"I'm not interested in talking about this. I don't want the boy over here. Period. Clark knows that. He probably realized you were home and sent the boy over to steal your heart. He's a vicious bastard like that." My Dad shrugged and went back to his paper.

I turned to Parker and mouthed, 'What the fuck?’

He snorted and laughed as our Dad glanced up and looked between us. "What?"

"Nothing, but there is a story there. Inquiring minds want to know what."

"None of your business," my father barked. "Don't forget to clean up the kitchen when you're done."

"I always do, Dad." I rolled my eyes and turned my attention back to my brother as I got up and walking back into the kitchen to finally make my breakfast. "What's your plans today?"

"I'm in a gamer contest." He smiled and wagged his eyebrows. "Wanna take the reins and win a few rounds of Resident Evil for me?"

"Your sister doesn't play video games. She's an adult." My father never looked up from his paper.

Chuckling, I turned back to the stove. "I can't today, buddy. I'm doing some research for this new investor with deep pockets and a stiff personality. I gotta win him over."

I glanced over my shoulder as my father's lip lifted in a subtle smirk, but he tried to hide it.

"How about tomorrow we do something?" Parker finished his breakfast and brought the plate in the kitchen.

"I thought Dad said you had a sleep over tomorrow." I took his plate and wiped it off, willing to use it for my breakfast too. Less to clean.

"I do, but we can spend the day together." He squeezed my shoulders from behind. "I'll teach you to snowboard."

"Yeah. Okay. I'd like that." I pulled from him and worked to finish my breakfast. My father kissed the top of my head before leaving, which was a surprise. The last time we'd hugged or kissed had been the day I left for college - five years ago.

* * * *

I pulled up the address for Warner Removal Services and plugged it in my GPS before changing into a pair of jeans, a cute sweater, and knee-high boots. I fixed my hair and put on a little bit of lip gloss. We were just going to be friends, so I needed to look nice, but not hot.

I checked my appearance one more time before letting out an angry growl and leaving the house. I would always find a million things wrong with me. It was one of the criteria for being a woman in my early twenties. It was required.

I made it to Finn's father's shop within twenty minutes and then sat in the parking lot, trying to decide how to go about getting his number. Maybe one of the other guys that worked with him would just give it to me. I didn't think talking to his Dad was a good idea seeing that my Dad and him had some bad blood between them.

It was already ten, and the day was moving by quickly. If Finn had asked off to spend it with me, like he said he was going to, I wanted to get it started.

Getting out of the SUV, I pulled my scarf tighter and walked up to the large hanger doors that were open. No one was standing outside, so I walked in and looked around. The building was like a mechanic's shop, with various machines and plows all over the place. I wasn't sure where to go and was quickly losing my nerve.

"Hello?" I called out and slid my hands into my pockets.

A stocky older man with a buzz-cut and piercing blue eyes walked out from the back. His flannel shirt and jeans fit him well. He was attractive by anyone standards.

"Morning, ma'am. How can I help you?"

As he moved closer, I realized he was Finn's Dad. How could he and my father have so much in common and yet hate each other? Both of their wives were deceased, they both loved Aspen, and both owned their own companies. Seemed like they would be the best of friends.

Odd.

I extended my hand and smiled. "I'm Chloe. I'm looking for Finn. I assume he works here."

The man smiled warmly and took my hand. "I'm Clark, his father. Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine." I glanced around and turned back to Finn's Dad. "He promised me he would call in sick and spend the day showing me the town, but don't tell his boss."

He chuckled and released my hand. "Did he now?"

"He did, but there's a problem with his promise." I lifted an eyebrow, liking the guy in front of me already.

"There usually is with that boy."

"He didn't get my number and I don't have his." I shrugged.

"Well, come on in here and let's call him together. We'll have him stop by and surprise him. What do you think?" He nodded and walked back toward the open door at the back of the warehouse.

Pulling one over on Finn was far better than just getting his number. I followed him and forced the giggle that burned inside my chest back down.

"Were you part of the clubbing party Saturday night?" Clark glanced over his shoulder at me.

"I was, but I took Brian home and then went home myself. I think Finn was a little put off with us leaving him with all the drunks, but he took care of them. I was impressed. I'd have left them there." I took a seat as he motioned for me to inside a cramped office filled with papers and parts.

"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 you 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 her 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 me in hers. I needed to get to know her better before coming to that conclusion, but something deep inside of me told me that it was already a given.