AllFreeNovel
Share Us
My heart soared, and my fingers itched to touch her body. Every single inch of it. Instead, I leaned in and gently brushed my lips across hers. “Remember that ‘romantic’ part.”
Taking her arm in mine, I headed into the museum. The moment we stepped in, you could hear footsteps echoing on the marble floors. Whispers from a tour group carried across the entrance. I loved this place, and I was over the moon to find out Rory loved it as well.
A younger woman approached us, a grin on her face. “Hello. Are you here for a tour?”
I extended my hand. “Finn Ward. I’m here to see Alex Montell.”
“Oh yes, he informed me he wanted to speak with you and that you’d be visiting.”
She focused on Rory. “I’m so excited you’re visiting. Please follow me.”
Rory’s hand squeezed mine while she tugged on my arm. “Who is Mr. Montell?”
“A good friend of mine. His family has given a lot of money and time to the museum.”
As we walked, I couldn’t help but notice how Rory’s gaze searched everywhere. She’d probably been here often, yet she acted as if she were seeing it for the first time.
“Please head on inside—he’s on the phone, but should be wrapping it up.”
I nodded. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your lunch.”
Rory’s brow furrowed. “Are we eating with your friend?”
I winked at her, and a smile tugged at her lips as she whispered, “Your surprise, I take it.”
Alex grinned from ear to ear when we walked into his office. He held up his finger to motion he wouldn’t be long, and Rory and I sat down.
“Thank you so much. We look forward to helping with your event. I’ll talk to you soon.”
Alex hung up and quickly stood to make his way around his desk. I followed his lead, and we quickly embraced and gave each other a solid pat on the back. “Son-of-a-bitch: Finn Ward. Man, it’s good to see you.”
“You too, Alex. Congratulations on the engagement.”
His face beamed with happiness. “Thank you. I can’t wait to tell Theresa I saw you.”
“Alex, this is Rory. Rory, this is a good friend of mine I’ve known since elementary school.”
He extended his hand to her, and they shook. “Our parents are good friends. Finn’s dad saved my father’s life in a fire.”
Rory looked at me. “Really?”
“Yep. Ever since then, they’ve been the best of friends, and so have I with the infamous Ward brothers.”
Her brow lifted as she repeated, “Infamous, huh?”
With a roar of laughter, Alex slapped his hands together. “Let’s just say the three of them had their fair share of getting into trouble.”
“Dude, I’m on a date! Really?”
Rory giggled and replied, “We may need to talk later, Alex.”
“Speaking of dates,” Alex said with a grin. “I’ve got everything set up—the garden is yours for the next two hours.”
“What?” Rory gasped.
“My father is the head gardener here at the museum. Has been for the last twenty years.”
Rory covered her mouth in surprise. “I’ve spoken with him a number of times! He’s an amazing and talented man.”
I could have sworn Alex’s chest puffed out. “That he is.”
“Do you also work in the garden?”
“Oh hell no. I work in the museum’s financial operations.”
“In other words, he’s a math geek, and always has been.”
Alex punched me in the arm. “If you want to enjoy your lunch, you’ll stop talking.”
I lifted my hands. “Lead the way, oh mighty one.”
“That’s better.”
We talked quietly as we made our way to the gardens. The second we stepped out into the atrium, I knew I had hit a home run. Turning to see Rory’s face, I was overcome with joy at seeing her so happy. These new feelings I was experiencing both freaked me out and gave me a warm fuzzy, all at the same time. I made a mental note to talk to Preston to see if this shit was normal. The one thing I did know for sure was, I wanted to see that look on her face every damn day.
She covered her mouth and slowly shook her head before she whirled around and threw herself into my arms and said, “It’s beyond beautiful.”
My eyes lifted and caught Alex’s. He gave me a thumbs-up and retreated back into the museum. When I turned my body, I continued to hold Rory in my arms while I took in the table in the middle of the courtyard.
Holy. Shit. I was going to owe Alex big-time for this one.
Chapter 14
Rory
Gardens and surprises
I loved the feeling of being wrapped in Finn’s arms. If there hadn’t been a beautiful table set up in the middle of one of my favorite gardens, I would have kept my arms locked around his neck. Reluctantly, I let go, and loved that he held on and slowly lowered me down. The feel of our bodies together was enough to almost make me combust.
