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“Is this your mature way of telling me you’re not ready to think of our relationship like that, that you don’t see a possible future with me?” Finn asked.
She stopped in her tracks, faced him, and gave a huge sigh.
“I haven’t thought about it. I don’t think ahead like that with people.”
“But you’ve planned out your future career wise—why not consider if there is someone—me—by your side in that future, cheering you on?”
Her mouth opened and closed like a fish, until finally, she found her voice. “Up until this moment, I thought this thing between us was just a fling or maybe your attempt to keep me distracted so you could win this case and get the junior partner position.”
“Now that’s bullshit. I’ve been very clear about my attraction and feelings for you. Just because you want to pretend not to notice I’m falling for you doesn’t mean I’m some dirtbag trying to steal a partnership we both know you’ve earned.”
Finn sat up now in bed and propped himself up with pillows. The sheets fell to rest below his six-pack of abs, and she had a hard time getting annoyed with him looking so deliciously enticing in bed.
“I don’t know how far a person will go to manipulate me or try to take what I want,” she said in her defense.
Finn took a deep inhale and crossed his arms over his chest, causing his muscles to ripple and flex, but a smile played on his mouth.
“Okay, I accept that. But just so we are one hundred percent clear, Hailey Adams, I am enthralled and impressed by your mind and work ethic. Your passion for the law is inspiring. I believe the partners have already made their decision but wanted you to tap into the idea that you won’t always have to win every case or do everything on your own. Making partner will mean you have a dozen colleagues that have your back and will help you win, not just because they have financial incentives for the firm to succeed, but because you’ll be part of that team.”
“I never thought of it like that.”
“Babe, I understand you have had to fight and scrounge for everything, and you have been conditioned to expect the worst of people. I understand it’s not professional for me to have fallen for you while we’re working on a very important case, but I need you to know this was never about winning the case. For me, it was always about winning you. I know moving in together is a big step and probably a while away. But we are in a relationship, and when you’re ready to discuss it, I would like to talk about a future unrelated to where either of us work.”
“Tomorrow is a really big day for us, and I need to get a good night’s sleep,” she said.
Finn’s exhale said it all. He was disappointed she was taking the easy way out, but she wasn’t ready to make any big decisions about them. There was still the possibility that their relationship would end once one of them was selected for partner. She wasn’t as confident as him that the firm already planned to select her.
He held back the covers. His invitation was clear.
“Come back to bed, and I promise I won’t keep you up all night.”
“No, you have dinner with your parents, and I need to go home and get my mind right for tomorrow.”
Folding himself out of the sheets, he walked around the bed to stand in front of her, naked.
“Okay, let me get a quick shower, and I’ll take you home on my way to my folks.”
A sudden wave of her deep need for independence was crashing into her desire to be with Finn and let him be there for her. His little thoughtful habits all combined to prove that he was always looking out for her. It was nice, but not something she should let herself get used to if things weren’t going to last.
“Actually, I think I’d like to just head home now. I’ll get the bus.”
“On a Sunday evening, it’d take forever.” He grabbed his jeans off the floor and put them on. “I’ll take you now if you’re in a hurry and then come back to get ready, no big deal.”
She huffed. “Why are you being so nice to me when I’m trying to keep you at arm’s length?”
His laugh only made it more difficult.
“Because I understand it. I’m not mad. If you need more time to fall for my charms, then I’ll give you more time.”
“These Jedi mind tricks make me second-guess myself.”
With his strong arms, he enveloped her in a big hug, and she couldn’t resist hugging him back.
“No tricks, baby. I’m just here when you’re ready, once you work this all out in your beautiful mind.”
“I really do need to get home and make sure I’m ready for tomorrow,” she said as they swayed, their bodies still melded in a tight hug.
“I understand. But you have to put some pants on before I’ll let you leave my place, and I would consider it a big favor if you let me just take you home.”
