Page 150 of Off Pitch

“It would’ve taken a bit more time if you weren’t injured, but I always would have forgiven you. I was hurt, but I still understood that you didn’t have the same feelings, and that was okay. I didn’t want to lose you forever. Maybe offering to staywith you full-time wasn’t the greatest idea, but go big or go home, right?”

We both chuckle before I press a soft kiss to her lips.

And another.

And then another.

I could kiss Harlow every minute for the rest of my life, and it would still never be enough.

“You know what I think we need right now?” I say, murmuring with my lips still brushing hers.

“What’s that?”

“Music. I may or may not have created a playlist specifically for tonight. It also may or may not be a bunch of… love songs.”

Harlow smiles brightly as the darkness grows deeper, the sun falling beyond the horizon. “You’re such a fucking romantic.”

I tickle her side as she squirms. “And you love it, don’t you?”

“Very much.”

I grab the portable speaker Stephen brought up from my penthouse, connect my phone, and bring up the playlist. Once I hit shuffle, Christina Perri’s soothing vocals start playing.

“I love this song,” she says happily. “I’ve always wanted to dance to this at my wedding one day.”

“Well, this isn’t your wedding, but we can still dance.”

I stand up and reach out my hand to help her. “You want to dance?” she asks incredulously.

“Having you pressed against me while I get to look into your eyes? Oh, I’m going to just hate that, Harlow.” She laughs as she stands up and wraps her arms around my neck.

I position my arms around her lower back and pull her close as we sway to the music.

“I know I’ve said it before,” she says, “but you’re not at all what I expected you to be, Knox. You’re so sweet and kind. I’m so happy I’ve gotten to know you.”

“Knowing you has been the greatest pleasure of my life, Harlow.”

I slowly spin her around as we dance, and my mind starts to wander.

To imagine things.

Things like doing this in the future with Harlow in a long, white dress.

A veil flowing behind her as she twirls with all our family and friends watching.

I’ve never envisioned anything like this with anybody else, and I never really considered myself marriage material.

But with Harlow? Well, maybe one day I actually could be.

And just like the first time I realized what all this means, I smile like a goddamn fool.

“What’s that smile for, Knox?” she asks, curiosity in her eyes.

“Just thinking,” I say, spinning her around again.

“Thinking of anything good then?”

“Well,” I reply, bringing her back in close, “I’m thinking of you, so I’d say it’s good.”

---