“Isn’t that overkill?” Penny disputed.
Bonnie didn’t bother to answer, instead continuing to point at the contested butter.
“Fine. I’ll put butter on a small bowl of it. Finn and I can share the rest. I’m guessing by the comment about butter on popcorn being American that he’ll agree with me.”
“He won’t like it just to be stubborn,” Bonnie grumbled as the first kernel pinged against the lid of the pot. The rest followed suit shortly, bringing the conversation to a close.
They returned to the living room just in time to see Finn’s grimace turn into a triumphant smile as an Irish woman on the TV appeared, forecasting the weather for the weekend. Penny listened curiously, only to be disappointed.
“Didn’t she pretty much say the same thing for every day, just switching things around?” she asked, perplexed.
“Oh, now, don’t ruin the fun of it,” Finn huffed. “We like to keep it a mystery as to whether the afternoon is going to be partially sunny with bits of rain or partially rainy with bits of sun—two completely different things.”
Penny smiled warmly at the joke as she settled herself on a couch. Then, she became aware of the warning look Bonnie shot her as she offered Finn some of her popcorn.
Without paying much attention to it, he reached in for a handful, shoving most of it into his mouth in one go—only to freeze that way, his mouth forming as much of a grimace aspossible while still full. He managed to chew and swallow, his disappointment evident.
“Is this how ye make popcorn in America?”
“Yes,” Bonnie sang out at the same time Penny said, “I told you it was overkill.”
Finn’s head bounced back and forth between the two of them.
“She requested it that way,” Penny informed him accusatorily. “I refused to make mine that way, though. I thought you might agree.” She indicated her bigger bowl.
“Oh, thank God!” he exclaimed, promptly seating himself on the couch next to her.
In that moment, Penny became much more aware of the whole left side of her body than she’d ever been in her life; she could practically feel the heat from him. With one unknowing move, she’d managed to seat him next to her.
Knock it off, she warned herself. It’s just Finn, Bonnie’s cousin, and a potential friend. Kill the tingly feeling.
“Your loss,” Bonnie said, flouncing onto the other couch.
They watched a couple of Irish sitcoms. Penny chose to focus all her attention on keeping up with the accent, not the sight of Finn’s lovely long fingers coming so close to brushing hers as he reached for more popcorn. She realized having someone speaking directly to her was one thing. Keeping up with the pacing of a TV show was quite another.
As the minutes passed, the space between her and Finn grew smaller. She made a conscious effort, fighting against her desires, not to be the one closing it. But with a casual movement here and a gesture there, their legs were soon touching.
As much as Penny wanted, had wanted for a long time, someone for herself the way Bonnie had had Felix, she’d been hurt badly. She didn’t trust men easily. Which explained why every time she thought of Seamus, a knot of dread grew in her stomach. But something about Finn felt safe. Maybe it washis casualness or the fact that he was so protective of Bonnie. Something about him felt right. Even though Bonnie told her it was wrong.
As if hearing her thoughts, Bonnie’s head swiveled towards them. Her eyes narrowed in on their connected legs. Her mouth hung open for a moment before she spoke.
“Right. I’d say that’s enough for us, Finn. Time to hit the hay. Big day and all tomorrow.”
“Huh?” Finn glanced at his phone. “It’s only nine.”
“Yeah, but you know, jetlag and all. And we should probably get some more touristy stuff in. Off you go.” She was up out of her seat, gesturing for him to follow suit.
Finn stared in confusion for a minute more before pulling himself from the couch. “Grand,” he said, sounding nothing of the sort.
“Actually, I am pretty tired,” Penny lied, knowing it was time to make her own escape before her friend had a chance to talk to her. “Thanks for fixing the TV, Finn. And thanks for the offer for the weekend. I’m really looking forward to it.” Her words came out quickly as she headed for the stairs. “Goodnight, Bonnie. See you in the morning.”
Chapter 7
Friday morning, a dumbfounded Penelope sat counting the days since their arrival. Had it really only been three since they’d landed? Since her life had been turned upside down?
Looming more importantly, was she really about to go on a date? Well, a possible date, maybe a semi-date, whatever it was, she was going to be hanging out with a very attractive man.
Her stomach turned at the thought, and she tried to convince herself it was nerves, maybe even excitement. That’s not what it felt like, though. Sure, Seamus was gorgeous. But she’d gone out with handsome before. Look where that had gotten her. Why would she possibly think that going out with someone even more attractive, more out of her league, would go well?
