Page 33 of Secret Baby With My Brother's Best Friend

"No reason," I mumbled, washing down the pizza with some coke. "I was just thinking or wondering, maybe, if I could give you a lift to the airport," it sounded horrible now that I said it aloud.

"You don't have to. I could always order an Uber," Harper suggested, like I didn't know the option existed.

"Believe me. I know you can. I want to. In fact, I insist that I give you a ride to the airport," I said firmly, and a smile worked its way across her lips.

"Okay. I accept, not that you've made it a choice but thank you."

"You're welcome," my eyes darted to her lips, and I immediately stuck a slice of pizza in my mouth. "This is delicious."

"It is," she agreed, holding my gaze. There was a smile on her face, one I wished I could kiss. Harper stared at me with those lofty eyes that did unspeakable things to me—insane things that made me want to lose my mind. Control, I reminded, keeping my hands to myself.

"I should go back to my room," Harper stood up after finishing her last slice of pizza.

"Thank you for the pizza and aspirin," I said.

"You're welcome," I walked her to the door. "Later then."

"Later," she left.

* * *

I lingered by the door a little longer and was about to close the door when Carl popped at the door, stopping the door from closing. "How did you like my surprise?" he quirked his brow.

I rolled my eyes, widening the door. "Woah! Is that how you say thank you? How ungrateful," he enunciated, walking in.

"Thanks," I mumbled with a smile. "So, where did you go?"

"I was around. What did you guys talk about?"

"Nothing much, actually. She told me how you begged her to take care of me."

"Begged?" he burst out laughing. "That's how she put it, huh?"

"Yeah. I also insisted on giving her a ride to the airport."

"She agreed?"

"I didn't give her much of a choice."

"Hmm…cute. Are you really going to see her off?" Carl asked, his tone serious.

"I am. It's the least I can do…" for her and myself. Honestly, I wasn't even sure I could survive parting with her again. Harper meant too much to me.

I wished the morning would never come, but when it did, I was filled with dread. I had a few drinks just because the day demanded it and by 10 p.m. I had convinced Carl to see if he could change her mind or at the very least, prolong her stay for a few more days. That's how desperate I felt, but as the door opened and Harper stepped out of the room with her bags in hand. Carl stood behind her, shaking his head to affirm the obvious.

It was no good. I knew then it was too late to change her mind. I wondered if she would change her mind if I asked, but I couldn't bring myself to do it. "Are you ready?" I asked, taking the bags from her hand.

"Yeah, let's go," I took the lead while she followed behind me. I dropped her bags in the trunk and told Carl I'd see him later before getting into the driver's seat.

"Let's go," I muttered, starting the engine and feeling my heart sink further into my stomach.

Chapter Nineteen

Harper

I wished Logan would ask me to stay here, but instead, he had offered to give me a ride to the airport—which was disheartening in a way. Wishes weren't horses. But having his company for the entire ride to the airport. It was a comfort of its own.

"Is there anything I can say or do to change your mind?" Carl asked. Yes, there was, but I cannot see it happening.

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