Текст книги "Always Enough"

Автор книги: Stacy Borel

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“Harper, can you take Allie for a second?” Em asked.

She handed Allie over to me and I cradled her close to my body. “I’ll always hold my Allie girl.” I smiled and cooed down at her.

Em started unpacking her hospital bag and settling in. They’d just arrived home from the hospital, but I had gotten there before them to make sure the house was cleaned up. Em didn’t need anything else to worry about. Finn had left to get Chinese take-out, and I couldn’t take my eyes off of Allie. She was such a beautiful baby. Her little cherub cheeks and her short eyelashes were sweet to look at as she slept in my arms. I was glad she was sleeping. I hadn’t been around babies that much, and even though I loved children, newborns were so … needy, that they made me nervous.

“So tell me what happened with Kyler when he went to see you?” Em asked, with her back to me.

I raised my eyebrows but she didn’t see. “Figures you would know he’d stopped by. What did you two do, scheme and plan it all out?”

I wasn’t exactly mad at her for asking him questions since I was the one that had kept quiet about the split, but knowing that she had talked about me to him rubbed me the wrong way.

As if she could read my mind she said, “It wasn’t like I was talking behind your back, Harper. But I was shocked when he told me that he had nothing to do with you two not being together. I just don’t understand why you wouldn’t tell me about it?”

“It wasn’t a big deal, that’s why.”

She stopped stacking diapers on her changing table and turned to look at me. “That’s just it … it is a big deal. I’m your best friend and we tell each other everything.” She paused. “I want to know, just please help me understand. Ky and you are a good fit, why would you push him away?”

I thought back to the hotel room. After Ky had left my room I think I stood staring at the door for a solid hour. I couldn’t believe that I had allowed the asshat to talk me into going to New York for a week. I’d been fully prepared to hunt him down, beat him to bloody pulp, and drive his body to the mountains for ravenous bears to take care of. But when he knocked on my door and I heard his voice, all of that went out the window. My body craved him. And yet part of me had felt a tinge of sadness. I wanted to run into his arms, and yet I couldn’t.

The fact that I even had that tendency just made me want to be even more brutal the next time I saw him. Yep, I decided that I would make him eat his words. My body might well betray me and beg for his touch, but everything else he’d said was crap. We didn’t go any deeper than sex. I didn’t do all of that lovey-dovey relationship bullshit. Why would I? I’d seen one too many relationships around me crumble because the couple either fell out of love, or the guy decided the grass was greener. Well fuck greener. I’d rather take a shit on that greener side and be the leaver than the leavee.

“Listen, Em, I don’t want to be negative. Especially not right after you’ve just had this beautiful little girl,” I said, looking down and smiling at Allie’s little face. “Can we talk about something else? Anything else … please?”

“No,” she said firmly.

I sighed deeply beginning to lose my patience. “Fine, you want to hash this out, then let’s hash it out. How long have you known me?”

She looked confused, but answered, “Just over fifteen years, why?”

“When have I ever done the relationship thing?”

“You never have, until Kyler.”

I let out an aggravated laugh. “That’s right. Ky was the first guy I ever tried the relationship thing with, and even that was a shot in the dark for me. Have you ever wondered why that is, Em?”

“Of course I have, and every time I ask you about it, you change the subject or completely ignore me. So let’s try this again, why?”

Not wanting to wake Allie, I laid her down in her pink bassinet and led Em out of the room. I was feeling exasperated and I didn’t want to yell. When we were safely in the hallway I turned and faced her.

“They all leave, Em, all of them. I know you’re going to tell me to look at you and Finn, but you are an exception to the rule. Do you know how many men I saw walk in and out of mine and my mom’s lives?” I threw my hands up in the air. Just talking about this made me feel the need to pace. I shook my head and looked to her. “Too many to count.”

“But why would that keep you from attempting a real relationship with someone? Obviously that doesn’t apply to everyone. And yes, I am going to tell you to look at Finn and me. We lost each other and found our way back. Not every man leaves, Harper.”

I took a deep breath before I spoke again. “Open your eyes, Em. Over ninety percent of the people we went to high school with got married, but now they’re all divorced. I’d be willing to bet that if you asked the women, they’d tell you that they weren’t the ones that wanted it to end. Men can’t commit. And you know what? Neither will I.”

Em was looking at me with pity in her eyes. She felt sorry for me. I didn’t want her to feel sorry for me.

