“And I, uh, wanted to check us in. To make sure they’re not booked up. Are you okay with, I mean, is it all right if… I was just going to get one room if that’s okay?” he said, finally spitting it out. “It doesn’t have to mean, I’m not trying to….”
“It’s okay,” she nodded her head slowly, not exactly sure what she was agreeing to, or even what she hoped for. But knowing she wanted to be close to him. “One room is fine.”
“Grand,” he said, relief washing over him. “I’ll, uh, be right back.”
The butterflies in her stomach arrived about the same time as the toasties, making it difficult to eat. They grew as he invited her to sit next to him, legs pressed up against each other, looking out at the idyllic view of the lake. A much better idea than looking at the hotel, considering the ideas it was sparking in her suddenly prolific imagination. By the time they approachedthe edge of the woods, it felt more like hummingbirds than butterflies.
She gripped his hand to steady herself, as much as for the sensation of his skin against hers. She’d chanced it when getting ready that morning, not knowing where they were going. She’d picked out a light summer dress, a cardigan, and a sturdier pair of sandals. Apparently, not quite sturdy enough, though.
“Do you think I’ll manage okay in these?” she asked, indicating her footwear.
“I’m hardly going to make you climb the whole hill. I just wanted you to get a feel for the place, use my Irish charms on you,” he said with a wink.
They were alone for the moment; no other tourists were around. For a mere second, a flash of a memory of Carson, leading her into a deserted field, came uninvited into her thoughts.
No, she squashed it like she would a buzzing mosquito. He was not going to ruin this for her. This was nothing like that. This was an enchanted forest. A stream wound its way past them through moss-covered mounds that felt soft to the touch. The air was damp and still. The trees were huge green giants, reaching out branches to create hidden nooks. It was not an unimaginative field in the middle of nowhere.
Finn pulled her close until their bodies connected, his arms wrapping around her as his eyes searched hers. “It’s one of the most magical places I know of. I wanted you to see it.”
“It’s….” She shook her head, cutting the word off. She was not going to say beautiful again. Instead, she forced herself to meet his gaze. “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” he answered as his lips lowered to hers, losing the last word, as she lifted herself to him.
His hand moved to cup her cheek in a gesture more gentle than she’d ever known, while his other hand pulled her closerto him. Penelope closed her eyes, wishing she could stay in this moment forever with the heat of his body pressed against her and the sound of his heart beating beneath his shirt.
“Mammy, look,” the unmistakable voice of a child called out.
They separated with a speed only two teachers could have, chastely holding hands and smiling innocently when the girl’s parents looked their way.
The mother waved back awkwardly as she pulled her daughter along.
They refused to look at each other, keeping their faces straight until the family was just out of sight, and then the giggles took over. “Thank God that wasn’t a Mr. Casey fan!” Penelope managed through her laughter. “I’m sure she wouldn’t have been so forgiving of me kissing her teacher.”
“Oh, and what would a Ms. North student think?” he countered.
“I’m sure they wouldn’t believe the sight of it. Ms. North never has a date.” She stepped ahead of him back onto the trail, embarrassed by her disclosure.
Finn didn’t let her escape that easily. “I find that very hard to believe.” He followed her back onto the path, taking her hand again. “You must be beating them off with a stick at home.”
“Uh, not quite,” she tried to answer his teasing smile with one of her own but couldn’t quite fake it. She sighed, deciding then that she would be honest with him. If this was going to happen, she wanted it to be real. “I wouldn’t exactly be considered a catch at home.”
“What? Are American men eejits?”
She couldn’t help smiling at that. “Oh, I’m sure there are idiots in both countries. But, also,” her free hand ran down her dress, grazing over her stomach in a gesture that had become compulsive, “I didn’t always look like this. I lost quite a bit of weight for Bonnie’s wedding. I mean, it’s been for a while now;I’m not going to gain it back suddenly. And I like working out. I like this new me. But I wouldn’t say I’m used to showing it off.”
She bit her lip and felt herself pulling her hand away from his. It wasn’t an easy confession. She wondered if it would be a deal breaker if she now went and hid behind a tree.
Finn stepped up his pace, refusing to let her escape. He was suddenly in front of her, and it forced her to look up. “Hey, I’m no Seamus, okay? I’m not just interested in taking you to bed. Do I think you’re gorgeous? Yes. Would I like to take you to bed?” his eyes fell briefly, revealing his own embarrassment, “Obviously—when you’re ready. But what I see is one of the kindest, most loyal, most warmhearted people I’ve ever met. All of that is what makes you beautiful.”
It was too much. It was everything she wanted to hear, while more than she could let in. Instead, she changed the subject. “What was your ex-girlfriend like?”
Finn hesitated, shifting from one foot to the other before answering. “Well, only because I don’t want to be caught out later, I’ll tell you. Most men would say she’s very attractive—blonde, thin, and large-breasted.”
“Finn!” Penelope’s eyes bulged as she considered turning and leaving.
Guessing her thoughts, he reached out and grabbed her. “By the end, I found her to be one of the ugliest people I’ve ever met. She was selfish, rude, and hurtful. And not just to me. I learned my lesson.”
The sincerity of his words caught her off guard.
