Page 56 of For Your Love

“Do you like it?” Finn asked, taking another sip of beer.

“I do. I haven’t had sushi in a long time, so it’s a nice change.” Colleen took a sip of sake and scanned inside Sato’s. This was a new restaurant and the place was packed. Subdued recessed lighting cast a warm glow over the honey-colored wood floors. They were seated at a table for two with leather-upholstered club chairs.

Finn took a look at his phone and tossed it down. This was the third time he’d checked since they arrived. She hated that habit because it was rude to ignore your date.

“Why do you keep looking at your phone if it makes you angry?”

“You’re right,” he said, tucking it away.

“What is it you keep checking, anyway?” she asked, taking a bite of a tuna avocado roll.

With a shrug, Finn said, “I’m keeping an eye on the news.” He took a gulp of beer. “It’s my father. He’s been all over town today, talking to the media as much as he can about me.”

She didn’t want to end their date, but she understood how his father’s behavior affected Finn. “Do you want to leave?”

“No way.” He took her hand, pressing his lips softly against her fingers. “I’ll be fine. I promise not to check anymore.”

“Are you sure?”

“I am,” he said, taking a bite of salmon with a grin.

“That was a great dinner,” Colleen said as they left the restaurant.

Finn wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close to him, saying, “Have I told you how sexy you look in that dress?”

“Only with your smoldering gaze,” Colleen said, turning to him.

Finn shook his head with a huge laugh. “If that’s what my eyes can do, just wait until I get my hands on you,” he whispered. He guided Colleen toward the Town Car he’d ordered for the evening, that was waiting at the curb.

A series of flashes caught her attention. A group of photographers ran toward the car, calling out Finn’s name over and over again.

“Get in,” Finn growled behind her.

Colleen climbed inside, sat on the far side, and snapped her seatbelt in place. Photographers surrounded the car, filling the car with flashes of light. It was disorienting and oppressive to be inside while the shouts were muffled by the windows.

Finn got in and pulled her close to his body, shielding her head with his arms, making her feel safe and protected. “Go!” he shouted to the driver.

The car slowly made its way through the cluster of photographers and soon they were on the street on their way back to Tribeca.

Finn wouldn’t let her go, his heart pounding wildly beneath his shirt. She’d learned a lot about Finn and his father since she arrived in New York, and she wanted to help in any way she could to alleviate his worry.

Once his heartbeat calmed down, Colleen lifted her face up to his. “I thought you weren’t worried about the press?”

“I’m not worried, I’m angry. They’re even more aggressive than I expected them to be. I don’t want them to ruin our date.”

“What can I do to help?”

His smile was gentle. “You’re here with me. That’s all I need,” he said into her hair with a kiss.

Colleen closed her eyes as he sifted his fingers through her hair. She was desperate to finally be with him.

When they returned to O’Connor Tower, Colleen sat up and smoothed her hair.

“I’ve got an idea,” Finn said. “Pack a bag with enough clothes for a couple days.”

Colleen took a peek outside the window. No reporters in sight. “Why? There’s no one around.”

“Think of it as an adventure,” he said, unbuckling his seatbelt.

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