by Marie Force
But now… Now, she’d be a fool to not at least consider the idea, and that had her thoughts spinning.
The only thing she knew for certain was how much she loved being with him. If only her worries about the future weren’t weighing so heavily on her mind, this would be the happiest time in her life. He was a truly great guy in every possible way, and the way he looked at her made her swoon on the inside.
Part of her wanted to say to hell with the worries and go all in with him. But something was holding her back from making that leap, and she suspected it was tied up in her concerns about what was ahead for her—and him if they were going to be a couple going forward.
Riley and Nikki were waiting for them on the porch of the Wayfarer, seated next to each other in rockers, holding hands as they swayed back and forth, the picture of contentment and commitment.
Once again, a powerful sense of yearning overtook her. She wanted what they had, and she wanted it with the man holding her hand, the man who’d changed his plans after meeting her, who made her feel safe and desired, who knew about her diagnosis and didn’t care. The information hadn’t changed anything for him. He would, however, continue to be careful with her, but only out of fear of hurting her. She could live with that.
In the time it took to come to those conclusions, she realized it was already too late to turn back, not that she wanted to. That didn’t mean she was no longer worried about becoming a burden to him, but that didn’t seem as important as it had before she’d told him about the RA. His immediate acceptance of her situation had been nothing short of remarkable.
Chloe took a deep breath and released it, trying to get her emotions in check so she wouldn’t ruin their evening by losing her composure. She was surprised when both Riley and Nikki hugged her like they were old friends.
“So glad you guys could come tonight.” Nikki led them into the Wayfarer. “Anthony has prepared a feast that Riley and I could never do justice to on our own. We’re supposed to act like regular customers from the second we walk in the door.”
They were greeted by a hostess, who showed them to the only table in the vast dining room that was set for guests. She handed them each a menu and told them that their server, Carlo, would be over in just a minute.
“So far so good,” Nikki said.
“If they can’t get that part right, you’re in trouble, babe,” Riley said.
Finn and Chloe laughed at the face Nikki made at him.
As the four of them studied the menus that were so new, they still smelled freshly printed, Carlo came over to offer them drinks.
“Where in the hell did you find him?” Riley asked, scowling after the young man had gone to get their drinks.
Nikki’s brows knitted with confusion. “Why? What’s wrong with him?”
“Absolutely nothing,” Chloe said, fanning her face.
“That!” Riley pointed to Chloe. “Exactly.”
“Oh my God, will you please shut it?” Nikki rolled her eyes. “He’s a college student in need of a summer job.”
“He looks like he could be an underwear model,” Chloe said.
Finn glanced at her, seeming amused. “Is that right?”
“Uh-huh.”
“How many male underwear models did you hire, anyway?” Riley asked.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
Riley put both elbows on the table and glared at her. “Yes, I would.”
“Down, boy. I’m too busy to ogle the waiters at work, and besides, why would I want to when I have my own underwear model waiting for me at home?”
While Riley grinned widely, Finn made puking noises.
“I’ve lost my appetite,” Finn said. “I still have nightmares about Riley in his underwear. I saw far too much of that shit growing up.”
“I’ll never see enough of it,” Nikki said, waggling her brows at Finn.
Smug with satisfaction, Riley sat back in his chair with a dopey smile on his face. “You see why I love her so much?”
“I don’t,” Finn said. “I don’t get it at all.”
Chloe busted up laughing. They were too funny—and very cute.
“Sorry to subject you to their nonsense, Chloe, but welcome to my life with these two. They’re a handful.”
“I’m much more than a handful,” Riley said, “as you well know.”
“Stop talking,” Nikki said to her boyfriend.
Chloe tried to smother her laughter behind her hand, but it snuck out anyway.
“Sorry my brother is so disgusting,” Finn said with a pointed look for Riley.
“How is speaking the truth disgusting?”
“Shut up,” Finn said.
Chloe laughed so hard, tears ran down her face.
“Chloe thinks I’m funny,” Riley said.
“She’s still new,” Nikki replied. “Give her time. Your charm wears off after a while.”
“That’s not what you said last night when I was—”
Nikki’s hand over his mouth ended that sentence prematurely, which was probably for the best.
Carlo returned with wine for Nikki, beers for the guys and ice water with lemon for Chloe. She missed having a glass of wine after work.
Finn moved closer to her and slid his arm around the back of her chair.
Riley’s brows lifted. “Things are getting cozy over there.”
“Mind your own business.”
Riley howled with laughter. “Like you did when I was first seeing Nik? Sorry, Chloe, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to mind my own business.”
Finn scowled at his brother.
“No problem,” Chloe said. “Something tells me he probably deserves whatever he gets.”
“Oh, you have no idea!”
“Tell her about the night we were out plowing snow,” Nikki said.
“Do we have to tell her about that?” Finn asked.
“Hell yes, we do,” Riley said. “So Nik and I are out at the bluffs minding our own business—”
“Which means having sex in the truck when he was supposed to be plowing snow,” Finn said.
