He strides over to my car, setting the box in the backseat. With a smooth motion, he takes my equipment and places it inside as well. “It’s beautiful, Ford. Really. That takes a significant amount of skill,” I say, a wave of sadness washing over me as the arch disappears from view.
“It gives me something to do. Keeps me occupied, and I enjoy creating things that others find beautiful.”
I sense there’s more to his words, but I don’t press him on it. Ford’s childhood had its share of struggles. He moved to Frosthaven Falls after his mom remarried; her previous husband was abusive, leaving Ford with reservations about this town. Thankfully, Chris has been a great stepfather. The move was beneficial, but I think it also fuels his desire to stay out of the gossip mill. He and his mom were the subjects of whispers when they first arrived.
“That’s a really nice idea. It’s generous of you to share your talent with the world,” I say, trying to lighten the mood.
A gust of wind sends a chill through me, and I shiver. Ford instinctively pulls my collar up, his body just inches from mine.My heart races, and I can hardly breathe as I watch him, wondering if he’ll lean in for another kiss.
“You should probably get going before you turn into an icicle,” he says, his warm breath brushing against my cheek. “You’re not as used to our cold anymore.”
“I only moved two hours away,” I reply with a laugh, trying to mask my nerves.
“But I saw your pictures. You spent a lot of the summer down south. It’s warmer there, that’s for sure.”
He follows my work? I post online out of necessity—and maybe a bit of pride—but I didn’t know anyone outside my family paid attention.
“I was warmer, but I was born and raised here, remember? You’d be surprised at what I can handle.” His tongue flicks out over his lips, and I can’t tear my gaze away from his mouth. God, I want to kiss him again. Maybe even more.
“If you find it’s not that easy and need help warming up, just give me a call. I’m more than happy to help you out, Harper.”
My eyes widen, but he just laughs and steps back, opening my car door for me. I climb in without a word, feeling stunned. Floored. Flabbergasted.
Ford chuckles again and winks before crossing the street to his pickup. I watch him go, a swirl of confusion in my chest. Was he really flirting with me? Or was he just trying to lighten my mood given the circumstances? Why does the thought that he might not be flirting leave me feeling disappointed?
Chapter 13
Harper
Lying in bed, I scroll through my phone. As I flip through Facebook, I realize I no longer dread seeing posts about Kenzie and Asher. In fact, it’s time to unfriend them. Make it official.
Just as I’m about to take that step, a notification catches my eye. “Kenzie tagged me in a post?” I click on it and groan. “Can’t wait for my bridal shower tomorrow! Hoping my best friend since third grade, HARPER WALLACE, will show up. Everyone, help convince her to be a good friend and come!”
Fortunately, the only like on her post is from her grandma, but I can’t believe how far she’s willing to go. I dash down the stairs and plop onto the couch beside Gina. “Tell me you need me to do something tomorrow that will take all day.”
Gina laughs and asks, “Why?” I hold out my phone to show her Kenzie’s post, and she snarls. “What a bitch.”
“Gina! Language,” Mom scolds from the kitchen. “Who’s a bitch?”
Hearing Mom curse feels odd—not funny like a little kid swearing, but it’s hard to take her seriously. I show her the post, and she rolls her eyes. “See? I need a distraction tomorrow.”
“I think you should go, Harper.”
My jaw drops. “What?”
“I wouldn’t go,” Eric chimes in from the other side of the couch, shrugging.
Gina points at our little brother. “I agree with him. My God, I never thought I’d say that. What is happening?”
“I was invited to Asher’s bachelor party, and I told him where he can shove it,” he replies.
“Eric!” Mom scolds again, but her tone lacks conviction. Not like it does with Gina.
“What? He thinks I’m going to play nice with the guy who broke my sister’s heart. Yeah, right.”
I laugh. “He probably thinks you see him as a brother, just like he thinks Gina sees Kenzie as a sister.”
“Well, that confirms it,” he says, grabbing a slice of pizza from the box on the coffee table.
