The idea of someone threatening her to the point she had to defend herself makes me angrier than I like to admit.
“I went to a bar with Mel and Cole showed up.”
I say nothing because as much as I want to know what happened, I have to restrain myself. But I don’t have to wait long before she answers that question for me.
“He wanted to get back together and didn’t like the fact that I said no.”
“Sunshine, that could have been so much worse,” I admit, my mind playing out all the other scenarios that could have played out. Before she can respond, I’m in front of her, both my hands cradling her face as I touch my forehead to hers. “You have no idea how much worse that could have been…” I admit, not knowing if I’m talking to her or myself. I know I’m trying to reassure myself that she’s fine and standing in front of me, but her hands come to rest on top of mine and her eyes lift.
All I want to do is kiss her.
“I’m okay. I showed him the business end of my fist,” she whispers, that slight smile killing me with every passing second. She keeps that up, I won’t be able to keep myself in check much longer.
“We need to get you cleaned up before this gets infected.” My hands leave her face as I cradle hers in mine. “Were you headed home?” I ask as her eyes travel to our hands. I can tell she’s in her own little world right now, so I squeeze her hand as her eyes jerk up to mine.
“Um, yes. I’m going home. Don’t worry, I have a first aid kit and everything,” she says way too quickly. I can see the flight in her eyes, and that sense of panic hits my gut once more.
“That’s good,” I say, coming up with a plan on the spot. “Because taking care of these cuts without one would be pretty hard.” That smile is back, but that nervousness is still creeping up the edges of her body, and I can’t have that.
“So, I’ll see you later. Better get home before I decide to punch any more men.” She chuckles to herself and starts to walk away.
I lightly grasp her arm and turn her back toward me. “Did you really think that I would let you walk home alone after what you just told me?”
She shrugs and I know that’s exactly what she thought would happen. Not on my watch.
“Plus,” I say, taking her hand in mine and leading her away from the gym and down the street. “I’m an expert at first aid, I think for safety reasons I should be the one to take care of you.” I don’t let her talk me out of it. I just keep on walking, her hand gripping mine with all her might.
“That’s either extremely nice of you or one of the worst pickup lines I’ve ever heard.”
“I’ll let you decide which one it is,” I tease, winking as I drape my arm around her shoulder, letting her lead me toward her apartment.
“Where’s your first aid kit?” I ask as she turns the key to open her front door. As it opens, I get a full look at her space and I can’t help the smile. It’s so Harper. It feels lived in and homey with a sectional couch in the corner that sits in front of a very large TV. I secretly wonder if she watched me play on that TV. The walls are painted white, yet pictures adorn every spare inch, which are comprised of mostly art but I see a few family photos scattered around.
“Uh, it’s in the bathroom,” she says as she closes the door behind her.
I look down the hall, knowing the bathroom is in that direction, but stand there like an idiot just so I can stare at her a bit more.
“If you want to grab it, it’s down the hall and to the left.”
“Okay,” I don’t know what else to say, so I start to make my way down the hall.
“Do you want anything to drink?” she asks as I quickly find the first aid kit and head back into the living room. “Apparently I only have beer and water.” She sounds embarrassed but really it makes me like her even more. I ask for a water and she quickly brings my glass and her beer into the room, setting them on the coffee table.
“Are you thinking about staying for a bit?” I ask, motioning to the fact that she’s still wearing her coat.
Her eyes widen as she bursts out laughing. She heads toward the front door and when I see what she has on under that coat, my entire body freezes.
My eyes trail the length of her body and I swear my tongue is hanging out of my mouth. She is fucking beautiful.
“Shit…” I mutter as I continue to take in the scrap of clothing she’s wearing. Is that even a dress? It fits her like a glove and the way it hugs her hips is making me want to rip it right off her body and lick every inch of her. “You look incredible.” My eyes finally meet hers and the uncertainty in her gaze makes me wonder who put it there.
Her hands smooth down the front of her dress and then she gently pulls the hem down. I want to scream at her to leave it alone because the sight of her legs is driving me crazy. They look a mile long and all I can picture is how they would look wrapped around me.
“It’s a bit too short for me,” she jokes, trying to laugh it off but I don’t smile. My eyes continue to take her in, one inch at a time.
“Are you kidding me? It’s perfect,” I growl, throwing the first aid kit on the couch,
