“What are you looking at?” Poppy leans in next to me.
“Nothing,” I rush out, turning to face her. I’m sitting at a table with her, Faith, Ainsley, Axel, and Lia.
“Are you okay?” Her eyebrows pull together, and her nose wrinkles.
“Of course.” I take a drink of my beer, attempting to cool down my insides. I’m nervous that some random guy will come up to me as Mr.Cowboy, and I won’t know what to say.
“Hey, guys.” Finn slides into the seat next to me with a wide smile. My heart stops for a second as I look at him, his five-o’clock shadow luring me in.
“Hi,” I squeak and take another drink of beer.
“Hey, Finn. Is Averly coming? She said she was, but she’s late.” Poppy looks toward the door.
“I’m not sure actually,” Finn shrugs. “How was your sleepover with your sisters?” He turns his attention to me.
“It was fun. We ate way too much junk food, and I took photos of them in the morning.”
“That’s great.” He leans back on his chair with an easy smile, the definition of confidence.
I nod, taking a sip of beer, so I stop staring at him. Finn has tied me up into a mess of emotions. Never in my life would I have expected to want a relationship with him, yet here I am, accepting conversation from random men online in hopes that they’ll distract me from the one I really want.
“Have you met anyone else on the app?” He leans in to whisper, his breath tickling my neck.
I hold in my shiver. “I got a message from someone today, but I don’t know,” I shrug.
“Why not?” His voice rises a bit, and I glare at him. He smiles sheepishly and waits for my response.
“He’s from Everton. That could be weird,” I explain, wondering when the music is going to start so I can table this conversation.
“No, it wouldn’t,” Finn defends, and I turn to look at him with narrowed eyes. Why is he insisting so much? He clears his throat. “What I mean is, it may not be such a bad thing.”
“Mmhmm…” I nod slowly, my eyes searching his face.
I sigh in relief when Harris begins speaking into the microphone, thanking everyone for being here and introducing Sutton.
She takes a seat on a stool and strums her guitar as she begins singing one of her songs. I wish I had a singing voice. The most I can do is croak to an old country song and hope no one is around to hear me.
“She’s so good,” Poppy says without taking her eyes off of Sutton. “They’re going to record her first album soon. The plan is that it will be ready by the time they go on tour.”
Knox is a big-time country singer who left it all behind after a troubled marriage. We were all in shock when the truth behind his marriage came out. I don’t blame him for wanting a break from the industry. However, I’m glad he and Harris started their label. It’d be a shame if Knox never shared his talent again because he was holding in resentment.
“Would Harris go on the tour as well?” I ask Poppy.
“Yeah,” she sighs. “It will be short trips back and forth, just a few major cities at first. If that goes well, then they’ll expand.”
“That makes sense. Oh, hey, my sisters came over yesterday, and they were telling me that they’d love to see Knox perform, but they can’t get in here without proper ID. I thought maybe they can do something for the teens in town. I’m sure they’d be able to fill a space, especially if they charge a low fee,” I suggest. “It could be at a park before summer ends.”
“I like that idea. I can run it by Harris,” Poppy tells me with an enthusiastic nod. “What do you think, Ainsley?” Poppy tells Ainsley the idea, who smiles widely.
“That’d be great,” Ainsley drawls.
“I agree,” Faith adds.
I sit back and smile as I enjoy the rest of Sutton’s performance. I only look around the bar a few times in search of Mr.Cowboy, but I’m guessing he either doesn’t dare to talk to me or decided not to come out tonight.
“I’m going to grab another drink. Does anyone want one?” I ask our table once Sutton finishes her performance. Poppy and Axel say no, while Lia, Faith, and Ainsley nod. I take inventory of their beers and stand.
“I’ll go with you,” Finn offers.
I wave down the bartender while I stand in a crowded corner of the bar. She ignores me as she walks up and down the length of the bar, serving other customers. I stand on the foot rail that lines the bottom of the bar so she can see me.
“What can I get you?” I’m about to answer when I realize she isn’t talking to me—this woman. I look behind me and see Finn smiling. Rolling my eyes, I clench my jaw and step down from the rail.
