Текст книги "25 Days"

Chapter 13

Chloe

Getting a chance to talk to Finn and clear the air the day before left me with a new perspective on things. I set my alarm and woke up early the next morning, wanting to get a fresh start on the week and hoping to figure out a way to impress my father beyond what he thought me capable of. He wanted a new jacket that was incredibly functional. I wanted something cute and modern that left women feeling attractive. Why not combine the two? I was buzzing with ideas as I danced toward the kitchen, singing off-tune my favorite Adele song.

"What are you doing up so early?" My father glanced up from the kitchen table. He was dressed in a black suit and a blue button down shirt.

"Just decided to gain new perspective on all of these changes in my life. It feels good. I want to get the day started." I shrugged and stopped behind him to brush a string from his back. "I'm making me an omelet. You want something?"

"I'd love two eggs over easy, but I usually have to get up early enough to stop by Jerry's to get them. I never did get your mother to teach me how she made them." He smiled and my heart broke over his loss. He still wasn't over her. Jessie was right about his angst most likely being tied to losing her. Where Parker and I had another life ahead of us, my Dad was still trying to push past the one he'd expected to last forever.

"Well, she taught me, so I'll make you some. Ham or bacon for you?" I moved to the fridge and started to pull the various items out that we would need.

"Whatever is easiest." He went back to his paper as I cut up items for my omelet. I figured I'd make one for Parker seeing that he would eat anything I put in front of him.

"So why did you and Parker decide to stay here for the full semester? His idea or yours?" I poured me a cup of coffee and checked my phone, realizing that I hadn't given Finn my number.

Damn. Wait...the invoice.

"He likes it here, and I really didn't mind working remotely to let him try it out. He's been taking snowboarding lessons, but I don't like the guy he's been training with. He's just not as good as Parker needs him to be. The pupil has already become the master."

"Really? I met a guy the other day that supposedly has insane snowboarding skills. I could ask him to help Parker in his spare time." I shrugged as my Dad glanced up from his paper.

"That would be great. Let me know his fee, and I'll want to meet him." He pulled out his phone and turned from me, which gave me a minute to snoop around the house for the invoice as the oven heated.

I had no luck and the smell of butter burning on the stove had me jogging back to my place in the kitchen.

My father stood and walked to the coffee pot as he ended his call. "That was one of my clients. I might have to fly to Texas tomorrow night, and Parker has a sleep over with some friends. Are you going to be okay alone here?"

"Of course. I'm a grown-ass woman, remember?"

He gave me a smirk and stole a pinch of the shredded cheese from the pile I'd grated. I popped his hand and he chuckled.

"You're so much like your mother." He lifted his mug to his lips and got a faraway look in his eye.

"You still miss her, Dad?"

He looked at me and smiled sadly. "So much. I never imagined a day in my life would be without her. I feel like she took my warmth with her."

Tears filled my eyes and I turned back to the stove, not responding so that he wouldn't hear how deeply I hurt for him. He wouldn't appreciate it.

"I'm going to wake your lazy-ass brother up. I want him to see about getting a job in town. He needs to learn responsibility." He walked down the hall and I pulled a paper-towel from the roll, dabbing at my eyes and promising myself that no matter what, I was going to work on my relationship with my Dad. It would take every bit of patience I possibly had, but my mother would have wanted us closer, and here I was helping to fuel the fire that forced us apart.

I finished my father's breakfast and handed him the plate as he walked back into the kitchen.

"Two eggs over easy and bacon. Toast should pop up any minute." I walked to the table and pushed his papers around. "Dad. Where is the invoice from the snow shoveling company?"

"It's in the den on my desk. I'll pay it today, but I'm going to call Clark and give him a piece of my mind."

"Who's Clark?" I glanced up as my brother walked up, his eyes wide as if warning me to tread lightly.

"He's the bastard that owns the company."

Finn's Dad. Not good.

"Why is he a bastard?" I flipped Parker's omelet onto a plate and sprinkled it with cheese before handling it to him and ruffling his hair.

He moved to the refrigerator and brought out a jug of orange juice, drinking straight from it.

"Parker. Son, that's disgusting. Just mark that one as yours and don't do it again." My Dad grimaced at my brother before turning his attention back to me. "He and I have had issues in the past."

"Why are you upset this time? The driveway looks great and the poor guy that did it had to have frozen his butt off."

"That poor guy was his son. He knows that I don't want that boy over here." He glanced up and pinned me with a hard stare. "He sleeps around, is going nowhere in life, and looks like the angel that he's not. I don't like him or his father."

