You Make It Easy: A best friend's brother romance (Love in Everton Book 5)

by Fabiola Francisco

  I skip out of my room in jean shorts and a tank top, serving my coffee in my travel mug. After a much-needed sip, I grab a bag and towel, a change of clothes, and sunscreen. The last thing I need is to burn like a lobster and stop Finn from kissing me or touching me again. Because I definitely want a repeat of that.

  “Coming,” I call out when Finn knocks on my door. “Hi.” I smile, opening the door wide.

  “Hey.” He leans in and kisses me. “Do you have your coffee? I don’t need you blamin’ me for your lack of caffeine when you get grouchy later.”

  “All ready to go.” I hold my cup in the air.

  “Good.” He wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me to him, kissing me again. “Let’s go.” He taps my backside, and surprisingly it shoots pleasure to my core. I’ve never had a guy touch me as much as Finn does. I’ve always been too shy, too distant, too unsure. With him, it’s like I’m a different woman. That scares me, but it also excites me that I can have what I’ve witnessed other people around me have.

  With his arm around my shoulder, his finger runs under the bikini strap that ties behind my neck. “Hmmm… I can’t wait to see you in only this.” He drops a kiss on my bare shoulder.

  Tingles warm my insides. “The whole town is gonna see us together today.” I lift my eyebrows and pinch my lips together to hold in my smile.

  “Perfect day to make a statement.” He opens the car door for me. “I don’t care if the whole town sees us together. I don’t care what they think. I only care what you think and feel. This is between us, not a nosy group of people that only want their gossip fix along with their coffee.”

  “I like that,” I smirk.

  “Good. Now climb in before they eat all the pie,” Finn winks.

  I drink my coffee as Finn heads into town. The center is packed with people enjoying the sunny morning, families gathering for breakfast.

  “Have you gotten any more responses for the Stranger Shoot?” Finn decided to nickname my experiment.

  “A few more. The nineteenth is Photography Day, so I’m thinking of using that to amp it up on social media and get some more people interested before closing it out.” Since Tuesday evening, I’ve received a few messages from people interested in participating in the photo shoot, but more women than men have contacted me, and I’d like to even it out.

  “That’s a good idea. I can’t wait to see the two winners.”

  Finn finds a spot and pulls in, walking over to help me step out of the truck. “I wanted to open the door for you,” he says as he holds my hand.

  “Sorry,” I shrug sheepishly. “Next time.”

  He gives me that full smile, the one that brightens his eyes. We walk toward The Mad Batter, where a huge crowd stands. We’re not the only ones coming for pie.

  “What in the world?” I look around and find Poppy staring at Finn and me with wide eyes and her mouth dropped. Her surprised expression turns to Averly, standing next to her.

  I bite the inside of my cheek and try to release Finn’s hand, but he holds on tighter.

  “Hey, guys. I take it you’re all here for some lemon meringue pie,” Finn greets Poppy, Harris, Averly, Eli, and Knox.

  “Did you know about this?” Poppy turns to Averly.

  “Yeah, Finn told me.”

  Poppy’s gaze snaps back to mine. “How long has this…” She waves her hands between us. “Been a thing.”

  “Babe, calm down.” Harris places his hand around her shoulder.

  “Why don’t I know about this?” she whines, and I can’t help but giggle.

  “Only a week,” I tell her.

  “But we had book club on Thursday, and you didn’t tell us.”

  “I hadn’t had a chance to talk to Averly alone, and I wanted to do that before I told you and Faith.”

  “Faith doesn’t know either?” Poppy’s eyes bulge. “At least I’m not the last to know.” She smiles wide as she brags.

  “Are you done?” Finn lifts his eyebrows and stares at Poppy.

  “Don’t give me attitude, Finny Boy.” She jabs a finger on his chest.

  Finn chuckles. “Poppy, you’re obnoxious like a second little sister. It’s the only reason I let you call me that, but if they run out of pie because you were too busy freaking out about my relationship with Abbie, I’m going to eat your slice.”

  “You wouldn’t,” she gasps.

  “Yup.” He pops the P.

