“I’m not telling you what to do or who to do it with, but if things between you become more than just friends, it could get weird. Fast. Especially living next door to him. You know that, right?”
A little smirk crossed Willa’s face. “You mean because you’re dating his dad?”
Harper stared back, unamused, and crossed her arms. “Mitch and I aren’t dating. In fact, we aren’tanythingbut really good friends who are mutually attracted to one another and who also happen to work together. We’re taking things very slowly. Nothing about our relationship is casual. His main goals are dealing with the loss of his wife and helping Kyle get back on his feet. Not me. And I’m good with that.”
Willa seemed suitably chastised, which had been Harper’s purpose. She did not need Mitch being hurt by something Willa or Kyle might drop into conversation, even in a kidding manner. For all his progress, Mitch still carried a lot of grief.
She needed Willa to be mindful of that, but Willa was picking at her nails again.
Willa nodded. “I get it. I’m sorry.”
“I don’t mean to come down hard on you, I really don’t. But Mitch isn’t over his wife’s death. Kissing me was a huge move. Huge. I worry that one wrong step and he’ll lose all the progress he’s made. I’d much rather him be a functioning human being than my boyfriend. I’m fine with us just having a professional relationship.” That wasn’t entirely true, but it was for the sake of this conversation. “Do you know what I mean?”
“Yeah,” Willa said. “I didn’t mean to make a joke of it, but I think it’s sweet that you two have connected on this deeper level. You don’t have to worry about me and Kyle. I like him, but just as a friend. He’s a nice guy, but he really is focused on Ruthie. As he should be.”
“Agreed,” Harper said.
Willa shot Harper a quick smile. “I didn’t mean to make such a hasty decision about school, either. I know it was kind of dumb, but I haven’t loved school in a while. I guess I just got caught up in what you and Mom were doing and…” She shook her head. “I owe Mom an apology. I’ll talk to her when she gets back from Lucas’s.”
“Or you could just text her you’re sorry and that you’ll talk later. That would probably go a long way.”
“You’re right. Again.” Willa pulled her phone out. “Thanks for being understanding and letting me stay here.”
“You’re welcome. Your mom’s most likely moving into the guest house anyway, so it’ll be just you, me, and Archie in the main house.”
“I’ll help with him. I love Archie. In fact, I’ll take him out right now if you want me to.”
Archie stood up and wagged his tail.
Harper smiled. “You said his name and the word out loud so you pretty much have to now. You know where the leash is.”
Willa got off her seat and gave Harper a big hug. “Thank you. I love you. You’re the best aunt ever.”
Harper hugged Willa back. “I’ll remind you of that when we need groceries.”
Laughing, Willa grabbed Archie’s leash and took him outside.
Harper carried her water into the bedroom. She was due at Mitch’s shortly and she had yet to shower. The man was paying her good money. And he might want to kiss her again.
Showering seemed like the least she could do.
Chapter Fifty-Five
Mitch carried Ruthie to the front door with him to let Harper in. Assuming it was her. He smiled when he saw he’d been right. “Hey.”
“Hey.” She tickled Ruthie’s belly. “And hey to you, too, little one. How’s Grandpa treating you?”
“Like the princess she is,” Mitch replied. “I hope you don’t mind Ruthie joining us for part of our chat. Kyle’s in the shower so I said I’d watch her.”
“I don’t mind one bit.” She shut the door behind her. “How did your writing day finish up?”
“Better than expected. Somehow in between talking to you and getting in the pool with Kyle and Ruthie, I knocked out another thousand words.”
“Excellent. You’re doing really well with staying on track despite the changes to your life. That’s impressive.”
“Thanks.” They went up the steps together. “I don’t really know how I’m doing it, but I’m trying not to think about it too much in case I jinx something.”
“Smart move,” Harper said, smiling.