“Harper, sweetie, all of those people made mistakes at some point in their relationship and they either didn’t want to put in the work to fix the issues, or it was damaged beyond repair. That doesn’t have to be you, though.”

It was coming. I knew it was. I was just waiting for it.

“You have something special with Ky. He’s your … your person. How is it that you don’t see that?” She reached up and put her hand on my arm. “You need to give your relationship with him a chance, Harper. I have a feeling your reluctance to commit goes deeper than just seeing your mom go through men. Does any of this have to do with your dad?”

Bingo! She knew me well enough to see past my bullshit and to ask the right questions. But how do I explain to her that my issues all root back to my dad?

“Well … yeah, it does.” I shrugged my shoulders. “My dad left when I was just a kid and he was always in and out of my life. I don’t want that for myself, or any future kids I may have. All I ever wanted was my dad to be there for me, and he wasn’t. He was more interested in his buddies and whatever drug he was using to get high.”

Em reached out and touched my cheek. “God, Harper, I knew your dad had used drugs, but I didn’t know he’d kept using them.”

She was being so tender-hearted, and her touch felt like a mother’s touch. Even though she is my best friend, this isn’t what I wanted from her. I didn’t want pity.

“Yeah well, such is the life of a user. He was never around when I needed him, and my mom was so messed up after she kicked him out that none of her relationships lasted. I think my dad was her one great love, and the pathetic fools that came after him never stood a chance.”

“All of that was messed up, yes, but that doesn’t mean that has to be your life. You could be missing out on your forever.”

I smiled at her, and her need for a happily ever after. “Even when I start to get close to someone, Em, I’ll always be waiting for that other shoe to drop. I can’t help it.”

“Ky won’t do that to you. He’s faithful, and loyal. That man only has eyes for you, and I think you should tell him all of this. How else can he help you work through it if he doesn’t know why you won’t commit?”

I felt a large lump forming in my throat. Kyler deserved the truth but I was afraid that my issues would be too much for him to handle, and he would prefer to be with someone who didn’t come with the baggage I did.

“He convinced me to go to New York for the week, so he can prove to me that we have more than just a sexual relationship. What if he’s right, Em?” I leaned my back against the wall and put my head in my hands.

She smiled at me and said, “He is right, Harper. You just need to let him in. I think you going and spending time with him will be a good thing. But will you be able to let your guard down?”

“How do you drop walls that have been there your whole life?”

Em took a step towards me and wrapped her arms around my shoulders, bringing me in for a hug.

“It’s Ky, Harper. I have a feeling he will know what to do.”

I pulled back slightly and wiped at a stray tear.

“We’ll see, won’t we? Now can we go back in and watch that sweet little girl sleep? It’ll probably be your last chance before she wakes up and figures out she has a set of pipes to use.”

Em hooked her arm through mine and we went back in to Allie’s room to baby gaze.

I flew into LaGuardia airport and made my way to the hotel. When I arrived, I went to the check-in counter and requested that they upgrade me from a one-bedroom to a two-bedroom suite. Harper would expect me to either put her in her own hotel room, or she might even think that we would be sharing a bed in my room. Well, that wasn’t going to happen. I meant what I said when I told her that I knew we had something that went beyond just sex. I also wasn’t naïve enough to know that she wouldn’t tempt me with her hot little body, and I needed to keep some space between us and my bedroom. That girl was a sex kitten, and I knew I would struggle to keep my dick to myself.

After unpacking my suitcase, I walked down the hallway to where I knew my fellow band mates would be more than likely playing Xbox and screwing around. Sure enough, the metal bolt was sticking out to keep the door from completely shutting, so I let myself in.

“Hey, pretty boy, how was your trip?” Anders asked.

Anders was the lead singer for Down Glory Road, or DGR as we were known. He was your typical rocker—tatted up, with dark spiky, messy hair, and dressed like an emo. He was actually a pretty cool guy, and a wicked songwriter. He sat in the corner, his guitar propped up on his knee and a piece of paper on the glass table in front of him. He liked to call me ‘pretty boy’ because I was the total opposite of him. In high school we probably wouldn’t have run in the same crowds, but in the band we got along great. In fact all of us were a pretty tight knit group.

“It was … well, it was good, I guess. Finn’s little girl, Allie, was born and they are all doing well.” Anders nodded and started to strum a tune. The band knew Finn back when we were writing songs for them so they were just as happy to hear about Allie’s arrival as I was. “But there’s something I need to talk to you all about,” I directed to all the guys.

