Page 49 of Hard Hat Hottie

“Can I think about it and call you back?”

There’s a pause. “Of course. I’ll be here hoping you make my night. But I completely understand. I’d never want you to think you’re an afterthought. Trust me, you’re always on my mind. But I don’t want to keep getting lost in how beautiful you are. I want to know the parts that no one else sees. The things that are most important to you. Then find out if we fit.”

He’s sweet. And he’s right. The chemistry is there. We need to dig a little deeper. “Maybe I’ll call you later.”

As I hang up the call, tapping the pads of my fingers on my lower lip, I consider my options. I can call Mom and see if she’ll watch the boys for the evening and join Harrison for our non-date. Or… the corner of my mouth curls upward at the outlandish thought. Hedidsay he wanted to know therealme. And it doesn’t get much more real than this. It’s a complete 180 from what I was planning to do with my children when it comes to this man. But I don’t want to waste any more time with someone who knows how to use the right words. Actions speak louder.

“Justin, Alec, come here a sec!”

As anticipated, they come charging from both directions like a herd of buffalo. “What?”

“Alec really wants pizza tonight. If my friend is okay with bringing pizza to his place, would you want to come with me?”

“Maybe,” Justin answers cautiously as Alec simultaneously yells, “yes!”

Squatting down in front of my oldest, I try to reassure him. “We don’t have to stay too long. If you’re not happy being there and want to come home, we’ll come home. He’s become a special friend and it’s important to me that you like him, and he like you.” I pull him into my side. “You and Alec will always be the most important thing in my life. Always. No friend will ever change that.” I turn to Alec, who I know is far too young to understand, but don’t want him to feel left out. “I’d love if my friends could be yours too.”

Alec wraps his arms around my neck. He appears to be waiting for the right moment to ask something important.

“What is it, baby?”

“Does your friend like pizza? Cause if he doesn’t, I think it’s a no for me.”

I giggle and turn in time to catch Justin smiling too. “I guess we’ll find out soon.”

Waiting about an hour so I don’t look over eager, I hit Harrison’s number on my caller ID.

“Hello?” Does his voice have a buoyant lift to it, or is it wishful thinking?

“Okay. If you’re sure about this. Where do you want to meet?”

“My place? I promise, no funny business.”

Biting my lip, I can’t help but wish funny business was on the table. Yet, he’s right. If there’s a chance at making a relationship work, we need to put all of our cards on the table. And while this might be risky, I’ve never wanted to go all in so much in mylife. “I had my heart set on pizza tonight. You okay if I bring it along?”

“That sounds perfect. When do you want to come by?”

“Is 6:00 okay?”

“Yes. I’ll see you then. Oh, and Harlow?”

“Yeah?”

“I miss you!” His voice carries as if he’s shouting it from the rooftop. I can’t stop the smile on my face.

I only hope it’s still there once his baggage meets mine.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

HARLOW

“Wow. This is your friend’s house?”

Glancing in the rearview mirror, I find my boys peering out the glass with their mouths hanging open like baby birds. “Well, I think he’s renting it while he’s here, but yeah. Pretty cool, huh?”

“Is it ever!” Alec squeals.

I turn off the ignition just as a text hits my phone.

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