Page 47 of The Complication with the Best Man

Finn chuckles good-naturedly and walks over to her, hand extended. At least his shirt is back on now, though it clings to his sweat-dampened skin. “Good to meet you, Maven. Thanks so much for letting me stay here.”

“Of course. The pleasure is all mine. Especially if you keep doing shirtless workouts in the backyard.” She chuckles.

Finn blushes, and damn, it’s sexy. “Sorry, I haven’t found a gym here yet. Just trying to stay in shape in case I have to do a fitness test, if I can even get an interview around here.”

Maven’s head cocks. “What do you do?”

“I was a firefighter back in Vermont. I’m hoping I can keep that going here in Alaska.”

“You should talk to my dad.”

Finn glances at me where I’m buttering the bread at the counter. “Is he the one who works in Anchorage? Harper mentioned him.”

Maven nods. “The one and only. He’ll put in a good word for you.”

“We’re going to see your mom in a couple days to figure out my due date, so I planned to mention it to her when we’re there.” I pull the drawer open and reach for the can opener.

“Good plan. The way to get my dad to do anything is through my mom.” She smiles, her amber eyes lighting up.

“Do either of you want a grilled cheese and tomato soup?” I ask, holding up the unopened can of soup.

“Not me,” Maven says, sliding off the stool. “I actually have a date tonight.”

“Oooh, do tell.” I set the can of soup on the counter.

“Not much to tell. I met him at the gas station when I was in Greywall. I know that doesn’t sound romantic, but beggars can’t be choosers.”

I laugh. “Well, have a good time. Send me your location, all right?”

“Yes,Mom.” She emphasizes the last word as she always does when I tell her this kind of thing. But this time her eyes grow wide and get an excited gleam. “I just realized that actually fits now.”

I shake my head and roll my eyes. “Have fun. I might be gone by the time you come back down, but make sure you send me your location,” I call after her as she leaves the room.

“Where are you headed?” Finn asks.

“I’m going by Palmer’s place to catch up.”

“I have to pick Hudson up later. We’re heading out to do the same. Want to head over together?”

It shouldn’t be a big deal to say yes. I mean, it only makes sense. Why would we take two cars? But it also feels like a couple thing to do.

I’m probably overthinking it, so I say, “Sure. You didn’t answer me about dinner though. You hungry?”

“If you don’t mind. I was just going to take a quick shower.” He nods in the direction of the stairs.

“No worries. You do that while I get this ready. I’ll call you.”

He smiles and thanks me before heading out of the kitchen.

Seeing him sweaty reminds me of the night we spent together. I give my head a shake.

Don’t go there.

I prepare dinner, and when it’s ready, I call up the stairs for Finn, but he doesn’t answer. I try one more time, and when I hear nothing back, I head up the stairs. Maven is in her bedroom with the door closed, music going, so I figure maybe he didn’t hear me.

The bathroom is opposite of the stairs’ top landing, and when I’m almost at the top of them, the bathroom door swings open. What I see can only be described as the beginning of a great porno. Or maybe it’s just these damn pregnancy hormones.

Steam surrounds Finn where he’s stopped in the threshold wearing just a towel around his waist. His tanned skin glistens over his muscled chest and abs. I can’t help but let my gaze roam over him and all the tattoos down his arms, his chest, and further. My tongue licks my lips of its own accord, and I have to stifle a moan because I know exactly what that bulge under the towel is, and I know how well he can use it.

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