“Oh you’re going down, dickhead.” Sonny yelled.

“Keep dreaming, you’ve never beaten me.” Levi grinned.

Both were dueling it out over Call of Duty. Lincoln sat on the couch next to Sonny, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees. All three of them were completely immersed in the game. I didn’t think any of them had heard me. I was still trying to figure out how I was going to tell them about Harper, but I guess just coming out with it was the best way.

Levi laughed deeply, tossing the remote down on the coffee table, while a very pissed off looking Sonny looked ready to pummel him.

“You cheated.”

A smug looking Levi said, “No I didn’t, you just suck at this game.”

“Yes, you did. You can’t camp out and wait for me to come to you. That’s not how war works, asshole.” Sonny’s face was getting red.

“How would you know? You ever been to war? I was just playing the game, man. If you’re going to be a dick about it, maybe you shouldn’t play anymore.”

Sonny growled and got up and went into the kitchen to grab a beer. He clapped my hand and said “hey” on his way by.

Levi and Lincoln both got up from the couch and walked over to me. Levi was who I would call the ‘smart guy’ of the group, and he had a very carefree attitude toward life. Girls fell all over themselves for a chance with him. He was a tall, blonde haired, surfer-looking kid. I didn’t really know why Anders called me ‘pretty boy’ when Levi fit the bill.

Lincoln on the other hand was what I would call … ‘broody.’ He had caramel colored eyes, and was always in the gym. I’d never seen a dude more cut than Linc. I didn’t know his whole story, but I knew he doesn’t smile much, was a genius on the drums, and had been with the band since before they were signed to the record label.

“‘Sup, boys?” I said to the two of them.

“Back already, huh?” Levi asked.

“Yeah, and I was just telling Anders that I have something to talk to you boys about.” I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Sounds serious.” Sonny came up behind me and handed me a beer.

All joking aside, Sonny was the one I had become closest to. He was a few inches shorter than me, but he was a jokester and loved sports. His role in the band was the same as mine—back-up vocals and bass guitar. Girls called his smile the ‘Fifty-Watt Smile’ and he used it to melt panties in every city we visited. Sonny was rarely seen without a girl after a show.

“It kind of is,” I responded. “I’m having someone come out to stay with me this week. Someone I’ve known since high school.

“A chick?” Anders said from by the table.

“Is she hot?” Levi asked.

I felt my blood start to simmer and I spoke through my teeth. “Yes, she’s a chick, and yes, she’s hot. She’s the hottest fucking girl I’ve ever seen. And if I catch any of you fuckers trying to hook up with her, I’ll rearrange your balls. Harper’s mine.”

“Whoa, dude, I just asked if she was hot.” Levi held his hands up, palms out. “Clearly you’ve staked your claim.”

“Yeah, take it easy, bro.” Sonny hit his palm on my back. “Tell us about this Harper person that has you all up in arms.”

I shrugged his hand off of my shoulder. “I’m not up in arms, but this girl … she’s special. Harper has been under my skin for years. I’ve convinced her to come out for the week, which wasn’t an easy task, so I need you all to behave yourselves. Do you think you can do that?”

“Sure, man, no problem,” they said in unison.

Anders spoke again, “Wait, is this the girl that you were seeing a few months ago? The one I caught you emailing the other day?”

“Oh wait, I know this chick. She’s Emilyn’s best friend,” Levi said.

“Yeah, that’s her. I’ve known her for a really long time and I’ve liked her since I first saw her.” I nod, taking a swig of my beer.

Sonny came up to me and I grunted when he reached out and cupped my junk.

Shoving him away I yelled, “What the fuck, man!”

“Well, boys, his balls are still there, but he sure sounded like a broad just now. You always say such sweet words, Ky?” Sonny blinked his eyes rapidly.

Levi and Anders laughed, but it didn’t earn a laugh from Linc.

“When is she getting in?” Lincoln asked, ignoring the other two.

I looked down at my watch and said, “She’ll be here in about an hour. I got us a suite together, and I plan on spending a lot of time with her … alone. I’ll introduce her to you all, and then you fuckers are going to leave us alone.”

Anders and Sonny chuckled.

“What are you going to do with her when we celebrate my birthday?” Levi asked.

Shit, I’d forgotten about that. Levi was turning twenty-five in three days, and we were all going out to some nightclub—he and the guys had rented out the entire top floor, and I had a feeling there would be strippers involved. Before I’d decided to bring Harper out here it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but I didn’t want to go to some bar and have tits all up in my face while my girl was back at the hotel.

