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Rose looked up at me in confusion."You don't have to do that, Finn.I can get my own door."
"I know," I said.
"Ever the gentleman," she said with a smile.
"Your gentleman."
She nodded, but when I didn't move, her eyes lifted up to mine again.
"I need you to understand something, Rose."
"Okay."
"When we do this, I know our goal is to make everyone think we're together, soulmates, the happily-married couple.And we will.You told a little lie, and I agreed to help."
"Which I'll be forever grateful for," she said."But we really should go..."
"In a second," I said, capturing her chin between my thumb and forefinger.
Her mouth snapped shut at the contact.
"After today, no one will doubt how much I adore you.No one will question our connection when I'm through."
I stared at her hard.
"But it doesn't matter what they think."
Rose frowned, and her confusion was so cute I wanted to kiss the lines forming between her brows.
"You need to know you could have anyone you want," I said.
"Well, not really—"
"Anyone," I repeated.My thumb caressed her jaw, and I felt a bolt of pleasure shoot through me as she shivered."You're beautiful, inside and out.Rose, you're everything.Don't you get that?"
"I…Finn, we're going be late," she stuttered.
I nodded then took a step back, holding the door open for her.
"Just needed you to hear that before we go," I said.
"Thanks," she said softly.
Despite leaving a little later than planned, we got to the venue in plenty of time.The "Annual Romance Author Brunch and High Tea" was being held at a hotel about 45 minutes away.As Rose and I stood outside, looking at the welcome sign, I watched her take a deep breath.It was like she was steeling herself for battle.
"You okay?" I asked.
"Yeah, of course," she said with a shrug."It's just brunch.I love brunch."
"Um hm."
"And they're authors.Romance authors are nice people—for the most part."
"I've only met one, but I like her," I said.
At that, Rose shot me a bright smile."Have I told you that I love you?"
My heart thudded like a drum in my chest.
