Sam is staring at me again. He’s been looking at me like I’m some kind of alien all afternoon. It’s getting on my fucking nerves.
“What? What are you staring at me for?” I growl, frustrated with him.
“I’m just trying to figure out what’s going on with you. Wait, was that a smile?”
I school my expression. Did I smile? Do I not normally smile? No, I suppose I don’t. But after leaving Olive’s bed, it’s hard to not smile. Knowing she’s just a phone call away… a quick car ride to her front door… has me—dare I say—happy.
“Fuck off, nothing is up,” I grumble, not wanting to share anything about my budding relationship. Whatever it is.
“You got laid, didn’t you? You finally worked out all that tension,” Sam teases.
Apparently, something in my expression confirms his thoughts because his eyebrows raise, and he hoots a laugh.
“Why don’t you just hang a sign? ‘Harrison James got laid.’ As if it’s some kind of hardship for the woman I’m seeing. Jesus.”
A knock on the open door has us both jumping. It’s Rita. Not only am I shocked to see her here, but now I wonder if she overheard our conversation. Rita has a wide smile on her face, which tells me she probably heard everything.
“Sorry to interrupt, boys,” she says, not looking one bit sorry.
Sam is quick to stand and lead her into the office, and over to the conference table we’ve been working at for the last severalhours. Rita gives him a happy smile. She always did like him best. Sad since I’m her only nephew.
“Come in, we need a break, and what’s a better reason than a beautiful woman. Right, Harrison?” Sam says, laying it on thick.
“Yeah.” I agree with him only to not look like an asshole.
“I won’t keep you boys from your work. I just have something for Harrison.”
My heart starts to pound in my chest when I see the letter in her hand. Olive’s elegant script on the envelope tells me exactly what is inside. I want to snatch the letter away from my aunt and kick them both out of my office so I can read Olive’s words.
Yeah, I am definitely not myself.
“Welp, I think I’m going to excuse myself for lunch,” Sam pats his flat stomach. “Gotta feed the machine.”
I roll my eyes at his dramatic exit. One that includes kissing my aunt on her cheek and winking.
“So…” Rita starts. Before she even asks, I already know she’s about to confront me about what she overheard. “Olive?”
“Not that it’s any of your business, but yes.”
“Considering you’ve commandeered her letters and are chasing after her, yes, it is my business. What are you doing with her?”
“It’s casual.” I say the words, but they feel like a lie.
“Olive isn’t a casual woman. I do hope you realize that.”
I shake my head because, yes, I do realize that. I’d be a fool not to, considering I met her at my aunt’s matchmaking service. One that is known for matching perfect for each other couples. I’m in ass deep with a woman who is ready to settle down when I have no intentions of ever doing so.
“I know.” I let out a sigh that I feel in the tips of my toes and lean my head back, staring at the ceiling as if it has the answers to the universe. “I just can’t stay away.”
“She’s a wonderful woman. You’re really a perfect m-”
“Don’t say it,” I bark, not wanting to hear her thoughts on the subject.
“Whether I say it or not doesn’t make it any less true.”
I don’t respond to that comment. As far as I’m concerned, this conversation is over. Rita catches the hint and drops a motherly kiss to my cheek, pats my shoulder, and leaves without another word. Though I can practically choke on her disappointment.
I push that out of my mind, not wanting to dwell on it and rip open the letter…