  “Okay, okay, go get your pie. But,” she points at me, “we’re not done with this conversation.”

  “Yes, Mom.” Harris chuckles at my response, and Poppy glares, but I see her smile trying to come through.

  The line inside The Mad Batter is long, and Finn turns to me. “This isn’t so bad.”

  “Besides Poppy making a scene, no.” I shake my head. Leave it to her to blurt something out without thinking of where we are or who is around us.

  “That’s Poppy.” Finn shrugs and takes a step forward as the line moves. “She’ll get over it by the time we walk back outside.”

  “You’re probably right, but she will expect the full story this week at book club.”

  He laughs with a nod. “Yeah.”

  When it’s finally our turn to order pie, Mrs. Engle smiles at Finn. “So, this is who the berry crumble bars were for.” She looks at me and winks. “You better not use your charms on her.”

  “Mrs. Engle, of course I have to use my charms on her.” Finn wraps his arm around my shoulder. “If not, how would I be lucky enough to get her to agree to go out with me?”

  “Smooth, boy.” Mrs. Engle laughs and serves us two pieces of pie. The peaks on the meringue are perfectly browned and my mouth waters.

  “Hey y’all,” Ainsley walks over to us behind the counter.

  “Hey,” I wave at her. “Was this your idea?” I look around the small shop.

  “Team effort. I thought it’d be a great way to get some summer business in since it’s usually a slower season. Chances are, most of the people that come for pie will leave with something else they’ve purchased.”

  “It’s a good idea, and you’re right, I actually wanted to take two cupcakes also,” Finn says, pointing at the cupcake display. I look at him with furrowed eyebrows. “For later,” he whispers.

  “What flavors?” Mrs. Engle asks.

  Finn looks at me with a smile. “Red velvet for me,” I say.

  “I’ll have a chocolate.”

  “Great.” Ainsley helps Mrs. Engle package our cupcakes so she can charge us and get the line moving. I grab the bag with the cupcake container, and Finn holds our plates as we weave between the people in line and sitting at tables.

  We walk back toward our friends, and Knox says, “Abbie, Poppy and Ainsley were telling us about your idea for giving the teens in town a show since they can’t go to a bar. I think that would be cool and a great way to give everyone a chance to listen to music. We’re going to come up with a plan, maybe invite a few more artists and do something for charity.”

  “That would be awesome.”

  “It may not be in the summer, but if we can find a closed space that will house us all, then the weather won’t be an issue.”

  “If you do that, then you might want to open it to all ages and do some kind of festival, so whoever wants to come to see the performances can,” Poppy offers.

  “We’ll brainstorm.” Knox nods and looks at Harris, who agrees with him.

  I take a bite of the pie, and the sweet tartness explodes in my mouth. “This is so good,” I say around a mouthful of pie. “Sorry.” I cover my mouth.

  “It’s one of her best,” Poppy agrees, eyeing me weirdly. Her eyes move from side to side, then widen and narrow. My eyebrows pinch together as I try to read her, but I have no idea what she’s trying to communicate. Or maybe she got something in her eye.

  “Have you chosen the two people for that photo shoot?” Averly asks, rolling her eyes at Poppy. I guess I’m not the only one that noticed her weirdness.

&n
bsp; “Not yet. I’m leaving it open for entries through this week, and I’ll pick two people on Monday.”

  “That’s so cool. Could you imagine meeting your soulmate through something like that?” Averly sighs, and I lift my eyebrows.

  “Right?” Poppy looks at me and nods. “Ever since she married Eli, she’s all about fate and soulmates and lovey-dovey stuff.”

  Averly glares at us. “Shut it,” she says and crosses her arms. “I always believed in that, but—”

  “No, you didn’t,” Poppy calls her out on it, and I chuckle.

  “She’s right.” I shrug, taking another bite of my pie.

  “You’re welcome, babe.” Eli, standing behind Averly, wraps his arms around her and leans over to kiss her cheek. She elbows him in the ribs.

  “For that, you’re so watching How To Lose A Guy In Ten Days with me tonight.” Eli groans, but Averly smiles triumphantly.

