Page 73 of Score to Settle
I roll us to the side and Harper curls into me. In one movement, I pull the blankets around us, cocooning us in warmth once more. Harper tilts her head up and meets my gaze,her eyes luminous in the glow of the lights. I brush a strand of hair from her cheek and stroke the delicate line of her jaw.
We lie like that for a long while, exchanging gentle caresses and drinking champagne.
“This has been an amazing end to my stay,” she whispers sleepily and it makes my heart swell inside my chest. I hold her close as she nuzzles into me.
“It’s only the beginning for us,” I say, meaning it with every part of me.
I look at Harper’s face to see how she’s taken my words, but her eyes are closed, her breathing even. I grin to myself. It’s the most I’ve ever told any woman how much they mean to me, and of course Harper’s asleep.
There will be other times. A lifetime. So I lie back against the cushions, this perfect woman sleeping in my arms. Thoughts of Sunday’s game and my fight with Dylan are still spinning in my head, but in this moment all I can think is how much I’m going to miss Harper over the next few days and how I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving to her that she’s my world.
THIRTY-SIX
HARPER
MIA:Have fun with Jake today!!!
HARPER:Can’t wait.
MIA:Glad the lovesick pining is over.
HARPER:I wasn’t lovesick or pining.
MIA:Yeah right! You’re annoyingly cute.
HARPER:You’re sure you don’t mind us staying in your apartment?
MIA:Of course not. It’s only sitting empty.
HARPER:Have a good time! I’ll miss you!
MIA:Ha! A good time? With Edward’s stuffy family? No way! At least it’s only one night. And you’ll be far too busy having ALL the sex to miss me. See you tomorrow!
A cold wind blows through my hair as I push through the doors of the Arquette Media building and onto the street. It’s Saturday and the business district of Denver is quiet. Cherry Creek Malland the shopping areas will be heaving with shoppers searching for bargains in the sales, but here it’s almost deserted.
I could’ve waited until Monday, but with it being the weekend and Tim on vacation until after the New Year, theSports Magazinefloor was unsurprisingly empty, giving me time to tidy my desk and type up the rest of my notes, ready to start writing Jake’s feature next week. The thought causes a ball of anxious energy to form in the pit of my stomach. There’s so much riding on it for Jake. I want it to be perfect.
Ahead of me, a delivery truck trundles down the street. It snowed again on Christmas Eve and clumps of dirty snow are melting in the winter sun, leaving the sidewalk icy in places. I pull my bag over my shoulder and tuck my hands in the pockets of my thick black parka as I watch for Jake’s truck.
We’re meeting for coffee and a walk in the park. He’s staying at Mia’s with me tonight and heading straight from there to Sunday’s game against the Trailblazers.
I can’t wait to see him, to be in his arms. I can’t wait to show him the studio apartment five blocks from Mia’s I’ve found. Someone was supposed to move in last week but changed their mind, and now the landlord is eager for me to sign the lease. It’s available straightaway if I want it.
I’ve thought about it all through Christmas. Even while throwing on the matching red tartan PJs Gloria made the entire family wear. Even while playing charades and eating too many chocolates. After missing Thanksgiving, it felt extra special to be with them, even if my mind was on Jake and my future the entire time. Our future. Gloria and Mia may not be my family by blood, but they’re the closest I have, considering all Dad sent me was a Merry Christmas text with a cryptic message about a gift I’ll know about soon. Another empty promise, I think.
“Harper?”
A shot of unease pushes through me. I know that voice and it isn’t Jake’s. I turn to find Scott stepping out of the doors of the Arquette Media building.
“Fancy bumping into you,” he says with an unnerving smile. His brown hair is styled and he’s wearing a suit, but the tie is askew and there’s a shaving cut on his chin. He looks wired and unkempt.
“You look stunning as always,” he says, eyes trailing over my body.
Prick.
I wrap my coat over the cute green sweater and jeans I’m wearing. “I’m waiting for someone.” I glance again at the street, searching for Jake’s truck.
“Ah yes, Jake Sullivan, right?” Scott says. “You enjoying slumming it with a brainless jock, Harper?”