“We were not having sex!” Nikki said.
“Yet,” Riley said. “Anyway, we’re minding our own business when he showed up, lit us up with his high beams and started in on the horn.”
“And then he broadcast what we were doing to everyone else on the radio,” Nikki said.
“I was just making sure you guys were okay. It was cold out there, and if you were having engine trouble…”
Riley lost it laughing. “Whatever. You’re the same pain in the ass you’ve always been. Mom and Dad should’ve quit with perfection. Instead, they ruined everything when they had you.”
Finn scoffed. “You would’ve been so bored without me around.”
Their “argument” ended when Carlo approached the table to offer the chef’s list of specials. They gave him their full attention as he recited the details from memory.
Chloe settled on the baked cod, while Nikki ordered one of the shrimp specials. Finn went with lobster and Riley with the filet mignon.
Nikki also ordered the charcuterie for the table.
“What the hell is charcuterie?” Riley asked.
“It’s a meat and cheese board,” Finn said. “You heathen.”
“Why can’t you just call it that, then?”
“Because,” Nikki said, “charcuterie is a much better word.”
“It’s stupid,” Riley said.
“You’re stupid,” Finn retorted.
Riley laughed. “Damn, that was a softball.”
Finn pretended to swing a bat. “That I knocked right out of the park.”
“Is it always like this?” Chloe asked Nikki.
“Pretty much.”
“How do you stand them?”
“Small doses,” Nikki said in a stage whisper.
“Oh, stop it,” Finn said. “Don’t listen to Nicholas. She loves us. We renovated her entire house this winter.”
; “They did do that,” Nikki said. “They have their uses.”
Riley snorted.
“Do not say it,” Nikki said, “or you’ll never get it again.”
“Yes, dear.”
Finn hooted with laughter. “She’s got you by the short hairs, bro.”
“Pipe down,” Chloe said to Finn, “or you’ll be feeling the pain in your short hairs. Bro.”
“Oh, I like her,” Riley said. “I like her so much.”
Finn smiled at her as he twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. “So do I.”
* * *
“What a fun evening,” Chloe said as they walked to his truck after being fed to within an inch of their lives. “They are so cute together.”
“They really are. In case it wasn’t obvious in there, I adore them both.”
“It was very obvious—and they adore you right back.”
“I hope you know the BS between me and Riley is all in good fun. He’s my best friend.”
“I totally got that. You’re really lucky to have each other. I always wanted a sibling.”
“You’re more than welcome to Riley. He’s a lot of work.”
Chloe laughed. “He would say that you are, too.”
“Of course he would. That’s how we roll.”
“I loved the story about the snowplowing. I can’t believe you did that to them!”
“Oh please. That had to be done. They were right out there begging to be caught.”
“You know that payback is going to be a bitch, right?”
“He’s nowhere near as clever as I am.”
“Sure, he isn’t.”
Finn held the passenger door open, helped her into the truck and stole a kiss. “You fit right in with us.”
“Did I?”
“Uh-huh. It was awesome. They like you almost as much as I do.”
She cupped his cheek, sending a shiver through his body. Her touch set him on fire, and seeing her interact so effortlessly with Riley and Nikki had only made him want her more than he already did.
“I hope it was okay that Nikki asked about your hand.” She’d explained away the swelling by calling it an infection.
“It was fine. I know my hands are unsightly.”
“No, they’re not.”
“Yes, they really are. No need to sugarcoat it.”
Finn took the hand that was on his face and placed a gentle kiss on her inflamed knuckles. “I’m meeting with my uncle in the morning to ask him about the feasibility of a salon and spa at the Wayfarer.”
“I told you that you don’t have to do that, Finn. It’s not your problem.”
“I know it isn’t. I think it would be a brilliant addition to our business or I wouldn’t ask. If it also helps you out, all the better.”
“You’ve got this all figured out, don’t you?”
“Not entirely, but I’m working on it.” Finn kissed her again, put her seat belt on her and closed the door. He ran around to the driver’s side and hopped in to drive her home, hoping she’d invite him in because he was dying to be alone with her. Tonight had been awesome—the food, the company, the laughs. Finn had meant it when he said she fit right in with the three of them. She’d more than held her own in a tough crowd, and that pleased him tremendously.
She pleased him tremendously.
Every minute with her only confirmed his initial reaction to her had been spot-on and his decision to stay on Gansett with her for the summer had been the right move. After spending time with her these last few days, he couldn’t imagine moving away from her. The implications that came with such a realization weren’t lost on him. He had fallen in love with her, and it had been the best fall of his life.
If only he could be certain she was right there with him, everything in his world would be perfect. But he wasn’t sure, and he couldn’t come right out and ask her. Not yet anyway.
After lunch with his uncle, he was meeting Riley to shop for a ring for Nikki. He would take the opportunity to talk to Riley about it. And if necessary, he’d consult with his dad, too. He needed all the advice he could get to successfully navigate this relationship.