  “I’ve been trying to convince him since last weekend,” she explains. “It’s like my pregnancy excuse doesn’t work on him.” She places her hands over his on her stomach.

  “Clawfoot bathtub,” he states.

  “You’re right.” She turns to him. “I take it back, but you’re still watching the movie with me.”

  Watching their interaction, I wonder if Finn and I will ever get to that point, or if this is a passing relationship. I hope not, but it’s all still so new.

  When we finish our slice of pie, Finn and I say bye to our friends and head back to his truck. I thought it would be more awkward seeing Averly than it was, or showing up holding hands with Finn.

  “Are you ready to get wet?” Finn smiles as he pulls out of the parking spot.

  If he only knew that I’m already a different kind of wet.

  Finn

  The way Abbie’s eyes darkened when I asked her if she was ready to get wet told me she was thinking of a different type of activity. And hell if I don’t want her naked and underneath me, or on top of me, or however she pleases.

  Before I can tease her and get her cheeks to turn red her phone rings. Frowning, she says, “Sorry, let me answer this. It’s Sienna.”

  “Go for it.”

  “Whoa, hold on. Who said what?”

  My gaze flickers to Abbie, who is chewing on her bottom lip and looking at me. I furrow my eyebrows.

  “Yes, it’s true. Nothing had happened then.” Abbie rolls her eyes.

  I smile as I drive us down the road to Arrowhead River, hoping that there won’t be many people there today. I’d love nothing more than to have Abbie all to myself in that bikini. Since this morning, I’ve been having visions of her body pressed against me.

  “Okay. We’ll talk tomorrow. Yeah, bye.”

  Abbie hangs up and drops her body back on the seat. I chuckle and ask her what Sienna said.

  “Her friend told her about us because her friend’s cousin saw us at Romano’s last weekend.”

  “I’m not even going to try to figure out that train of connections.” I shake my head. “Did you want to tell them yourself?” I look at her quickly.

  “I would’ve liked to, yes, but I haven’t had time to see them this week. It’s Everton. It’s impossible to hide from the people in town.”

  “Do you want to hide this?” I ask, not imagining Abbie would want to keep our relationship a secret.

  “No, of course not. Everything just kinda happened so fast that I didn’t tell my friends or my family like I normally would.”

  “I get that.” I reach for her hand.

  “Did you tell your parents?”

  “Yeah, but I work with my dad and see my mom every day.”

  “Goodness, you must think I regret this.” Abbie closes her eyes and sighs. Pulling over on the side of the road, I shift the car to park and turn to face her.

  “Hey.” I shake her hand until she’s peering over at me. “I don’t think that. I know you like to stay in the background, but when something like this happens in your life, people take notice. That’s not a bad thing. Their opinions are only as important as we give them the power to be. Tell your parents tomorrow after church. I’m sure they’ll understand. Have a girls’ night if you want and talk to your friends. But whatever you do, do it because you want to not because others expect it.”

  Her shoulders sag a bit, and her lips tip into a small smile. “Thank you, Finn.” Abbie leans over and kisses my cheek.

  “Anytime. Now, I’m dying to see you in a bikini, so hold on because I’m racing to the river.” I wink and smirk, shifting the car into gear and getting there as quickly as possible. Abbie’s laughter fills the cab, and it’s music to my ears.

  As soon as we turn onto the dirt road that leads to the river, I slow down and stop in an opening. It seems as if no one is here yet.

  “Looks like we have the place all to ourselves.” I waggle my eyebrows with a broad grin.

  “I have a feeling you’re trouble, Finn.” Abbie points at me.

  “And you’re looking for your dose of trouble?” I ask with a wink.

  She throws her head back and laughs. “I wasn’t expecting that, but I guess I am.” She nods and jumps out of the truck, grabbing her bag.

  “In risking sounding like a loser, I have to put on sunscreen.” Abbie turns around to face me, clutching the straps on her bag with both hands. Her hair is high in a ponytail, and her legs are tempting me from her jean shorts.

  “I’ll burn to a crisp if not, and then you won’t be able to touch me.” She lowers her eyes as she says this, her neck and cheeks turning bright red.

