was moving by quickly. If Finn had asked off to spend it with me, like he said he was going to, I wanted to get it started.
Getting out of the SUV, I pulled my scarf tighter and walked up to the large hanger doors that were open. No one was standing outside, so I walked in and looked around. The building was like a mechanic's shop, with various machines and plows all over the place. I wasn't sure where to go and was quickly losing my nerve.
"Hello?" I called out and slid my hands into my pockets.
A stocky older man with a buzz-cut and piercing blue eyes walked out from the back. His flannel shirt and jeans fit him well. He was attractive by anyone’s standards.
"Morning, ma'am. How can I help you?"
As he moved closer, I realized from the resemblance that he was Finn's dad. How could he and my father have so much in common and yet hate each other? Both of their wives were deceased, they both loved Aspen, and both owned their own companies. Seemed like they would be the best of friends.
Odd.
I extended my hand and smiled. "I'm Chloe. I'm looking for Finn. I assume he works here."
The man smiled warmly and took my hand. "I'm Clark, his father. Nice to meet you."
"The pleasure is all mine." I glanced around and turned back to Clark. "He promised me he would call in sick and spend the day showing me the town, but don't tell his boss."
He chuckled and released my hand. "Did he now?"
"He did, but there's a problem with his promise." I lifted an eyebrow, liking the guy in front of me already.
"There usually is with that boy."
"He didn't get my number and I don't have his." I shrugged.
"Well, come on in here and let's call him together. We'll have him stop by and surprise him. What do you think?" He nodded and walked back toward the open door at the back of the warehouse.
Pulling one over on Finn was far better than just getting his number. I followed him and forced down the giggle that burned inside my chest.
"Were you part of the clubbing party Saturday night?" Clark glanced over his shoulder at me.
"I was, but I took Brian home and then went home myself. I think Finn was a little put off with us leaving him with all the drunks, but he took care of them. I was impressed. I'd have left them there." I took a seat as he motioned for me to inside a cramped office filled with papers and parts.
"He's a good boy, just needs a good woman to get his ass on track."
I smirked and turned my attention to the small picture sitting on Clark's desk as he put the call to Finn on speaker phone.
"Can I?" I asked, reaching for the picture.
"Of course. That's my Sara. She passed ten years ago. Best woman in the world." His eyes grew misty as I looked up, and sadness rolled over me for his loss.
The picture was at Christmas. Sara, Clark, and a teenage Finn were all dressed up to go skiing. The smiles on their faces were warm and full of love. Tears burned my eyes and I set the picture down, trying to not let them fall, but it didn't work.
Clark hung up the phone and shook his head.
"He's not up." He looked over at me as his eyes widened. "Oh, honey. You don't need to cry."
I took the Kleenex he handed me and dabbed my eyes. "I lost my mom eight years ago. Finn and I talked about it a little the other day, but he seemed so closed off to it."
Clark crossed his hands over his stomach and nodded. "I guess you have to be when part of your world dissipates."
"Yes, Sir. I think me, my brother, and my daddy are to."
"What did you say your last name was, sweetie?" He stood as the sound of Finn's voice shocked both of us.
I flinched, not wanting to give it up and yet not willing to lie. "It's Burke."
His eyes widened a little and his expression changed, but I could see him forcing himself not to respond.
"Dad? Where are you? Shit. I need access to a cl-" Finn stopped in his tracks as I looked over my shoulder at him.
"Nope. You don't. All client files are confidential." I stood and laughed as the two men around me did, as well.
"She's right boy, and she gave you up on calling in. You're lucky I like her." Clark pressed his hands to the desk and looked up at me. "Have fun. Be good to my boy."
"Yes, Sir." I smiled and moved toward Finn, taking the hand he offered me.
I didn't know what happened between our dads, but maybe Finn did. One thing was for sure, I was determined to find out.
Chapter 14
Finn
Finding Chloe in my father's office almost caused my heart to stop, and yet something was so right about her being there. I watched the way my old man interacted with her and my heart melted. Never in my life had I been in love. To think I was with Chloe was ridiculous, and yet I wanted her to stay in Aspen. She would fit into my life and I into hers. I needed to get to know her better before really coming to that conclusion, but something deep inside of me told me that it was already a given.
I winked at my dad and walked out with the pretty blonde, my hand tightly wrapped around hers. I shook my head at her when she tried to tug out of my grasp.
"Heck, no. You trip on nothingness. There are tools and wires everywhere in here. You should come with your own warning sign." I smiled and ducked as her other hand swung at my chest.
"Hey. Maybe I meant to trip to see if any hot guys would step in and save me," she said as her cheeks colored. I opened the door to the truck on her side. We could get her SUV later. I wanted to spend as much time in her presence as she would allow.