"Dad..." I moved to sit down at the table as Parker joined us and snorted.

"Don't even try, Sis. I wanted to take snowboard lessons from Finn and Dad had a fit. He's not going to let you reason with him."

"Is that the friend that you wanted to talk to me about lessons for Parker with?" My Dad lifted his eyebrow sharply.

"What? No. I don't even know this guy. All I was going to say is that everyone has a story. I'm not the same person I was before Mom died. Part of my pain and anger bleeds into how I act, but if you didn't know that I lost my mom, you would judge me unfairly."

"I'm not interested in talking about this. I don't want the boy over here. Period. Clark knows that. He probably realized you were home and sent the boy over to steal your heart. He's a vicious bastard like that." My Dad shrugged and went back to his paper.

I turned to Parker and mouthed, 'What the fuck?’

He snorted and laughed as our Dad glanced up and looked between us. "What?"

"Nothing, but there is a story there. Inquiring minds want to know what."

"None of your business," my father barked. "Don't forget to clean up the kitchen when you're done."

"I always do, Dad." I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to my brother as I got up and walking back into the kitchen to finally make my breakfast. "What's your plans today?"

"I'm in a gamer contest." He smiled and wagged his eyebrows. "Wanna take the reins and win a few rounds of Resident Evil for me?"

"Your sister doesn't play video games. She's an adult." My father never looked up from his paper.

Chuckling, I turned back to the stove. "I can't today, buddy. I'm doing some research for this new investor with deep pockets and a stiff personality. I gotta win him over."

I glanced over my shoulder as my father's lip lifted in a subtle smirk, but he tried to hide it.

"How about tomorrow we do something?" Parker finished his breakfast and brought the plate in the kitchen.

"I thought Dad said you had a sleep over tomorrow." I took his plate and wiped it off, willing to use it for my breakfast too. Less to clean.

"I do, but we can spend the day together." He squeezed my shoulders from behind. "I'll teach you to snowboard."

"Yeah. Okay. I'd like that." I pulled from him and worked to finish my breakfast. My father kissed the top of my head before leaving, which was a surprise. The last time we'd hugged or kissed had been the day I left for college – five years ago.

* * * *

I pulled up the address for Warner Removal Services and plugged it in my GPS before changing into a pair of jeans, a cute sweater, and knee-high boots. I fixed my hair and put on a little bit of lip gloss. We were just going to be friends, so I needed to look nice, but not hot.

I checked my appearance one more time before letting out an angry growl and leaving the house. I would always find a million things wrong with me. It was one of the criteria for being a woman in my early twenties. It was required.

I made it to Finn's father's shop within twenty minutes and then sat in the parking lot, trying to decide how to go about getting his number. Maybe one of the other guys that worked with him would just give it to me. I didn't think talking to his Dad was a good idea seeing that my Dad and him had some bad blood between them.

It was already ten, and the day was moving by quickly. If Finn had asked off to spend it with me, like he said he was going to, I wanted to get it started.

Getting out of the SUV, I pulled my scarf tighter and walked up to the large hanger doors that were open. No one was standing outside, so I walked in and looked around. The building was like a mechanic's shop, with various machines and plows all over the place. I wasn't sure where to go and was quickly losing my nerve.

"Hello?" I called out and slid my hands into my pockets.

A stocky older man with a buzz-cut and piercing blue eyes walked out from the back. His flannel shirt and jeans fit him well. He was attractive by anyone standards.

"Morning, ma'am. How can I help you?"

As he moved closer, I realized he was Finn's Dad. How could he and my father have so much in common and yet hate each other? Both of their wives were deceased, they both loved Aspen, and both owned their own companies. Seemed like they would be the best of friends.

Odd.

I extended my hand and smiled. "I'm Chloe. I'm looking for Finn. I assume he works here."

The man smiled warmly and took my hand. "I'm Clark, his father. Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." I glanced around and turned back to Finn's Dad. "He promised me he would call in sick and spend the day showing me the town, but don't tell his boss."

He chuckled and released my hand. "Did he now?"

"He did, but there's a problem with his promise." I lifted an eyebrow, liking the guy in front of me already.

"There usually is with that boy."

"He didn't get my number and I don't have his." I shrugged.

"Well, come on in here and let's call him together. We'll have him stop by and surprise him. What do you think?" He nodded and walked back toward the open door at the back of the warehouse.

Pulling one over on Finn was far better than just getting his number. I followed him and forced the giggle that burned inside my chest back down.

"Were you part of the clubbing party Saturday night?" Clark glanced over his shoulder at me.

