You Make It Easy: A best friend's brother romance (Love in Everton Book 5)
Page 5
Finn: Uh oh. That doesn’t sound convincing
Abbie: It was a decent first date. We’re going out again tonight
Finn: That’s good then
Abbie: Yeah thanks. Your advice was helpful
Finn: No problem. If you get stuck tonight, just pretend you’re talking to me
Abbie: I’ll try that. Thanks
I drop my body back on the bed, nicking the back of my head on the headboard. “Ow,” I rub the stinging pain. My date with Nick was okay. It wasn’t anything special and he wasn’t the guy, but I figured it’d make good dating practice, so when he asked to go out tonight, I said yes. It surprised me since I figured Saturdays would be hectic for him since he’s a restaurant manager.
He’s definitely no charming cowboy that I’ve recently started to crush on. Spending time with Finn these past few days have me tied in knots. Of course, I’ve noticed he’s handsome, but now I’m starting to realize there’s more to him. He’s funny, kind, and supportive. I’ve seen a different side of him lately, and I’m intrigued to know more. He offered to help me expecting nothing in return when he could be off doing God knows what.
But that is one person who is completely off-limits. How can I like Averly’s brother?
Besides, I’ve seen the girls Finn dates. They’re all gorgeous, impeccable, and sexy. I am the total opposite with my plain, brown hair, lack of makeup knowledge, and no real curves. I wouldn’t reach five feet eight inches if I wore six-inch heels. And trust me, no one wants to see me attempt to walk into those death shoes.
I’m not the kind of girl men drool over, but I’m okay with that. I just want to meet the one man who will love me for me, understand my obsession with Harry Potter, and my love for reading. Is that too much to ask?
Apparently, in a town like Everton, it is.
I close my eyes, shifting on the bed until I’m comfortable again and hug the comforter to my chest. I can sleep for a few more hours.
I squeeze my eyes tighter, willing sleep to return, but it’s hopeless. I peek open one eye and take in the glow of the sun coming in through the drapes covering my window. I’ll never go back to sleep.
My bare feet land on the hardwood floor as I get out of bed and pad to my kitchen, preparing a pot of coffee. While it brews, I turn on my laptop and check my emails. I sent Lia and Axel a preview of a few photos from their wedding and promised I’d send the rest of the album today. I want to give them a disc with the copies, so I hope they’ll be free tomorrow afternoon.
I smile as I read Lia’s reply. Her excitement travels through the computer screen. This is what I love. Capturing memories for people, being a part of their special day, and helping them relive it over and over again for years to come.
Photography was something that started on a whim when I needed an extra elective in high school, and the only course that fit into my schedule was a photography class. It turned out I had a natural talent and only got better as I explored it through my undergrad degree.
It’s what I’ve been doing for fifteen years since that high school class. First for a grade, then for fun, until I turned it into my career. I can’t imagine myself sitting at a desk in a cubicle all day. This job is my dream, what I’m meant to do.
The aroma of coffee hits me, and I stand to prepare a cup. There’s nothing better than coffee in the morning, but ever since I moved to this house, I realized I was missing something—enjoying my morning coffee while being out in nature. It’s become a routine now, and I can’t think of a better place. I should buy a small table and chairs for the front yard, or maybe back. This house sits on a piece of land that belongs to the Coopers, so the only difference between the front and back yard is which door it faces.
A small chill travels through me as I step outside and sit on the steps. I inhale the fresh air, cleansing my lungs before I take a sip of the steaming coffee. Mmm… I close my eyes and get lost in the sounds—swishing wind, chirping birds, trees rustling. I can’t believe I wanted to stay in the center of town when I could be surrounded by this beauty.
The mountain peaks stand tall in the distance, the trees separating to give me enough of a view. I hear shuffling coming from somewhere nearby, and I turn my head in all directions, looking for what could be making the sound. I stand and lean over the handrail and see a deer. I smile and hold my breath so that I don’t scare it away. I wish I had my camera out here so I could capture a photo.
