Page 44 of Wicked

“Don’t tell me it was the bastard standing closest to you?”

“It was.”

“He likes you.”

“That obvious, huh?” I smile.

“Harper, it’s nothing to joke about.”

“You’re jealous.”

“Am not.”

I ignore his seething and plow forward. “Pete and the people he works with spend a lot of time at the diner. They hash through their cases over a meal. Says the food helps them think.”

I smile, remembering meeting Pete’s friends. They’re good people with hearts in the right places. What they do day in and day out inspires me to do my best in school. To think I’ll be graduating with a degree soon.

“There’s a private room in the back they use. Esther’s mom, Pam, a widow, is dating Jacob’s father. His parents are divorced. Jacob invited Esther to a jump. She invited—”

“Her big sis, who happens to have a thing for Jacob, and Abbi, who has it bad for Collin.”

“Observant.” Impressed, I resist the urge to clap my hands. Instead, I loop my arm through his, lean into the strength of his body, and stealthily inhale his scent. Shampoo, deodorant, and a hint of him. I take in a deeper breath.

Before we can talk more, the kids run over to us. They’re done stretching out those muscles of theirs and want to get in a game of dodgeball.

“Yeah, sure, kids. I’m ready to kick butt and have Harper pick up the tab for the tickets.”

We rise off the bench and follow the kids to a different jump room.

“Hey, Ryker, can I ask you something?”

“Sure, Collin.”

Collin beams. One, Ryker is calling him by name. Two, he’s not calling Collin short stuff.

“Are you going to break up with Harper when you get drafted?”

I should be upset with Collin for his insensitive question. I mean, hello, I’m right here. But I don’t call him out or chastise him. The same question’s been swirling in my head too.

“Don’t jump the gun, kid. I have several months to think over my future.”

“Is that a yes? Daniel’s brother, Josh, was asking.”

“That so?”

“Yeah, he’s hoping you will, but we told him you and Harper are solid.”

“Solid.” Ryker rubs his chin. “I like that word. Beats complicated.” He sears me with the intensity of his stare.

The other kids filter ahead of us into the dodgeball room.

“Sure. You tell Daniel to tell his brother me and Harper are as solid as it gets. We’re so solid, nothing, not even the NFL Draft, can strip, erase, or cross that solid line. You got that?”

The grin on Collin’s face . . . “You’re cool, you know that? I effing like you. You’re good for her.”

“I’m right here, Collin,” I remind him.

“He’s a keeper, Harper.”

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