“Do you want to tell them, or do you want to keep it between us for a little longer?” Kip placed his hand on hers.
Harper was more reticent than Chantal, but she played along. “You can tell them, Kip.”
“I asked Harper to marry me. I also asked for her forgiveness because I’ve been so busy with my new position, I haven’t had a chance to pick up her ring from being resized.” Kip leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on her cheek.
“This is a surprise considering it was only yesterday—” Olivia started to say before she was interrupted.
“What do you do?” the man with Olivia asked. His suit seemed to ooze oil.
Kip opened his wallet and removed his business card. “I’m the executive director of the New Orleans branch of Chase Security International.”
“Wow. Sugar, that’s owned by those billionaire brothers, Ian and Kieran Chase,” the man with Colette said. “Look.” He googled The Chase Group on his phone.
“That’s you!” Vivian’s eyes went wide. “And you, Kyle. It names you as some of the founders.”
“We need better pictures,” Kip said flatly.
“Can we buy you folks a round of drinks?” Kyle asked.
By their body language, the guys wanted to hang out, but the women clearly wanted to head to their reserved table on the other side of the club. The minute they were gone, Chantal hugged Kyle. “You are too much. Thank you.”
“That was so cool!” Harper giggled, her fears seemingly dissipating.
“We’d never let them hurt you,” Kip said.
As Harper stared at him, a wrinkle formed between her brows. Someone had definitely hurt her. “They’ve hurt you before.” Kip’s features softened
“High school bullies.” Harper stared across the room.
Kip knew there was more than that. And Olivia’s comment about only yesterday was left unfinished.
Chantal rolled her head and let her shoulders settle with a deep sigh. “Thank you again, Kyle.” She swallowed, and her happy demeanor returned. “She likes you.” She focused on Kyle’s hand. “Do you feel her kicking?”
“Wow.” He helped her back into her seat from his lap.
Chantal and Harper excused themselves to head to the ladies’ room. Now that the two men were alone, Kip turned to Kyle. “That was interesting.”
Kyle sighed, his eyes following Harper and Chantal. “Those four women were mean, but there’s more to the story. I would’ve liked to hear Olivia finish her sentence.” He stared toward the entrances to the restrooms.
“We are on the same page,” Kip said.
Kyle turned his head to watch. “They’re speaking French. C’mon, bleach blonde, turn a little so I can see your lips.”
* * *
Brigitte Mone,a registered nurse with the Sommerstone Group, walked into the bathroom as Harper and Chantal walked out. She greeted the sisters in French. “I’m surprised at the both of you,” she continued.
“What do you want, Brigitte?” Harper asked, continuing the conversation in French.
“It’s confusing to me, considering your relationship with Jerrold, that you are here with another man.” Brigitte’s tone was cutting.
“There was never a relationship with him, and there never will be,” Harper huffed.
Chantal stepped between Brigitte and Harper. “I’m warning you, if you cause Harper problems, you’ll have to deal with me,” Chantal threatened in French.
Brigitte shoved Chantal and went inside the restroom.
“Channy?” Harper hugged her sister. “Are you okay?”