It roams around freely before looking up and seeing me. Startled, it runs away, and I finally understand the saying: A deer caught in headlights.
Giggling to myself, I wrap my hand around the coffee mug on the steps and settle back to finish drinking it. This is the kind of peace that fuels my soul.
…
Abbie: This date sucked big time
Finn: What happened?
Abbie: It was so boring. The conversation definitely didn’t flow. It was just awkward
Abbie: And I spilled my cup of pop all over the table
Finn: Lol no way!
Abbie: Not funny.
Finn: It’s a little funny. Did you leave?
Abbie: Trust me we were both dying to cut it short.
Finn: Come to Clarke’s then. We’re all here
Abbie: Another time. I just wanna go home
My body slumps on the couch, and I kick off my sandals, one of them flying through the air. I cringe, but it misses the television by a few inches. It’s safe to say that I won’t be seeing Nick again.
It wasn’t even fun for a practice run. It was so slow and painful. I wanted to crawl out of the bathroom window and never look back. It amazes me how two people can hold conversations via messages, and then nothing more happens in person. I’d think that once we were talking in person that it would emphasize our compatibility, but I don’t think we really had any in the first place.
It didn’t help that when I pretended it was Finn I was talking to, my heart started to race. I got images of him and I at dinner together, and it wasn’t stunted back and forth. Instead, I was laughing at something he said as I sipped wine instead of pop.
Seriously, what is wrong with me? I can’t be fantasizing about Finn Cooper.
My lips flap with my exhale, and I turn on the television, hoping to God there’s something more entertaining than my date tonight.
As I stop on the channel showing Friends re-runs, I head into the fridge and take out a bottle of white wine I opened while I was getting ready for my date. I fill the wine glass to the top so I won’t have to get up again and lounge on the couch watching the show.
I take a hefty drink of the Chardonnay, almost spitting it out when Chandler says an inappropriate joke. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand and then pause. It’s no wonder I’m single with manners like these.
Shaking my head, I focus back on the TV and continue gulping my wine. A loud knock interrupts the scene between Monica and Rachel, and I freeze.
“Who is it?” I call out. My body feels too heavy from the wine to stand and answer.
“Finn,” I hear through the door.
“What?”
“It’s Finn, Abbie. Open up.”
I sigh and roll my eyes, placing my empty wine glass on the coffee table I had pulled closer to me, so I wouldn’t have to stretch so much to reach for my glass. I drag my feet to the door, stumbling a little.
“Hey, what are you doing here?” I ask as I swing open the door.
“I wanted to check in after your text messages about your date.”
“It was okay,” I wave him off.
“You said it sucked.” He raises his eyebrows, and his gaze sweeps across my face and down my body. I shiver, and Finn closes the door behind him, walking into my house.
“Friends,” he states, taking a seat on the couch.
“Uh…” I look at him, my nose scrunching up and eyebrows pulling in together. Is he going to stay?
“Tell me what happened.” He pats the cushion next to him with an easy smile.
“Were you yourself?” He lifts an eyebrow, challenging me.
I cross my arms over my chest. “Yes. Being myself also means I don’t strike up a conversation at the drop of a hat. The first date was smoother. Nick spoke more, I don’t know. It’s as if we ran out of things to talk about. It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m going to close my account on Perfect Match.” I lean back on the couch, closing my eyes.
“Why?”
“Because I haven’t had a real prospect in a couple of weeks. Not one message where it seems like the guy was truly interested. I don’t have the time or energy to weed through a ton of messages that are looking for a one-night-stand.” I open my eyes and look at Finn. His expression is hard, jaw clenched.
“Is there something wrong with me? There must be, right?” Tears well my eyes. “Tell me. You’re a guy. What’s wrong with me? Is it my hair? My clothes? Do I need to work out? Because I really don’t like to. Besides, I want a guy who likes me for me. I won’t change for a man. No way, Jose.” I ramble on and on, contradicting myself. “But there must be something wrong with me, right? Can you tell me?”
