“I told you we’re not seeing each other anymore.”
Now I know exactly who she is talking about and it makes me want to punch a wall. The idea of that man-child laying a hand on her makes me livid.
“Oh my god,” she groans, rubbing her forehead in frustration. “He cheated on me, there is no way I’m getting back together with him, even if you do think we were a great couple and he’s such a sweet boy.”
I chuckle at that last part as her eyes dart to mine.
“You know what, Mom? I don’t have time for this right now. I’ll talk to you later.” She hangs up without waiting for a reply and we are again in blissful silence.
She mutters a curse as she sets her phone down on the desk as she looks up and our eyes meet. She takes a breath, her eyes flaring, and I know she feels this connection as much as I do, but right now all I can think about is making sure she’s okay.
I get up out of my chair, making my way around the desk so I’m standing right in front of her. It takes all my willpower to carefully take each and every button of her blouse and do them up one by one. Her breath catches every time my fingers brush against her skin, making me hard all over again.
“I probably shouldn’t have stayed for that whole conversation,” I admit, hoping it breaks some of the tension that’s oozing off her. My fingers trace the line of her jaw, loving the way her head absently leans into my touch. I stop at the edge of her lips, wanting to know so badly what they taste like but knowing this isn’t the time.
“You’re probably right,” she says, looking down at the one hand that still hasn’t let go of the front of her shirt. “It’s not a secret that my mother and I don’t get along. Working here has always been a point of contention, and I guess me breaking it off with Cole has pushed her over the edge.”
I say nothing as she takes a deep breath and continues.
“She feels that because he comes from money, that I’d be set for life.”
“It sounds like she wants you to have a sugar daddy.” I’m joking but from the look on her face, I’m not far off.
“It wouldn’t surprise me if that was her ultimate goal. She’s had a few of her own since my dad died. All rich, all expendable in the end.”
That’s just sad. Living your life never really loving anything, just the money they bring to the relationship.
“I should probably get going,” I whisper, watching her fingers land on my belt as I close my eyes and will myself to step away.
“Shit,” she murmurs. “Of course, you have to leave.” She pulls her hands away and ducks under my arm. “You have a game tomorrow.” She averts her eyes as she gathers up her things and I can’t help but stand there and take her in. That dark gray skirt and white blouse are every man’s fantasy and I sure as hell will be dreaming about that lace bra until I can see it again.
“Harper,” I begin, making my way closer to where she’s standing, needing to feel her one more time before I walk out that front door.
“Josh.” The tone of her voice has my heart sinking and I know she’s going to fight this again. She’s fighting this so hard and I still don’t understand why.
“I’m not going to ask you anything tonight. I think we both know that what happened tonight was amazing.”
Her eyes flare, her chest rising with the breath she takes as I grasp the sides of her face with both of my hands.
“I know you want this; I can feel it with every look and every catch of your breath when we’re together.”
“I don’t…” I place a finger on her lips, letting her know I need her to stop talking.
“What is so terrifying about being with me?”
When she doesn’t answer, I place a soft kiss on her cheek and step back.
“I will change your mind, Harper Stevens.”
And with that, I walk out of her office, down the hall and toward the front door. I take one last look behind me as I open the door, seeing Harpers head pop out of her office and I give her my best smile.
“Good night, Josh,” She blushes, the curve in her lips subtle.
“Good night, Sunshine.”
14
Harper
It’s been three days. Three days since I had a sneak preview of what Josh Anderson is capable of, and three days of dreaming about the man that has taken over every aspect of my life. The second I step foot into my apartment after work, I regret living alone. Usually, the silence is comforting at a time like this, but right now the emptiness is suffocating. All I can seem to do is think about Josh and the way his lips felt against my skin, and the way his hands felt gripping my body. I need a distraction because the more I stand here thinking about Josh, the more I want to find him and continue what we were doing the other night.
Instead of sitting around all night fantasizing and reminiscing about exactly what Josh could do if I had let him finish what he started, I decide to go to Paul’s. Maybe drinking away the memories will help me sleep tonight.
I make my way over to my closet, pulling out every piece of clothing I can see that might be appropriate for a night out on the town, but after ten minutes I sit on the edge of my bed and pick up my phone.
Do I text Mel and ask her for help? I really want her to know everything that’s going on with Josh, but even though I will tell her
