“Mom, Con, relax,” I laughed. “I appreciate the help, but I’ve got that stuff covered.” I planned on doing it all myself—with the singular thought of making it into a home Asher would feel safe in, one that maybe Harper would want to live in one day, too.
Because one thing was absolutely certain; I didn’t know how or when, but I’d win her back.
“At least let us buy you a housewarming gift,” Connor sulked, sitting back down on the couch beside Mom.
“Fine. Knock yourselves out,” I laughed, shaking my head. “Where’s Dad?”
“He went to bed, he’s tired, and he’s going fishing tomorrow morning with Hank.” Mom replied, patting the empty seat beside her. “Watch the rest of this movie with us. It’s a good one.”
Harper
I couldn’t sleep that night. My lips still buzzed from that kiss, my heart still hammered in my chest, and a restless need had taken up residence in the pit of my belly.
If Calum hadn’t put the brakes on it—I would have slept with him. My body was completely his, one touch and it would surrender to him no matter what. I slapped my palm to my forehead, chastising myself.
Tonight had clarified precisely why the ghost of Calum haunted every attempt I’d made to move on. Nobody kissed the way he did; his kisses consumed me, igniting everything within me. His touch erased it all; it evoked a thrill through me that launched me into a celestial world where only the two of us existed.
I let out a quiet sigh, thankful that he had the strength to walk away because I didn’t. I was seconds away from dragging him up to my bedroom.
That kiss…those words…the look in his eyes. It was so like our past, it was too much to handle, and I’d buckled. I had a moment of blinding weakness where I’d craved nothing more than having his lips and hands on me. I was willing to forget all of the damage he previously caused.
My body and heart were unsettled—a traitorous reaction to him. My heart beat like he’d never left, and I’d been blindsided by the overwhelming ache to have him.
And…thatkiss.
I had originally asked him to stay because I genuinely wanted to talk to him—we still had so much to discuss. But I hadn’t factored in my vulnerability after watching the two biggest loves of my life interact all evening. There was a naturalness between the two of them, and it was something wondrous in witnessing it.
The guilt I felt over lost time would creep in, trying to eat away at my heart, but there wasn’t an iota of contempt in his gazes throughout the night. They were heavy, smoldering, and I felt every bit like I had when we were younger—completely captivated by his stormy gaze.
He watched me the way he used to; every emotion, every feeling reflected within his mesmerizing irises.
“Because the next time I’m inside you, it’ll be once I’ve won you back forever, and I haven’t done that yet.”
Calum’s words, and the affected roughness to his voice, rolled over me, making my arms break out in goosebumps.Hadn’t he,though? Shaking my head, I pressed brew on the Keurig and waited, my toes tapping against the floor with impatience and disquiet.
Picking up my thermos, I twisted the cap on. “Let’s go, Asher!” I called out, hearing him in the hallway. He hastened down the stairs and slid around the corner on his socks, bumping into the couch.
“Coming!” He grinned, racing past me into the mudroom to grab his boots and coat. I picked up my purse and phone from the counter, pausing when I noticed a new text message from Calum.
Mind if I plan something for the three of us this afternoon?
I closed my eyes, remembering how spontaneous and thoughtful Calum’s dates had been. How easy it was to slip into old habits; and how willingly I fell.
Sure…sounds good. We’ll be home around eleven.
I hit send and slipped my phone into my purse, following Asher into the mudroom. He was practically vibrating with excitement. “So, what are we doingafter?”
I sent him a skewed glance as I tugged on my boot. “I told Cal we’d be home around eleven. I think he has something planned.”
“Cool! I wonder what it is!” Asher’s eyes were bright with excitement, and he happily bounced over to the door to hold it open for me. We stepped out onto the porch and came face to face with my mother.
“Mom,” I came to an abrupt stop, casting her a suspicious look. “What are you doing here?”
“I thought I’d join you two.” My mother answered with pip, sending a doting smile to Asher when he wrapped his arms around her waist in greeting.
“You know Mrs. Prichard doesn’t like the kids having audiences while they practice. That’s what the recitals are for.”
“Then you and I will grab a coffee, Harper.” Mom replied, leaving no room for argument. Still clenching my thermos, I inwardly sighed. I was too spent for this conversation, but I knew my mother well enough to know she wasn’t going to let it go.
