Page 80 of Cougar

“I’m not sure. I think she said a couple of months.”

“A couple of months?” I bark. “Who—” Who leaves their kid alone for months without having someone to look after them? Something doesn’t add up. “Yes. Of course she can stay with us. Are you on your way home?”

“I’m already home. Harper is on her way. Where are you?”

“I’m at Cam’s, but I’m heading home now. Jay?”

“Yeah?”

“Do you trust her?”

“Yes.”

“You’re going to have to tell her about your dad.”

There’s a brief pause before she sighs into the phone. “I didn’t even think about that. I’ll tell her.”

“Okay.”

“Love you, mean it,” she chirps before hanging up.

Just as I end the call, another comes in from Bass. “What’s up?”

“I’m heading to the house with Harper.”

“Yeah, I just hung up with Jay. Apparently Harper’s father is out of town for the next couple of months and needs a place to stay.”

“Hmm.”

“What?”

“We’ll talk. See you in a few.”

“All right.” I toss my phone into my purse and rise from the sofa. “I have to go.” I head to the kitchen to rinse out my wineglass. “There’s drama in the hood, and it looks like it’s about to land on my doorstep.”

“What’s going on?” Cam follows and leans against the counter, crossing his arms over his chest.

I turn and mirror his pose. “I don’t know, but I’m pretty sure Jay just lied to me.”

Cam chuckles. “No way.”

“I’m afraid so.” I shake my head, disappointed as I push off the counter and head back to the living room. “Thank you for the delicious dinner, the beautiful sunset and the company.”

“I’ll walk you out.”

I pull my purse over my shoulder and Cam opens the door, following me out to my car. “Thanks for coming over.”

Stopping beside my door, I turn to face him. “Your house is beautiful.”

He smiles. “Thanks. The season is almost over, so maybe you can help me pick out some furniture and artwork.” He waves his hand around. “Or whatever you think.”

“I’d love to help, but I think Jessica or my mother would do a better job.”

He leans forward, placing his hands on the roof of my car, caging me in. “I’d rather it be you.”

“Cam—” I start.

“Emerson, I know you’re nowhere near ready for any kind of relationship, and I’m not going to push you. I’m just asking you to spend time with me.”

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