Page 33 of Your Heart & Mine

"The daycare facility project is off to a solid start," Davis said. "We should be able to break ground on the new building by next month."

Wyck nodded absently, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. Sensing his friend's preoccupation, Davis leaned forward.

"Look, I know you're invested in helping this little mountain town and, now that I'm here, I see the charm." Davis leaned back in his chair, lacing his fingers behind his neck. "But we have major developments in Richmond requiring your attention."

Wyck sighed, running a hand through his hair. "You're right. I'm sorry, I've just had a lot on my mind."

"This woman still has you all twisted up, doesn't she?" Davis guessed shrewdly. "Even after what her old man did, you're stuck on her."

"It's not that simple," Wyck replied, a crease forming between his brows. "Harper is...she's different than her father. Good in a way he never was."

Davis shook his head. "Be that as it may, she still doesn't know everything about Ward Development's history with Carrington. And what about the house?"

Wyck shifted uncomfortably. "I'm still working on the best way to tell her," he admitted. "As for the house, please tell me it's been taken care of."

Rifling through papers, Davis produced a folder. "The check for the outstanding mortgage cleared this week. Congratulations, you now own Jonah Carrington's family home."

Wyck released a breath. At least Harper wouldn't lose her beloved childhood home. "Thank you. I know that was an unusual request."

"No kidding," Davis huffed. "What are you going to do with the place?"

"Give it to Harper—somehow." In truth, Wyck couldn't bear the thought of Harper having to leave it.

Davis leaned back, regarding Wyck thoughtfully. "Well, figure it out soon, buddy. Secrets have a way of coming out eventually."

Wyck swallowed hard. The weight of unfinished business sat heavily upon him. Davis was right - Harper deserved to know the truth. Not losing the house was a good thing, right? Surely that fact would outweigh the other hard truths he had to tell her.

Chapter twenty-seven

Amazing

Harperknockedbrisklyonthe cabin door, rubbing her hands together against the biting chill. Wyck opened it swiftly, breaking into a wide smile at the sight of her.

"Sorry to drop by unannounced," she said, rushing gratefully into the warmth.

"You're always welcome here," he assured her, helping remove her coat before drawing her close for a lingering kiss.

The clearing of a throat had Harper twisting her head, pulling herself from Wyck's lips, flushed and breathless. A dark-haired man stood awkwardly nearby, files tucked under his arm.

"Uh, hi there." Harper gave a little uncomfortable wave.

"Harper, this is my business partner Davis." Wyck gave his friend a pointed look. "He was just leaving. Weren't you, Davis?"

Davis shuffled the files and shot out a hand. "Nice to finally meet you, Harper. Wyck's told me a lot about you."

Shaking the proffered hand, Harper shot a glance at Wyck. "He has, huh?"

"You'd better get in touch with that guy about the thing before he goes home, Davis." Wyck clapped a hand roughly on Davis' shoulder and pushed him toward the door.

Davis chuckled but let himself be steered toward the front door. "Nice to meet you, Harper. Maybe next time we'll have more time to get to know each other," he called over his shoulder.

"Uh, yeah, that'd be-" The door closed on Davis' smiling face and Wyck leaned against the hard wood before Harper could complete her thought.

Her hands went to her hips. "Wyck Alan Crockett! That was so rude!"

Wyck pushed up from the door and reeled Harper back into his arms. "I'm sorry. I'm selfish. Now, where were we?" he murmured, trailing kisses along her neck.

Her arms left her hips and encircled his neck. She threaded her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. Her skin prickled deliciously as Wyck's hands explored her curves. When his hands snaked up under sweater, the heat of them against her bare skin made her crave more. She quickly threw off her sweater and started working at the buttons of his shirt.

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