“Um…” Finn looks at me with bulged eyes.
“Oh God, that’s what’s wrong with me. I have no boundaries. Sorry. You definitely don’t want to be the ass that tells one of his sister’s best friends that she’s ugly and has no hope for the world.” I’ve gone and done it now—pitiful, pitiful Abbie.
“Abbie, that’s not true at all.” Finn shakes his head vehemently. “You’re just maybe… a little shy.” He shrugs apologetically.
“I am. We already know that. But does that really make me a lost cause for a relationship?”
“You don’t let people see who you really are. You stay quiet, observing. Once the person gains your trust is when you finally open up. Guys take that as if you’re not interested in them because you don’t give them attention,” he explains.
“I’m going to be like Raj from Big Bang Theory, who has to get drunk in order to talk to women, except men for me. I’m going to have to down a bottle of wine before a date so I can feel loose enough to just speak without second-guessing.”
Finn covers his mouth, but his smile peeks from underneath it. “It’s not funny.” I slap his shoulder.
“Sorry.” He bites down his lips. “You don’t need to drink a bottle of wine. All you have to do is be confident in yourself, so you can believe a man is interested in you.”
My stomach clenches when his voice drops as he finishes the last sentence. A warmth seeps into me, and it’s not because of the wine. The images that crossed my mind while I was on my date with Nick are back in full force. Images of Finn and me.
I shake my head and blink rapidly. Not going there. Nope. No way.
“I guess,” I shrug and reach for my glass, but remember it’s empty.
“Maybe you’ve had enough wine for a night.” Finn’s hand lands on mine, his calloused skin searing me. I turn my head to look at him over my shoulder, and our eyes lock.
What is happening? My heart pounds in my chest like a jackhammer breaking concrete with all its might. Finn pulls my hand between both of his, and I hold my breath, sitting back so I can shift and face him.
“Guys look at you, but you don’t even realize it.” His deep voice washes over me in a comforting cocoon. “You have to believe that you’re worth receiving attention from men.”
“I don’t want to be an attention whore,” I whisper. “All I want is to meet that one guy.”
Finn smiles to himself and squeezes my hand. “You’ll find that,” he promises and releases my hand.
“Let me take a look at your profile.” He holds his hand out.
“What?” I croak.
“I’ll help you with your bio and stuff. Make sure the real Abbie is shining.” He smiles genuinely, and I puff out a breath before opening the app and showing him my profile. I gnaw on my lower lip while I wait for him to say something.
Finn stares with laser focus, eyes narrowed and eyebrows knit together as his fingers start tapping the screen.
“What are you doing?” I ask as I lean forward and notice he’s deleting my bio. “Hey!”
Finn glances at me briefly before looking back at the screen.
“Do you want wine? I think I need more wine.” I start to stand, but a hand stops me. “No more wine tonight.” His touch sears my arm.
“Let me see… You like Harry Potter, right? Isn’t there something like about what group of wizards you belong to?”
“Yes, the Hogwarts houses.” I lean back on the couch, one leg tucked under me.
“Great, gimme a sec.” Finn starts typing, holding the screen close to him so I can’t see what he’s writing, his tongue peeking out of the side of his mouth.
After a few beats, he turns my phone around with a proud smile. “Here you go.”
I grab the phone and read my new bio. “Tell me your best quality, and I’ll tell you your Hogwarts house,” I read aloud. Nothing like what I would’ve thought I needed to put on it, but it makes sense. It calls for action.
“That kinda makes sense. Hold on, now I’m inspired.” I edit my bio, adding one more line. “There.” I hand my phone to Finn.
“No muggles allowed.” His face scrunches. “I don’t get it.”
I sigh and shake my head. “Muggles…” I lift my eyebrows, but he’s still staring at me like I’m a weirdo. “Regular people, non-magic people.”