"Nobody accidentally trips as much as you." I smiled and helped her into the car. "You want to get a cup of coffee at the shop by the slopes?"
"Yeah, but I don't want to ski today. Kills my legs and I promised my little brother I would take him out tomorrow. He's going to teach me to snowboard."
I narrowed my eyes playfully and shut the door on her side before jogging over to my side and getting in.
"What was the look for?" She turned on the heater after I started the truck.
"I want to teach you to snowboard." I tugged off my hat and breathed warm air against my hands.
"Come with us. He's supposedly good at it, but I know he's looking to get better."
"I have to work tomorrow, but if you guys can wait until I get off, I'm all for it." I pulled out of the parking lot and glanced back to see my father and Milly standing in the open door, his arm around her shoulders as they watched us leave.
I prayed something would become of them. The old man needed a woman as bad as I did.
"We'll wait for you." She leaned in and pressed her hands to the heaters. "My brother is going to a sleepover tomorrow night and my father's going out of town. You want to maybe snowboard with us and then come over? I'll make dinner and we can watch a movie or s
omething."
Damn, things were changing fast.
I glanced over at her as my heart swelled in my chest. She was a vision of beauty and so much more than I deserved to be around, even as just a friend.
"I'd love to, but that sure sounds like a date. Friends don't date." I chuckled at the look she gave me.
"I said snowboarding, dinner, and a movie, not skinny dipping and an all-night fuck-fest."
I growled low in my chest as my body woke up and lust rolled through me. "Watch it."
"What?" She gave me an innocent look and I thought to threaten her with a spanking, but kept it to myself. Just the vision of spanking her caused my mind to wander down one dark alley after another. By the time we arrived at the coffee shop, I was having trouble breathing.
"You okay?" Chloe reached over and touched my arm.
"Yeah. Just getting a cold, I think. Ignore me." I got out of the truck and pulled my scarf off. It was freezing outside, but I was burning up.
She walked around the truck and lifted her hand to press the back of her fingers against my head. "You're sweating, Finn. I think you have a fever for real. We don't have to hang out today. Seriously."
Telling her that I thought I was having withdrawals from sex would sound insanely creepy, so that wasn't happening. I pulled her hand down and intertwined mine with hers.
"It's nothing. Just hot for you."
She chuckled. "Friends don't get hot for each other."
"Tell that to my fever." I walked to the coffee shop and held the door open for her.
She moved past me, and I breathed in subtly, wanting to smell the scent that was uniquely hers. Remaining friends was going to be an exercise in restraint. As long as we weren't alone, snuggled up, and watching a movie – like she wanted to do tomorrow night – we'd be fine.
I rolled my eyes and moved up to the counter, letting out a long breath and glancing up at the menu.
"Finn Warner. How are you?" A cute blonde moved up beside me and wrapped her arm around my back, giving me an awkward hug from the side.
"Good, girl. How about you?" I smiled at her and tugged from her hold. The last time an ex-lover approached, Chloe was long gone by the time I could get free.
"I'm great. You were supposed to call me. " She giggled and pawed at my chest.
I tugged Chloe up beside me and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm so rude. This is my fiancée, Chloe. She's from California."
She stiffened in my hold, but extended her hand and introduced herself. I chuckled as the other girl rolled her eyes and walked out of the coffee shop.
"Does this happen a lot to you?" Chloe looked up at me and I realized she was still tucked under my arm. I wanted to kiss her so bad it hurt.
"More than I care to discuss." I released her and looked up at the menu. "Black coffee for me and whatever my girl's having."
I moved to the pickup counter, letting her order as I fingered through the chocolate bars, trying to decide if something sweet was in order for so early in the morning.
She moved up beside me and bumped her shoulder against mine. "I'm not your girl, Finn. Stop telling people that."
"Why? You on the market?" I lifted an eyebrow and pushed back against her shoulder.
"No. I'm just looking for a friend, remember?"
"Right, and a good friend would let all these other hungry fools think that you belong to him so that they leave you alone." I moved back and took my coffee as the barista put it in front of me. "Please don't lie and tell me that no other guys have hit on you while you've been here."
"A few, I guess." She took her coffee and nodded in agreement. "I see your point. I'm good with you calling me yours to spare me more attention and to help you cover the trail for the hookers after your body."
"They are, aren't they?" I smirked.
"They are, what? Hookers?"
"No, baby. After this sexy body. Jeez." I chuckled as she pretended to gag. "You know you want it."
"So bad." She fanned herself and rolled her eyes while walking to a small table near the window.
If only she were telling the truth. I could see her underneath me, lost to passion in a way that only I could give to her. I wanted that moment so bad, and yet I needed to leave it alone. It would consume me if I wasn't careful.
"How long do I get you today and what's on the agenda?" I sat down and leaned over to blow at the top of my coffee.
