Page 89 of Four Promises to Love

She looked at him, her mouth trembling. Then she threw her arms around him, burying her face in his neck. He held her in his lap, stroking her hair until she calmed.

“Feeling better?” he murmured.

She lifted her head, looking at him with reddened eyes. “I’m sorry for being emotional.”

“You needn’t apologize for being yourself.” He rubbed his thumb along her cheekbone. “I am glad you trust me enough to be honest. I want that from you.”

Her eyes filled again. “I really don’t deserve you.”

“Well, that is too bad since you have me.”

The kiss he gave her was meant to be soothing, but her lips clung to his, soft and dewy and warm. When she parted them, he took more of her, relishing her sweetness and vulnerability, the woman beneath the medium. Emotions tangled along with their tongues. His heart and cock throbbed in equal measure for her. His every breath was made better by sharing hers.

He ended the kiss, resting his forehead against hers.

“I’m mad about you,” he murmured. “If we don’t stop, I’m going to have you right here.”

“I wouldn’t mind,” she whispered. “I want you so badly, Owen.”

It wasn’t the same as love, but from her, the admission meant something. He knew Finn wasn’t one to trust readily. It reminded him of what he and his family were holding back from her.

“We’ll have time for that. For now, we ought to join the others.”

He helped her up and extended his hand.

“Together, Finn—that is how we’ll break the curse.”

Releasing a breath, she placed her hand in his. “Together.”

Twenty-Five

Owen was right. Taking a break with the others did make Finn feel better. Yet she knew he was the main cause of her improved spirits. It was the way he’d made her feel…not alone. As if her belonging didn’t hinge upon getting something right or meeting some expectation. It was a novel feeling, and as she sat beside him in the pump room, nibbling on the plate of sandwiches and fruit he’d fetched for her, she wished it could last.

Despite the lack of progress, the mood at the table was optimistic. To her surprise, the Hawks and the Harringtons mingled comfortably at the long table. The food provided by the generous Miss Letty was accompanied by strong tea and, of course, the spa’s mineral water.

“Do try our water, Madame Seraphina,” Miss Letty said. “It is known for its healthful properties, and people come from near and far to partake of it.”

Finn politely took a sip—and wondered what the fuss was about. Other than a faint chalky texture, the water didn’t taste like much of anything. She far preferred a tankard of ale down at the Briarbush Inn.

Seeing Miss Letty’s expectant look, she said, “It is quite refreshing.”

“It is, isn’t it?” the lady replied. “We’ve bottled extra cases to sell at the fair. For some reason, we always end up in short supply.”

“That reason has to do with you and Gigi passing the water off as a love potion,” Grantley said.

“We don’t pass it off as anything,” Gigi retorted. “The water simply brings out what is already there. Take Finn, for example.”

Finn choked on her second sip of water. “What about me?”

“You are clearly a woman with a warm and generous nature,” Gigi said brightly.

“Um…I am?”

“Certainly. Look at all the villagers you’ve helped.” Gigi plucked a ripe grape from her plate. “For you, the water might help attract what a warm and generous lady most deserves.”

Finn was afraid to ask.

Owen did it for her. “What would that be, Gigi?”