Page 26 of Secret Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

"Great!" she exclaimed, not sparing me a glance. Harper had her eyes fixed on the window.

"Well ok then," I reiterated, feeling the exact opposite of ok as I stared at her.

The ride to the hotel was long and filled with an uncomfortable silence, which was itself draining. After what felt like forever, we arrived at the hotel. "We are going to a party tomorrow night with friends of mine," I informed her just as she was about to leave the car. Harper stopped for a minute but didn't utter a single word in response before she left.

I went to my room a few minutes later, changed, and went to the pub to have a few drinks to clear my head. I couldn't stop thinking of Harper and how smoothly things had gone between us for a while. For a brief moment today, it felt like we were the carefree teenagers we once were, and I couldn't believe how much I missed that—I missed us.

As I sat at the counter, lost in thoughts, I heard Carl's voice break through the haze. "I thought you said you were going to practice today. Why are you here?" he asked, appearing out of nowhere and settling on the stool beside me. "I'll have tequila," he told the bartender, removing his jacket.

"I changed my mind," I mumbled. "A drink seems more appealing to me right now."

"Okay," Carl replied, grabbing his drink and downing it in one gulp. "So, how are things with Harper?"

"She's playing her part well," I responded, trying to maintain a casual tone.

"That's not what I meant," he clarified.

"What do you mean then?" I raised an eyebrow, taking a sip of my drink.

"I meant between the two of you. Have you finally resolved whatever issues you have?"

I shook my head. "No, it's not that easy," I sighed, downing another drink and placing the glass on the counter.

"So, what do you plan to do?"

"Nothing," I replied firmly.

"Nothing?" Carl questioned, surprised by my response. I nodded in confirmation. "Don't you want to fix things?"

"I'd rather not. I think we might be better off this way," I confessed, even though deep down, I knew I wanted something utterly different. "Besides, after this trip, she will never have to see me again."

"Are you sure that's what you want?" Carl probed, concerned.

No. I surely wouldn't say it's something I wanted—I have never wanted any of this, but this wasn't just about me. I'm only trying to go along with what's best for her, and it is what I promised Caleb, so…I have to keep my promise. I gulped another drink and quietly mouthed, "Yeah."

* * *

The next evening, I stood outside Harper's room, waiting. We were running late for Bradley's party, and she was taking forever to dress up. Women, I thought with a tinge of amusement and impatience. I couldn't be more surprised. The door eventually swung open, and Harper stepped out of the room. "I'm sorry for taking so long," she gushed, but I hardly cared for the apology. At that moment, I couldn't have cared less about being late as my eyes scanned her outfit.

Harper wore a pair of black boots with a skimpy black dress that looked as though it was made for her body.

"Too much?" Harper asked, her voice tinged with a hint of uncertainty as she looked at me, slightly uncomfortable by my silence. Her hands ran down her dress restlessly.

"No! You look perfect," I replied briskly, unable to contain the feelings she evoked in me.

A blush spread across Harper's face, and I caught a fleeting smile that graced her lips briefly before it vanished. "You didn't have to say that. Nobody is here," she responded, brushing past me and filling my nostrils with her sweet scent.

"Of course," I shook my head and followed her.

An hour later, we arrived at Bradley's house, and my eyes caught a couple kissing outside the porch, which is mostly what these parties are good for. I held Harper briefly as we reached the entrance. "What?" she arched her brow, looking rather impatient.

"I just wanted to inform you that you might have to put more effort here. The guys here won't take us at our words alone and a little physical touch. We need to give them more."

"Uhm. What are you talking about?" She creased a brow.

I groaned loudly. "I'm saying my friend will need more convincing than our usual audience," I answered, glancing to my left, hoping she would notice the couple beside us and finally get what I meant.

"What kind of convincing are we talking about here?" She questioned, twisting her lips.

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