“So… umm.”She really didn’t know what to do.
“Don’t look so damn nervous.I don’t bite and I’m not coming in.Not yet.”
He put his hands on either side of her face.“You truly are beautiful, Harper.Thank you for spending the day with me.”
It was all very slow, the way he pulled her gently toward him and planted his soft lips on hers.Their proximity and the dark making it seem all the more intimate.His tongue swept across her lips until his teasing became too much.
He groaned.No wait, she did.That sound came from her as she wrapped her arms around his waist and felt his firm body press hers against the door.
Suddenly, he pulled away from her.
“I’m outta here,” he said, walking down the two steps from the door.“I got a date with a cold shower,” he added with a grimace.
“Thanks again for a beautiful day, Trent.And sorry about the cold shower.”
“Me too,” he said with a laugh before getting into his car.
Chapter Eleven
“These are for you,” Eddie said, holding up an enormous bunch of yellow roses.
Standing in the entrance of their apartment building, Harper juggled the groceries she’d run out for into the other arm so she could take the flowers.“Erm, Eddie… um… thanks.”What the heck?“That’s sweet of you.”
His boisterous laugh filled the old hallway.“Oh Harper, I totally wish you could see your face.They’re not from me, although maybe I should have thought of that.The delivery guy was buzzing you when I got home from my run, so I signed for them.”
Relief flooded her.For the briefest moment, she’d thought he was hitting on her.In fairness, it was still early, and her coffee hadn’t kicked in yet.Eddie was a nice neighbor, but so not her type.What exactly was her type?Did she even have one anymore?If she’d had to guess, her type was likely six and a half feet tall, well-built, with dark wavy hair that was a touch too long around the collar, and eyes darker than volcanic rock.Oh, and that built body had a plethora of muscles and tattoos.
The sound of Eddie’s voice pulled her out of her daydream.“You know, I got a sister, Harper.And if any guy came sniffing around her, I’d check him out and threaten to kick his ass if he mistreated her.You need me to do the same for you?”
Eddie’s face was sincere as he asked and for the first time, Harper was genuinely grateful that the metal-loving bouncer was her neighbor.
“I think I’m okay, Eddie.”She smiled, burying her face in the flowers so she could enjoy their fragrance.“He seems like a good guy, but I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Okay.”Eddie turned to walk up the stairs but paused before he rounded the post.“You know if you scream, I’ll be able to hear you, right?”
“Nice thought, Eddie.Thanks.Very reassuring.”She watched him disappear up the first set of stairs, silently mouthingthank youto his retreating back.
Opening the door to her apartment, she dropped her keys on the small table next to the door, then walked to the kitchen.Placing the bright bouquet on the counter, Harper studied the flowers for a moment.She pulled the little white envelope from its holder and opened it.
Because every day should have sunshine in it.Trent x
She hugged the card.He was making her feel gooey inside.It had been such a long time since she’d felt this way.
Deciding on a nice cup of tea to perfect her morning, Harper set the water to heat and pulled down a mug.Waiting for it to boil, she took a seat on one of the stools by the breakfast bar and admired the flowers.
Beautiful tight yellow buds and open flowers contrasted with dark, green leaves.Thankfully, they had come in a vase.Otherwise they would have ended up sitting in her lemonade jug.
Tapping her nail on the top of her phone, she debated calling Trent versus texting.He’d probably be mid-tattoo, hat on backward and focused.Better not to disturb him.
What a beautiful way to start the day.Thank you xx
Not expecting a response anytime soon, Harper started to put away the groceries.Her phone buzzed seconds later, making her jump and bang her head on the open fridge door.
“Shit,” she cursed, rubbing her head until she reached the counter and could grab the phone.
Not as beautiful as you.You’re welcome.
She finished making her drink and was taking a sip of the piping hot tea when her phone buzzed again.
