Page 89 of The Plus One Contract

Harper:Moms are such cock blockers.

Harper:You need to remember that you’re Sienna Freaking Blake. You do not run from a kiss, even from a man like him.

Me:It’s not that simple.

Harper:Oh? Is it because you like him? Is that it? Did our little emotionally-walled-off flight risk catch a feeling?

Me:I will block you.

Harper:But you won’t because you love me.

Me:Debatable.

Harper:Listen, if corporate grump daddy wants to spoil you for the week, why not? Things are already going to be weird when all of this ends. And this time next week, you’ll be back here, in my arms, where you’re safe.

Me:True.

Harper:Safe, Sienna. With me. In our apartment. Where there are no trazillionaire men who look at you like they want to eat you alive.

Me:…

Harper:OH MY GOD HE LOOKED AT YOU LIKE HE WANTED TO EAT YOU ALIVE, DIDN’T HE??

Me:Bye, Harper.

Harper:WAIT WAIT WAIT. Just breathe for a second. Stop overthinking. Stop spiraling. I know you. You catch feelings too easily, and then you panic. Maybe relax for five minutes and think about this. It’s a kiss. It doesn’t have to be the end of the world.

Me:I hate that you know me so well.

Harper:You’d be lost without me.

Me:Also debatable.

Harper:Listen, let him spoil you. Let him flirt. Let him look at you like that. And when it’s over, you’ll have a damn good story to tell me over mimosas.

Me:You’re right. It’s not a big deal.

Harper:I know I’m right. And now that I have you admitting that in text, I’m screenshotting it and framing it.

Me:It’ll go nice in our hallway. It’s missing something.

Harper:Right next to the Live, Laugh, Love sign you drunkenly bought and refuse to throw out.

Me:I’ll text you tomorrow. Love you.

Harper:Love you too. But if he kisses you again and you don’t text me immediately, I will haunt you.

Thirty-Two

Nathan

It’s been five minutes.

Five minutes since I sent a text telling her I was outside, ready to leave for her brother’s wedding weekend. The final piece of our arrangement.

Five minutes of nothing.

She’s either skipped town, or she’s sitting inside, freaking out about seeing me again. By the way my pulse is hammering in my throat, jaw locked so tight it might crack, I can’t blame her.

---