"He has a lot on with organizing the set up for tonight, so we're gonna try and squeeze in some time after the bridal shower brunch. Then I'm going to get ready at his place and head to the event together."
"You gonna try and squeeze in a quickie." It wasn't a question.
"Yes."
"Atta, girl!" She slapped my ass, causing me to yelp. "You get yours, honey."
I shook my head at her clowning before picking up my lipstick. I started to line my still-swollen lips with the blush shade while Amelia watched me silently through the mirror.
"So, have you thought about what's going to happen once you leave? Where will things stand with Harrison?"
I sighed heavily as I dabbed at my mouth with a tissue. "I don't know," I admitted.
I had no issues with our past anymore. It seemed like a lifetime ago, and I was beyond thrilled to have new, wonderful, and hot memories to replace the old.
My mom had tears in her eyes when I told her a couple of days ago that I would be home for Thanksgiving week and again for Christmas. I even started looking at jobs closer to home—not for Harrison, even though I would jump at the chance to explore my growing feelings for him if I did.
The bottom line was that I just plain missed my family. I had wasted so much time either not coming home or spending a maximum of forty-eight hours in Ashburton before leaving as fast as my little feet would carry me.
It was a big commitment, though. My life in San Francisco was an amazing and fulfilling one. I had friends, an apartment, and a dream job I worked my ass off for. I also planned on returning to study next year to obtain my PhD.
It was a lot easier to leave your hometown as a teen than to leave an area you've lived in for several years as an adult after putting down roots.
But would it be worth it? Being closer to my family and possibly creating something with Harrison?
I was falling for Harrison.
Hard.
But I needed to be smart. I had obligations in San Francisco that I needed to take care of before I could even consider moving closer to home. I had always been a level-headed girl, and I wasn't going to stop now.
My mind was still conflicted as I sat and chatted with the girls during high tea. As I laughed at Amelia's stories and snacked on the assortments of fresh pastries and sandwiches, my thoughts were left jumbled.
I replayed my night with Harrison over and over in my head. The sweet words he groaned in between kisses, the tender way he held me after driving me to unimaginable heights of pleasure. Even our pillow talk was comfortable, as if we were an old married couple cuddling in bed and discussing our day's events.
After the bridal shower, I took a walk around the town center. I needed to collect my thoughts, and a good walk always helped with that.
But peace eluded me as I strolled around the familiar paved streets. If anything, walking around Ashburton with my new rose-colored, sex-satisfied glasses made me appreciate my hometown even more. I was charmed by its small-town aesthetics and friendly, familiar faces. It was one of those towns where tourists visited and said, "Oh, I could live here!"
Just as I was about to give up and head back to Amelia's, my phone pinged.
Harrison:You free, babe? Swamped with the setup but need to see you, beautiful <3
Peace bloomed in my chest, and I grinned like a lovesick fool as my thumb flew over the keys.
Grace:I'm in town by Bobbi's, but can come meet you at the venue? xx
Harrison:No, I need a break from all this. Will see you in five <3
Hearing from Harrison at just the right moment instantly cleared my head. I knew what I had to do.
CHAPTER 12
IsquealedasHarrison'sstrong arms wrapped around my middle before he lifted me.
"Harrison, put me down!" I laughed.
"Never," he whispered against my ear, causing me to shiver in delight. I turned in his arms and threw mine around his neck.
