Page 65 of Redeeming Harmony

“So nice to meet you,” Arianna said. “Your hair is adorbs. Seriously. That cut and colour are to die for. Hey, do you mind if I take a picture for my Instagram? My followers willloveyour hair. I’ll, like, totally shout out the vet clinic in the post if you do.”

“Uh, sure, I guess,” Harper said.

“Great!” Arianna pulled out her phone and crowded close, resting her head against Harper’s as she positioned her phone above them. “Let’s do matching peace signs. It’s so retro.”

Grinning, Harper made the peace sign next to Arianna’s, and the pretty brunette snapped the picture. Arianna studied her screen. “Great. I’ll do a few filters to smooth out your skin a little. You’ve got great skin but could use some moisturizer. I’ll give Ray-Ray some samples of moisturizer for you. They changed her life. Right Ray-Ray?”

“Totally,” Rayna said.

“Oh God, I am so gonna get covered in dog hair, aren’t I?” Arianna said.

“We’ll put you here at the check-in table,” Rayna said. “It’ll be minimal contact, I promise.”

“Okay, cool. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I, like, totally love animals, but these leggings cost mad money.” Arianna hesitated. “I know, I know, I’m totally boujee. But that’s why you love me, right?”

“Yes,” Rayna said with another smile.

“I’m going to go shoot my shot with that total snack talking to the yarn shop lady,” Arianna said.

“That total snack’s name is Lucas, and he’s way too old for you, Arianna,” Rayna said.

“Age is an arbitrary and socially constructed measurement, okay? It’s based on cultural attitudes that are rooted in a society and have no bearing on anything. I’m nineteen, which means I’m legal, which means I can get my flirt on with Lucas,” Arianna said.

“You can try, but he’s not going to go out with you,” Rayna said. “I guarantee it.”

Arianna just grinned before heading toward the chairs where Lucas was deep in conversation with Emma.

“Wow, she’s… something,” Harper said.

“Isn’t she?” Rayna laughed. “I met her when I volunteered for Wanda’s cancer fundraising dinner. I haven’t been able to shake her since.”

Harper laughed, and Rayna grinned at her. “In all seriousness, I know she comes across as kind of shallow, but she’s actually a great person.”

“Is there something going on between Lucas and Emma?” Harper asked

Rayna glanced over to where Arianna had joined Lucas and Emma and talked animatedly to them both. “No, why?”

“Just curious. Nathan mentioned he was in a gaming group with Emma and Lucas. Kira says Lucas is super charming and a great guy, but he also…”

“Sleeps around?” Rayna said.

“Yeah. Not that I’m judging, because, honestly, I do too - or at least I did - but I’m not sure that’s what Emma would be looking for in a relationship.”

“It isn’t,” Rayna said, “and she made it clear to Lucas that she only wanted to be friends.”

“Cool,” Harper said. “And are they? Friends, I mean.”

“Starting to be,” Rayna said. “I think they’ve bonded over the gaming thing. Lucas was at Emma’s place twice this week to game.”

“Ladies, I don’t know how to thank you enough.”

Nathan’s low voice behind her did things to Harper’s insides. Warm, shivery things. It also sent mental images rocketing through her head, which was a real pain in the ass because now was not the time to be picturing Nathan’s naked chest or remembering how it felt when he sucked on her nipples.

Hoping her face wasn’t screamingly red, she smiled at Nathan. “It’s no problem.”

Nathan shook his head. “I know exactly how much work the two of you put in the last six days, and I seriously don’t know how I can repay you.”

“Not necessary,” Rayna said. “Although, if you’re so inclined, you could throw in three free dog neuters for Little Whiskers.”

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