“Right, well, he ran a good bit. Should be tired. But you’ll have to fix that latch.”
I yawn and nod and wave goodbye as we walk back inside. I’ll just keep Stuart in the house until I get the window fixed. Dad hates how he takes over the couch as his personal chair, but it’s not like either of us actually sits on it much anymore. Dad’s in his recliner and I’m never home.
I open the front door and Stu goes straight to it.You win. You can have the couch.
I think the dog understands, almost smiling as I chuckle to myself and head back upstairs. I shrug off my slippers and robe and slide back into my happy place. But I’m suddenly a lot less tired. I glance at my cell phone on the nightstand like it’s a ticking bomb.
Aiden Vanderwell has my number.
…
Aiden Vanderwell texted me!
I’m not sure how I feel about this!
I am sure I’m not falling asleep any time soon.
CHAPTER 14
Aiden
I’ve got to get out of this town.
Now it’s Christmas elves turned into Easter bunnies. And Christmas ornaments decorated as eggs. And very large, bright-white crosses. Everywhere.
And the damn townsfolk are always…around. With their giant, adorable dogs. And their stunning eyes and revealing tank top pajamas hugging perfect, perky, hourglass curves I couldn’t see in her work clothes. Now I can’t unsee them. And I can’t stop wanting the best bloody coffee I’ve ever had and…
Harper?
What’s she doing out so late in the morning? Probably trying to avoid me at her shop. But today I just also happen to be running late. Can’t sleep out here in this quiet. This quiet with the wandering dogs who could be out anywhere at anytime, needing a firm hand to look after them.
I slow my car, “Harper?”
She pauses, looks at the car, me in the driver’s seat, and the other empty seats. She doesn’t have to say it out loud.Where’s Renaldo?
“He left,” I answer, lifting my foot off the break to roll forward with her. “I have a security detail at the site now instead. Why are you walking this bicycle down the street?”
She looks up at the sky as if asking God for strength. Just to speak to me. I swear I’ve never met a woman like her.
Most women are all too eager to talk to me, flirt with me, make eye contact…make all kinds of contact. I’m rich, I stay fit, I know how to impress. I’m a little irritable, too direct maybe, but I’ve never had a woman complain about that once we get behind closed doors.
This woman is supremely irritating.
“Harper?”
“Too muddy here to ride,” is all she says.
“Ride for fun?”
She stops walking turns to me and gives me the most obviousyou are a raging dumbasslook I’ve ever seen. I almost laugh. Okay, then, not for fun.
“What’s wrong with your vehicle?” I ask. She sighs and shrugs. I say, “Come then, leave that and I’ll give you a ride.”
I don’t know why I’m surprised when she shakes her head and picks up her pace.
“Harper,” I scold her. This is ridiculous.
“No, thanks!” She says before she hops on the bike as we reach the corner. The roads are cleared of mud here but still, this is silly.
