What the hell did I just do? What will Brett say if he finds out? Could Harper lose her job for being involved with me?
I replay the last few minutes in my head. The way I backed her against the railing.
He’ll live.
Come home with me.
I wasn't asking. I was demanding. I was so fucking lost in what I wanted, what I'd been craving for weeks, that I didn't stop for a single second to consider what she needed.
She’s my house guest. She’s here because her home flooded, for Christ’s sake. She’s vulnerable, even if she’d never admit it. And tonight, she just pulled off the most important night of her professional life.
She was exhausted, running on fumes and adrenaline, and I ambushed her. She was at her most depleted, and I saw an opening. I acted like every entitled asshole who thinks his attraction gives him the right to push.
The look in her eyes right before she fled wasn’t just hesitation. It was discomfort. And I caused it.
I let out a stream of curses. I crossed a line. I took her incredible success and made it about my lust. I probably made her feel like all my praise for her work was a way of getting her into my bed.
I've spent weeks telling myself this attraction is mutual, that the tension between us means something. But maybe I've been reading signals that weren't there. Maybe she's just been polite, trying to keep the peace while living in my space, and I've been too arrogant, too used to getting what I want, to see it.
The thought makes me sick to my stomach.
I'm supposed to be the team captain, the guy who protects people, not the asshole who takes advantage of vulnerable situations.
No wonder she couldn't get out of here fast enough.
I need to apologize. Harper deserves better than having to navigate my inability to control myself while she's stuck living in my apartment.
From now on, things are going to be different. Whatever it takes to get Harper out of my head and my dick under control. She's got enough to deal with building her business and planning more events for us.
The last thing she needs is me complicating her life because I can't handle a little sexual frustration.
10
Harper
The Rainbow Room feels vast now that the guests have gone, but there's still so much work to be done. I force myself to focus on post-event breakdown. Anything to keep my mind off what just happened on that balcony.
“Harper.” Jennifer's voice cuts through the controlled chaos of servers clearing tables and vendors packing equipment. She approaches with the biggest smile I've seen from her since we first met. “That was absolutely spectacular.”
“Thank you.” I try to match her enthusiasm. “I'm so glad everything came together.”
“Everything and more. The media coverage is already starting. I've got three requests for interviews about the event.”
My chest swells with pride. This is what I've worked for, what I've dreamed of. “That's incredible news.”
“Let's meet Monday morning to review the final numbers and start planning the gala and the Charity Auction. Nine AM work for you?”
I nod, pulling out my phone to add it to my calendar. “I'll have a full breakdown of what worked well and what we can improve for next time.”
“I have no doubt.” Jennifer squeezes my arm. “You've exceeded every expectation, Harper.”
After she leaves, I dive into the logistics of winding up. It’s better than focusing on the way my body is still humming with want.
“What do you want to do with the centerpieces?” Nikki, the florist, asks.
“Send them to the children's hospital on the Upper East Side. They'll brighten someone's day.”
I move through the room methodically, checking off items on my mental list. The rental company is efficiently packing china and glassware back into padded cases. The catering staff has their cleanup well in hand. I just need to do a final walk-through of the kitchen areas to make sure nothing's been missed.
