A New Leaf (Hemlock #1)

Chapter 35

Chapter Thirty-Five

Charlie

Vera and Frank are so in love that I’m not sure if I should be envious of their relationship or disgusted by it. I’m just about to close the store and the lovebirds are still cocooned into one another, snoring peacefully as they have been all afternoon. I can’t tell where one dog ends and the other begins—that’s how close they are.

Pulling my eyes away from the giant fluff ball, I shuffle my exhausted, aching body to the front of the store to lock up for the night. Glancing outside, large water droplets pelt against the pavement. A small thrill runs through me because it looks like we’re in store for another rainy night in Hemlock.

So many people love sunshine and bright cloudless skies. I, however, love stormy weather. It’s so peaceful and calming. Plus, there’s no better feeling than being stuck inside on a dark, rainy night while wearing your comfiest and coziest pajamas.

I speed-clean the store, getting everything prepped for opening tomorrow. As I’m wiping down the counters, a realization crashes into me at full force.

Is this an official date with Finn? What am I supposed to wear? Should I go home and shower?

I swiftly type out a message to Finn, hoping for some clarity.

What should I wear tonight?

Finn

Is this a trick question?

No. A totally reasonable question.

Finn

Well, if I had my way . . . *winky face*

Sweatpants and parka it is. See you soon!

Finn

Whatever you’re most comfortable in is perfect.

Also, whatever you think would look best on my bedroom floor . . .

Oh god. What am I going to do with you?

Finn

Hopefully, a lot of things.

If you know what I mean.

I can feel your eyes rolling from here.

Goodbye.

Setting my phone down, I run my hands through my long hair and tie it up in a clip. With a deep exhale, I take one last look around the store to make sure I didn’t miss anything. Wrapping both leashes around my wrist, I hustle the dogs out of the store’s back entrance. We all sprint to my car, hoping to avoid getting too wet from the chilly rain. Pulling out onto the dark, damp, empty Main Street, the three of us head home to get ready for the night.

Once we all get home safely and into the warmth of my house, I take a quick shower so I won’t smell like dirt and foliage. Since my hair will probably get wet again from the downpour outside, I just leave it to air dry. But I do add a little bit of makeup to my face so I don’t look like a brain-starved zombie. I throw on an oversized charcoal gray cardigan over my soft blue flannel. Then I slip into my most comfortable black jeans and sexiest green rain boots to finish off the outfit.

“Well, this is the best I can do. He’s seen me with a wrinkle patch on my face, and I still got laid,” I say to myself as I walk downstairs and whistle for the dogs. “Dogs! Let’s go for a ride!” Both dogs come skittering to the front door, ready to head out with their tails wagging and tongues out.

Out of nowhere, I get the jitters. Intrusive thoughts start clouding my mind— What if I’m not good enough for him? It’s funny how failed relationships can alter your perception of yourself. Logically, I know that my exes were assholes. Irrationally, my brain tells me it was my fault that the relationships failed, and that something must be wrong with me—that I have to change who I am to be loved.

I try to block out the negative thoughts during the quick car ride over to Finn’s house. As soon as we pull up, he’s already got the door to his home open, waiting for us with an umbrella. I turn off the car, and suddenly Finn is right next to me with his umbrella in tow. My expression of surprise must be clear as day, because he looks at me and starts laughing.

When I open the car door, he says, “I couldn’t let you get wet before our first date. That’s being saved for after dinner .” He looks at me with a mischievous smile and winks.

My eyes snap to him. “Really? Now, of all times, you whip out an inappropriate joke?”

He winces. “Sorry, sorry. It was good, though, right? Kinda fits the weather theme?” I shake my head at him. Still laughing at his terrible joke, he says, “Take the umbrella and get inside. I’ll grab the dogs.”

I don’t question him as I head towards his house, and he follows me with the dogs in tow. Once I step inside, I slide my boots off at the front door and take in my surroundings.

His place has the same warm lighting as it did on Halloween, and his living room has such a cozy and romantic atmosphere that I immediately feel relaxed. Soft music is playing throughout his home while the smell of roasted chicken surrounds me. Deep within my bones, I can feel that this is going to be a good date.

Which is such an unusual feeling for me. I always think the worst is going to happen and I like to have time to prepare for it. I’m a passive pessimist to my core.

“Holy shit! It’s getting worse out there.” Finn opens the door behind me as a blast of cold, damp air sweeps over me. Both dogs come in, shaking off the rainwater, looking like two drowned rats.

“They won’t smell good tonight,” I say, looking down at them.

“Absolutely not,” Finn replies. “How about all four of us head to the kitchen and not stand in this cramped entryway . . . Not that I don’t like being in cramped spaces with you.” He winks teasingly.

Feeling a smile tugging at my mouth, I roll my eyes and make my way to his kitchen.

I like that we have a fun back-and-forth. He’ll say a cheeky remark with a wink, and I reply with an eye roll. He doesn’t find it annoying. He doesn’t tell me to stop rolling my eyes—he accepts and enjoys my personality.