“What did you want, babe?” I freeze when Finn wraps his arm around my waist, his palm pressing into the side of my stomach. The bartender looks from Finn to me to his hand on my belly with narrowed eyes.
“It was five beers, right?” Finn asks.
I nod, my mouth dryer than my sex life.
“Be right back,” the bartender gives us a tight smile. Finn keeps his arm wrapped around me, his fingers mindlessly caressing my stomach. My core contracts at the sensation, and my body hums with heat and desire. Crap, this is not part of my ‘forget Finn’ plan. This is more aligned with a ‘bang Finn’ plan, and I can’t do that.
I reach for my purse to pay for the drinks, but Finn hands the bartender his card before I can.
“You didn’t have to pay.”
“I know.” I look around the bar to see if anyone else is noticing our closeness, the way he’s holding me, but everyone seems to be enraptured by Knox’s performance.
As I step away from the bar, Finn tightens his hold on me. “I think you should give that guy a chance,” he whispers behind me.
I furrow my eyebrows as his words ring in my ears. Stepping away, I stare at him and shake my head. God, this is the reason Finn Cooper is not for me. I walk to the table with Finn hot on my heels and hand Faith a bottle. Ainsley and Lia grab theirs from Finn while I move my chair further away from him and sit.
Is he playing with me, or was that just another way to help me relax with the opposite sex? Rolling my eyes, I take a chug of beer and stare at Knox as he performs.
My phone screen lights up with a notification, and I quickly grab it and bring it under the table to read.
Mr.Cowboy: Sorry. I don’t know how to do this
My nose scrunches up as I read his message. Do what? Dating? Does he mean coming up to me if he saw me here? I glance at Finn out of the corner of my eye and see him looking at his phone.
Wait a minute. My heart drums in my ears, blood rushing until Knox’s voice is a faint sound. No way.
I zoom in on the picture of the man, trying to find something familiar in him.
BookishAbbs: Do what exactly?
Mr.Cowboy: Date a woman I really like.
I once again sneak a glance at Finn, but he’s looking down.
BookishAbbs: You don’t even know me
Mr.Cowboy: I do
BookishAbbs: How? You realize that sounds really creepy, right?
Mr.Cowboy: Lol I guess it does.
BookishAbbs: Who are you?
I notice a small smile on Finn’s lips, and my heart pounds in my ears. Did he really create an account to talk to me?
Mr.Cowboy: Someone who obviously sucks at talking to women when I thought I was a king at it
BookishAbbs: Clearly.
His smile widens.
Mr.Cowboy: Are you enjoying the show?
BookishAbbs: I’d enjoy it better if the jerk next to me kept his hands to himself.
Mr.Cowboy: Maybe he can’t help it
BookishAbbs: Doubt it.
Mr.Cowboy: What makes you say that?
BookishAbbs: He’s more the type of guy to go after easy women. Serial dater.
I don’t miss the way Finn’s eyes flicker in my direction. I bite down my bottom lip, waiting for his response.
Mr.Cowboy: Maybe he’s trying to change
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BookishAbbs: Not for me
Mr.Cowboy: I think you’re wrong. I’d say he’d be lucky to have you, probably doesn’t deserve you. You’re kind and beautiful. He probably thinks he isn’t good enough.
I stare at the message as my chest rises and falls quickly, the music playing in the background long forgotten.
BookishAbbs: If he just manned up and said something he might be surprised
I clutch my phone with a tight grip, freaking out while I wait for his response. I stare straight ahead to avoid Finn’s face, but I gasp when I feel his hand reach for mine under the table, his fingers lacing with mine. My heart gallops like a wild horse. I turn my head a fraction in Finn’s direction and find him staring at me, his expression serious, his eyes intense on me.
My breath catches in my lungs as my lips part. He squeezes my fingers and gives me a crooked smile. I notice him look away and frown, but seconds later, my phone buzzes with a message.
Mr.Cowboy: Is that man enough?
I turn to look at him and tilt my head from side to side. I feel him chuckle next to me as his hand holds mine tighter.
