Page 53 of Doctor Hot Mess

I roll my eyes, leaning back in my chair. “God, you're the most crass woman I know. And I love you for it, by the way. But, yes, and yes, to answer your questions.”

Carly lets out an exaggerated gasp, clutching her chest like she’s on stage. “Shut the front door. Jonah Bellinger, you hooked up with her again? After all of that hemming and hawing last week about what happened after last time?”

“Yup,” I say, though I can feel a flicker of heat creeping up my neck. “Turns out I couldn't help myself.”

Carly leans in, her grin widening. “You're asking for trouble. Don't come crying to me when she cuts you off.”

I snort, shaking my head. “You know, for someone so small, you have a way of taking up a lot of space.”

She waves me off. “I take great pride in that notion.”

I lean back in my chair, trying to find the right words. “It’s just different with Harper. I don’t know how else to explain it. She’s not some random hookup, okay? It’s not like I’m going into this with some grand plan, but I’m not trying to screw it up either.”

Carly tilts her head, her teasing expression softening. “Okay, I’ll bite. What’s different about her?”

I shrug, trying to play it off, but the truth slips out anyway. “I like her. A lot. I always have. She’s sharp, she doesn’t take my crap, and she’s not afraid to call me out when I’m being an idiot. I don’t know. Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment.”

Carly stares at me for a beat, then smirks. “You’re such a goner.”

I glare at her, but she just laughs, leaning back in the chair like she’s settling in for a show. “Jonah Bellinger, charmer of the century, finally falls for someone. You better be careful, or you’ll ruin your streak.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” I mutter, but I can’t help the small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. “I’m serious, though. It’s not like I’m trying to lock this down or put a label on it. I'm just enjoying the ride. No pun intended.”

Carly raises an eyebrow, her grin turning knowing. “Translation: You want to see where it goes because you care. Look, Jonah, I get it. Harper’s not the kind of woman you mess around with lightly. If you’re in this, you’ve gotta treat it differently. No halfway, no Jonah-ing your way through it.”

“Jonah-ing my way through it?” I repeat, frowning.

“You know, charming your way out of accountability and hoping no one notices,” she says, smirking. "Harper will notice, and she isn't some wet rag."

I groan, but her words hit close enough to home that I can’t argue. “I’m not trying to do that. We're just having fun right now.”

Carly nods, standing and grabbing her coffee. “Look, this conversation isn't over. I have to go take vitals. Don't fuck this up in the meantime.”

“Got it, Coach,” I say, giving her a mock salute.

She pauses in the doorway, her expression softening just a little. “For what it’s worth, I think you two could be good together. Do what you do best—show up and make her laugh. And don't be a dick.”

So eloquent.

As the door swings shut behind her, I pull out my phone again, staring at Harper’s text. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I might know what I want. And that’s terrifying.

I type out a quick reply.

Stopping by the gym after work, and then I’ll be by. Try not to drown before I get there.

Carly’s words rattle around in my head—not in a way that feels heavy, but just enough to make me pause. I’m not the kind of guy who plans five steps ahead when it comes to women. Hell, I’m barely the kind of guy who plans two. But with Harper? I don’t hate the idea of having something to look forward to.

Swimming. Burgers. More time with her. Simple. Easy. Feels like enough for right now.

And maybe that’s what’s different. Usually, I’m already thinking about the exit strategy before the dust settles. With her, I’m thinking about how I don’t want this to end. Not yet, anyway.

Shit. I hope Carly doesn’t start thinking she’s a genius because she’s right.

TWENTY

Harper

Harper’s Pool House

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