“Hey. How was book club?” he asked as he sauntered into the room. But when he saw her expression, he instantly sat down and drew her into his arms. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
Daisy, as if sensing that her master was now in good hands, hopped off the couch and trotted away.
“I just got off the phone with Carrie,” Harper said.
“And?”
“And she and Dave won’t be coming to the party.”
“So, she’s the first one to decline. No big deal.”
“It’s why she declined that I’m upset about.” After Harper relayed the conversation, she sat back and sighed. “I told you this might happen.”
“She’s one person, Harper. It doesn’t matter.”
“But even if other people don’t say it, they might be thinking the same thing.”
“So what. We don’t owe anybody an explanation,” he said, his voice rising with frustration.
She wanted to be as strong and secure as he was, but it wasn’t as easy for her. She still experienced moments of guilt, especially when she was directly confronted like she had been with Blake’s family and now Carrie.
Averting her eyes, she said, “Sometimes, I wish that we could just move away and start over where nobody knows us. Just you, me, and the dogs.”
Cupping her face in his hands, he forced her to look up at him. “We can’t hide from the world, Harper. Besides, this is where our family and friends live. I don’t think you’d be happy somewhere else.”
Sighing, she cracked a tiny smile. “Do you always have to be so sensible? It’s really kind of annoying!”
He threw back his head and laughed, and then he pulled her onto his lap. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she leaned against him and took comfort in his embrace. “Are you sure you want to do this?” she asked.
“Do what?”
“This. Us. If you haven’t already noticed, sometimes, I can be a real pain in the…”
“Yeah. I’ve noticed,” he teased, grinning up at her. “And admitting it is the hardest part!”
“In my defense, I told you that I would have moments like this.”
Brushing her hair off her shoulder, he said, “I know, and I’ll be here when you do. In fact, I want to be there for all kinds of moments with you, not just the good ones.”
“You already have been.”
“And yet I’m still here. See? There’s nothing you can do to scare me away.”
“Hmmm. I bet I can think of something.”
“Try me.”
“What if I told you that I like to take pictures of you when you’re asleep?”
Finn’s eyes went wide, but then his mouth spread into a wide grin. “You mean, like nude photos?”
“Not exactly.”
“Can I see them?”
“Why?”
“I’m just curious. Besides, I think I have a right to see them. Don’t you?”
Nodding, she slid off his lap and went to retrieve her camera from the office. When she returned, she sat beside him and turned on the display. She’d taken several more photos of Finn since that first time, and now she felt anxious and embarrassed as he flipped through them, studying each one quietly until he came to the end. She wasn’t sure what had possessed her to tell him. Maybe it was because they’d become so close and she didn’t want there to be any secrets between them. Or maybe it was because she wanted to challenge him. To see if he really meant what he’d said about her not being able to scare him away.
“Well?” she finally said.
“These are really good,” he said, sounding surprised. “I mean, not because of the subject, but because of the way you took them.”
Harper hadn’t realized just how nervous she was until she let out a loud sigh. “Really? You don’t mind?” The pictures were tasteful (in her opinion), showing just enough skin to be provocative. In most of them, she’d draped a sheet over his lower half, and oftentimes, he slept on his stomach, so all that showed was his bare back.
He shook his head vehemently. “Mind? Hell no! I’m flattered, but I’m also curious. What made you do it?”
“I guess I just wanted to capture the moment. And you always look so peaceful, especially after…well, you know.”
“After we make love,” Finn said, finishing her thought.
She shut off the display and set the camera aside before she pushed him back onto the couch and straddled him.
“Whoa!” he said, clearly enjoying her assertiveness.
Balancing on his hips, she began to unbutton her top.
“What are you doing?” he asked, his eyes tracking her every move.
“What does it look like I’m doing?”
“But what about Daisy?”
Harper had flung off her top and was reaching around to unclasp her bra. She hesitated for a second, but then she heard Daisy gnawing on a bone in the kitchen. “I’ll risk it,” she said.
Once she was topless, Finn’s hands immediately covered her breasts, kneading them softly and then tugging on her taut nipples. Moaning, she rubbed against him, feeling his erection nudge against her center.
“God, I love you,” Finn said as her hands went to the button of his jeans.
“I love you too,” she said, leaning down to kiss his lips.
And in another first, they made love right there on the couch, oblivious to the fact that Daisy had peeked in on them and then gone back to the kitchen to finish chewing her bone!
Chapter 23
“This place looks fantastic!” Finn said, standing in the middle of his new shop and turning in a slow circle.
Harper, Julia, and McKayla stood by and beamed at each other, since they were the ones responsible for transforming the empty shop into a party venue.
“We did good, didn’t we?” Harper said.
“You did excellent,” Finn replied, coming up alongside her and slipping his arm around her waist.
“You two gonna be like that when the guests arrive?” Connor asked, wrinkling up his nose.
“Like what?” Finn said.
“All googly-eyed and touchy-feely.”
“I think it’s sweet,” Julia said, narrowing her eyes at Connor.
