Chapter 6: Cute Factor of Hot

Friday morning.

I've survived a full week in a new place and a new job. This accomplishment deserves ice cream or wine. Maybe ice cream with wine. I debate the merits of ice cream flavored wine down all four flights. Again a comfortably dressed Finn wearing jeans and a blue long sleeved t-shirt waits in our shared lobby. The tee has a pixelated font, "Classically trained" with a picture of an old-style video game controller beneath it. Yeah, his office definitely has a relaxed dress code. My own black pants and pink blouse make me feel overdressed as I approach him.

"Good morning," I singsong to him. "Cute shirt." I come off over-happy, but nothing can beat a Friday morning. Finn's normal cute factor has veered more toward hot today. I have a sudden urge to sweep my fingers through his hair and pull it a little. I have no idea where the idea comes from and I shut it off fast. Well I try to shut it off, but the sight of the light stubble along his jawline has certain parts of me too excited not to notice.

He laughs at my behavior as I continue to skip in his direction. Even though I haven't had to walk to work since my first two days, I've taken to wearing sneakers and keeping my heels on me until I get to my building. No one seems to mind since everyone else does it too.

"Are you ready for work?" He walks to the door and holds it open for me.

"Yeah. Is it another day in the office for you?"

"It appears that way," Finn says as he climbs in the waiting black Escalade. I follow him, but notice his voice sounds off.

"Aren't you excited it's Friday?" It would appear Finn's giving me another ride today. I should be concerned about why I didn't even question it before I jumped in the backseat, but I don't.

"Yes," he laughs at his answer, "but not as much as you apparently. You're hyper this morning. I like it."

"Today I have to think up new ways to increase sales on granola-based dog food on the East Coast. You get to play video games. You're facing the better future at this point." I playfully nudge him. The contact is over fast, but his arm feels more solid than you would expect from a glance. I want to touch him again. Maybe run my hand over the expanse of his arm.

I mean it as a joke, but Finn seems to take my comments seriously. "Video games aren't all fun. Hours of time and effort go into the coding of a game and working out the bugs before it goes to market."

From his firm tone I've offended him, and it wasn't my intent. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean what you do isn't important. You seem to enjoy it so much it has to be better than my Fido focus group today. Is it because you've had to go into the office so much this week?"

He releases a long sigh before answering. "The opposite actually. I've noticed a positive difference in our team in the last two days I've gone in. I've always thought it didn't matter how involved I was, but I see now I was wrong." He turns to the window, watching as the streets go by. "I don't enjoy being wrong."

I'm not sure how to make Finn feel better as he stares out the window deep in thought. I don't want to interrupt whatever he's working through.

"Do you play games?" he asks not moving his head.

"Sure. I guess. I played some Nintendo back in the day. My brother always beat me, so it never held my interest for long."

Finn laughs and turns back to our conversation, happier now. "We've made some advances since the days of Nintendo. I'll have to bring over my system so you can see."

"That would be fun," I respond and realize I actually mean it. "Which one do you have?"

"All of them." He's so serious about his answer. "Besides questioning dogs on their eating preferences, what are you doing this weekend?"

He actually listened to me? "I'm going to watch the baseball game tomorrow and then I have those brunch plans on Sunday. Between all that excitement, I have five more boxes left to unpack and pictures to hang up."

I start to ask about his own plans, but the car stops in front of my building and I exit quickly so as not to block more traffic. Thanking Finn, I don't ask if I'll see him when I get out of work. I'm a little scared at how much I hope to get at least one more glimpse of him before the weekend.

...

With Amanda on my heels, we both make our way off the elevator. I've rushed out the door today. Not because I'm as excited about the start of my weekend as she thinks, but because I want to see if Finn is here to get me. It's ridiculous, I know.

"Don't forget I'll see you at nine on Sunday for our brunch date." Amanda waves as she turns toward her side exit door.

"I'll see you then." I do my own wave and then a sweep of the small lobby with my eyes.

Finn isn't here. My heart immediately sinks. I've grown to relish our rides together more than I should. I walk to the edge of the room to lean against the wall and change from my heels back into my sneakers when I spot what looks to be Jake outside the front window.

Hopeful about the possibility Finn may be with him, I step out.

"Ms. Adams, I'm here to give you a ride home." Jake in his standard black suit opens the back door for me. I peek in, but the space is empty.

"It's okay. I'll walk today, Jake. I don't want to put anyone out."

He motions toward the open door silently telling me to hurry up and get in the car. "Mr. McRyan insisted I be here to escort you home safety. He had to stay late at the office today. He's taken an interest in a new game."

"Oh. Okay. Thanks." I hop in the Escalade and wait as Jake rounds the car. Why wouldn't Finn find a way to tell me? Am I expecting too much? Maybe he does simply feel bad for the poor orphan girl he lives by.

As we set off in the direction of my apartment I want to ask questions about Finn, but I worry Jake will tell him. I don't want to overstep our relationship. Whatever our relationship is.

Jake leaves me at the door to my complex with a simple, "Have a good weekend." I have no idea what to make of my curious situation. I've started to like Finn, but maybe I put too much thought into it. It's possible he views us as friends and nothing more. Of course maybe I'm overthinking it now and he is simply carried away with work. Ugh, this is why I said no boyfriends the first year. I should be worried about Fido's granola intake not whether my hot neighbor likes me.