Finn (Casella Cousins #3) - Kathryn Shay Page 0,20
left, Dylan huffed out a breath. “At least the sale isn’t final. Unless any of you has $15,000,000 to spare and can buy it from him, we’ll have to fight the sale itself.”
Finn said, “I might be able to get investors. And put in cash myself.”
“That would be best. But in case that doesn’t work, we should get the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation involved. Their anti-gentrification actions have helped a lot people fight the big guys. I’d be glad to get in touch with them while you investigate the money.”
“Sounds like a plan. We’re having a meeting in three days with the tenants. Would you ask if a representative could come to address that?”
“Uh-huh. I’ll let you know what GVSHP says. We’ll see you then in any case.”
The meeting broke up and Finn left.
His body was in overdrive. The notification of the sale of the building. The meeting with neighbors. The talk with Parks all had him on edge. It all loomed over his mood on his walk back to the store. At least it kept him from thinking about last night in the car necking with Millie.
* * *
Their relationship blossomed over the next week. They’d spent time together doing fun things, getting to know each other, slowly. They hadn’t made love yet. It was deliciously killing him, too, but he was shocked that just being with her was enough now.
Today, more than ever, he wanted her company. There had been a big shake-up at work and he was busy with the other detectives who scrambled for coverage of the firings. He wanted to talk to her about those dirty cops, though he knew he wouldn’t. The sting hadn’t ended and secrecy was vital. She’d help him through, and that’s why he longed to confide in her, but he had to act professionally.
His partner, next to him in the stakeout said, “Where’d you go, Fitz?”
“I don’t know.”
“How’s it goin’ with Miss Molly McGuire?”
“Good, too, good. I don’t wanna get attached, before I know if it’s gonna be something.”
“Can’t close the barn door after the horse is out.”
“Shut up. What do you think’s gonna happen with her father?”
“You mean when she finds out?”
“No, in general.”
“He’s guilty as hell. Maybe it’s time to tell her.”
“No, it’s too soon. I’m going to hang on to that piece until…”
“The deal’s sealed?”
“Boy, you’re full of clichés tonight.”
“And you’re full of shit, Gardner.”
* * *
Chapter 5
* * *
Millie awoke slowly. She nosed into Finn and inhaled his scent. “Hmm.” Luxuriated in his body next to her. Then…she’d slept with Finn?
Wait a sec. He’d walked home with her after work, met Grandma and Grandpa, this time as her date. They’d wanted to keep Scout overnight so she and Finn had come upstairs. She’d made them some dinner, as it was only seven, they drank some wine, then sat close on the couch to talk. He was worried about the store, she could tell, though he tried to be upbeat with her. She suggested they not get maudlin until they met with GVSHP.
And then they’d fallen asleep.
Now, she tried to ease away from him, but his hand tightened on her shoulders “I’m awake.”
“Um, good morning.”
With his other hand, he tipped her chin to him. “How do you feel about a morning breath kiss?”
“From you, I’ll take anything.”
The kiss got very hot, very fast.
When he stopped it, he said, “Morning, um, means something more important than bad breath.”
“I know. You’re turned on. After that kiss, so am I. Let me get up.”
“If you insist.” She could hear disappointment in his voice.
“I’ll make coffee. If you like you can use the bathroom.” She glanced mischievously over her shoulder. “And take a cold shower, if you need to.”
He grabbed her hand to hold her back. “Listen, Missy. When we finally make love, I’m going to torture you like you’re torturing me right now.”
She laughed. “I can’t wait.”
He left the house after having coffee with her. She tidied up then went down to get Scout. Her grandparents were awake, and the dog came running, licked her face when she bent down to scratch his ears. Grandpa was behind him. “Good morning, Sunshine,” he said, kissing her cheek.
“Want some breakfast?” Grandma called out from the kitchen. “We already took Scout for a walk.”
“I’d love some.” She joined her grandmother. “Nana, you’re all dressed up.”
“Yeah, I have bridge in an hour. Grandpa’s going to the gym.”
“I love how active you two are.”
“Henry, breakfast is ready.”
They ate fluffy French toast with gooey,