Page 18 of Your Heart & Mine

"C'mon in out of the cold now that you're here. It's freezing." Wyck moved aside and ushered her in. "Can I take your coat?"

"Um, I guess. Thanks," Harper replied, glancing around the familiar room. File folders were piled on the old coffee table with a glass filled with dark amber liquid. A fire crackled in the fireplace making the small room warm as toast.

"So, are you renting this place now?" she asked, confused by the new lived-in feel of the place.

"Just bought it actually," Wyck replied. "Have a seat," he offered as he hung her coat on a hook behind the door.

"It looks like you're working. I don't want to interrupt," Harper noted.

"Not at all," Wyck assured her. "Nothing that I can't do tomorrow or the next day. And nothing that is more important than you."

Harper's eyes flashed to his with a look he couldn't quite fathom. Was it surprise? Fear? Hope?

She sat at the far corner of the small couch. Wyck tried not to wince at her obvious attempt to make sure she was sitting as far away from him as possible on the short sofa.

"I was about to grab some dessert. I picked up a pecan praline cheesecake at Diane's Bakery today and it's been calling my name. Can I get you a slice? And some wine?" Wyck asked, taking the few steps to the compact kitchen. He knew the cheesecake was one of her favorites. He'd picked it up in a wave of nostalgia when he passed the bakery today, seeing it sitting in the display case. He never expected he'd get to offer it to her.

"Thanks, but no, I can't," she said, holding out a hand.

Wyck frowned. "I thought it was your favorite?"

"It is, but I really don't need the calories." Harper looked down and started picking at a stray cuticle. It was a bad habit she'd always had when she was uncomfortable.

"What are you talking about?" Wyck asked, honestly confused.

She tried to sound casual but knew she was failing even as the words came out of her mouth. "In case you hadn't noticed, my ass and hips haven't gotten any smaller over the years and that yummy cheesecake would go straight to them."

Wyck's face clouded. "Are you trying to tell me you think you're fat? That's insane. Does that British twat want you to be like one of those scarecrow models?"

Her head shot up and her eyes flared. "Don't be calling Cam names, and it has nothing to do with him, anyway. My weight has always been an issue for me, and it's only gotten more difficult as I've gotten older."

"I'm sorry," he said, reining in his temper. "But I don't like hearing you talk about yourself like that. I've always loved your curves, Harp. I don't want to snuggle up next to some stick. I'd be afraid I'd break their skinny bird bones. You were beautiful back then and you're even more perfect now."

Harper huffed a laugh. "I think you should have your eyes checked, but thanks," she finally managed. "I will take that wine."

"I'll have you know I still have eagle eyes." Wyck cut a piece of cake, putting it on a plate and opened a bottle of wine, pouring her a glass. "C'mon, we'll share one. You can come to the gym with me tomorrow if it will make you feel better," he said with a grin.

She rolled her eyes at him. "You're impossible, you know that? Always so bossy."

He grinned at her and sat on the couch after placing the wine glass in her hand. He held the plate with the thick cheesecake covered in pecans and praline sauce in his hand. He forked up a bite and held it out toward her. "I know. If you'd just agree with me, it would save us a lot of time."

Her lips quirked up at his words and she opened, allowing him to slip the fork into her mouth. Her eyelids fell closed and she moaned in pleasure. "Oh my God," she mumbled around the bite. "I'd forgotten how good this is."

Wyck's mouth went suddenly dry as he watched her mouth. He grabbed his glass and took a big gulp before trying to speak. "I told you. Totally worth it," he said, taking a bite of his own. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! Who knew eating cheesecake could be so erotic? Wyck tried to adjust himself before Harper noticed.

"So, you were just out riding around?" Wyck asked, trying to distract himself.

Harper's tongue came out to sweep the sticky sweetness off of her lips. Wyck swallowed hard. The pull toward her was so strong, it was like they'd never been apart. He had to have her back. His heart and soul demanded it.

"Yeah," Harper answered, taking a gulp of her wine. "Lots on my mind. I couldn't relax so decided to let the roads take me where they would."

"Well, I'm really glad they brought you here." Wyck smiled and this time couldn't resist tucking a wayward strand of her hair behind her ear. So silky under his fingers. She didn't pull away from his touch and he longed to pull her ponytail out and run his fingers through the honeyed locks.

To distract himself, Wyck glanced out. "Look, Harp! I knew it had to be just about time," he said, pointing out the sliding glass doors. The moon was starting to rise over the stately pine trees like a big white marble set between the mountain peaks.

"Remember coming out here to watch it?" he asked, sliding closer toward her on the old leather couch. He carefully put an arm around her shoulders half expecting her to rebuff him. He felt her tense for only a moment but after three long heartbeats, she seemed to come to a decision. She sighed in contentment and relaxed into his side. Wyck leaned into her warmth, tightening his grip on her shoulders. His arm thrown casually over her shoulders felt like the most natural thing in the world. Like she had always been there. Was made to be there. They sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, enjoying the moon rise before Harper whispered, "I remember."

Chapter sixteen

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