"As long as you want, but I have to do some research. My father's funding my clothing line in January, as I mentioned."
"You did. I assume your degree is in design?"
"Yes, from UCLA."
"Right, so why the research? Something to do with your old man?"
"Yeah. He wants me to come up with a new windbreaker by Thursday that's not only functionally better than most that are already available, but is modern, fashionable. On point."
"On point?" I lifted my eyebrow and smirked.
"Never mind." She grinned and played with the top of her drink. "Let's go to a few clothing stores and we'll try on windbreakers together. I need to figure out a few things about both men's and women's. You're going to be my Guinea pig. That okay?"
"Sure, but I'll need your help later, too." I took a drink of my coffee and tried to keep my expression straight.
"Absolutely. Doing what?" Her green eyes searched my face, and I tucked my hand under my leg to keep from reaching out and touching the side of her face.
"Research for the fastest way to bring a woman to orgasm." I glanced down and chuckled as she slapped my arm and yelped.
"Jesus, Finn. For real?"
I looked up and couldn't stop laughing. "No, baby. I'm kidding...unless."
"No. Absolutely not. You're so fucking corrupt."
"But you like it." I tugged my hand free and reached for her before I could stop myself. I tilted my head to the side and slid my fingers along her cheek, loving the beautiful innocence that sat on her. "Tell me you like it."
She stared at me for a moment and I wished I knew what she was thinking. At least, she hadn’t shoved my hand away.
“Even if I do, it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to start anything and then leave. But hey, I think you’re a good guy.”
She cupped her hand around mine, sealing the memory in my mind for when she would leave me.
* * * *
I walked towards her in a red jacket as she put on a thin white one.
"Now what?" I reached out and helped button the front of hers, not thinking twice about helping her, though she seemed a little stiff by my nearness. It felt too natural to me not to give into it.
"We need to go outside, but I'm not sure they'll let us." She pushed at me. "I can get it. Find another way to get your hands all over me. Jeez."
"Is that an invitation? Because I have a million excuses that will seem reasonable." I laughed and turned to find the nearest sales associate, motioning for him to join us.
"Yes, Sir. How can I help you?" He smiled and me as he turned his attention to Chloe, a smile slid across his face. I knew how he felt.
"We need to see how these feel outside. You got a place we can test them against the wind and cold?"
"Of course. That balcony right over there is open for you to use. It doesn't have another exit, except through the store, so feel free." He spoke to me, but kept his eyes on Chloe.
I coughed and got his attention before shaking my head. "Don't."
He adverted his eyes and walked away, clearing his throat and blushing.
"What was that?" Chloe laughed softly and nudged my arm.
The arm nudge was one step closer to the end game. Now, if we could just move to small kisses, just a friendly peck when the moment called for it. I wanted to taste her lips so damn bad, but I knew I'd have to wait for her to make that move. Patience wasn't anywhere near my strong suit.
"It was man-speak for 'stop looking at my girl or I'll bend your ass over.'" I winked and opened the door for her.
"But I'm not your gir
l." She lifted her eyebrows.
"You are for pretend, right? You're killing me over here. Are we together or are we not? I'm losing my shit, and you just don't understand me. You never have." I pulled at my hair and she laughed, slapping me before forcing a serious smile on her face.
"Be serious for a minute. I need to test these jackets out. My dad is a hard sell, and I really want to impress him." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before peaking back at me. "Close your eyes. You need to feel the jacket."
I rolled my eyes and snorted. "Oh, shit. Is this one of those California yoga things we're about to do?"
She laughed and hit my chest. "No, but you have to concentrate."
"I am, but I'm not closing my eyes. Ask your questions and let’s get into the next jacket." I leaned against the railing and watched her closely. There was a light inside of her that burned brighter when she was talking designs and colors. She was going to be great at what she did, and I realized that I wanted to support her in any way she would let me. I'd try on coats all damn day if that's what she needed.
"Why won't you close your eyes? Afraid of the dark?" She smirked and brushed her hands down her jacket as if trying to get a feel for it.
"Naw. I don't want to miss a minute of this."
"Of what?" She looked up as her smile faded.
"Of my time with you." I winked and moved toward her as tears filled her eyes again. "Well, damn. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to explain why I didn't want to close my eyes."
She reached up and pressed her hands to my chest as I pulled her into a hug. "It's not that, I just..."
"Just what? Tell me what I'm doing and I'll stop. There's no crying on shopping day. Jeez, girl. You didn't read the damn rules?" I leaned down and brushed my nose past hers, trying to get her to look into my eyes and see the good times I was trying to present.
She closed her eyes and moved up, pressing her lips to mine. That was it.
A floodgate broke loose inside of me. I moved one of my hands up to let my fingers slide into her long, silky hair as I tilted my head and pressed my tongue against her lips. I wanted in.
