Page 146 of Shortcake
The precinct was suspiciously dark, particularly the area to the left where offices were.
The same office where Conrad and I had had mind blowing sex just before Harper had caught us.
My flip flops scuffed against something as a sweet, floral scent slammed into my nose. Black and red rose petals combined with little electric candles lined a path toward Conrad’s office.
What the hell?
From around one of the desks, Harper stepped out. Her hair was swept back in a low ponytail, a few tight ringlets framing her face. “Uh… Harper? What’s going on?”
“A rehearsal,” Harper said. “For my oral book report onPride and Prejudice.”
“Ohhhhhkay. So, you weren’t arrested?”
A smile curved her mouth as she shook her head slowly. “I just didn’t think you’d come willingly.”
Well, she was right about that.
Also, this was weird as shit.
“Remember in the book when Lizzie had pretty much made up her mind about Mr. Darcy? She thought he was the worst. Arrogant, stubborn—”
“A total horse’s ass is, I think, the exact phrase I used,” I said.
“Right. Though, I think I’ll have to leave that descriptor out of my report. Anyway, then she met Georgiana, his little sister, whom he loves so much. And she softened.”
“Sure,” I said. “But you know this isn’t the same as that, Harper.” I lowered my voice. I knew Conrad was somewhere. I could feel his presence even if I couldn’t see him. I could smell the crisp scent of his soap lingering in the air. “I’m no Lizzie. And your Dad isn’t Mr. Darcy. And we’re not living in some whimsical classic romance novel.”
Harper held out both her hands, appealing to me. “I know my dad made this stupid decision to dump you because he thought it’s what I needed. But I just wanted you to hear it from me—to remember before you go in there that what he did was out of love for me. And it’s one of the thingsyoulove abouthim, right? What a good dad he is?”
“Of course it is,” I whispered.
“So will you talk to him? Forme?”
“Only if you get over here and give me a hug.” I opened my arms and Harper fell into them, squeezing me tight. “Pretty sneaky little lie. I’m surprised your dad would condone that behavior.”
Conrad’s deep, graveled voice sent a spike of adrenaline coursing through my veins. “Desperate times call for desperate measures.”
He stepped out from his office where a candlelit table was set and a platter covered something that looked like dinner.
But most impressively, Conrad was impeccably dressed in a top hat, a formal coat with tails, and white trouser pants that looked more than a little ridiculous.
I pressed my lips together to try to smother my laugh and failed miserably.
“Youdareto laugh at Mr. Darcy?” he teased and gave a little twirl for me. “Come on. I lookgood.”
“You look… like something else.” I turned to Harper. “He’s not really going to be part of your oral report, is he?”
She scrunched her nose. “God, no.”
“Turkey, can you give us a minute?”
She nodded, but from the corner of my eye, I saw her give her dad the thumbs up as she ran out into the lobby.
Conrad stepped forward and held out his hand to mine.
I didn’t take it right away. Just stared at his calloused outstretched hand.
I inhaled a sharp breath, my eyes growing misty as I hesitantly lifted my trembling hand to slide into his. With the sensory overload of his touch on mine, memories slammed into my mind. Conrad’s hand holding mine. His fingers teasing over my skin. His mouth nibbling mine.
