"He's a good boy, just needs a good woman to get his ass on track."
I smirked and turned my attention to the small picture sitting on Clark's desk as he put the call to Finn on speaker phone.
"Can I?" I asked, reaching for the picture.
"Of course. That's my Sara. She passed ten years ago. Best woman in the world." His eyes grew misty as I looked up, and sadness rolled over me for his loss.
The picture was at Christmas. Sara, Clark, and a teenage Finn were all dressed up to go skiing. The smiles on their faces were warm and full of love. Tears burned my eyes and I set the picture down, trying to not let them fall, but it didn't work.
Clark hung up the phone and shook his head.
"He's not up." He looked over at me as his eyes widened. "Oh, honey. You don't need to cry."
I took the Kleenex he handed me and dabbed my eyes. "I lost my mom eight years ago. Finn and I talked about it a little the other day, but he seemed so closed off to it."
Clark crossed his hands over his stomach and nodded. "I guess yo
u have to be when part of your world dissipates."
"Yes, Sir. I think me, my brother, and my daddy are to."
"What did you say your last name was, sweetie?" He stood as the sound of Finn's voice shocked both of us.
I flinched, not wanting to give it up and yet not willing to lie. "It's Burke."
His eyes widened a little and his expression changed, but I could see him forcing himself not to respond.
"Dad? Where are you? Shit. I need access to a cl-" Finn stopped in his tracks as I looked over my shoulder at him.
"Nope. You don't. All client files are confidential." I stood and laughed as the two men around me did, as well.
"She's right boy, and she gave you up on calling in. You're lucky I like her." Clark pressed his hands to the desk and looked up at me. "Have fun. Be good to my boy."
"Yes, Sir." I smiled and moved toward Finn, taking the hand he offered me.
I didn't know what happened between our dads, but maybe Finn did. One thing was for sure, I was determined to find out.
Chapter 14
Finn
Finding Chloe in my father's office almost caused my heart to stop, and yet something was so right about her being there. I watched the way my old man interacted with her and my heart melted. Never in my life had I been in love. To think I was with Chloe was ridiculous, and yet I wanted her to stay in Aspen. She would fit into my life and I into hers. I needed to get to know her better before really coming to that conclusion, but something deep inside of me told me that it was already a given.
I winked at my dad and walked out with the pretty blonde, my hand tightly wrapped around hers. I shook my head at her when she tried to tug out of my grasp.
"Heck, no. You trip on nothingness. There are tools and wires everywhere in here. You should come with your own warning sign." I smiled and ducked as her other hand swung at my chest.
"Hey. Maybe I meant to trip to see if any hot guys would step in and save me," she said as her cheeks colored. I opened the door to the truck on her side. We could get her SUV later. I wanted to spend as much time in her presence as she would allow.
"Nobody accidentally trips as much as you." I smiled and helped her into the car. "You want to get a cup of coffee at the shop by the slopes?"
"Yeah, but I don't want to ski today. Kills my legs and I promised my little brother I would take him out tomorrow. He's going to teach me to snowboard."
I narrowed my eyes playfully and shut the door on her side before jogging over to my side and getting in.
"What was the look for?" She turned on the heater after I started the truck.
"I want to teach you to snowboard." I tugged off my hat and breathed warm air against my hands.