The front door opened, and Marcus was standing there in a Wolverine’s T-shirt and some gray sweatpants. Her kryptonite… well, technically anything this man wore was her kryptonite. He could be wearing a frilly tu-tu, and she’d still think he was the hottest man on earth.
“Do you need help?” he asked politely.
“Mental? Probably,” Harper tossed as she hefted up the bag and then paused, looking at him as he began to laugh. “Oh, you meant to help with this?”
“Yeah, I did…” he chuckled as he jogged over to her car, taking the bag immediately from her. “It’s cold out, let’s get you inside.”
“I’m at a loss for words…”
“Same,” he volunteered. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”
“Oh?”
“Yeah,” he began gingerly and glanced at her. “Why don’t you come to practice with me. I mean, it would give you a chance to see the team on the ice, see what things will be like for us – for the next few months – because sometimes I’ve got away games or…”
“I know. Toby is going to be out for a while, and I was told to be ready to travel to the games with the team. I’ve got everything cleared already with management for hotel rooms and…wait…” she hesitated and looked at him as he stopped walking – staring at her.
“Oh my gosh…”
“Oh my gosh is right…”
“They're gonna cancel my hotel room because I’m married to you…”
“You’re coming to all the games – and staying with me…”
They both stared at each other at the sudden realization of just how wrapped up and entangled their lives actually would be. This wasn’t going to be a one-and-done moment, but instead, they were going to be living, acting, and traveling as spouses – at work and at home.
“You’re gonna need a suitcase,” he said hoarsely. “I’ve got an extra for you.”
“Marcus, I never thought…” she began, the apology bubbling forth, and he stopped her with a nervous smile.
“I guess we’re gonna find out what marriage is like after all – aren’t we?” he murmured with an expression she couldn’t read.“Now, go inside. The pizza arrived a few minutes before you did, and we should probably eat while it’s hot.”
Nodding, she walked inside and stood there awkwardly because she had no idea where to go. It was a large place, much larger than her little frame house that she was renting. He had a lovely leather sofa off to the side, a simple coffee table, and a television that was shockingly massive along the wall.
“I like to watch the games,” he volunteered as if he was watching her, already aware of her thoughts. “The bedroom is off this way, and I’m going to set your bag down. The kitchen is over there – and that’s the powder room,” he began tossing over his shoulder as he took off with no hesitation in his step… and she – she couldn’t move.
This was impossible.
Incredible.
Enchanting…she thought silently.He’s so relaxed and seems at ease about all of this, and I’m completely over the top at every little thing. His house! I’m in his freakin’ house! We’re married – and he mentioned a ring… oh my gosh, I might actually cry because I’m so stupidly happy right now.
“Hey,” he said beside her – and Harper jumped. She hadn’t heard him walk up to her because she was lost in her own thoughts. “Breathe,” he offered in a hushed, understanding voice as if he knew how intense this was for her.
“Marcus…” she began helplessly.
“Harper,” he interrupted softly, tugging her hand toward the kitchen. “Let’s eat first because I’m starving and we can talk.”
Even though she wasn’t really hungry, the pizza smelled amazing and she grabbed a slice. He quickly grabbed three of them, a bucket of ranch dressing, and pepper flakes, before heading toward the living room like this was nothing at all.
When he plopped down on the lovely leather sofa, she realized that he was very informal at home – and relieved to seeit. Sitting gingerly beside him, she couldn’t help but stare as he took a bite, began chewing, and then paused. He slowly turned to look at her, chewing once more, before swallowing.
“Are you watching me eat?”
“Sorry,” she whispered and looked away.
“Harper, hang on…” he began and drew in a breath before letting out a heavy sigh. “Look, I had some thoughts that I needed to kind of get out there between us – and I realized you’re right.”
