Page 44 of Wintertime Love (Holiday 2)

“Just as well.” Finn sighs. “I have some work to get done. Do you mind if I set up here in a corner booth?”

“Sure.” I wonder what kind of work he has. I’ve never seen him really do anything. It’s then that I notice the leather bag next to him. “Do you need a wall socket? There’s one under each seat.”

“Thanks, luv.” Finn pulls me closer by using the captive curl and presses his mouth against mine, lightly.

This happens much to the shock of the people watching us, and to their glee as is evident by the large smiles over taking their faces.

Even Lucia is gaping at me.

I feel my cheeks flushing.

Finn, in the meantime, just grins and finds a seat.

“What was that?” she demands. “I thought you were determined to never let him…Does this mean the date last night went well?”

I feel the dull ache between my legs that serves as a reminder while I watch Finn take out his laptop. “You could say that.” There’s a warmth seeping into my body as I look at the man who’s been nothing short of unexpected as he’s bulldozed his way into my life, and I don’t notice the soft smile on my lips till Lucia points it out.

“Are you….” For the first time, she looks concerned. “Clara, are you developing feelings for him?”

I turn to look at her, considering her words.

Lucia continues while looking concerned, “You know that might not end well. He’s a business tycoon and he’s not from here. We don’t know how long he intends to stay for.”

Her words hit me like a brick in the face despite the fact that I’d said as much this morning to my aunts. Somehow, someone else saying them makes it more real and a heaviness settles in my chest. “I know.” My own words sound hollow to my ears. “I’m not stupid. I won’t go and fall in love with him or something.”

Lucia doesn’t look very convinced.

I don’t know what to say to convince her otherwise. Because even I’m not sure, I believe myself.

Finn has a serious expression on his face as he looks over at his laptop. Then, as I’m watching, he glances up to meet my gaze and his entire face transforms as he grins, it’s that cheeky smile that always makes my heart race just a little faster.

I give him a half smile before looking away.

Nope. Not falling in love at all.

I tend to customers and give Stacy a half day off because she’s been working overtime and she’s beginning to look worn out.

Since it’s the weekend, the diner is only working as a coffee shop, so it closes at five which means that people complain as I tell them that it’s time to close up in half an hour.

“You’re not even eating, Jerry!” I scold him. “You’re just sitting here, solving puzzles.”

“Well, I like the seats here,” the older man argues, determined not to leave till he’s ready. “I’m old and my back hurts.”

I raise a brow at him. “I got you one of these at home for your birthday.”

He gives me a mutinously silent look.

Again, I try to convince him, “Jerry, I have to clean up and then start decorating. Come on. Don’t give me a hard time.”

He glances over at where Finn is sitting, working on his laptop. “How come you’re not kicking him out?”

My mouth flaps open. “I will.”

A shifty look emerges in his eyes. “Do it and then I’ll leave.”

My lips tighten together and my nose crinkles. “You’re a horrible person.”

He laughs as I walk away, defeated, and calls out, “But I sleep all the better for it.”

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