  I take a step toward her and pull her to me with my hand around her waist. “We can’t let that happen. One condition, I rub the sunscreen on you.” I wink, and I’ll be damned, Abbie moans. My dick hardens, and the hand on her back flattens as I press her into me.

  Abbie’s eyes snap up to mine, and her mouth falls open. Her chest rises and falls with each breath, pressing into my chest. I move my eyes between her lips and her eyes, leaning down to kiss her.

  The thud of her bag dropping at our feet echoes and Abbie’s hands are around my neck, pulling me down to her. Her tongue seeks mine, stroking and tangling as we get lost in the kiss.

  At this rate, her bikini will come off with the rest of her clothes, and we’ll never make it in the water. I snap back to the moment and slow us down. I love that she kisses me as she wants, not hiding that desire from me, but this isn’t the place for us to take that step.

  “Sorry,” Abbie murmurs against my lips.

  “That is one thing you will never have to apologize to me for.” I shake my head and take a step back, running a hand through my hair. “However, I want to make sure we’re in privacy when we go any further.” Abbie nods and bends to pick up her bag.

  “I brought a blanket and a cooler with cold cuts and bread so we can make sandwiches later,” I call to her from the bed of my truck. I also brought drinks.”

  “You thought of everything.” Abbie smiles, digging in her bag for the sunscreen.

  When I reach her, she takes one end of the blanket and helps me spread it out. I place the cooler over it and her bag on the other end to prevent the blanket from lifting with the breeze.

  “Time for sunscreen.” I reach my hand out and smirk with a lifted brow.

  Abbie hands me the bottle and turns around before lifting the tank top over her head. Her milky skin lures me in, and I step forward, pouring sunscreen on my hand before rubbing them together. I slide my hands over her skin, spreading the cream as her smooth body breaks in goosebumps.

  I skim my hands over her shoulders and the front of her chest, teasing her a bit. My hands move up and down her arms, then travel down her curves to her lower back.

  “Your shorts,” I lean in and whisper. Abbie trembles and steps out of her shorts, her bikini riding up a bit on her ass. Lord, help me. I take a deep breath and move my hands around to her stomach, rubbing sunscreen in a circular motion. Abbie sighs deeply and leans back against me, her head nestled in
the crook of my neck.

  Her navy blue bikini contrasts her porcelain skin and covers up just the necessary to remain decent. When her ass presses into me, I groan and stiffen.

  Abbie turns around, and her eyes gaze deep into mine, the green livelier as we’re surrounded by trees and nature.

  “I don’t know if this was a good idea,” she whispers.

  “Why not?” My eyebrows pinch together. We were having a good time.

  “You putting sunscreen on me. Finn…” My name falls from her lips in a quiet moan.

  “What?” I demand.

  “I… I…” Abbie takes a deep breath and closes her eyes. “I want you.”

  My eyes fall shut, and my forehead leans against hers. “I’m trying so hard to do right by you. I want you, too, but I also want to build a strong foundation.” My hands grip her hips. “Can we do that?”

  Abbie nods against my head, and her bangs tickle my skin. “I want that, too. I’ve never told a guy that I want him before.”

  “Good. Don’t get shy with me now.”

  Abbie nods with a smile. “How about I finish putting on sunscreen on myself?”

  I pout but agree.

  “Trouble,” Abbie says again but freezes when I lift my t-shirt over my head and drop it on the blanket. Her eyes move up and down my chest, checking me out. I see the quick rise of skin on the base of her throat from her pounding heart.

  I clear my throat, and she snaps out of her fog, grabbing the sunscreen and fumbling with it. I chuckle and shake my head but watch in appreciation as she rubs sunscreen up and down each leg.

  “Ready?” I ask after I’ve regained my composure.

  “Are you sure that rope is safe?” Abbie’s eyes grow wide as she stares at the braided rope tied to a tree branch.

  “Yup, watch.” I reach for the rope and hold it with both hands as I step back. I wrap my legs around it and swing.

  “Be careful,” Abbie calls out right before my body hits the water.

  I swim up to the surface and smile. “It’s freezing,” I call out, running a hand down my face to clear the water droplets. “Your turn.”