"I was, but I took Brian home and then went home myself. I think Finn was a little put off with us leaving him with all the drunks, but he took care of them. I was impressed. I'd have left them there." I took a seat as he motioned for me to inside a cramped office filled with papers and parts.

"He's a good boy, just needs a good woman to get his ass on track."

I smirked and turned my attention to the small picture sitting on Clark's desk as he put the call to Finn on speaker phone.

"Can I?" I asked, reaching for the picture.

"Of course. That's my Sara. She passed ten years ago. Best woman in the world." His eyes grew misty as I looked up, and sadness rolled over me for his loss.

The picture was at Christmas. Sara, Clark, and a teenage Finn were all dressed up to go skiing. The smiles on their faces were warm and full of love. Tears burned my eyes and I set the picture down, trying to not let them fall, but it didn't work.

Clark hung up the phone and shook his head.

"He's not up." He looked over at me as his eyes widened. "Oh honey. You don't need to cry."

I took the Kleenex he handed me and dabbed my eyes. "I lost my mom eight years ago. Finn and I talked about it a little the other day, but he seemed so closed off to it."

Clark crossed his hands over his stomach and nodded. "I guess you have to be when part of your world dissipates."

"Yes, Sir. I think me, my brother and my Daddy are to."

"What did you say your last name was, sweetie?" He stood as the sound of Finn's voice shocked both of us.

I flinched, not wanting to give it up and yet not willing to lie. "It's Burke."

His eyes widened a little and his expression changed, but I could see him forcing himself not to respond.

"Dad? Where are you? Shit. I need access to a cl..." Finn stopped in his tracks as I looked over my shoulder at him.

"Nope. You don't. All client files are confidential." I stood and laughed as the two men around me did as well.

"She's right boy, and she gave you up on calling in. You're lucky I like her." Clark pressed his hands to the desk and looked up at me. "Have fun. Be good to my boy."

"Yes, Sir." I smiled and moved toward Finn, taking the hand he offered me.

I didn't know what happened between our Dads, but maybe Finn did. One thing was for sure, I was determined to find out.

Chapter 14

Finn

Finding her in my father's office almost caused my heart to stop, and yet something was so right about her being there. I watched the way my old man interacted with her and my heart melted. Never in my life had I been in love. To think I was with Chloe was ridiculous, and yet I wanted her to stay in Aspen. She would fit into my life and me in hers. I needed to get to know her better before coming to that conclusion, but something deep inside of me told me that it was already a given.

I winked at my Dad and walked out with the pretty blond, my hand tightly wrapped around hers. She tried to tug out of my grasp and I shook my head at her.

"Heck no. You trip on nothingness. There are tools and wires everywhere in here. You should come with your own warning sign." I smiled and ducked as her other hand swung at my chest.

"Hey. Maybe I meant to trip to see if any hot guy would step in and save me." Her cheeks colored and I opened the door to the truck on her side. We could get her SUV later. I wanted to spend as much time in her presence as she would allow.

"Nobody accidentally trips as much as you." I smiled and helped her into the car. "You want to get a cup of coffee at the shop by the slopes?"

"Yeah, but I don't want to ski today. Kills my legs and I promised my little brother I would take him out tomorrow. He's going to teach me to snow board."

I narrowed my eyes playfully and shut the door on her side before jogging over to my side and getting in.

"What was the look for?" She turned on the heater after I started the truck.

"I want to teach you to snowboard." I tugged off my hat and breathed warm air against my hands.

"Come with us. He's supposedly good at it, but I know he's looking to get better."

"I have to work tomorrow, but if you guys can wait until I get off, I'm all for it." I pulled out of the parking lot and glanced back to see my father and Milly standing in the open door, his arm around her shoulders as they watched us leave.

I prayed something would become of them. The old man needed a woman as bad as I did.

"We'll wait for you." She leaned in and pressed her hands to the heaters. "My brother is going to a sleep over tomorrow night and my father's going out of town. You want to maybe snowboard with us and then come over? I'll make dinner and we can watch a movie or something."

Damn things were changing fast.

I glanced over at her as my heart swelled in my chest. She was a vision of beauty, and so much more than I deserved to be around, even as just a friend.

"I'd love to, but that sure sounds like a date. Friends don't date." I chuckled at the look she gave me.

"I said snowboarding, dinner and a movie, not skinny dipping and an all-night fuck-fest."

I growled low in my chest as my body woke up and lust rolled through me. "Watch it."