BookishAbbs: Why’d you go through here?
BookishAbbs: Wait… you are Finn right?
He laughs next to me, no longer hiding it.
Mr.Cowboy: Yes and because you think I’m a serial dater and wouldn’t have taken me seriously
BookishAbbs: Good because that’d be embarrassing if not. Anyway you are a serial dater *shrug*
Mr.Cowboy: I want to be better
Mr.Cowboy: For you
My heart halts when I read his last message. Can Finn be better for me? Am I even crazy to consider this? I must be losing my mind. He does that to me. He wraps me up in his charm and the ease in which we talk. He makes me feel comfortable.
I listen to the rest of Knox’s performance with Finn’s hand in mine. I sigh when the rough pad of this thumb brushes back and forth along the side of my hand. Chills travel up and down my arms as I involuntarily shiver at the contact. His warm skin pulls me in, and I’m tempted to rest my head on his shoulder.
As Knox finishes his set, everyone claps. I pull my hand away from Finn’s to clap as well, and he frowns. My lips pinch together as I try to hide my smile. Our eyes lock, and butterflies flap freely in my stomach.
I’ve heard Finn talk about dates, the women he’s met. Do I want to be another woman on his list? Would he do that? Something tells me he doesn’t see this as a chase, but a man like him has never taken a relationship seriously. Why would I be different?
Doubts creep into my mind as I cradle my beer bottle. I take a drink to wash away the bitterness, trying to control my emotions. Finn would never intentionally hurt me, that I’m sure of, whether as his sister’s best friend, a friend of his, or a woman he’s dating. He may have played the field a lot, but he’s never been disrespectful.
When it’s time to leave, I say goodbye to my friends and walk to my car. Finn and I haven’t talked for the rest of the evening, and I needed the time to sort through my emotions.
“Abbie.” Finn’s voice rings behind me before I can unlock my car. I turn around and wait for him to reach me, my palms growing damp.
“I…” He runs a hand through his hair and looks everywhere but at me. I bite the inside of my bottom lip as I wait for him to say more. “I suck at this, clearly,” he huffs. “You’re different, and I like that. I’ve also known you for a long time, and you’re Averly’s best friend.”
Great, he’s rejecting me before anything even happens.
“Finn, you can save it.” I hold my hand up.
“What?” His hand drops to his side, and he frowns.
“Don’t worry about it, honestly. It was five minutes of hand-holding, kindergarten stuff.” I wave him off.
“That’s not…” Finn shakes his head. “Abbie, I like you. I was trying to ask you out. Obviously, I was not making that point.”
“Oh,” I say slowly, keeping my mouth in an O form. “Yeah, that wasn’t working.” I shake my head.
“Can I take you out?” His eyes pierce into mine.
“Is that smart?”
“Not what I was expecting,” Finn chuckles and releases a deep breath. “I don’t see why not. We’re two adults deciding if we want to spend an evening with each other’s company.”
“Averly?” I scrunch my nose.
“Abbie, my sister doesn’t get involved in my love life.”
“But she’s my best friend.”
“So she’ll be happy for us,” he shrugs with certainty. “I’m asking you, do you want to go out with me? Forget everyone else, Abbie. What do you want to do?”
I close my eyes briefly before gazing into his brown eyes. I nod. “I would like to.”
“Great.” Finn’s smile lightens his entire face like the noonday sun.
“And Finn.”
“Yeah?” He cocks his head as he waits for me to speak.
“Text me like a normal person.”
His smile grows, and he takes a step closer. “Are you free tomorrow evening?” His hand comes up to brush a lock of hair over my shoulder.
“I am.” The corners of my lips tilt in a small smile as my nerdy inner-self throws a dance party, moving with uncoordinated steps.
“Great.” Finn beams and leans forward. I hold my breath and sigh when his lips touch my forehead. “You’ll see I’m the right guy for you, Abigail.”
“My name’s not Abigail, Finn. You should know this.” I cross my arms and lift an eyebrow.
“I do know, but I remember how cute you were when you’d get all riled up when someone called you Abigail.”
