Page 30 of Hard Hat Hottie

There’s no way I’d want anyone else but you. How could I? Look at you!

3:55 p.m.

Harlow

Did you buy a burner phone just to bother me? Or is this your “cousin’s number?”

4:05 p.m.

Unknown number

Please, beautiful. I don’t feel anything for her. I just didn’t want to be rude.

4:09 p.m.

Harlow

There’s a far cry from rude to letting your “friend” hump you at the table.

Why am I even replying to this asshole? Burn me once… that’s my motto. I’ve had enough of men treating me with disrespect. I work harder than any man I know, but my two exes acted as if I was a second-class citizen because I had a vagina. Forget that’s the sole reason I married them, because this woman’s body grew another human.Make that two.

“This last hour feels like an eternity.” Ethan groans as he leans back in his squeaky chair. I can’t help but agree with him. It’s literally felt like watching paint dry. Usually drill weekends are so busy that my eyes are closed before my head hits the pillow at the end of the day. But we haven’t even gotten through day one and I’m having a hard time keeping my eyes open, purely out of complete and utter boredom. “Why don’t you come out with us tonight, sis? It’ll be like a reward for making it through today.”

Ethan and Brandon have felt like big brothers to me since I joined this unit. I know I’m safe with them. Yet, after this messwith Stewart, I’m still licking my wounds. Not sure I’m up for going anywhere.

4:14 p.m.

Unknown number

Give me a chance to make it up to you. To prove you’re it for me. Let me take you out to dinner when we get back from drill. Please?

Stewart and I have the same drill weekends. We’re in different units and have only crossed paths on a few occasions, when we were on orders somewhere to provide aid. When on orders, you have no free time. But during typical drill weekends, we can do what we like after hours. In hindsight, I still can’t believe I let my guard down enough to break the rules I’d set for myself when it came to men in the Guard. Even talking to him long enough to give him my number was too much.

I never fraternize with the guys in my unit. It’s always seemed safer to keep a line drawn in the sand. The only exceptions have been birthday or celebration dinners. Yet even those I tend to make a hasty retreat before too much alcohol gets flowing.

I’ve never had a hard time controlling my liquor. To be honest, I rarely drink. When I do, it’s not often I have more than one or two. Yet it’s clear I have an issue with being able to keep my libido in check when under the influence. And the last thing I need is to cross a line with anyone in my unit. It’s bad enough I let myself fall for Stewart’s act.

“Brandon,” Ethan shouts, “tell Harlow to come out with us tonight. She never cuts loose.”

“I cut loose. I just need to make wise choices. Unlike you losers, I have two kids at home who count on me.” Plus, the lasttime I let my guard down, Stewart came into the picture, and look where that got me.

“Awe, come on, Harlow, it’s just one night. We won’t let you do anything stupid,” Brandon goads.

As if on cue, my phone buzzes with another incoming text. I look down long enough to confirm it’s the same unknown number before turning my phone over on the counter in disgust.

“Someone else begging for your time?” Brandon quirks a brow.

Does he know?

“No one important.”

“You’re damn right. Tell him to fuck off and come out with us. There’s a restaurant in Quincy that’s supposed to have the best lobster tacos around.”

“Oh, my stomach growled just thinking about it.” Ethan moans.

I laugh. “You two are ridiculous. Here I thought you wanted me to join you to help you get women.”

“Hell, no. I don’t need any help getting women. I just wanted a good meal and some adult beverages before we have to come back here and watch grass grow again tomorrow.”

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