The tension between Connor and Julia was palpable, and Harper was concerned for her best friend. Julia was convinced that he was hiding something major, but she couldn’t get him to tell her what it was. And tomorrow, he was taking a flight out to Denver on some mysterious mission that he hadn’t told anybody about.
“Maybe he just needs to get away for a few days,” Finn had said when Harper had talked to him about it. “He used to do that all the time when he was younger. Just take off for a few days for some unknown reason.”
“Promise me you’ll never do that,” Harper had said.
Finn had kissed her and said, “Not a chance! You’re stuck with me.”
And with every day that passed, Harper realized that there was no place else she’d rather be.
They were standing near the front windows of the store to keep an eye out for guests when McKayla suddenly shouted, “Is that them? Is he here?”
“What are you so excited for?” Liam asked.
Turning away from the window and placing her hands on her hips, she said, “It’s not every day that you get to meet a celebrity.” And then, smoothing down the front of her dress, she turned to Harper and said, “Do I look ok?”
Scowling at her sister, Harper said, “He’s a happily married man, Kay, so don’t get any ideas. And yes, you look fine.”
Harper had also been observing the interactions between her sister and Liam throughout the morning while they’d been setting up for the party. The poor man followed her around like a puppy, but McKayla wouldn’t give him the time of day. Ever since Liam had ratted her out for dancing at a bachelor party that he’d attended, McKayla could barely look at him—which was going to be a major problem once they started working together.
Harper had voiced her concerns about them to Finn, and
true to character, he’d said, “Don’t worry about them, Harper. They’re both adults, and they’ll learn how to get along.”
“How can you be so sure?” she’d asked.
“Because I know my brother. He’s smitten right now, but he’ll get over it once he realizes McKayla’s not interested.”
McKayla had certainly given everyone that impression, but Harper suspected there was an attraction there that McKayla didn’t want to admit to.
“There he is, there he is!” McKayla said, practically jumping up and down.
Liam put a hand on her arm to stop her and hissed, “Get a grip.”
Harper had invited Nikki and Nate Collins to the party, but she’d been doubtful that Nate would be able to come. A sought-after actor and motivational speaker, his schedule was usually full, but there he was, stepping out of their black SUV and then going around to the passenger side to help Nikki down.
The two of them made a striking couple, and Harper could easily envision them walking down a red carpet together. Nikki, however, preferred a quieter lifestyle. She’d been born and raised in Clarkston, and while she visited Los Angeles with her husband on occasion, she wasn’t as comfortable there. Here was an example of a couple who’d overcome some major obstacles to be together, just like Harper had mentioned at the last book club meeting.
Glancing at her watch, Harper wondered if Nate and Nikki had purposely arrived early so as not to create a stir. And then, glancing at her star-struck sister, Harper realized it had probably been a good idea.
Harper and Finn greeted Nikki and Nate at the door, and Harper introduced the two men, who were meeting for the first time.
“Congratulations on your new store,” Nate said graciously as he shook Finn’s hand and smiled warmly. It was a million-dollar smile but one that Harper knew was genuine.
“Thanks. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m a big fan,” Finn said.
And then McKayla brushed off Liam’s hand, which was still attempting to hold her back, and stepped forward.
“Hello. I’m Harper’s sister, McKayla, and I’ve seen every movie you’re ever been in.”
Nate was obviously used to the attention, and as he shook her outstretched hand, he said, “It’s very nice to meet you, McKayla. Your sister’s the best.”
McKayla’s smile drooped a little, but she quickly recovered and kept shaking Nate’s hand until it became embarrassing.
Clearing his throat, Finn said, “I’d like you both to meet my brothers, Connor and Liam. The three of us are business partners.”
And then Julia spoke up from where she’d been standing near Connor. “Can I get you two something to drink?”
“Sure,” Nikki said, and then they followed Julia to the buffet table that had been set up at the back of the store.
Shortly after the Collins’s arrival, Finn’s and Harper’s parents showed up. Harper hugged her parents tightly and then shook hands with the O’Briens. Harper and Finn had decided to confide in their parents about their relationship prior to the party, and now she was glad they had. Both sets of parents had handled the news as she’d hoped and had given them their full support.
“I’ve always liked Finn,” her mother, Christine, had said.
“Seems like a good man,” said her father, Bruce.
And then her mother had asked if Blake’s family knew. After Harper had relayed the entire story, her mother had hugged her tight and said, “I know how difficult these past two years have been, and I’m thrilled that you’ve found love again.”
According to Finn, his parents had also expressed their happiness, but his mother had taken it one step further.
“Finally! Now maybe one of my boys will hurry up and give me some grandchildren!”
When Finn had told Harper about his mom’s reaction, she’d frozen for a moment.
“It’s no big deal, Harper. She’s been saying the same thing for years,” Finn had said, trying to reassure her.
But since then, Harper had had time to let the idea sink in, and now it was taking root inside of her. So far, she and Finn hadn’t discussed marriage or children, and she suspected it was because he didn’t want to spook her. But with every day, every hour, every minute that she spent with him, it was becoming easier and easier to imagine. She hadn’t told him yet, but she would—someday soon.
