But the only thing worse than having a define-the-relationship conversation was having it naked. I spied my jeans partially hidden under the bed and pulled them to me. My black thong still clung to the crotch of the denim like I’d undressed my bottom half in one swift motion. Once I was clothed from the hips down, I searched for my shirt, wondering if I’d find it dangling from a lampshade or hanging outside his door like a DO NOT DISTURB sign. We’d returned from the park the night before technically sober, but drunk on lust.

“What do you want to do today? Do you need to work? If not, we could enjoy Sunday Funday at Brothers? Or coffee and pie…er, bacon at Pinkie’s. Or if you want to be active outside of bed, there’s a hiking trail we can take.”

I stared at him. We. Did Adi plus Finn equal a “we”? Was it possible his dating profile was outdated? Had he written it on a dare? Don’t be a pussy, Adi. Ask the question.

A boom of thunder sounded from outside.

“So much for the hike.” He patted the bed. “Come back here.”

Instead, I walked to the window, picking up my bra and star-printed long-sleeved T-shirt off the floor on the way. It was before noon, yet the sky resembled a giant black-and-blue mark. I finished dressing while watching the trees outside sway rhythmically, like a choregraphed dance.

Through with stalling, I turned on my heel and sat on the edge of the bed. Not doing this would be so much easier, but I’d hate myself.

Finn smiled. “Finally.”

I clasped my hands together. “I’m glad we met.”

His lip quirked up on one side. “Likewise.”

“I’m going to be straight with you,” I said, running my palm up and down the periwinkle-blue comforter. “That was my friend Kate on the phone before.”

“I know.”

“She found your dating profile.”

Finn’s mouth went slack with surprise.

“I didn’t ask her to, but I told her about you, and…” My face prickled with heat. “Is it true you only do short-term dating and hookups?”

He winced.

I put a hand up. “This is not an attack. You don’t owe me anything except an honest answer.”

His Adam’s apple bounced when he swallowed. Then he looked me straight in the eyes. “It’s true.”

My heart sank even though I knew this. I knew. “I get it.” I nodded. “There are a lot of single women out there. Why tie yourself down?”

It was everything I feared from the start about crushing on the hot city dude. Would I ever learn? I tensed my muscles to keep from shaking.

A shadow crossed his face. “It’s not that. It’s…” He scrubbed a hand along his beard. “I’m not boyfriend material.”