Page 1 of Maybe, Probably
Chapter One
Harper
“Harps,comeon.Wakeup...”
I grumble as I throw the blanket over my head, turning the comforter into a cocoon of warmth and sleep. There is no way that it is morning. I swear I literally just put my Kindle down and closed my eyes. The “one more chapter” mantra repeated until the next thing I knew, it was three a.m, and I had finished the whole book. I slowly peek my head out of my blanket burrito to see the handsome face of my boyfriend, Dalton, looking down at me. His dirty blond hair is nothing more than a wet mop on the top of his head, his piercing blue eyes framed by those Clark Kent glasses he wears so well. When he first got them, I would tease him. That was before I realized how sexy he looked with those glasses on. Taking my time to appreciate the way his six foot two inch frame towers over me, I run my gaze along his bared broad chest. His stomach is toned, but not like rock hard abs, and don’t get me started on that defined V making its way down to the pajama pants hanging low on his hips.
I don’t understand how someone can look this good in the morning.
He leans down, using his thumb to wipe the corner of my lip. “Sorry you just got a little bit of drool right … here. Got it,” he says, pulling back. I gasp as I run my hand across my mouth. He tilts his head and barks a laugh.
“Ugh, you’re such an ass!” I whine, flinging the covers off myself and rolling out of bed.
He offers his hand and pulls me into his chest. I wrap my arms around his waist, burying my face into his chest. The smell of pine needles andcinnamon flood my senses, and my body goes slack as I relax. I swear, nothing smells better than Dalton.
We’ve been together since we were sixteen. High school sweethearts get too much of a bad rap; we were told our relationship wouldn’t last. I had a moment where I believed that too. Even though we attended different colleges, we came out stronger, proving everyone wrong. Now, we rent this cute little house just outside of town, and it’s like our own personal little getaway from the big city. The house sits in a quaint neighborhood where you know your neighbors. We look out for one another, and the block parties are legendary. Not to toot my own horn, but my potato salad has been a crowd favorite for three years now. Every year I have to make sure I make a bigger batch than the year before.
We have our rhythm here.
I sigh happily as Dalton plants a kiss at the top of my head. His hands run over mine, unclasping my grip from around his neck as he steps back. I make a disgruntled noise at the loss of contact, pouting. Scrubbing my face, I try to rub the exhaustion away as I mentally prepare to start my day. “What time is it?” I ask from behind my hands. A light chuckle rumbles from him as he responds. “It’s nine-thirty. I was going to let you sleep a bit longer, but I got called into work.” I reach my arms above my head, stretching my body while I pin Dalton with a look he knows well.
He gives me an exasperated look. “Please don't, Harps.”
But what does he expect? We had plans today and he’s canceling them because he got called into work.Again.
“I don’t know what to tell you, Harper. We have a huge project, and it needs to be perfect.”
“I’m sorry,” I sigh. “You’re right.” I step toward him, plastering my apology smile on my face. I press up on my toes to give him a kiss, but before I can, his hands grip my sides and he eases me backward. I stumble back slightly from the momentum.What the hell?
“It's fine,” he huffs. “Why don't you go take a bath or something. We can go out when I get back from work.” He takes a step forwardand kisses me quickly on the forehead. Before I can respond, Dalton has walked out, leaving me alone in our bedroom.Weird.
He's been acting strange lately, but I can't put my finger on why. As soon as I try to talk about things, he'll come home from work in a fantastic mood. Bringing me flowers. Coming home with take out. And when I ask him what brought the unusual behavior on? Dalton just replies with a simple, “I thought I could save you from having to do the dishes after cooking supper tonight.”
Sighing, I look around. Our bedroom is simple. A king size canopy bed, the walk-in closet, and the various touches across the room that make it ours. The best part of this room? The master bathroom that is connected to the room, making escaping the world that much easier. His and hers sinks lay along one side of the room, accented by grey and agate tiles that adds to the vibe. But my favorite part of the bathroom is the beautiful clawfoot tub. It’s so deep, the water covers my breasts and stomach while I lounge surrounded by warmth and lavender scented bubbles. A tub like this was literally on my checklist of must haves when we were looking at places. I love my baths. My body instantly relaxes when I submerge myself, and I slowly feel myself sink into bliss each time.
I’m in the kitchen with my “Dance Jamz” playlist in the background as I clean up after eating lunch. I was feeling the music so much that I moved onto the fridge. I don’t do a deep clean as often as I should, so I decided to do it now while the momentum is there.
Once all the contents of the fridge are on the kitchen island, I take a quick break to shoot off a random fact of the day to my best friend, Evie. I can’t remember when I started this. I think it was a joke to get out of telling her something. Whatever it was, it stuck, and I have an app I go on daily to get a new fact. Satisfied, I grab the rest of the cleaning products from under the sink.
Harper: Did you know crocodiles can’t stick out their tongues?
I don’t have to wait long until my phone vibrates on the counter, telling me she’s responded.
Evie: Have I ever told you that you’re weird?
Harper:Multiple times, but I like the fun facts.
Evie: Can they seriously not stick out their tongues?
Harper: They can’t! Apparently it’s a membrane that holds their tongue down!
Evie: That's so strange lol I miss your face bestie, when can I see you!?
Harper: Maybe after supper? Dalton and I are supposed to do something this afternoon to make up for him ditching me this morning. Said we’d do something just the two of us.
Evie: Ugh fine, I’ll be over at seven.
Chuckling, I place the bucket in the sink, filling it with vinegar and hot water– I hate using chemicals when I don’t have to– I get to work cleaning my fridge. I don’t even know how much time has passed, but just as I finish, I hear the front door open and close.