“I’ll figure it all out, but I’ll be there,” I reassured him.

I told the guys that I was going back to my room to wait for Harper, but I’d be back in a couple hours and they needed to be on their best behavior. Back in my room, I unpacked my small carry-on suitcase I had taken with me to California before sitting down on the couch to wait. I’d put Harper on a mid-morning flight, in first class. If I could have sent the record label’s private plane for her I would have—only the best for my girl. But unfortunately it was only for the label and their clients. She’d get here just before dinner and I’d ask her if she wanted to go out to eat, or order room service. I’d planned on taking her out sightseeing so we would have time to talk and just be together, but it was also a ploy to prevent us from falling into old habits of jumping each other’s bones. Not that I was opposed to sex in public places—I could fuck Harper just about anywhere—but I needed to show her how much more we could be … together.

I’d sat through one full episode of The Big Bang Theory when a knock sounded at the door. I grinned and got up from the couch and went to open it. When I did, Harper stood in front of me, dressed in a beautiful short white lace dress. Her sexy cowgirl boots made her tanned legs look even darker, and her long brown hair cascaded down her back in waves. She barely wore any make-up, and she was hands down the most gorgeous woman I’d ever seen.

She was looking at me like I was a piece of meat, but there was also something behind those eyes that I couldn’t read. My dick was hard and straining against my jeans.

“Hey, handsome,” she greeted, smiling.

“Hey yourself. You look beautiful.”

I reached forward to take her hand in mine, and her bag out of her other hand.

“Come in, I’ll show you your room.”

She walked past me, brushing her side against my front. I couldn’t help the groan that came out of my throat. Fucking hell, she smelled good. How was I going to keep my hands to myself when all I wanted to do was haul her over my shoulder and pin her to the bed?

Oh my God, this man standing in front of me was delicious! Ky wore a pair of low-slung jeans with a plain white t-shirt. His hair was sticking up in every direction—as if he’d been running his hands through it. When I looked down I noticed his feet were bare. What was it about a man’s bare feet that turned me on? I had been reluctant to make the trip, even trying to talk myself into turning around the moment I boarded the plane earlier that morning, but the need to see Ky overwhelmed me. Now that he was here and I could reach out and touch him, I knew I’d made the right choice.

Walking past him, I heard him moan as our bodies connected. I did it on purpose just to goad him. I wanted to remind him of how much he wanted me, like I did him. Plus I wanted to remind him that I had the vagina, so I held the power. There was no way I was going to make this trip a walk in the park for him. He said our relationship wasn’t based on sex. Well, I was going to prove to him that it was a very large part of it.

“Wow, would you look at this place. My God, it looks bigger than my house!” I said, looking around.

I heard Ky chuckle from behind me. He came up so close that I could feel the heat from his body. When he spoke, his breath tickled my ear. “It’s big … really big.”

The innuendo wasn’t lost on me. Oh yeah, I was getting to him.

Not turning around I said, “Mmmhmmm … just the way I like them. Is our room over here?”

I moved down a short little hallway with three doors. Why were there three doors?

“Your room is right over here,” he said, placing the emphasis on the word ‘your.’

He opened the door to a very large bedroom that had a king sized bed with a white duvet, and some modern pieces of furniture that were black and silver. Off to the side there was another door that I assumed was a bathroom.

“What do you mean mine? Aren’t we sleeping in the same bed?”

His slow grin spread across his face.

“Nope, I’m sleeping over there.” He pointed out of the still open door, and across the hall.

“I don’t understand? Why are we sleeping in separate beds?”

“You do know you’re even cuter when you’re confused.” He flicked my nose.

As I stood there in front of him, it occurred to me that this was how he thought he’d keep control over the ‘situation’ … and by ‘situation’ I meant his dick. Oh silly man, he would be in for a rude awakening. Maybe I needed to give him a reason to regret this decision.

“Hmmm … want to know something else that’s cute?” I asked, a slight purr in my voice.

I stepped into him and I saw his Adam’s apple bob up and down. I was making him nervous—served the fucker right. Placing my hand up on his chest, I stood up on my tiptoes and spoke with my lips against his.

“My mouth, Kyler … my mouth is really fucking cute.”