"What?" She gave me an innocent look and I thought to threaten her with a spanking, but kept it to myself. Just the vision of spanking her caused my mind to wonder down one dark alley after another.

By the time we arrived at the coffee shop I was having trouble breathing.

"You okay?" Chloe reached over and touched my arm.

"Yeah. Just getting a cold, I think. Ignore me." I got out of the truck and pulled my scarf and gloves off. It was freezing outside and yet I was burning up.

She walked around the truck and lifted her hand to press the back of her fingers against my head. "You're sweating, Finn. I think you have a fever for real. We don't have to hang out today. Seriously."

Telling her that I thought I was having withdrawals from sex would sound insanely creepy, which wasn't happening. I pulled her hand down, and intertwined mine with hers.

"It's nothing. Just hot for you."

She chuckled. "Friends don't get hot for each other."

"Tell that to my fever." I walked to the coffee shop and held the door open for her.

She moved past me and I breathed in subtly, wanting to smell the scent that was uniquely hers. Remaining friends was going to be a fun exercise in restraint. As long as we weren't alone, snuggled up and watching a movie – like she wanted to do tomorrow night – we'd be fine.

I rolled my eyes and moved up to the counter, letting out a long breath and glancing up at the menu.

"Finn Warner. How are you?" A cute blond moved up beside me and wrapped her arm around my back, giving me an awkward hug from the side.

"Good, girl. How about you?" I smiled at her and tugged from her hold. The last time an ex-lover approached, Chloe was long gone by the time I could get free.

"I'm great. You were supposed to call me. " She giggled and pawed at my chest.

I tugged Chloe up beside me and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "I'm so rude. This is my fiancé, Chloe. She's from California."

She stiffened in my hold, but extended herself and introduced herself. I chuckled as the other girl rolled her eyes and walked out of the coffee shop.

"Does this happen all the time to you?" Chloe looked up at me and I realized she was still tucked under my arm. I wanted to kiss her so bad it hurt.

"More than I care to discuss." I released her and looked up at the menu. "Black coffee for me and whatever my girl's having."

I moved to the pickup counter, letting her order as I fingered through the chocolate bars, trying to decide if something sweet was in order for so early in the morning.

She moved up beside me and bumped her shoulder against mine. "I'm not your girl, Finn. Stop telling people that."

"Why? You on the market?" I lifted an eyebrow and pushed back against her shoulder.

"No. I'm just looking for a friend, remember?"

"Right, and a good friend would let all these other hungry fools think that you belong to him so that they leave you alone." I moved back and took my coffee as the Batista put it in front of me. "Please don't lie and tell me that no other guys have hit on you while you've been here."

"A few, I guess." She took her coffee and nodded. "I see you're point. I'm good with you calling me yours to spare me more attention and to help you cover the trail for the hookers after your body."

"They are...aren't they?" I smirked.

"They are, what? Hookers?"

"No, baby. After this sexy body. Jeez." I chuckled as she pretended to gag. "You know you want it."

"So bad." She fanned herself and rolled her eyes while walking to a small table near the window.

If only she were telling the truth. I could see her underneath me, lost to passion in a way that only I could give to her. I wanted that moment so bad, and yet I needed to leave it alone. It would consume me if I wasn't careful.

"How long do I get you today and what's on the agenda?" I sat down and leaned over to blow at the top of my coffee.

"As long as you want, but I have to do some research. My father's funding my clothing line in January, as I mentioned."

"You did. I assume your degree is in design?"

"Yes, from UCLA."

"Right, so why the research? Something to do with your old man?"

"Yeah. He wants me to come up with a new wind-breaker by Thursday that's not only functionally better than most that are already available, but is modern, fashionable. On point."

"On point?" I lifted my eyebrow and smirked.

"Never mind." She grinned and played with the top of her drink. "Let's go to a few clothing stores and we'll try on wind-breakers together. I need to figure out a few things about both men's and women's. You're going to be my Guinea pig. That okay?"

"Sure, but I'll need your help later too." I took a drink of my coffee and tried to keep my expression straight.

"Absolutely. Doing what?" Her green eyes searched my face and I tucked my hand under my leg to keep from reaching out and touching the side of her face.

"Research for the fastest way to bring a woman to orgasm." I glanced down and chuckled as she popped my arm and yelped.

"Jesus Finn. For real?"

I looked up and couldn't stop laughing. "No, baby. I'm kidding...unless."

"No. Absolutely not. You're so fucking corrupt."

"But you like it." I tugged my hand free and reached for her before I could stop myself. I tilted my head to the side and slid my fingers along her cheek, loving so much the beautiful innocence that sat on her. "Tell me you like it."

