Page 33 of Time to Stirrup Love
“Well?” he asked.
“It’s fantastic.” She took a sip of the boxed wine. “I can’t thank you enough for dinner.”
“Well, you did help me out by taking on Phineas.”
Her heart sank a bit. “This is just a thank you dinner?”
“No,” he said quickly, his gaze intense across the table, making her body thrum with need. “I mean, yes thank you for what you did for Phineas, but I wanted to ask you out on a date because you’re not looking at me like some kind of novelty to bed.”
“Oh, those are the types of women you’re referring to.” And then she recalled Pearl saying he was a bit of a ho.
“It’s why I have a hard time trusting people. It was fine when I was younger, but chasing after that…” He trailed off, a sad expression in his voice, and she couldn’t help but reach out and take his hand in hers.
His hand was so soft and strong. Just touching him made her feel more connected to him. It was more than just lusting after him, there was something else there she couldn’t quite put her finger on.
Even though he’d been a major grump when they first met, she really was drawn to him. And the more she got to know him, the more she wanted to be around him. The more she wanted to stay.
“I’m glad this is more than a thank you dinner,” she whispered huskily.
His eyes darkened in the dim light, twinkling, and he covered her hand with his free one, just holding her gaze, making her melt.
She wanted to kiss him.
Truth be told, she wanted more than just a kiss.
“Finn!” Hetty burst into the houseboat, frantic.
Finn let go of her hand and stood up. “Mom?”
“I’m so sorry for barging in.” Hetty’s voice was shaking. “It’s a full moon and Pearl got out of the house. I thought I’d locked the back door. I’m so sorry for interrupting your date.”
Finn got up and pulled his mother in his arms. “It’s okay, Mom. I’ll find her.”
Margaid stood up. “I’ll help too.”
Finn mouthed a thank you.
“Thank you both,” Hetty said and then brushed the tears away. “If she runs beyond the town limits, then…who knows what can happen to her. Unicorn horns and blood are…I don’t even want to think of it.”
“Try not to worry, Mom. She won’t have gotten far.” Finn walked her out and Margaid followed.
“I’m going to stay here in case she comes home,” Hetty said. “You’re right. She couldn’t have gone far and she wouldn’t go out on the lake at night.”
“If she did, she’s a glashtyn. She can swim,” Finn reassured. “And she’s taken many swimming lessons from Thaddeaus. She’ll be fine.”
“What about the forest?” Margaid asked.
“I can call Thorin to ask if he’s seen her,” Finn stated. “He’s a lumberjack and always out there in the woods. We’ll find her, Mom.”
Hetty nodded and headed back into her apartment at the back of Monster Catch Bait and Tackle. Finn marched off to his truck and Margaid kept up with him, climbing into the front seat.
She could tell he was worried and she didn’t blame him.
“It’ll be okay. We’ll find her,” Margaid reassured as they drove away from the marina. “Do you need to call your lumberjack friend?”
“No. I know where she went.”
“You’re sure you know where to find her?”