When his cell phone rang, Finn pulled it from his pocket and took the call without checking the caller ID.
“You son of a bitch!” Missy’s shrill scream startled him.
Keeping his eyes on the road, he pressed the button to turn off his phone. “Sorry about that.”
“She doesn’t give up.”
“I never knew she was like this.” Yes, you did. You knew she had a hint of crazy in her, and you liked that about her. “Well, that’s not entirely true. She was always a little much, but not like this.”
“I’m worried that we haven’t seen the last of her.”
“You have nothing to worry about where she’s concerned.”
“I have you to worry about.”
Had six words ever packed a greater punch? Not that Finn could recall. “That’s very sweet of you to say, but I can take care of myself. And besides, after what she pulled yesterday, she wouldn’t dare step foot on this island again. Blaine told her to go and stay gone.”
“Doesn’t mean she will. You need to be vigilant.”
“I will. Don’t worry about me.”
“Too late. I’m already worried.”
“Why does that make me so damned happy?”
“Because you’re sick and twisted?”
Finn laughed. “If being happy that you care about me is sick and twisted, then so be it.”
“I do care.”
He took hold of her hand—carefully—and raised it to his lips. “I care, too. Far more than I should after what? A week?”
“Is it even that?”
“I’ve lost track. I never believed in things like this.”
“Things like what?”
“Lightning striking when you lay eyes on a total stranger and see everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“Finn…”
“Too much, too soon. I know that, but it’s true.” So much for staying cool and not driving her away by wanting her too much. He kept his mouth shut the rest of the way to her house. When he pulled into her driveway and killed the engine, he looked over at her. “I’m sorry if I’m too honest, but I can’t seem to be any other way with you. That day in the salon? Total lightning strike.”
Her small smile went a long way toward alleviating his fear that he’d freaked her out. “It was for me, too.”
Finn leaned across the center console.
She met him halfway, her lips connecting with his and setting him on fire with a craving for more of her.
“Invite me in.”
“I have to get some sleep tonight.”
“I’ll let you sleep. I promise.”
The look she gave him was full of skepticism.
“I will. I promise.” In a whisper, he added, “After.”
Chloe laughed and opened the passenger door. “Come on, then.”
Finn felt like a kid on Christmas as he got out of the truck and followed her inside.
Chapter 24
“Mac.” He surfaced from deep sleep to realize Maddie was shaking him awake.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. I feel weird.”
That quickly, he was wide awake. He sat up, turned on the bedside light and was startled to find her wide-eyed and pale. She’d been fine at bedtime. They’d both been worn out, so they’d gone to bed right after they got the kids down. “Weird how?”
“My heart is racing, and I feel sweaty.”
“How long?”
“About an hour now.”
“An hour? Why didn’t you wake me up sooner?”
“You’ve been so tired lately. I didn’t want to bother you.”
“Madeline, you know better. If you need me, wake me up.”
“Maybe we can have this fight later?”
Mac nodded and picked up the phone to call Janey since she was the closest.
“M
mm, what?”
“Maddie isn’t feeling well. I need to take her to the clinic. Can you come stay with the kids?”
“What’s wrong with her?”
“I don’t know. Can you come?”
“I’m on the way.”
Mac ended that call and made another to Victoria, who’d given them her personal cell phone number ages ago.
“This is Victoria.” She sounded alert and wide awake.
“It’s Mac McCarthy. Maddie is feeling strange—her heart is racing and she’s sweaty.”
“Can you meet me at the clinic?”
“We’ll be there in fifteen minutes. I’m sorry to wake you.”
“I’m already there with another patient. I’ll see you shortly.”
To Maddie, Mac said, “Vic is at the clinic and will be watching for us. Let’s get you dressed, honey.”
Maddie’s big eyes filled with tears. “Is it happening again, Mac?”
“No.” It couldn’t happen again. He wouldn’t let it. “Everything is fine. I’m sure of it. Let’s get you to the clinic so Victoria can confirm it.”
She nodded, but he could see that she didn’t completely believe his assurances.
Hell, he didn’t either, but assurances were all he had.
Mac helped her into yoga pants and a sweatshirt of his that she’d “borrowed” from him while pregnant with Hailey and had never given back, which was fine with him. He loved the way his zip-up sweatshirt looked on her. After he zipped it over her bountiful breasts, he drew her into his arms. “Breathe, baby. Everything’s okay.”
“How do you know that?”
“I just have a very strong feeling that I’m meant to be the father of three little girls who will drive me mad the same way their gorgeous, incredible mother does.”
“You feel that? You really do?”
“I really do.” He gazed down at the stunning face of the woman who had changed his life. “Breathe.”
She took a shaky breath and let it out.
“Keep doing that.” Light flickered into the room from headlights in the driveway. “There’s Janey. Let’s go.” He took Maddie’s hand and led her down the stairs as Janey came pounding up the outside stairs. Mac released Maddie’s hand to admit his sister, who was wild-eyed and sporting bed head that would’ve amused him at any other time. “Thanks for coming.”
