Page 78 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Nope. I was crushed.”

“Not crushed enough to stay, though, right?”

“Right. I called, messaged, wrote postcards, letters, emails. But I taught her what my priorities were. And she was confident enough to walk away.”

I lean back in my chair, scratching the back of my neck as I gaze out the large office window. Are the dark clouds an omen of where this story is going? “If this is supposed to be a confidence booster that it’s not too late with Harlow, you need to stick with your day job. Because motivational speaking is probably not your gig.”

Braxton chuckles. “You’re probably right. But I thought all hope was lost too. I spoke with my fellowship director at the London office, explained my situation, and made a trip back home. At first, she didn’t want to see me. I was worried she may have moved on and started dating someone else. But I finally wore her down and explained what a big mistake I’d made. That if I needed to resign from the fellowship, I would.”

“Please tell me you’re married to her now. Because I’m not sure I’ll ever attempt dating again if you tell me otherwise.”

Braxton lifted his left hand, wiggling the platinum band. “What I’m so poorly trying to say, is that it takes communication. If you finally find someone that matters, even if things are complicated, communicate with one another. I bet she’ll stick by you if she knows how much you care about her and want to make her a priority. Even if there isn’t much room in your life. A good woman will stand by you. If you treat her like an equal.”

Hope fills my chest. It’s so alien after the hollow ache I’ve felt for so long. Maybe he’s right, and it’s not too late.

God. I fucking miss her.

“Thanks, Braxton. Maybe I was wrong. You might have a little more Tony Robbins in you after all.”

We stand to head out for the night and shake hands. “Safe travels back home tomorrow. I hope the weather doesn’t cause you any trouble.”

“What do you mean?”

“Haven’t you heard? There’s a storm headed this way. The last I saw the news the direction had shifted slightly.” I notice the slightest telltale grimace. It’s clear he’s trying to suppress it, but I’ve spent enough time with him lately to catch it.

“What aren’t you telling me?”

“I think the impact is more likely to hit The Keys than Miami. But you know how off those trackers can be.”

Off or not, I better get Gavin on the horn and see if we can get the flight moved up. I’m not feeling good about this all of a sudden.

9:42 p.m.

Harrison

I miss you.

There. I did it. I’d gone back and forth all night about how to approach Harlow after Braxton’s motivational speech. He’s right. I don’t know whether it was purely having too much on my plate, or fear that’s prevented me from going all in with her. But I want to plead my case in person. This is a doorway, if you will. Hopefully, she’ll respond, and I can ask to speak with her.

Because if she’s moved on and doesn’t want to talk to me again, I think I’d rather she message me than have to hear it loud and clear.

There was no doubt we were perfect together. The physical chemistry was nothing on how I felt just spending time with her. Hell, I’d given myself heat stroke just for a glimpse of her. And that was before I discovered what an incredible woman she was. She’d been raising those boys, essentially on her own, based on the conversations we’d had about her exes. And after meeting them firsthand, they seemed liked decent guys, but still had a long way to go in the dad department. But given mine had chosen to walk away, I think I’ve been more forgiving than most. Hell, I gave them credit for simply sticking around.

Yet there’s no doubt who does all of the heavy lifting with raising them. Not to mention juggling working full time and her job with the National Guard. She’d said her mother helped. Their situation seemed a lot like mine had been growing up. I hope those boys realize how incredible she is.

Jeez, there’s that ache again. Maybe I should stay away from spicy food. I didn’t even have any alcohol with dinner.

Staring back down at my phone, I check the messages again. Like I’m willing her to answer me. It took me weeks to reach out to her. It’s not like she’s going to answer me right away. Thenight she arrived at my house with pizzas and two boys in tow, I knew she hadn’t had plans that night when I asked her for a non-date. She was showing me how rude I’d been, thinking I could call her, expecting she’d drop everything for me. Hell, I think I fell a little harder for her because of it.

Bzzz. Bzzz.

Yes!But as I peer down at the screen, it’s not Harlow messaging me back, but Gavin calling.

“Hello?”

“Harrison, I know you’ve been patient, but I just don’t think there’s any way we can head in that direction. It’s too risky. I filed the flight plan, but they aren’t allowing anything in or out of that little airport right now. I’m sorry, man.”

Dammit. If I’d only left hours ago when Braxton first gave me the heads up about this storm. Normally, I’m so good about staying up to date on the weather, but I haven’t been able to get my head clear enough to stay focused lately. “It’s not your fault, Gavin. You have to do what’s safe and sound here. I’m only anxious to get back. I guess I’ll give the car rental company the heads up I’m going to be driving home.”

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