Finn (Blue-Collar Billionaires 2)

Clearly I must have said what I was thinking out loud. So I don’t even try to prepare an explanation. He wouldn’t believe it and I wouldn’t have time to deliver it. Tank sees me and he turns to say something to Emma. We’ve only got maybe sixty seconds before they descend on us.

“I didn’t plan this I swear.”

Luke glances over his shoulder. When he turns around, his face has turned to stone. “Coincidence right? Does he just happen to have a pie fetish, too?”

“He knows I’ve been here bugging you but I didn’t think he was going to just show up. This is not his style at all. It’s probably Emma’s idea. His girlfriend.”

“Great. He’s staring. Did you tell him I was black?”

Anita looks mortified. The tops of her cheeks turn red beneath her cinnamon complexion. “Luke! I’m sure they don’t care about that.”

“Is that why you’ve been holding back? I wish you’d told me. That doesn’t matter to any of us. Not in the way you’re thinking anyway.”

Luke sits back with a smug smile on his face that looks far too mature for his age. “Let me guess. Some of your best friends are black, right?”

"Not my best friend but my most beautiful friend, definitely. Actually it's funny you should say that because here she comes now."

By this time, Sasha has made it to our table. Before I can even open my mouth to greet her she throws herself into my lap. “Finn! I only tagged along because Emma told me you’d be here. Thank you so much for that referral. I got the job!”

It’s hard to keep track of what’s going on with a lap full of curvy gorgeous woman but I make an attempt to keep us upright. I'm aware the entire time of Luke's stunned silence as he watches us.

“You’re welcome, sweetheart. Trust me, I was doing them a favor. They’ll be lucky to have you.”

Sasha finally releases the stranglehold she has on my neck and slides into the booth next to me. “Still, thank you so much.” She finally seems to notice that we’re not alone. She blinks at Luke and Anita. “Oh, hello.”

“Sasha this is my little brother, Luke.”

Luke is still staring at her with his mouth hanging partially open. If his eyes get any bigger, they’ll take over his face.

“Uh, hi.” He gives her an awkward wave.

Sasha doesn’t seem to notice his discomfort. “This is your little brother? Oh is this the brilliant one? It’s so nice to meet you!”

Luke glances over at me again. I decide to throw him a lifeline. “Yes, this is the brilliant one. And this beautiful lady is his mother, Anita.”

Sasha shakes hands with Anita. “It’s so nice to meet you. I know this is kind of a strange situation, what Emma told me about it anyway. But you couldn’t wish for better relations than Tank and Finn.”

Surprised, I turn to Sasha. In the beginning I got the impression she wasn't too fond of Tank so it's a shock to hear her speak about him so warmly. “Has Tank managed to trick you into thinking that we’re good guys or something?”

She rolls her eyes. “Tank is just a big old growly teddy bear. I thought he was so mean when I first met him but he’s not like that at all. And when our boss was getting out of line, Tank showed up and took care of the problem for me. Now, I’m not saying he’s all bark and no bite. But he saves his bites for the people who deserve it and he stands up for those of us whose teeth aren’t sharp enough to defend ourselves.”

“I’m glad he was there to stand up for you sweetie. Would you like something to eat while you’re here?” Anita has already accepted Sasha as one of her own, I can tell.

“I’ll have a piece of this pie just like Finn’s having, please. Thank you.”

Anita intercepts Tank and Emma before they can approach. She smiles at them warmly, holding out her hand to Tank. I can't hear what they're saying but then they all laugh.

"Your mom is awesome." I look over at Luke. "Seriously, she's handling all of this so well. Does anything faze her?"

Luke shakes his head. "Well, she had to raise me so what do you think?"

Tank reaches the table and stands awkwardly by my side. I speak up, hoping that Luke isn't so pissed that he'll be rude in front of Emma.

"Luke, this is my older brother Tank and the only woman who can make him behave, Emma Shaw."

Tank scowls at my introduction. "Hey. I know this is unexpected. And I'll leave if you want me to."

Luke sighs. "I'm already being harassed by this guy so honestly I expected the rest of you to show up at some point."