She stared at me for a moment and I wished I knew what she was thinking. At least she hadn’t shoved my hand away.

“Even if I do it doesn’t matter. I don’t want to start anything and then leave. But hey, I think you’re a good guy.”

She cupped her hand around mine, sealing the memory in my mind for when she would leave me.

* * * *

I walked out of the dressing room in a red jacket as she moved out in a thin white one.

"Now what?" I reached out and helped button the front of hers, not thinking twice about helping her though she seemed a little stiff by my nearness. It felt too natural to me not to give into it.

"We need to go outside, but I'm not sure they'll let us." She pushed at me. "I can get it. Find another way to get your hands all over me. Jeez."

"Is that an invitation? Because I have a million excuses that will seem reasonable." I laughed and turned to find the nearest sales associate, motioning for him to join us.

"Yes, Sir. How can I help you?" He smiled and me and turned his attention to Chloe as a smile slid across his face. I knew how he felt.

"We need to see how these feel outside. You got a place we can test them against the wind and cold?"

"Of course. That balcony right over there is open for you to use. It doesn't have another exit, but through the store, so feel free." He spoke to me, but kept his eyes on Chloe.

I coughed and got his attention before shaking my head. "Don't."

He adverted his eyes and walked away, clearing his throat and blushing.

"What was that?" Chloe laughed softly and nudged my arm.

The arm nudge was one step closer to the end game. Now if we could just move to small kisses, just a friendly peck when the moment called for it. I wanted to taste her lips so damn bad, but I knew I'd have to wait for her to make that move. Patience wasn't anywhere near my strong suit.

"It was man-speak for 'stop looking at my girl or I'll bend your ass over'." I winked and opened the door for her.

"But I'm not your girl." She lifted her eyebrows.

"You are for pretend, right? You're killing me over here. Are we together or are we not? I'm losing my shit, and you just don't understand me. You never have." I pulled at my hair and she laughed, slapping me and forcing a serious smile on her face.

"Be serious for a minute. I need to test these jackets out. My Dad is a hard sell and I really want to impress him." She took a deep breath and closed her eyes before peaking back at me. "Close your eyes. You need to feel the jacket."

I rolled my eyes and snorted. "Oh shit. Is this one of those California yoga things we're about to do?"

She laughed and popped my chest. "No, but you have to concentrate."

"I am, but I'm not closing my eyes. Ask your questions and let’s get into the next jacket." I leaned against the railing and watched her closely. There was a light inside of her that burned brighter when she was talking designs and colors. She was going to be great at what she did and I realized that I wanted to support her. In any way she would let me. I'd try on coats all damn day if that's what she needed.

"Why won't you close your eyes? Afraid of the dark?" She smirked and brushed her hands down her jacket as if trying to get a feel for it.

"Naw. I don't want to miss a minute of this."

"Of what?" She looked up as her smile faded.

"Of my time with you." I winked and moved toward her as tears filled her eyes again. "Well damn. I didn't mean to upset you. I was just trying to explain why I didn't want to close my eyes."

She reached up and pressed her hands to my chest as I pulled her into a hug. "It's not that, I just..."

"Just what? Tell me what I'm doing and I'll stop. There's no crying on shopping day. Jeez girl. You didn't read the damn rules?" I leaned down and brushed my nose past hers, trying to get her to look into my eyes and see the good times I was trying to present.

She closed her eyes and moved up, pressing her lips to mine. That was it.

A floodgate broke loose inside of me. I moved one of my hands up to let my fingers slide into her long silky hair as I tilted my head, and pressed my tongue against her lips. I wanted in.

She whimpered softly and opened her mouth, the combination of her need and taste driving me insane. I pressed my hips forward and kissed and licked at her mouth as she took every bit of what I offered and seemed to want more.

I broke the kiss and closed my eyes, brushing my lips by hers as I panted. "I've wanted that since we met."

"Me too, now stop being so damn sweet." She brushed her fingers by my lips and I kissed them before moving back.

"Right. No being sweet." I winked. "Ask your questions on the jacket and let's get out of here. I want to show you a little frozen pond not far from my place. It's going to get dark before we know it."

"Okay." She tugged at the front of the jacket and dove into question after question about comfort, color, warmth, flexibility and texture. I answered them all as best I could while trying to stave off my dizziness.

It was the weirdest feeling in the world.

Wanting someone and thinking that it could be forever.

Forever was such a long time.

How could anyone agree to forever?

I didn't know, but I knew one thing was for sure.

I wanted to find out.