Page 77 of The Bodyguard Situation

The next day, we step onto the front porch, and I close and lock the cabin door behind us. Harper stands close beside me, her presence comfortable, yet it’s charged with something new and exciting. Even the slightest glance from her sends warmth rushing through me.

“Ready for this?” I ask, twirling the keys to the Charger around my finger.

“It feels weird, being dressed and going out,” she admits as the sunlight catches in her golden-brown hair, pulled up into a messy ponytail. “But I’m ready. Can’t stay hidden in the cabin forever.”

I link my pinkie with hers, making my heart beat a little faster each time I test these new boundaries. She fully laces our fingers together and squeezes in response. It feels natural, right, like this has been a long time coming.

I open the door for her, and she slides in. Our eyes meet as I walk around the front of the car, then slide in behind the steering wheel.

We buckle, and she turns to me.

“Out of everything in Easton’s garage, why did you choose this specific vehicle?”

I crank the engine, letting it roar, feeling the rumble and power under my fingers. I smirk. “You know exactly why.”

“Fucking around and finding out suits you,” she admits.

“This car should’ve been mine. Had I been five minutes earlier to bid on it,” I admit as I back out of the driveway, kicking up gravel.

Her head falls back with laughter. “Ah, so it’s personal too.”

“It always is with me,” I tell her as we head down the mountain, taking the switchbacks carefully.

Harper rolls down her window, closing her eyes and breathing in the fresh mountain air. I do the same, forcing myself to focus on the road instead of on her.

“This is true freedom,” she whispers dreamily as she stares at the winding road ahead, surrounded by tall trees.

She reaches for my hand again, and I give it to her. This closeness feels like something we both need, something that’s safe. Her thumb absently strokes my thumb, and it causes my body to hum with electricity. It’s strange how something so simple can be so meaningful. It’s like every touch we exchange holds a silent promise.

“What are our plans today?” She glances at me.

“Groceries and whatever else you want to do,” I offer her a reassuring smile.

She laughs. “I never thought something as simple as going to town could feel like an adventure.”

The warmth of her laughter stirs something deep inside me. “Every day is an adventure with you, Harp.”

Her cheeks heat as loose strands of her hair blow freely in the breeze. “Wait, are you getting soft on me?”

“Never.” I smirk, glancing sideways at her. “You just tend to bring out the best in me.”

“I like that option,” she says as sunlight streams across her face.

Being here with her like this feels like a dream, like something I’ve only imagined. Right now, it’s our reality.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asks.

“You’re breathtaking,” I whisper. “A masterpiece.”

She lifts my hands to her lips and presses a soft kiss on my knuckles. “You make me feel pretty.”

“You are.”

Everything between us feels so delicate and balanced. I glance down briefly at our joined hands and think about how we got here.

“What are we doing?” She turns to me, giving me her full attention.

I stare at the fluffy clouds overhead, thinking deeply about that question. “I don’t know.”

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