Total pages in book: 73
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70444 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 352(@200wpm)___ 282(@250wpm)___ 235(@300wpm)
“Alright, I’ll deliver your caffeine first.”
As Finn and Levi walk away, I do my best to gain control of my emotions. I need to focus on this piece. Since it’s chilly outside, I can only paint for a couple of hours each day before my fingers freeze.
As promised, Finn returns with a hot latte. I thank him and tell him I’ll shoot him a text when I’m done. It’s hard to work with someone hovering over me, so it’s best he enjoys himself while I paint.
Jessa and Silas are already at the caramel apple booth, and I wave when they spot me. They’re across the street, but I almost have a bird's-eye view from where I’m standing. It’s the perfect vantage point for the painting.
After two and a half hours, my fingers are like icicles. I have enough outlined and started that I can work on the rest back at Finn’s.
“Wow, it looks so good already,” he tells me as he carefully lifts it into the truck. We’ll keep it there while we walk around the festival.
“Thanks! Where’s Levi?”
“He found some friends and said he’d hitch a ride back with them.”
“How was the booth?”
“Bombarded with kids.”
I laugh. “The entire street is.”
“So you wanna tell me what you and Levi talked about earlier?” Finn asks, taking my hand as we walk toward the downtown area.
“A whole lot of none of your business.”
He glowers. “I know my best friend likes to talk.”
“And we had a good conversation. That’s all you need to know.”
He sighs. “Great.”
“What are you so worried about?”
“He has a big mouth.”
“You think he shared embarrassing stories about you or something? Because if those exist, I need to hear them.”
“Hell no.”
I giggle. “Wedge that stick outta your ass and let’s go have some fun.”
“Excuse me?” he warns, yanking me into one of the alleys and pressing me against the exposed brick. “Are we back to that?”
“You tell me, Mr. Grumpy.”
He buries his face in my neck, and his warm breath feels good against my cold skin. “I have to ask you something.”
“Hmm?” My heart hammers as he keeps me waiting.
“Will you come to my family’s dinner tonight?”
“What?” I wasn’t expecting that at all.
He leans back to meet my confused eyes. “My grandparents are hosting a big get-together tonight and demanded I invite you. You don’t have to, so don’t feel obligated. It’s going to be a lot and I know how they can be sometimes. I can make up an excuse that you’re working or too tired, if you prefer.”
I give him a puzzled look. “Do you not want me to?”
“Of course I do, but they’ll ask a ton of questions. I didn’t want to put any more pressure on you.”
“I think I can handle them.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I survived Levi’s questionnaire, so I think I’m prepared for anything at this point.”
“God,” he grumbles, leaning his forehead against mine. “I knew he would.”
Smirking, I cup his face. “Your friends and family love you. I don’t mind the questions. I’m good at winging it.” I shrug proudly.
“Not sure if I should be proud or scared of that.”
I laugh. “Come on, fake boyfriend. Let’s parade our relationship all over town, then have dinner with your parents.”
This day has been one of the most fun I’ve had in months. After I warmed up, we walked all over town, greeted everyone who smiled our way, and tried all the sweets.
At five, we drove back to Finn’s to get ready to go to his grandparents. He dressed in nice black slacks, and I wore the same dress Jessa let me borrow.
As soon as I’m ready, Finn takes my hand and kisses me. “I can’t wait to peel this off you later.”
“Mm...no dirty talk before dinner, or I won’t be able to think about anything else.”
He grins, brushing a thumb over my cheek. “Ready to do this?”
“Yep. Let’s go.”
I’ve met most of Finn’s immediate family, but Willa and James invited over their other siblings who brought their kids. The house is jam-packed and there’s so much going on, I can hardly keep up.
Everyone I’ve met has been nothing but kind—with the exception of Finn’s jealous ex—and it’s honestly a nice change from what I’m used to. Since I have no family in California, I never get to experience this. It’s definitely something I’ll miss when I’m gone.
“Did you have fun at the festival?” Willa asks as she finds me after dessert.
“Oh, it was incredible. I’ve never experienced anything like it.”
“I’m glad to hear it. Trick or treating is a fun time too. You’ll have to make sure to go down there on Monday.”
“Oh I will. That’s when I’m presenting the painting for the town hall.”
“I bet everyone loves it.”
The self-doubt and pressure really never goes away, no matter how much experience I have, and this time is no different. “Thanks, I hope so.”