Page 82 of Off-Limits Love
“And when he says those horrible, awful things? Calls Finn afreak?” Mak practically growled the word.
“I suppose you could turn it on him. Ask why he’s so intimidated by someone with a speech issue that can’t be helped. But then that’s engaging him, which is what he wants, so there’s a chance that could escalate.”
She closed her eyes and let her head fall to the cushion behind her with a muffled thud. “Does life have to be so hard?”
Zoey’s soft sigh filled the room. “I’ve often asked myself that question.”
“Any answers?”
“Only that it makes living your life all the more precious.”
An hour or so after he’d left Sam’s, Finn heard the gravel crunch outside the barn and then the soft slam of a car door.
It was after hours, but he had a feeling he knew who it was.
He moved toward the entry and found Mak standing between the house and buildings as though trying to decide where he might be. “Hey, you.”
She turned, a hesitant expression on her face. “Hey, you,” she repeated softly.
Mak put her feet in motion and walked toward him, and he let himself enjoy the view.
“Need help?”
He tilted his head for her to join him in the barn. “I wouldn’t mind company while I feed everyone.”
She sank her teeth into her plump bottom lip at his words, a smile lighting up her beautiful features.
“I love that you can talk to me now and not be nervous.”
He did too. But as he watched her close the distance between them, he sensedhernervousness and wondered at the cause, praying hard she wasn’t here to friend zone him once and for all. “Everything okay?”
She inhaled, and he had to fight back the inclination to let his gaze drift. Not to mention the way she nibbled on that lip made him think he’d like to take a bite of it himself.
“I, um, want to talk to you. Sam told me he accepted the offer to sell his property to you. He showed me the contract and how you agreed to let him keep the house for—for me. He said he hadn’t mentioned anything to me because he wanted things settled first, and if you didn’t buy it, that he doubted anyone else would’ve agreed to his terms.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
“Itis, Finn. It’s more proof that you’re— That you’re a good man. I’m truly sorry I accused you because of what Brad said. That I believed him but doubted you when you’ve never given me reason to doubt you. I hope you can forgive me for that.”
He lifted the scoop of feed from the container and dropped it into Dash’s enclosure before lowering his head and stealing a quick kiss from Mak. “Done.”
She blinked up at him, cheeks flushing a pretty pink.
“Just like that? You were upset, and you have every right to be. I know better than to believe anything Brad says but— I suppose I’ve been feeling vulnerable. I…told myself you wouldn’t be interested in me if not for the property.”
Finn scowled down at her. “I hate that he ever made you feel anything other than worthy and beautiful.”
Her features softened, and tears made her eyes sparkle. “I love that you make mefeelworthy and beautiful. I just have to wrap my head around it.”
He rewarded her words with another soft kiss, much to the complaint of their witnesses. “If I don’t feed these animals, they’re going to revolt.”
Feeding time was always a noisy event, but the two of them standing there talking seemed to up the volume. All the animals were chiming in to voice their upset at the slowness with which they were getting fed, baby llamas included. The two adorable additions stared out of their stall batting their ridiculously long eyelashes, bellowing complaints to make their hunger clear.
Mak laughed, and the sound warmed his heart and upped his own determination. He loved her laugh. She needed to laugh more and he’d see to it that she did. “Give me twenty minutes. Fifteen if you stop being such a distraction.”
“Or I could just pitch in and help,” she said in a teasing tone.
He handed over the scoop and grabbed another from inside the bin. “You feed the goats. I’ve got the rest. And then you’re mine to do with as I please.”
