Page 156 of Tortured Tones

“He’s teaching me to play.”

Harper straightened. “Wow, Cole. You have changed.”

“Yep. Kinda had to.”

“Will you play toys with me, Harper?” Charlotte swayed her hips from side to side.

“Char, let Harper settle in.” I rubbed the back of her head. “After lunch you can play.”

She pouted and glared at me. Why did that always make me feel like a bad father? Ergh! Kids. This was a whole new level of guilt, but it was one that I was slowly learning to deal with—thanks to Ava.

“It’s fine.” Harper took Charlotte’s hand. “Best start my new job right now. Let’s go.”

But Charlotte pulled her hand free of Harper’s. She raised her arms above her head and flapped her fingers. “Up.”

Wow! Maybe talking to Charlotte about Harper and showing her pictures had helped her warm to her straight away. Maybe they were kindred spirits. But Shelby had done the same thing, showing Charlotte photos and telling stories about us guys. It had made her settling into life with me easier. I’d take that as a win.

“You want me to carry you?” Harper grinned.

“Uh-huh.” Charlotte nodded.

“I can do that.” Harper scooped her into the air. “Where and what would you like to play?”

“Ponies and dinosaurs.” She pointed upstairs. “In my room.”

“Awesome. We can do that while your dad gets us some lunch.”

“What would you like?” I grabbed my cell phone out of my jeans pocket. “Ava’s coming over with Josh. I’ll get her to pick up something on the way.”

“I’d kill for a big greasy burger and loaded fries. It’s been a long time since I’ve had those.”

“Done.”

“Let’s go, Charlotte. Let’s go play.” Harper skipped across the foyer and bounded up the stairs with Charlotte in her arms. I laughed as warmth spread across my chest. Harper was a bigger kid than I was. She adored children and had a big heart, and I was glad she’d come home. She’d been gone for way too long.

After lunch, Harper settled into the guest room downstairs where Hannah had stayed. She’d insisted on some privacy and distance, and after the tour, she wanted to move into the guesthouse...once I cleared it out. I was happy with whatever she wanted to do. She was here. That was all that mattered.

That night, everyone, except Slip and Maddy, who’d gone to Las Vegas for a few days for some sexy time together before we left, came over for dinner and caught up with Harper. As the kids watched a movie, we sat around my huge sofa, drinking and telling tales about our tour. Harper’s stories highlighting her travels, and teaching kids in remote places in Nepal, had everyone entranced. After putting the kids to bed, our catchup continued with laughs over exes and hookups. But no one brought up the topic of Harper and Slip’s fling. Thank goodness. It hadn’t ended well. Some things were better left dead and buried.

Just after midnight, Flint, Sutton, Lewis, and Tia left. I locked the door behind them, then hauled Ava off the sofa. I fist-pumped Harper good night. “It’s good to have you home, Harps.”

“Thanks, cuz.” She cuddled her wine against her chest.

“It’s been nice to meet you, Harper,” Ava said as she snaked her arm around my waist. “You’re great with the kids.”

“I was born to look after children.”

“I see that.” Ava rested her head against my shoulder. “I look forward to getting to know you.”

“Same.” Intrigue sifted through Harper’s tone. “The woman who has captured my cousin has to be someone special.”

“She is.” I tugged Ava’s hand and led her toward the stairs. “Night, Harps.”

Late Friday morning, we gathered at Flint’s house. I was hyped, ready to continue the tour. We were just waiting for Slip to arrive so we could head to the airport.

I didn’t complain about him being late.

Having Ava, pinned against the kitchen counter, pressing my hard-on against her crotch to let her know how much I wanted her and how much I’d miss her, helped pass the time. I kissed and moaned against her mouth. “Are you sure you won’t join us earlier?”

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