Page 36 of Exes and Oh Hell No

She bats her eyes. “Don’t mind if I do,” and grabs a handful.

“See what I mean,” Ford mutters in my ear. “Fucking embarrassing.”

“Oh, you’re one to talk. Your ex-girlfriend is sitting on your lap like she’s about to recite her Christmas wish list to Santa.”

My cheeks are on fire.

Gram gives me a huge smirk. “A very naughty Christmas list that I’m sure includes your?—”

“Don’t say it!”Ford holds up his hand.

“Say what? Your dick?” Connor deadpans.

“Is the shovel still in the shed?” A whimper comes from me as my gaze bounces between the three people in this room. I’ve had more humiliation in one night than I’ve experienced in the past three years. “I need to dig my own grave.”

“Hell, no. You’re not digging a damn grave,” Ford snaps.

“Oh, hell, Harper. Ford will never allow that. You can’t escape him that easily.”

Gram laughs. “You’re damn right about that. He’s nothing if not determined.”

“Oh, fuck. Can the two of you just stop?” Ford runs a hand through his hair while the other one digs into my hip.

“Why? This is the most fun I’ve had in years.” Connor throws another handful of popcorn in his mouth, a devious grin on his face.

Ford snorts. “Yeah. Cause it’s at my expense.”

Gram levels me with a mischievous look, but it instantly morphs into concern as she leans closer, her gaze intent. “Harper, honey, are you okay?”

That is the last drop in the bucket before I overflow.

Hysteria rises, my breathing heavy.

My skin flushes, sweat breaking out on the surface.

I shake my head vehemently, closing my eyes and shaking my head.

I can’t get enough oxygen.

Someone threw a rock through my window with a threatening note.

I can’t breathe.

Todd humiliated me in the bar tonight… but it’s certainly not the worst thing he’s done.

Oh, fuck. Is there a python wrapped around my chest?

Gram called me her favorite ex-granddaughter-in-law to-be.

Does that mean Ford really did want a serious, long-term future with me, and I… ruined it?

I’m out of control.

My body is a separate entity from me.

It’s as though I’m floating high above the room, watching this insane shitshow of a comedy-slash-reality show as I sit on Ford’s lap, falling the fuck apart.

“Harper, stay with me.” Ford’s voice is calm in my ear as he grips my hand. “Connor, get her some water. Gram, get her acool washcloth… or an ice pack.” His voice sounds distant as he barks instructions, sending them from the room.

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