Harper and Finn stood side by side near the front door and continued to greet their friends and family as they filtered in. And then she saw a familiar head peeking up above the crowd, and a big smile broke out on her face. Will.
Julia had insisted on inviting him and Megan, but Harper hadn’t been convinced that they would come. She’d assumed that ever since she and Will had parted ways, he wouldn’t be as interested in what was going on in her life. She’d thought wrong.
Hugging her tight, Will said, “I’m so happy for you. And Finn,” he added with a wink.
Looking over Will’s shoulder, she saw Finn eyeing them, but she knew he wasn’t jealous anymore. Or at least, that’s what he’d claimed.
“Where’s your fiancée?” Harper asked.
“She had a family event to go to today, but she sends her best wishes,” Will said.
“Wow! I can’t believe you ditched your fiancée to be here with us,” Harper teased.
“I didn’t get out of it that easily. I’ll be joining her after I leave here, but I just wanted to make sure and stop by. I was serious when I invited you and Finn to our wedding, you know.”
Harper smiled. “And we were serious when we said we’d love to be there.”
“Great. And I hope it goes both ways. I’ll expect an invite when you two get married.”
She was just about to protest when Finn came up behind her and placed his hands possessively on her hips. “That can be arranged,” Finn said.
Good thing he was holding onto her; otherwise, she might have fainted. Did he really mean it, or had he just said that for Will’s benefit? Knowing that this wasn’t the time nor the place to get into it, she gave Finn a brief smile as Will drifted away.
And then in walked Kelly, Emma, and Mrs. Simmons, who was leaning on her cane as Kelly held open the door for her.
Harper rushed to her aid, followed closely by Finn, who took over door duty and ushered them inside.
“This must be your handsome young prince,” Mrs. Simmons declared loudly enough for everyone in a two-mile radius to hear.
“Finn O’Brien. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“Well, aren’t you the sweetest man in addition to being a big hunk!” Mrs. Simmons exclaimed.
“Forgive her,” Kelly said teasingly. “She gets a bit overexcited at times. I’m Kelly Kostas. It’s nice to meet you.”
“And I’m Emma Kostas, the owner of A New Chapter,” Emma said, taking her turn to shake Finn’s hand.
“A fellow store owner. I might have to pick your brain sometime,” Finn said.
“I’d be happy to help. I know how daunting it can be when you’re just starting out.”
Kelly had drifted off and was examining some of the photographs that hung on the wall. “Harper, these are beautiful,” she said enthusiastically.
“Thank you,” Harper said, “but it’s Finn’s work that made them that way.” She’d taken a few photos and had them framed in time for the party, but she’d be adding several more before the store opened.
“She’s too humble,” Finn said, squeezing her around the waist. “She has an incredible eye for what looks good.”
“You can say that again,” Mrs. Simmons piped up, giving him the once-over.
When Emma frowned at her, Mrs. Simmons said, “What? I may be old, but I’m not dead!”
Kelly, Emma, and Mrs. Simmons moved off to the buffet table after that, giving Harper and Finn a moment alone. Taking a quick glance around to make sure the guests were occupied, Finn leaned in for a kiss.
“What was that for?” Harper asked, a bit breathless.
“Just because I love you.”<
br />
Despite the boost from her high heels, she went up on her tiptoes, laced her arms around his neck, and kissed him again. “I love you too, my handsome young prince!”
They were standing just like that, eyes aglow, when Blake’s family walked in.
Harper quickly stepped back, stumbling in the process, but Finn kept a hand on her elbow to steady her.
“Mr. and Mrs. Davies. Nina. Thank you so much for coming,” Finn said smoothly.
“Since when are you so formal?” Tim asked, shaking his hand vigorously.
“Sorry, sir. I mean Tim.”
Trish held out her arms to Harper, who immediately stepped into them. Maybe it was out of habit, or maybe it was because she needed the extra reassurance, but she hugged Trish especially tight that day.
After they parted, Trish said, “You look beautiful in that dress.”
Harper felt a tear prick her eye, but the last thing she wanted was to make a scene at Finn’s party, so she willed it away. “Thank you,” she said and then turned to Nina, who was studying her photographs on the wall.
Coming up beside her, Harper gave Nina a brief side hug, and for a brief second, Nina leaned her head against Harper’s shoulder.
“You really are talented,” Nina said quietly. “I don’t know if I’ve ever told you that before.”
That time, Harper couldn’t prevent it, and a few tears escaped and dripped down her cheeks. “You haven’t, but thank you for saying it now,” she replied. And she didn’t know how he knew, but suddenly, Finn appeared on her other side and handed her a tissue before walking away to greet some other guests.
“He’s good to you,” Nina said.
Harper nodded as she dabbed her face with the tissue. And then she heard Mrs. Simmons’s voice carry up from the back of the store.
“Why, Nate Collins! As I live and breathe!”
Harper laughed and said, “Excuse me, Nina, but I better go back there and rescue Nate.”
“Wait a minute,” she said, placing a hand on Harper’s arm. “Did she just say Nate Collins? As in the movie actor?”
Harper nodded.
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