Page 10 of Game Changer

We pull up in front of a house perched on a hill with a killer view, and we get out of the car.

The grounds are a paradise, green and full of life, stylishly landscaped to perfection, with a pond in the back nestled amongst blue spruces and bur oak trees.

“We’re still getting used to living together,” Harlan says. “Fortunately, when we fight, we have five acres to get away from each other.”

I smile. It’s impossible not to like this man. He’s warm and self-deprecating.

“We really appreciate you dropping everything to come for a month,” he goes on.

“It wasn’t a problem with work?” Mari asks.

“Not at all.”

They told me to stay away.

“Then this will be a break before you head back in the fall.” Harlan nods without waiting for me to contradict him.

Mari frowns as if the idea of a break is worrisome, but her fiancé continues.

“We’re so pleased you can stay with us. But as we’re out of the city, you’ll be needing a way to get around. I’ll lend you a car.” He points toward the garage, and I count five doors.

“There’s no way that’s full,” I gasp.

He rubs a hand over his head, sheepish, and excitement has my heart pounding.

I haven’t had my own car in… ever.

We head toward the front of the stunning house.

I notice again how tall Harlan is as he pushes open the front door and waits for Mari and me to go first.

Suddenly, Clay is back in my mind. The dark eyes, the huge hands, the tattoos.

Mari leans in. “I’m surprised Brad let you come this early. How is he?”

Her words slice through my daydream. “I’m not sure. It feels like I never see him.”

“He must be busy being a principle at the firm. It’ll be good to catch up with him at the wedding.”

A ribbon of guilt wraps around my stomach. I ignore it and flash a smile. “Are you going to give me a tour or what?”

* * *

“And this is your room.”

Mari finishes our walk of the palatial house at a doorway on the second floor.

It’s big and bright with an en-suite bathroom that makes my jaw drop. “There are two shower heads.”

“Go nuts.”

I throw my arms around her shoulders. “I’m really glad I’m here.”

She inhales. “Me, too. Though I didn’t expect you to come for an entire month. I can’t take a month off work, and I’m the one getting married.”

“Guess I’m just lucky.”

I reach for the bracelet on my wrist before realizing it’s not there.

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