Page 38 of Exes and Oh Hell No

She starts to move, but I plant my hands on her. “No. Take it easy. You fainted.”

After you looked at me with hurt and regret in your eyes, just like you did when you broke up with me.

Her whispered apology rings in my ears, but I can’t ask her about it.

Not yet.

She blinks at me a few times, licking her dry lips. “I-I just got… overwhelmed.”

My hand smooths her hair back from her face. “It happens.”

“Not to you.”

Connor snorts, sitting beside me. “You’d be surprised.”

“He’s not as tough as he looks.” Gram peers down at Harper. “In fact, he can be a real wimp at times.”

“Gram.” My tone is a warning.

Of course, she ignores me. “You’re stronger than he is. He can be a little bitch. Remember that time you had your period and bled through your pants? Ford almost fainted.”

Harper’s lips curve in a smile, a laugh blooming from them.

“Gram. I was fifteen and scared of the female body and that type of… stuff.”

Connor snorts. “I have two sisters and a mom. You wouldn’t have survived in my household. They all ragged at the same time.”

I look over at him, frowning.

He rolls his eyes. “Still happens whenever they all come to visit. It’s like their female clocks sync up. They get bitchy and scary. I throw chocolate at them and leave.”

The color returns to Harper’s face.

She laughs, shaking her head. “That’s usually how it happens. Chocolate is smart.”

Gram pats Harper’s hand. “Ford, lift her head slightly. I’ll put this ice pack behind your neck, Harper. It should revive you a little. Then we’ll get some water in you.”

Once Gram slides the ice pack beneath her neck, I position her on it. “I’ll sit you up and have you drink some water in a couple of minutes.”

She nods, a soft sigh coming from her. “I’m sorry I fainted and scared you guys. I’m probably dehydrated… with everything going on.”

“Don’t apologize, honey. These things happen.” Gram squeezes her hand, and the two exchange a smile that warms my heart.

My gaze is on Harper as Gram shuffles back to her chair.

She looks decidedly better and more relaxed.

Certainly more relaxed than I feel.

While I’m grateful she’s conscious and talking again, my heart is still racing, worry thrumming beneath my skin.

“Let’s sit you up.”

Connor gets up while I lower her legs.

I slowly help her sit up and then open and give her the bottle of water. “Sip slowly.”

“This has all the beginnings of a great romance movie.” Connor winks at me.

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