Page 32 of Hands off his Dudette

"Don't bother. We're not taking the case."

Just what he wanted to hear. "Good. I'm done for the day; I can stay and lend a hand to someone else if you need me to, but if we're quiet, do you mind if I slip out early?"

"Go, we owe you plenty of hours."

He smiled. "Thanks, boss."

"Doing anything nice?" she asked, tilting her head. "That's not like you to ask to take off early."

She was right. He didn't particularly like half-days. Finn was a social animal, and his friends were all working until the end of the day; Anna didn't make it home before five-thirty at the earliest.

"Christmas shopping," he replied. "I'm also grabbing decorations this year. By the way, does Paul have time on his hands, do you know? Anna and I are buying a place. As we have the cash, we could have the keys as early as next week if he can fit us in."

"Buying with Anna, mh?" she smiled knowingly.

Finn didn't comment on it.

"I'll email Paul, tell him to fit you in. Congrats, Johnson."

Finn had a busy afternoon—before he knew it, the main door of the Johnson household was being opened. He rushed to the entryway, smiling broad. Then, his smile froze in place.

"Mom."

Oh shit.

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