He takes a step backward before I can swat him. “See you tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at seven,” he says as he walks back, still facing me. “Shit,” he cries when he misses the edge of the sidewalk and trips on his way down to the ground.
I hold in my laugh as I walk toward him. “Are you okay?” I reach my hand out to him. My shoulders shake as I snicker.
“I meant to do that,” Finn says, holding my hand.
“Uh, huh, sure.” I nod.
“Yup, so I can do this.” Once he’s standing tall, he pulls me in by the hand I offered until I’m flush against his chest.
I stare up at him, feeling his hard ridges against me. Finn cradles my cheek, and a slanted smile adorns his lips. “Just call me Smooth Operator,” he whispers. Right when I think he’s going to kiss me, he takes a step up.
“Nice try covering it up,” I say when I finally come out of my Finn spell.
“Tomorrow, seven o’clock.” His hand squeezes my fingers before releasing me. This time, he waits for me to get into my car and waves as I drive away.
Oh, Mylanta. I have a date with Finn Cooper tomorrow.
Abbie
When Finn called me earlier today to ask if it was okay to change our date to five, I said yes. I’ve been wondering ever since then what he’s planned that he needed to start two hours earlier. I was expecting dinner before he called.
I sort through my closet, sliding hangers across the rod in search of the perfect outfit. I didn’t even have time to go out and buy something for tonight. My breathing comes in fast spurts. I’m going out with Finn, and I haven’t told my friends so I can’t even call them to ask for advice. How would I explain this to them on such short notice? In reality, it all did happen very fast, last night, but they may not understand that. They don’t know he was helping me with my dating profile, or that I even have one. That conversation calls for a night full of wine and snacks.
I pull out a hanger holding a red spaghetti strap sundress with small, white floral print. Camel buttons run down the front. This is perfect for any evening activity we do.
I slip on the dress, fitted at the top before flaring at the waist and landing a few inches above my knees. I buckle my strappy, camel sandals, and check my makeup with five minutes to spare. I run my fingers through my loose curls and fix my wispy bangs. Taking a step back, I assess
myself in the mirror.
I have no idea what is crossing Finn’s mind. Two weeks ago, I was asking him to help me hold a decent conversation with a guy. Today, I’m going on a date with him. I hope this isn’t one of his games. Or worst, an undercover attempt to get me to loosen up for a date so I can be better for the next guy.
No. I shake my head. He wouldn’t have contacted me through Perfect Match if it was just another lesson in dating.
“I’m so nervous,” I say to myself as I reach for my washed denim jacket. I pull my hair out of the neck of the jacket once I put it on and grab my purse. Finn will be here any minute, and I want to be ready.
I pace around the living room, my mouth going dry. Before I can grab a water bottle, there’s a knock at the door. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I can do this. It’s just Finn. I’ve always felt comfortable around him.
“Hey,” I smile as I open the door and freeze. Whoa. Finn stands before me in a fitted, olive green t-shirt that shows-off his body’s hard planes and brings out golden specks in his eyes, and dark jeans that accentuate his strong thighs.
“Hi.” Finn leans in and kisses my cheek. I inhale and get a waft of his cologne. It smells…woodsy. That’s the best way I can describe it. “This is for you.”
He holds a single sunflower. I smile and take it, thanking him.
“They’re still your favorite, right?” His eyebrows crease a tiny bit.
“Yes,” I nod. I lift it up to my nose and inhale. I’ve always loved sunflowers. “Come in while I put it in water.” Finn steps into the house, closing the door behind him.
“Everything is okay with the house?”
I look at him from over my shoulder, where I’m filling a mason jar with water at the sink. “Yes, thanks.” I place the sunflower in the jar and turn toward him. “It’s a beautiful flower. Thank you.”
His grin makes my heart pitter-patter. “I’m glad you liked it. Now, let’s go.” He reaches his hand out, and I stare at it for a second before grabbing it. I hold in a shiver. Finn’s hand in mine feels right, not awkward like I thought it might be. It wasn’t last night, and it isn’t now.
You Make It Easy: A best friend's brother romance (Love in Everton Book 5) Page 8