“Ohhhh. Yeah, I’m not a Harry Potter nerd.” He shakes his head and shrugs.
I shove his shoulder. “Be nice.”
“Fine, fine.” He chuckles. “Now, we wait for some guys to make a move.”
I nod slowly, staring at the screen. I hope he’s right. I’m just about over this whole dating thing, and I’m ready to call it quits. The more messages I receive, the more hope I lose in finding a decent guy.
Finn
I’m in big fucking trouble. I can’t be promising things to Abbie that I have no control over. But damn it, when she started putting herself down and asking me what was wrong with her, I wanted to hold her in my arms and show her every way she’s wrong in the view she has of herself. I wanted to stare into her eyes and promise her the world.
I couldn’t.
Of course not. She’s Abbie Murphy. She’s Averly’s best friend, for goodness sake. I was there through every phase of her life, from her cute pigtails to her awkward early teens. Never in a million years did I think I’d feel this way about her.
I never looked at any of my sister’s friends as more than that. Now, here I am, wanting to change that with the one woman I’d actually need to work hard to get. Meeting women and asking them on dates has always come easy. They’ve been eager to go out with me, but I’ve never felt like I wanted more than an evening or two of fun with those women.
I figure that at thirty-four, I still have time to date and meet people before settling down. Abbie isn’t that kind of girl, though. She’s not the one I wine and dine before going to her place and having more fun between the sheets before I leave in the morning.
No, Abbie Murphy is the kind of woman that makes you want to leave work early so you can spend more time with at home. She’s the kind that makes you want to delete every contact on your phone and replace it with only hers. Abbie Murphy is fucking trouble, and she doesn’t even know it.
I leave her place, hightailing it out of there and heading home. This is just a crush. She’s not like the women I meet, and I’m sure my mind is just excited about the change. I’m sure it’s because I’ve been spending more time with her since she’s been living on our property. That’s all.
I scru
b a hand down my face and release a deep breath as I put my truck in park. The old door squeaks as I open it, reminding me I need to oil it up in the morning. I take the porch steps up to my farmhouse and walk inside. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, I drop on the couch and lift a leg onto the coffee table. I pop the beer cap with my key and take a drink, erasing any lingering desire for Abbie.
I’ll just fuck it up if I go there, and that will cause more trouble than I can sweet-talk my way out of, especially with my sister. Nothing is worth getting in the way of family.
I haven’t been on a date in a few weeks, so that could be the cause of my recent confusion. It’s been a hectic summer between working with Eli to finish the barn house, renting it to Abbie, working the ranch, and preparing for the auction.
At least today’s auction went well. We left Everton in the early morning, came back as soon as it was over, and all of the cattle we took sold for a great price. They were the top pick amongst the selection, and that guaranteed each one sold for the highest bid.
I stand and stretch, dumping half the beer down the sink before getting ready for bed. It’s been a long-ass day, and I’m ready to sleep it off.
…
“Hey, sis.” I hug my sister as we stand outside of church after the service. “Look who decided to show up to church,” I tease.
“As if you’re sitting in the front pew every Sunday,” she quips with a raised eyebrow.
“Mom made such a big deal about coming today when we had dinner the other night that I felt guilty not showing up,” I confess.
“Same. Although Eli is just like mom.”
“You can’t catch I break,” I chuckle, but I’m only teasing her. We grew up coming to church, and I know we both value what it’s taught us, but some Sundays, I just want to sleep in.
“Hey, guys,” Lia bounces over to us.
“Hi, how was the honeymoon?” Averly smiles.
“Ah-mazing.” Lia holds her hands up, and a big smile brightens her face. Good for her and Axel.
“I can tell. You’re all tanned.”
“Yeah, Axel got a little burnt,” Lia giggles. “Anyway, we’re going to have a barbecue, so come by. We wanted to see everyone and show pictures from our trip.”