Page 89 of Don't Puck His Best Friend
"Deal."
A week before Thanksgiving, we're back at my place after a particularly exhausting day. I had early practice, then classes, then another practice because Coach is riding us hard about our upcoming tournament. Harper had back-to-back presentations and looks about as drained as I feel.
We're lying on my couch in comfortable silence, her head on my chest, my fingers running through her hair. Rex is snoring on the floor. The TV is on but neither of us is really watching it.
"I'm thinking about staying here over Thanksgiving break," Harper says quietly.
"Not going home?"
"My parents are doing this whole cruise thing with my aunt and uncle. They invited me, but the thought of being trapped on a boat for a week sounds like my personal nightmare." She tilts her head to look up at me. "What about you?"
"I'll probably go home for a few days, see my family. But I have to be back by Sunday for practice." I trace patterns on her arm, considering. "You could come with me. If you want."
She goes still. "Meet your family?"
"Only if you want. No pressure." But even as I say it, I realize how much I want her to say yes. I want my parents to meet thegirl who's completely rearranged my priorities. I want my little sister to interrogate her the way I know she will. I want Harper to see where I come from.
"I'd like that," she says softly. "I'd really like that."
"Yeah?"
"Yeah." She sits up to look at me properly. "Fair warning though—I get weird around parents. I say awkward things and laugh at inappropriate times."
"My mom will love you."
"You don't know that."
"I do, actually. Because I love you, and my mom has excellent taste."
The words are out before I can second-guess them. Harper's eyes go wide, her lips parting in surprise.
"You love me?" she whispers.
My heart is pounding, but there's no taking it back now. And I don't want to. "Yeah, Harper. I love you. I've been in love with you for weeks, probably. I just..." I run my hand through my hair, trying to find the right words. "I wanted to wait for the right moment, but I'm realizing there's no perfect time. There's just the truth, and the truth is I love you."
Her eyes are shining with what might be tears. "Cole..."
"You don't have to say it back," I add quickly. "I'm not trying to pressure you or—"
"I love you too," she interrupts, her voice cracking slightly. "God, I love you so much it scares me sometimes."
Relief floods through me so powerfully I have to pull her into my arms. She climbs into my lap, wrapping herself around me, and when we kiss it feels different. Bigger. Like we've crossed some invisible threshold that changes everything.
"Say it again," I murmur against her lips.
"I love you."
"Again."
"I love you, Cole Richardson."
I kiss her harder, trying to pour everything I'm feeling into the contact. Rex whines from his spot on the floor, probably wanting this same affection.
Harper pulls back just enough to meet my eyes. "I didn't think I could feel this way about someone. This certain."
"Me neither."
"I was so scared of getting hurt again, of making the wrong choice. But with you..." She shakes her head, smiling. "With you, everything just feels right."
