Page 9 of Privileged Love: A BWWM Romance

“Nooooo.” She runs into the living room half-dressed. “I’m going with you.”

“I have to do this on my own. But stay near the phone, just in case he has to call security or something like that.” There’s a slight chance that Liam and I could combust.

“Can you please record it?”

“No! You make me so sick. I love you.” I kiss her cheek.

“Love you too. And, Harper”—Charlee grabs my hands—“you can do this. Hunter always says you bring up our average. It’s because you’re the voice of reason, you’re honest to a fault, and your heart sees the best in us all.”

“I can’t go in there with my soft heart.”

"Yes, you can. Just be yourself." She hugs me. "I think Liam is bringing out a tougher version of you and I can't wait to meet her. Minus that nasty tongue." She wags a finger.

“Bye, Charlee and thank you.” I roll my shoulders back. I’m so nervous but what do I have to lose. I freeze at the thought. “What if I fail again?”

“Just take a deep breath and speak your heart.”

I nod. “What if he sets me off again?”

Charlee shrugs. "Trust your gut. As long as you don't drop an f-bomb I think it's repairable. And you have to live a little Harper." Her eyes twinkle with humor.

"Okay. I'll call you as soon as I leave." I hug her once more moving towards the door on weak legs. "And don't tell Hunter," I call back.

“I won’t. Now go on, Baby Hunter.” She snaps her fingers rolling her hips. “Take your cussing tail back over there and get us a jet.”

“I’m not listening to you.”

“You don’t have to. Your vajayjay hears me and Liam loud and clear.”

“Why do I listen to you?”

“Because where you are the voice of reason, I’m the voice of your naughty fantasies.” She laughs. How does she come up with this stuff? “And I expect all the juicy details tonight.”

“Charlee, you really need to find a hobby or something. See you later, love you girl.” I toss a finger wave, leaving before she adds anymore of her naughty fantasies to my head. I drive back to WEJ. I sit in the car saying my spiel several times. I step out only after running through it three times without stumbling.

I walk up the wide sidewalk towards the twenty-story building. The sun is setting, and I glance at my watch. It's almost six. He's probably gone for the day.

I stop as a few people walk back towards the parking garage. I can’t chicken out. If he’s gone, fine. But I didn’t come all this way to turn around.

You can do this, Harper.

I enter the building, signing in at the security desk. Then I head back to his suite. This time there’s a woman behind the desk out front with a salt-and-pepper pixy cut and bright eyes. Wait…I saw her when I charged out earlier today.

“Hi, I’m—”

“You’re Harper Price. I’m Glenda, it’s nice to meet you.” Her smile is warm and genuine.

I accept her outstretched hand. “Nice to meet you too. Is Mr. Walsh available?”

“Yes, head on back.” She nods her head towards the closed door.

"Thank you." I take a deep breath, panic is about to get the best of me. I grip my bag like a comfort blanket and take a tentative step.

“Miss Price, his bark is bigger than his bite.”

"I'm sorry, Miss Glenda, but I don't believe you." I chuckle. She laughs, and her smile makes me feel at ease. "Do you have any advice?"

“Know what you want and stand your ground.”

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