Page 23 of Caramel Apple Cupcake

The scent of his cologne lingered on the sheets, enveloping her in a comforting embrace. She could feel his steady heartbeat against her back and knew that this was where she belonged. In his arms.

While Harper prepared for the day, Anders relaxed on the bed and watched her movements as she went from place to place around the room. He felt a sense of peace and satisfaction as he took everything in. For once, he could honestly say he was content with where his life had led him. It hadn’t always been this way, and he could only think about how his life had gotten to this point.

After leaving the military, he had been filled with anger and aggression, more likely to use his fists than extend a hand in friendship. But after some tough love and even harder advice from Parker and Ian, he finally realized that it was time to leave behind his old ways and start taking control of his life.

Perhaps, deep down, it was a gnawing sense of survivor’s guilt that haunted Anders. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he shouldn’t be alive when his fellow team members were not. They had families, loved ones waiting for them at home. But Anders was alone, with no one to come back to. He couldn’t help but think about how they died in the desert. A place most people couldn’t even locate on a map. The weight of their absence hung heavy on his heart as he struggled to make sense of his own survival in the face of such loss.

With a shake of his head, Anders tried to clear the lingering fog of memories. They were from a different time. A different version of himself that he had long since left behind. The anger and bitterness he used to carry with him had been shed from his shoulders years ago. As he looked at Harper, he wondered if she would have still chosen to be with the man he used to be. She was too pure, too kind, for someone like him. At least the man he used to be.

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed, feeling the soft carpet under his bare feet. He sauntered into the kitchen, reveling in the freedom of being completely naked. After all, there was no need for clothes when the only person around was the woman who knew every inch of his body intimately.

A smirk formed on his lips as he remembered last night… and this morning. His princess had kissed and licked him in ways that would make a grown man blush. He made a silent promise to himself to always keep their bedroom activities exciting and steamy. As he reached for a coffee mug from the cabinet, he felt that being with Harper right now, at this moment, was where he needed to be.

With a warm smile, Anders prepared a cup of coffee for her and brought it to her in the bedroom. The rich aroma of freshly brewed beans filled the air, tempting her senses. “Here you go.”

“Thank you,” she replied gratefully, sipping the hot liquid. “I don’t know why I drink this stuff. The taste isn’t that good. Maybe it’s more habit than anything.”

Anders chuckled as he took a quick shower and dressed in his clothes from the night before. He did not like that shit at all. As he walked up behind her, he caught their reflection in the large mirror and stared at the sight of them together.

“Tonight, we’re at my place,” he announced.

She nodded, a mischievous glint in her eye. “I’ll make sure to bring my spennanight bag,” she teased.

“What the hell is that?” Anders asked, looking slightly confused.

She couldn’t help but laugh at his expression. “It’s just a word we use for an overnight bag when we’re getting together for some sexy shenanigans.”

“Hmmm,” he mused with a smirk. “Maybe bring a suitcase instead. I want you to leave some things at my place. That way you don’t have to worry about bringing your… spennanight bag.”

She nodded, smiling at his playful suggestion.

He leaned in close, his lips brushing hers with a gentle touch before pulling away. His eyes held hers for a moment longer, filled with longing and affection. “I have to go back to my place to change,” he whispered, his breath tickling her ear. “But if you need me, just give me a call.” She could feel the warmth of his hand lingering on her waist as he pulled away, leaving her heart beating faster and her body yearning for more of his touch.

Anders had left his truck at Callahan’s bar last night, so he climbed inside and began his journey back home. As he drove, Anders couldn’t stop thinking about how perfect it felt to wake up with Harper by his side. But he knew they needed to have a serious conversation about their future together. That’s why every morning, Anders went back home to change, using the time alone to gather his thoughts and focus on the beautiful woman who had captured his heart.

He couldn’t wait to introduce her to his friends, Parker and Ian. He had been wanting them to get away for a weekend trip up to Northern Virginia together. It would be the perfect chance for Harper to meet two of the people who understood more about him than practically anyone else. They were his brothers. Even though he didn’t see them as often as he wanted to, he always knew they would be there for them. Rain or shine. The good shit or F.U.B.A.R (fucked up beyond repair).

The drive gave him even more time to think about the plans they made for their upcoming trip to Boston. He had never been to Massachusetts or Rhode Island before. All things considered, he could even admit that he was looking forward to a bit of sightseeing. He loved history and all that shit. Plus, therewas a restaurant, Sabatino’s, that Harper mentioned. He would get them reservations.

As Anders’ mind swirled with ideas on how to make Harper happy while up north, he realized something else. He was falling deeply in love with her. Despite his uncertainty about the right time to tell her, the overwhelming feeling in his chest couldn’t be ignored. All he could do was hope she knew how he felt. Even still, he wasn’t the best at expressing his feelings in words. But actions spoke louder for him, and he had been showing her every night just how much she meant to him. If she didn’t feel the same way, he would just have to work harder. A smile lifted his lips as he pictured all the ways he could go about showing her exactly what she meant to him. His dick hardened beneath his jeans. Of course, he didn’t have any fucking boxers on since he hadn’t brought a change of clothes. “Yeah, that shit wasn’t happening anymore,” he said to himself in the empty cab of his truck.

One thing continued to bother him: Harper’s family secrets. Her parents, her cousin-in-law… Anders couldn’t shake off the suspicion that she was keeping things from him. He assumed it had something to do with her upbringing, perhaps some unpleasant history with her parents. Not everyone was cut out for parenthood.

A persistent unease gnawed at Anders as he thought about the new cousin-in-law up in Providence. Camille’s husband. As a seasoned military man, it was ingrained in him to gather intel before making any decisions. Before stepping foot on a private plane owned by someone he didn’t know, Anders promised himself that he would do some digging on Tristan Lucarelli first. He wanted to ensure the safety of himself and Harper above all else. With his mind already racing with worst-case scenarios, Anders couldn’t shake off the unsettling feeling about the man.However, first things first, he would shower, change his clothes, then he would start digging.

Chapter 13

They sipped their drinks as they waited for their appetizers to arrive. Anders was enjoying a fifteen-year scotch, while Harper enjoyed a lemon martini. It said so much about their personalities with such a simple difference.

Since weekends were always insane at Callahan’s, they went out on a Wednesday night instead. All in all, it was perfect. The restaurant wasn’t too crowded. It was easy to get reservations. And the service was wonderful.

Anders jumped right into the topic that had been on his mind for the past few days. “Harper. I need to talk to you about Tristan Lucarelli. I don’t think it’s a good thing for you to be around him.”

“Why?” She already knew what he found, but waited to see what he had to say about it. She wasn’t trying to act secretive. However, from her ongoing conversations with Camille during the past week, as well as the precautions she had been informed of, Harper clearly understood the situation.

She thought she would feel differently about going to Providence, but she didn’t.

Anders looked at her with those ocean blue eyes. His gaze never wavered. It was as if he could read all the secrets hidden beneath her skin. He grabbed up his glass and took a gulp. “Motherfucker. You already know. Don’t you?” He shook his head at her.

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