With that I pressed my body flush with his and kissed him. I kissed him so deeply that I heard him growl into my mouth. My tongue shot past his teeth and stroked softly against his. He tasted like mint. Angling my head for a deeper kiss, my hand that rested on his chest traveled down his well-sculpted abs and found its way to the front of his pants. He was hard, long and thick, and fuck me if that didn’t make me lose my mind.

After gripping him though, I quickly lost control of the situation. My hand on his dick made Kyler snap. He moved so fast that I didn’t know what was happening until he’d done it. Grabbing me by my waist, he hoisted me up so I was wrapped around him. He turned me around and pressed my back against the wall, and his pulsing erection pushed up against my aching body. Pulling back, I saw his eyes were dark and wanting. He wanted to fuck me right there, against the wall, and there was no mistaking that. With one of his hands under my ass, he brought his other up and pushed it into my mouth.

“Suck.”

It was a one-word command that caused a pool of wetness to form in my panties. I sucked his finger into my mouth and swirled my tongue as if it were his cock. Ky pulled his finger out of my mouth and dragged it down my chin, past my collarbone, before continuing the trail further south, leaving behind a trail of saliva from my mouth. I squirmed under his heated stare. Did I want him to do this? He was the one that had said he wanted to prove that our relationship was more than just sex, so why was he already caving if he was so intent on showing me that. And didn’t I just talk to Em about this as well? Hadn’t I come to the conclusion that I wanted to see if the relationship could be more, too?

Those questions quickly fell by the wayside and I could only concentrate on the man in front of me when the hand that had been trailing down my body reached underneath my dress. He cupped my sex and I cried out at the much-needed contact.

“Kyler, I want you.” I pressed my forehead against his, and whispered breathily.

“I’ve got you, sweet girl.” His skilled fingers pushed aside my lace thong and slid in, touching my throbbing clit. “Christ, you’re soaked, Harper.”

I bucked against his hand as he began to slowly stroke me, coating me with my own wetness. I was about to come undone when he suddenly pushed two fingers inside me.

“Ahhh …!” I cried out.

I’d been so close to climaxing, but this action started a whole new frenzy of need and desire deep in my belly. He plunged his long fingers in and out of me in a sure and steady rhythm. I knew he was hard, and I would have loved nothing more than to have him buried deep inside of me, but at that very moment, there was no way I would be able to move from this position, at least not until I came. Ky changed up his movement and curved his fingers, ensuring that he was hitting my sweet spot. It was all I needed, and I shot over the edge into oblivion. My body started to shake uncontrollably and I screamed. Ky covered my mouth with his own to muffle my cries while his fingers continued their assault.

Coming down from the intense orgasm, I stayed pressed into his body, his fingers still inside of me. When my breathing settled, I looked up at him, and what I saw shocked me. His eyes, though still pools of desire, held a look of adoration. I watched him, sweat dripping down my temple, as he pulled his fingers from my sex. I quivered involuntarily. He smiled at me, and it made me feel so warm that I couldn’t help but smile back at him.

“I’ve missed you,” he whispered. It came out so soft I almost didn’t hear him. But his eyes were on me and they were very intense.

It was such a sweet and genuine thing to say that a small part of the wall around my heart started to crumble. But when he shifted I noticed that he was still very hard. I could feel his dick against my stomach and it made me feel a tingle down below. When I could stand on my shaky legs, Ky set me down.

Still grinning at him I said, “I’ve missed you too, but I don’t believe we’re done yet.”

I reached down to grasp his shaft in my hand but before I could, he grabbed me by my wrist.

“No, Harper. That’s not what this was about.” He had taken a step back, but was still holding me.

I was confused again. First he told me we weren’t sharing a bed, then he finger-fucked me up against a wall, and now he’s not allowing me to touch him. What the hell?

“Then what was it about?” I leveled my eyes at him, letting him feel the full force of my glare.

He shook his head and scrubbed his hand down his face.

“Jesus, I don’t know, Harper. You show up here wearing this dress looking all sexy. Then you walk in here like you own the place, and you came on to me. I thought I was giving you what you wanted.” He ran his hands through his hair, clearly frustrated. “I’m supposed to be resisting you here.”

“Okay, so, why can’t I give you what you want?”

“I already have what I want.”

“Oh really, and what would that be?” I placed my hands on my hips.

“I have you here in my hotel room, giving yourself to me.”

He was so blunt with his words, and I was taken aback. How was it that he claimed all he wanted was me, when he so clearly wanted something else?

