Chapter 22

Was it bad that I was happy the social worker hadn't come back yet? Not that I really expected them to this quickly. But nights spent with Finn and our days spent doing the family thing had me hoping they wouldn't be back for at least a few more weeks.

The doorbell chimed, and I turned in my seat from the kitchen table. Who the heck was at the door?

"You expecting someone?" Finn asked.

I shook my head, and he moved toward the door. Once he swung it open, my eyes widened as I came up behind him and my gaze locked on Paige and Kevin standing on the other side of the door. Finn opened it and they stepped inside.

"You're back already?" I glanced from the two social workers to Finn. "It's only been like a week."

"We just wanted to make sure everything was going well."

Kevin side-eyeing Paige before turning his attention to Finn. "More like she's suspicious and was hoping to catch you not living here."

I swallowed.

"Nope, definitely living here." Finn bent, picking up one of his shoes near the door, and spun around, looking for the other one with a sigh.

I tried not to smile, but lately, his shoes were the ones that seemed to go missing the most. It was strange. My clothes, Finn and Shane's shoes, Blair's scrunchies, and Jayden's stuffies were constantly being moved.

Kevin nodded over to the far wall. "I think it's in the fireplace."

"What?" Finn cocked his head and turned before his brows shot up to his hairline.

"You all burning shoes now?" Paige asked.

I shook my head. "No. Kai is convinced we have a ghost that steals shoes, although I'm sure he's the only shoe thief in the house."

The two chuckled and Finn fished his shoe out of the fireplace.

"Just put it on the porch for now. I'll sprinkle it with baking soda later."

He nodded, and while he was doing that, I led Paige and Kevin into the kitchen. With a wave at the table, they sat down. I was a little surprised they would come on a school day.

"Kids are at school." I stated what I hoped was the obvious.

"We know," Kevin clasped his hand together and sat up straighter. "This is more of a follow up about the two of you. Like I said, Paige was suspicious, and frankly, I just want to get this off our docket."

Finn stepped up to the table, picking up my empty coffee mug and bringing it into the kitchen.

I focused back on Paige. "Did you want another tour?"

She tilted her head, thinking over the question before Kevin spoke up. "No. I don't think that's necessary."

"Ok." At this point, I wasn't sure what they wanted or needed from us. Maybe they planned to grill us about our favorite foods or dislikes or something? I knew Finn didn't mind cooked onions, but hated them raw, and he liked fresh carrots and broccoli, but not necessarily cooked. And Percy Jackson was his favorite book series growing up.

Finn's warm hand landed on my shoulder, bringing me out of my thoughts, and I glanced over at him with a smile. He held my mug that now had steam billowing out of it.

I took it from him, our fingers brushing. That little touch transported me back to last night, when those same fingers explored every inch of my body, and a shiver shot through me.

"Thank you," I said, breathier than I intended, and took the mug from him, still caught in that heated stare of his.

The smell of the pumpkin spice creamer filled the air around us and he smirked before leaning forward and pressing his lips to my cheek. I didn't need a mirror to know my naturally pale skin had a nice red tint to it now.

"Are you watching this?" Kevin's voice had me swinging my gaze his way, but he was looking at Paige, not me.

She sighed. "Yeah, yeah, you're right. I guess I've been wrong this whole time." Her eyes met mine then. "You guys are just two people who fell in love."

I swallowed, feeling Finn's gaze on me, but I couldn't pull myself to look at him. We were just pretending to be in love. It wasn't real, and now there was no reason for him to stay.

"Anyway, we're officially signing off on this." Paige stood.

Kevin did the same and added, "Call us if you need anything. We'll check back in about six months or so."

I nodded, and we walked them to the front door, chatting about how the kids were doing in school. When we shut the door behind them, I wasn't sure how I felt. Not having them checking up on us hanging over our heads felt like a weight lifted from my shoulders. But on the other hand, I couldn't say I was happy either.

Finn and I stood there in awkward silence before I finally spoke.

"I mean, it's perfect timing."

"What?" he asked.

"Your house is done, and now you can head back to Phoenix without worrying about rushing back here for anything."

"Yeah." He shifted on his feet.

"It's easier now. We can wait six months or so and quietly file for divorce."

"Right. Easy." He nodded. "We can still see each other, though. I come out here a few times a year."

"Yeah, yeah, of course." I glanced away. "Did you want to move out now?"

"Now?" His eyes popped wide.

My gaze swung back up at the surprise in his voice. "I mean, you don't have to."

"Maybe I could just stay until Monday."

"Yeah, Monday's good. Kids would like that."

"Right. Kids would like it."

Say something. Anything. Say you don't want him to go.