“It’s okay; you don’t have to say more.” Harrison’s eyes pop open again, and he looks over at me.
“It wasn’t anywhere near finished when he died. Henry moved into it eventually. Then he continued remodeling it to match the plans Dad had drawn out. Most of the plan was in Dad’s head, but the grander elements, at least, he put on paper. It matters to us that it stays tidy because of its history and its connection to our father. But we’re both hesitant to hire a cleaning company, to let someone we don’t know come in and out to take care of it. We all know and trust you.”
My heart skips a beat at that. Them not wanting to bring just anyone in to clean makes sense after Harrison explained it. I can hardly believe, though, that Harrison would trust me with this. This cabin remains a link for them to their father, at least for Harrison and Henry. I suspect it’s important to the rest of the brothers for the same reason.
“I guess if you’re sure, then I could stay for a little while and get everything cleaned up for you. It would buy me a little more time to find a new place. But your brothers would have to be okay with it as well.”
“They will be. I’ll ask them to be sure. Though I know they’ll not only be fine with it, but they’ll be happy.”
He takes a few seconds and types something on his phone. Then I hear the familiar whoosh of a text message sent.
“Okay, you ready to go to the car, then? We can go get the rest of your things from your house today.”
I nod, and we both rise. I wait for him on the porch as he locks up. While he’s doing that, several dings come from his phone. He pulls it from his pocket and glances down at it. His handsome features transform into a scowl for a few seconds as he types a response.
“We’re all set. Everyone is fine with it. Henry is especially happy—the cobwebs creep him out.”
We step off the porch and resume our walk.
“Are you sure they’re in agreement? You were wearing your mad face for a few seconds while you typed.”
He chuckles.
“Now you sound like Layla. Do I really have a ‘mad face’?”
“You do, but don’t change the subject.”
He sighs. “It was just Holden pissing me off. He’s fine with you staying here, but he threw in some shit to annoy me. Irritating me, as you know, is one of his favorite pastimes.”
I laugh. It is almost comical when they mess with each other at work—most of the time. I think Holden always stays a hair ahead of Harrison in their competition, though. Probably because Harrison is Mr. Serious at work and has lines he won’t cross. Holden, not so much.
I allow myself a few moments to revel in the relief of having more time to find a new place. I did not want to go back to Brandon’s but felt I had no other option.
When we’re about fifty feet from my car, Harrison abruptly comes to a standstill. I end up a few steps in front of him, and when I stop and turn to look at him, he’s staring at my car with one hand holding the base of his neck. I’ve seen him do that before when he’s tense.
“What’s wrong?” I close the distance between us.
“Nothing. I need you to promise me something.” His tone carries a hint of concern.
“First, tell me what it is.”
He takes a deep breath and then releases it. “Promise me you won’t get mad.”
“Harrison, what did you do?”
Chapter Thirty-Six
Harrison
“You promised you wouldn’t get mad,” I say.
Delaney and I have been standing in silence near her driver’s door for a solid minute. Until you’re waiting for someone to speak, sixty seconds doesn’t sound that long. But… it is.
Finally, she moves. She doesn’t speak, but at least she’s walking—actually more like stalking—around the car. I watch her eyes land on each tire as she makes a full trip around the vehicle. I can’t read her expression—it’s impassive. However, when she makes it back to where I’m standing, I notice her nostrils flare, and her hands shake.
“Delaney–”
“I need a minute. Please.” The words come out just above a whisper, and her tone tells me not to push.
