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“Is there anything I can do?” Colleen asked, placing her hand in his.
“No, but thanks.” He gave her hand a squeeze, grateful for her understanding.
“We’re supposed to play basketball this afternoon,” Sean said. “Are you up for it? There might be a few photographers stalking you.”
“You haven’t done anything wrong,” Colleen said. “Why do you have to hide?”
She was right. In the past, Finn chose to avoid any publicity. But no more. “I’ll meet you at the court at two.”
“Sounds good.” Sean slapped Finn’s shoulder, saying as he headed toward the door. “I’ll see you whenever, big sister.”
“Bye,” Colleen called after him.
After Sean left, Finn headed back to the kitchen. “Can you stay for breakfast? I make great pancakes.”
Colleen walked back to the breakfast bar, her arms wrapped around her waist. Not answering, she slid back on the stool. “I’m not hungry.”
“I’m starving.” He opened the fridge.
“We need to talk, Finn. About your father.”
“No, we don’t.” He turned around and immediately noted Colleen’s anxiety. It pissed him off that this news story threatened to spoil his time with her. “We had a great night.” He pulled out a carton of eggs, placing them on the counter. “What I don’t want is to talk about that narcissistic asshole who, unfortunately, happens to be my father,” he said, slamming the fridge door.
Colleen flinched.
Finn immediately regretted his outburst. “Look, I’m sorry.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I shouldn’t let him get to me and then take it out on you.”
“I’m trying to be a friend,” she said, her eyes wide with concern.
“I know you are. And I appreciate that.” He’d have to dial back his anger, otherwise he’d scare Colleen away.
“I better get going.” She slid off the stool and walked toward the door, lifting her purse off a chair.
“You don’t have to go.”He wanted her to stay, share breakfast, and just be together.
“Yeah. I do. I’ve got to start looking for a job and you’re playing basketball.”
“Not until two.”
She held up her phone to him. “It’s twelve-thirty.”
“Wait,” Finn said, walking to her and taking her hand.
Colleen lifted her face to his with an expectant expression. In that one look, he knew that she was reluctant to leave. She wanted more, too.
“I want to take you to dinner tonight.”
She gave him a once-over. “Is this a date?”
“Absolutely.”
“You’re not concerned about the press?”
He tilted her chin up and said, “The only concern I have right now is that you’ll agree to go on a date with me.”
“Okay,” she said with a shy grin. “And by the way, I hate it when people are late.”
Finn grinned. “There’s no way I’m going to be late for this date.”
