Page 8 of Long Hard Road

“Amelia really needs to mind her own business.” I set down the toolbox that Ronan had left behind when he’d installed the new bathroom door. “Don’t you have some work you need to do?”

“Nope.” Harper blew a large pink bubble with her gum and let it pop loudly before sucking it back in.

“I’m surprised you didn’t ask Ronan to take a look at this drawer. Didn’t he refinish this thing for you?”

Harper frowned. “He’s busy. Or avoiding my texts. I’m not sure which.”

“Ronan wouldn’t avoid you. I’m sure he’s just busy. This time of year is always chaotic for his job.”

“You know what next week is, right?” Harper’s eyebrows pinched together.

“The anniversary.” I didn’t have to be reminded. None of us did. That day twenty-three years ago had made Ronan a permanent member of our family.

“He’s always weird for a few days before.” Harper was six years younger than Ronan, but she had always understood him better than any of us. Even better than Evan who was technically his best friend. “But he doesn’t usually shut me out like this. I’m worried.”

“He’ll be alright. Ronan is the toughest guy I know.” I wasn’t exaggerating. He had been through absolute hell growing up and had somehow still grown into a good man. “He always gives you space when you are in one of your moods, Harp. You can grant him the same courtesy.”

Harper sighed elaborately. “Fine. But if Ronan isn’t going to answer my texts, I’m going to bug you instead.”

“Isn’t that what you’re doing right now?” I knelt down to get a better look at what was happening beneath the drawer.

“That is my top responsibility as your annoying little sister.” She dropped quickly to her feet when the bell above the door chimed merrily, announcing the arrival of a customer. “Hi! Welcome to Final Chapter!”

“Oh. Hello.” The soft, silky voice sent my blood racing southward. I would recognize that voice anywhere.

“Can I help you find anything today?” Harper asked, oblivious to the physical reaction happening inside my body.

“No, I’m just…looking.” Madison was just on the other side of the counter, oblivious to the fact that I was on my knees just a few feet away.

“Okay. No problem. Just holler if you need anything.” If I hadn’t known better, I would’ve sworn that Harper was purposefully fucking with me. Almost as if she knew that I’d had an intense dream last night that had me on my knees with Harper hollering my name. Presumably, she was wearing more clothes now.

“Thanks.” Madison’s voice was nearly a whisper and her footsteps were light and quick as she hurried deeper into the bookstore.

Harper crouched down. “She was cute. You should go check her out.”

“No thanks.” I had never concentrated so hard on a drawer slider in my life.

“I mean, I know that a woman who reads isn’t your typical type, but maybe it’s time to branch out.” She let out a yelp when I jabbed my fingers between her ribs. “Ow, jerk.”

“That didn’t hurt.” I was used to Harper being dramatic. “Can you hand me that screwdriver?”

She slapped it into my hand and stood. “I’m going to find out if she’s single.”

“Harp. Don’t.” This wouldn’t be the first time Harper was incredibly forward with a stranger in an effort to embarrass me.

“Stop being such a reclusive weirdo, bro.” Harper started to step past me and I grabbed her arm to stop her, getting to my feet in the process.

“Nate?”

“Madison. Hey.” I should’ve known she’d be standing just a few feet away, staring at me with her hypnotizing eyes.

“You know each other?” Harper was practically bouncing on her toes as she appraised us, nudging me with her elbow in the least subtle way possible. “Introduce me, Nate.”

“This is Madison.” I quickly cleared the catch in my throat. “She’s visiting Crestwood for a few weeks.”

“I’m Harper Sullivan.” My sister grinned and stuck out her hand. “How do you know my big brother, Madison?”

Those green eyes blinked once. “He made my drink last night.”

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