"Trust me, she’ll love it. Just add your charm, and she'll be talking about this date for years."
Tyler leans forward. "You know what would add to that?" he says. "Jordan and I were looking for things to do, and we saw that they have an outdoor movie playing on a rooftop that’s within walking distance from the park. So, after the sun sets, just head over to watch the movie."
"Rooftop movie? That would be fun?" I muse, the gears in my head turning.
"Fun? It'd be epic, man!" Tyler slaps the table for emphasis, and I find his enthusiasm infectious.
“Oh, what a great idea, babe,” Jordan pipes in.
"Thanks, guys," I say, and I mean it. "Both of you. I really appreciate the help."
"Anytime," Jordan replies, “Anything to make my bestie happy.” She claps and does a little happy dance in her chair.
"And… Anything for our star tight end," Tyler adds, raising his glass in a mock toast. "Here's to a great night with Harper."
Our glasses clink together.
"Alright, I think we've hit the jackpot with ideas," I say.
"Thanks for the assist, guys." I reach for the leather-bound check presenter that Peyton dropped off. My eyes quickly scan the total before I slip my card into the slot. "I owe you one."
"Don't mention it," Tyler says. "Just make sure to tell us all about it after."
"Details, Taylor. We need details," Jordan chimes in.
"Ha! If Harper's cool with it, then yeah, you'll be the first to know," I promise, handing the check presenter back to Peyton with a polite nod.
"Seriously, though, man," Tyler leans in. "You got this. Harper's gonna love whatever you put together."
"Appreciate that," I respond. “I’ll see you around.” I get up and leave Mickey’s with a plan to put into motion.
Chapter 6
Harper
My fingers tremble slightly as I slide the zipper up on the back of my black cocktail dress. I hope this choice strikes the perfect balance between casual and ‘I definitely thought about this’ The fabric clings to me in all the right places. I stand in front of the mirror and take a deep breath, trying to quiet the flutter of butterflies in my stomach.
With the final touches of my makeup, I apply a swipe of mascara that makes my green eyes pop and a dab of rose-tinted blush to accentuate my cheeks . My red hair cascades over my shoulders. I’m going for naturally stunning—not that I started preparing two hours earlier to nail this look or anything.
A quick glance at my phone tells me Taylor will be here any minute. No room for nerves now.
There’s a knock at the door, and my heart kicks against my ribs like it's trying to escape. I grab my purse and head to the door, smoothing down my dress one last time. I pull open the door, and there he is, in all his 6'7" glory.
"Damn, woman," he says with a wide smile. "You look incredible."
"Thanks," I say, brushing off the compliment with a laugh. "You clean up pretty nice yourself, Mister."
He chuckles. "Only the best for you," he replies as our eyes lock. "Ready to go?"
"Absolutely." I nod, stepping out and pulling the door shut behind me.
"Got everything?" Taylor asks.
"Yep, all set," I say, though I'm mentally double-checking for my phone, wallet, and keys.
We walk side by side to his truck, and he strides over to the passenger side to pull the door open. The chivalrous act is a small thing, but it makes my heart skip a beat and my cheeks flush.
"Thanks," I murmur, getting in and reaching for the seatbelt.