“But you’re still turned on, Ky.”

“Yeah, and? You’re pointing out the obvious, Harper, but I told you from the start that this trip was to show you that you mean more to me than just sex. And I do want more from you than just sex.”

I wasn’t sure if I wanted more, but I knew that I wanted to try to have more with him. I was willing to give him that much.

“Okay … fine. If that’s what you want. You’re going to want to take care of that though.”

He gave me a wicked smirk. “No worries, I’ll have a one on one with the Behemoth. He knows I’m the one in control.”

I rolled my eyes. “Behemoth?”

His grin got even bigger and God help me if he didn’t look even more handsome.

“You’ve seen him, Harper. Do you really need to question the name?”

I shook my head and decided to not acknowledge that.

“So when do I get to meet the other band members?” I asked.

“We can go say hello to them right now, if you want to? They’re expecting me to introduce you anyway, but make no mistake, it’s only going to be a quick hello. The rest of your time here, you’re mine.”

With the look he was giving me, I didn’t think that would be too much of a hardship.

Harper and I walked down the hallway so I could introduce her to the guys. They’d better fucking behave themselves was all I had to say about that … especially Levi. He was a big flirt, and Harper was exactly his type—smoking hot, dark hair, killer body, and a lethal mouth, both when she’s talking … and not talking.

When we got to the door I pulled her to me and put my arm around her. Leaning down, I nuzzled her neck and inhaled her sweet scent.

“Do we have to go in there? We can still turn around and go back to the room, order take-out, and watch a movie.”

She giggled. “What are you so worried about, Ky? I want to meet them.”

I groaned. “Fine, but remember, these guys like to flirt. And I have no doubt they are going to take one look and make a pass at you. I already talked to them about that, and they know what will happen if they do. But still, they’ll do it just to piss me off.”

She reached up and stroked my cheek and gave it a little pat.

“No worries, Ky. I’m with you, okay?”

Harper was actually reassuring me that she was here with me. And didn’t I just fucking love that? I pushed open the door, and led her inside. All four of the guys were sitting on the couch watching TV, when we walked in. They all looked up at the same time and I swore I saw their mouths drop. Christ almighty I was going to have to kick some ass by the end of the night, of that I was sure.

“Guys, this is Harper Graham.”

All four stood up from the couch and came over to greet her.

“Hi, Harper, I’m Anders.” He reached out and shook her hand.

“Hey,”– Lincoln gave a small wave– “Lincoln.”

I grinned at his directness.

“Heard a lot about you, Harper. I’m Sonny.” Sonny nodded.

Levi took a step towards Harper. “Well hello, beautiful. I’m Levi, and if this dickhead over here is ever dumb enough to walk away from you, you come see me.”

He reached out and shook her hand, and pulled her under his arm. I literally growled, which earned a chuckle from him, and a musical laugh from Harper. She stepped away from him and moved back into my side, which pleased me more than you could know.

“Nice to meet you all. And for the record, Levi, you have quite the feminine handshake. You should use a firmer grip … you know, like you would when you jerk off.”

The three guys busted out laughing, while Levi actually turned red. I grinned down at my girl and kissed the top of her head.

“Why don’t you come sit down and tell us about yourself,” Sonny said.

We all went to the couch but I sat down before Harper and pulled her down onto my lap. She looked down at me, shaking her head.

“Good lord would you look at that. Ky is a smitten-fuckin-kitten,” Levi said.

“Shut up, asshole. I just don’t want her sitting too close to the likes of you four.”

Harper bent down and whispered so only I could hear, “Are you jealous? You don’t need to be, I’m yours.”

Then she kissed my cheek and sat back up to talk to the guys. I smiled at her reassurance. I wasn’t sure when exactly I’d become an insecure idiot but she’d managed to make me feel better. They asked her all kinds of questions about her realtor business, what Idaho was like, what it was like in high school, and if I had been a nerd. Conversation with her was easy for the guys, and fuck that made me feel good. I’d hoped she would get along with them, but I’d known she would charm them just like she does with everybody she meets. An hour had passed when I told the guys we really needed to get back to the room. I had a lot planned for the next day.

“You do? What sort of things do you have planned?” Harper asked.

“Well, for starters, we’re going to take a ferry out to the Statue of Liberty and take a tour, then we’re going to come back and catch a Giants game. Our tour manager got us tickets for a private suite to watch the game. You’ll love it. Besides, I know how much you loved watching me play football in high school.”