More than anything, I think he likes it.

I abruptly stop when my feet hit the threshold of the kitchen, soaking in all of his hard work for tonight’s dinner. Finn’s kitchen is beautiful. Off-white cabinets with iron hardware surround stainless steel appliances, and the butcher block kitchen island is what dreams are made of. The rich wood countertop pairs exceptionally well with the Edison bulb chandelier above.

“Oof!” Finn runs into me, almost knocking me over. My back is pressed to his front as he wraps an arm around me, steadying me. “Listen, I will take every opportunity to touch you, but I also don’t want any casualties tonight.” He chuckles, quickly kissing my temple before releasing me to open the refrigerator. “Can I get you anything to drink? Water? Wine?”

Why does it always feel weird when someone asks you what you want to drink? “Uhh.” I awkwardly walk over to the kitchen island and pull out a chair.

“Diet Coke?” He cocks a brow, glancing at me over his shoulder.

“That. I will have that. How did you know?” I ask, slightly confused.

“Sweetheart, whenever I visit you, I always see a Diet Coke can . . . or three hiding away somewhere on your shop’s counter.” He flashes me a grin. “I’m a very observant man, if you haven’t noticed.”

Oh, I’ve noticed, all right.

“Do you want it in a can or in a glass with some ice?” he asks me.

“The can. The tin can adds flavor.”

Finn pops the top on a can and slides it across the counter to me with a wide smile, his dimples on full display. “Such a little weirdo,” he murmurs.

I lift the can to my mouth, about to take a sip. “Yeah. But you like it.”

In a quick move, he spins around and leans back against the counter. Folding his arms across his chest, Finn fixes his intense gaze on me through his tortoise-shell glasses. The admiration swimming in his eyes when he looks at me makes me feel like the most special person in the world.

“I do. I like it a lot, Charlie.” His voice is gentle and reassuring.

It’s at this moment that I understand—Finn accepts me. Finn likes me for who I am. We’ve only known each other for a couple of months, but I’ve spent more time with him than with anyone else since moving back to Hemlock.

Except for Marnie. She’s my fifth appendage at this point.

Finn turns, his back is now to me as he cooks something on the stove, humming a soft tune as he does. A towel is thrown over his shoulder, a sight which has no reason to be as hot as it is. This is also giving me the perfect view of Finn’s ass. Which is a great one. I’ve never been an ass girl, but here I am, objectifying this man as if it’s an Olympic sport.

“You’re quiet over there, Charlie. You checkin’ out my ass?” He casts a quick glance over his shoulder with a devilish smirk.

I mean, I might as well own up to it. “Do you have a secret glute routine?” I take another sip of Diet Coke.

His back is still turned to me while his stare is fixated on the stove. “Ha! Yeah. It’s called lifting an Australian Shepherd every morning and night on and off the bed. He’s fallen one too many times. Now I just lift him so he doesn’t injure himself. My arms and ass reap the benefits, I suppose.” Finn shakes his head, a small laugh escaping from him and causing his shoulders to shake.

I think my heart just liquified in my chest. As if I’m not falling for him already, his incredible dog parenting skills may have sealed the deal.

“Alright,” he says, turning around to face me and rubbing his hands. “Are you ready to try the most mediocre meal you’ll ever eat?” His eyes sparkle with amusement.

A surprised laugh escapes from me. “I’m sure it’ll be amazing. I mean, it smells amazing. Plus, I’m sure it’ll be better than what I usually scrounge up for dinner.”

A puzzled expression flashes on his face. “What do you usually eat for dinner?”

“Well, I’ve been eating grilled cheese for the last”—I check the calendar app on my phone—“three weeks?”

His face drops with mild disappointment. “Woman.” He shakes his head. “Okay, if you don’t get food poisoning tonight and if you don’t absolutely loathe my cooking, I’m making you dinner more often.” He pauses, putting his hands on his hips as my eyes widen. “And no, this doesn’t mean you have to eat dinner with me. I’ll just drop it off for you.” He shrugs, turning away from me as he pulls the chicken out of the oven.

“Uh. Why would you just drop dinner off and not stay?” I question.

He doesn’t look at me as he’s preparing our plates. “Because, Charlie, sometimes you get peopled out—from my understanding, at least.”

“How . . . how do you know that?”

He turns to me, setting a perfectly plated meal of chicken, potatoes, and green beans in front of me.

“Like I said, I’m an observant guy. I notice a lot of things about you.” He gives me another one of his devastating winks, paired with a playful smile. I’m stunned but in a good way, because this reaffirms that Finn accepts me and all my little eccentricities.

Finn pulls a chair out to sit across from me at the kitchen island. We both look at each other in silence for a brief moment, a smile tugging at our lips. The kind of smile that says so much without saying a single word. The type of smile where you could read each other’s thoughts.

Tonight, it’s safe to assume that we’re both feeling grateful that a clumsy, blind dog ran into my store at the most inopportune time and brought us together.