“Please wait a minute.” He pauses and grabs socks and a T-shirt from his chest of drawers before walking over to me. When he’s a few feet from me, his features soften. “Stay and have breakfast with me, and then I’ll help you sort everything.”
I’m about to open my mouth and tell him I can’t, but something stops me. Maybe it’s the hope in his eyes. Or I like being here with him and want a few more minutes of being this woman before I step back into my reality.
“I can stay for a cup of coffee, that’s all.” I fix my gaze on his, waiting for him to argue.
“It’s a start.” He winks at me, and the way his face lights up, the excited grin he wears—they cause my lower belly to flutter.
Harrison squeezes past me and steps through the doorway; his right hand momentarily rests on my hip as he passes. Images of him brushing sensual kisses over that same spot last night flood my memory, and desire rises within me. I’d love to convince him to go back to bed, but I can’t. That kind of carefree day is not something I can afford. So, I follow him as he makes his way downstairs to the kitchen.
“I have tea as well, if you’d rather have that. You’re a tea drinker, right?”
I’m surprised he noticed that.
“Either is fine. I think today, coffee sounds good, though.”
A few minutes later, we both have steaming mugs in our hands, and Harrison guides me out to an expansive deck that runs along the entire length of the back of the house.
I’m stunned by the spectacular view in front of me. The rising sun paints the sky, and it’s gorgeous—shades of vivid pink and lilac streak across the horizon.
“It’s stunning,” I whisper. I walk to the railing, rest my coffee cup on it, and stare out from the deck. “I think I’d sit here every morning if I lived here.”
Harrison speaks from behind me. “Yeah, it’s awe-inspiring.”
I turn and peer at him. He looks perfect, dressed in casual clothes, sitting in a high-backed, cushioned chair. There’s a second one next to it, so I walk over and sit. We sit and drink in silence for a few comfortable moments, watching the sun transform the sky.
When I take the last sip from my cup, I scoot to the edge of my seat. In my peripheral vision, Harrison’s movement draws my attention, and I glance over at him.
“I really have to leave. As it is, I may have to cancel on ladies’ night.” A ping of disappointment hits me. I wanted to be part of that. “Layla’s going to be upset, isn’t she?”
Harrison’s frown and narrowed eyes answer my question. My shoulders sag at the thought of letting that angel down. It feels horrible. That doesn’t change the fact that I have a ton to do today.
I rise and return to the kitchen. Even though I’ve seen it a few times, until this moment, I’ve failed to appreciate how amazing it is. Of course, the cabinetry is lovely—a natural hardwood. I’m sure they are custom-made. There’s a generous food prep area that anyone who loves cooking would envy. However, it’s the marvelous large eat-on island in the center of the room that I can’t take my eyes off of. A quick count of the upholstered stools surrounding it tells me that it can seat up to eight.
My chest tightens for a second as I allow myself to consider how much I’d love to have enough friends and family to share a meal with somewhere like this. I force the thought away, irritated with myself for wishing for more when I had the benefit of being raised by an extraordinary mother, with a few bonus people in our lives.
I go to the sink and rinse out my cup, then turn my head to find Harrison leaning against the counter, watching me. I’m unable to read his expression, but, Jesus, is there ever a time this man doesn’t look sexy?
“Would you take a walk with me so we could talk about a few things?”
“I can’t. I have?—”
“To your car. We’ll walk to your car.” He places his hand on my forearm. “It’s daylight. Let’s go check it out.”
I guess it can’t hurt. It’ll only take us a few minutes to walk there, and I’m not ready to say goodbye yet.
“Sure. Let me grab my basket, and we can head out.”
I attempt to move, but stop when Harrison’s hold on my forearm tightens, and a husky laugh erupts from his handsome face.
“Oh, Bets. What am I gonna do with you? We’ll leave your stuff here for now.”
I raise an eyebrow at him and tilt my head.
“Why? I’ll wait at my car for the roadside assistance guy.”
“How about we play that by ear? I’ll drive everything back to you if you want, but at this moment, I would love to take a walk with you before diving into the day.” He leans forward and places a kiss on my forehead. “Let’s go. We’ve got some things to talk about.”
Harrison grabs my hand, and I don’t resist when he laces our fingers together. I’m sure what he said last night about wanting more was just a heat-of-the-moment thing. Still, this feels nice, and his grip is strong, confident. I like it.
