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They left the condo around seven forty-five and with her aran’s The noise was explosive the instant they entered the bar Sophie and Bruce already had a table Bruce worked for the newspaper, and he’d been dating Sophie for the last fewto Sophie, it wasn’t a serious relationship, and after seeing theree
The noise levelacross the table to one another Finn ordered a beer Sophie and Carrie had their favorite dirty martinis before another couple joined them Introductions were made and a second round of drinks was ordered Finn stayed close to her side and contributed to the conversation, although it was difficult with the bar so crowded They left an hour later
"I enjoyedyour friends," he commented when they were outside in the relative quiet of the street
"But the crowds and the noise bothered you"
"Not bothered, exactly," he said, and reached for her hand "I’et plenty rowdy in Fairbanks ourselves, you know"
"But this is different"
He grinned and nodded Soon they had their arain They took a leisurely stroll down Michigan Avenue on the way back to Carrie’s place On a side street they walked past a bookstore, and Alone took up the entiredisplay Finn paused and did a double take
"How does it feel seeing that?" she asked
He took his ti like this It leaves ood weird, though, right?" She felt proud for him and for all that he’d accomplished, proud to be with him Carrie knew the phenomenal sales of his book had shocked Finn He didn’t seem to understand what it was about his book that fascinated readers When he’d submitted the manuscript, he’d been aht to the top of the bestseller lists and reination
"I can see yourdown, he kissed her brow "I knohat you’re thinking"
"So you’re a mind reader now"
"You’d love to write that article about me, wouldn’t you?"
To deny it would be a falsehood, but to confess that she’d composed it a half-dozen tih draft on her laptop, would give hi impression "That’s a moot point I would never destroy the trust you have in avetih"
They held hands as he walked her to her condo and kissed her good night
"Come upstairs with o back to the hotel"
Carrie held on to his hand "Is everything all right? You’re not upset about anything, are you?"
Finn brought her back into his ar, Carrie If I ca, and we both know it"
Carrie went into her building with a happy, excited sense of anticipation and relief She would see Finn tomorrow He’d met her friends and not a one had even suspected her Seattle Paul was Finnegan Dalton
Chapter Twelve
"When is Paul leaving?" Sophie asked on Saturday afternoon Finn was in her kitchen, fixing sandwiches for their lunch Carrie had been bringing down dishes when her friend had called
"His flight is scheduled for Monday I mentioned our Christe his plans so he’ll be staying for that" He’d used her laptop to see about alternate flights and to check his e that he’d be able to delay his return to Alaska
"Do you think hefilled her with dismay, but at the san to hi and he’d be restless in the city, although there would be plenty for hiht?" Sophie pressed
"Too noisy," she explained, as she strolled into the kitchen "It was difficult to hold a decent conversation, and Paul and I had been out and about all day"
"I have an idea," Sophie returned cheerfully, as if she was the most brilliant woman in the universe "I’ll have the two of you over for dinner this evening I’ll ask Bruce, and we’ll have a s fancy"
"Good idea, but I’ve already got a roast in the Crock-Pot" A good portion of the leftover turkey had gone into the freezer, and she’d , and the other side dishes to distribute to her neighbors idowers
"Great," Sophie returned enthusiastically "Then we’ll colanced at Finn, knowing he could hear the conversation, and he shrugged as if to say it was her decision "Sure We’ll see you then" Carrie would have preferred to spend the night with just her and Finn, but she hadher phone aside, she wrapped her arms around Finn’s waist "Are you sure you want to do this?" she asked "I can call Sophie back and tell her we’ve changed our minds"
"It’ll be fine I liked your friends" He downplayed her concern, kissed her cheek, and brought their turkey-salad sandwiches to the table
Sophie and Bruce arrived at six, bringing flowers and chocolate-dipped strawberries for dessert Her friends woreSanta hats The flowers became the centerpiece, and the hout dinner For obvious reasons, the answers to questions directed at Finn were vague Sophie was the one who asked one question after another, al an interview At one point, Carrie opened herher chest, but Finn pressed his hand over hers, reassuring her that all was fine
Following therooame while Sophie and Carrie cleared the table
The instant they were out of earshot, Sophie hissed, "Who do you think you’re kidding? That’s Finn Dalton"