“Really?” Leslie looked taken aback. “I ... well ... that’s great.”
Harper took pity on her. “We’re not together. We’ve been best friends since elementary school. We’re here with our fiancés, though. They’re over there setting up the campsite because they think we’re a menace when it comes to outdoorsy things.”
“Oh.” Leslie almost appeared relieved as she looked in the direction Harper indicated. “Well, those look like nice boys.”
“I bet they're fornicators, too,” Sam said darkly.
Harper licked her lips and risked a glance at Zander. “So, we should get back to helping. There’s a big dinner, right? I’m sure we’ll see you then.”
“I’m sure you will, too.”
BY THE TIME JARED AND SHAWN FINISHED UP, THEY had no time to clean up before dinner. Zander supplied them with antibacterial wipes, and then the group happily headed for the pavilion at the center of the campground. A small group of people had already arrived, and Harper found some of the anxiety she’d been feeling regarding the trip had managed to dissipate over the course of a single afternoon.
“I told you,” Jared teased, pressing a kiss to the back of her ear. “I knew you would relax if you would just give yourself a little room to breathe.”
“You’re the smartest man in the world,” Harper teased, snuggling close. “You were right, though. This is going to be a lot of fun.”
“I certainly hope so,” a booming voice offered, causing Harper to jolt.
Jared turned quickly, instinctively pressing Harper to his side as a form of protection. The gregarious man to their rear, though, didn’t look like much of a threat.
“I’m Harris Turnball,” he offered, running a hand through his thinning hair. “I believe you’re Harper Harlow, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Oh.” Harper immediately straightened and nodded, briefly hoping the man hadn’t heard anything rude while trailing them. “It’s so nice to meet you.” She shook his hand and then moved to the side. “Mr. Turnball is the one who arranged this event. He’s the reason we’re all here.”
“Oh, good,” Zander drawled. “Perhaps I can talk to him about the hair dryer situation.” Realizing what he said too late to take it back, he briefly focused on the man’s shiny head and then regrouped. “Of course, there’s no reason not to let the air dry your hair either.”
Jared bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing and then focused on the businessman at the center of the event. He had a pretty woman behind him, a blonde who looked effortlessly young, and even Zander couldn’t drag the smile from Harris’ face.
“Harper has told me a lot about you,” Jared offered, taking control of the conversation. “She thinks what you have planned for this place is going to be very popular. I happen to agree with her.”
“I’m glad.” Harris shook Jared’s hand. “Are you part of GHI, too?”
“Oh, no.” Jared flashed a smile. “Harper is my fiancée. I came because she wanted me to, and to be honest, I absolutely love camping. We thought it would be a good fit.”
“Absolutely.” Harris clapped Jared on the shoulder and grinned. “The more the merrier. We honestly want to get feedback from everybody involved. We think this could be a great thing, but like any other entertainment endeavor, we expect to have to make tweaks. This is our first run, and there are likely to be a few speed bumps.”
“I don’t think you have to worry about us,” Jared reassured him. “We’re just happy to be here.”
“Well, that’s great.”
The woman behind Harris cleared her throat, drawing the big man’s attention to her. She appeared sheepish and yet determined.
“Oh, where are my manners?” Harris wiped his hand against his sweaty forehead. “This is Becky Trout. She’s my personal assistant. If you need anything, have questions about anything, or even want to lodge an opinion before the weekend is out, make sure to track her down. She’ll be able to help you.”
“We think it’s going to be a fabulous few days,” Becky enthused, her gaze jumping from face to face before landing on Jared. Harper couldn’t be sure, but she was almost certain the woman’s cheeks brightened whenever she looked Jared up and down, as if her whole body was warming up. “Basically we’re going to start with dinner, a nice meal where we can all get to know one another, and then we’ll go from there.”
“That sounds like a fun evening,” Jared agreed, sliding his arm around Harper’s back. “We’re really looking forward to everything you have planned.”
“Even if we have to do it all without nice hair,” Zander added. “We’re ready to rough it like you wouldn’t believe.”
Shawn’s lips quirked as he stared at the ground. “It’s definitely going to be an interesting few days.”
3
Three
Harper wasn’t certain she would be able to sleep in a tent. Even when Jared showed her how he’d zipped two sleeping bags together and set up a cozy spot underneath the tent’s skylight, she was doubtful. Surprisingly, though, the second she rolled her head onto his shoulder, she was out and dead to the world.
She didn’t wake up again until the next morning, when the bird sounds grew so they were just a little bit louder than they would’ve been at home.
“Morning,” Jared murmured, waking at the same time. He brushed a kiss against her forehead and stretched. “How did you sleep?”
Harper took a moment to consider the question.
“It wasn’t meant as a trick,” he teased, tickling her ribs and causing her to squirm. “I happen to know you were completely out before I even had a chance to try a bit of romance.”
Harper’s eyes widened as she regarded him. “I didn’t know you had romance on the mind. I totally would’ve forced myself to stay up if I realized. I’m sorry.”
Her earnest response made him laugh. “Somehow I think I’ll survive.” Mornings were his favorite part of the day, and he especially relished this one. He loved how warm she was, pressed at his side, bright-eyed and eager. She was his favorite person in the world, and moments like these were to be cherished. He knew that without a shadow of a doubt. “I love you, Harper.”
“I love you, too.” She pressed a kiss to the corner of his mouth. “Thank you for coming with me, by the way. I’m not certain I thanked you, but I should have. I probably wouldn’t have had the guts to come without you.”
“Oh, that’s not true.” He shook his head. “You’re the bravest person I know. You would’ve come whether I could clear the time or not. Despite that, though, I’m happy to be here. That’s why I love camping. Make no mistake, though, you would’ve been fine without me. You’re good with people.”
“Oh, I’m not worried about that part,” she reassured him. “I have no problem meeting new people and interacting with them. I’m a social butterfly ... and even when I’m not feeling it, Zander feels it enough for both of us. I was talking about the camping. I couldn’t have done that without you.”
“Oh, so cute.” He grabbed her around the waist and rolled, relishing the way she giggled. Between the fresh morning air, the singing birds, and the romance of the moment, Jared was convinced he was going to get to fulfill his intentions from the previous evening ... right until the zipper on the tent opened and Zander planted himself on his knees at the entrance.
“This could be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me,” he lamented, his hair standing on end. “I’ve now figured out why we never went camping as kids more than a few times, Harp.”
Harper struggled to see around Jared’s shoulder, her lips curving when she caught sight of her best friend’s morose face. “Well ... I’m sorry. You’re not supposed to be in here, though.”
“Definitely not,” Jared agreed, rolling to a sitting position and glaring. “We just talked about this yesterday.”
“But I’m sad.” Zander jutted out his lower lip. “I need my Harper.”
Jared shook his head, firm. “She’s my Harper on this trip.
There’s a reason your tent is on the other side of the parcel. Why can’t you go back over there and bug Shawn?”
“He’s asleep and I don’t want to wake him.”
“But you have no problem waking us?”
Zander’s nose wrinkled. “You guys were clearly awake. I listened outside until I heard the giggles. Then I knew it was okay to come in.”
“It’s not okay.” Jared was very close to blowing a gasket. “Giggling means we’re having fun ... without you.”
“There is no fun to be had without me.” Zander turned his full attention to Harper. “I miss my best friend. This is like torture.”
Harper let loose a sigh that just happened to coincide with Jared’s growl and forced herself to sit up. “How about we get cleaned up and then start talking about breakfast, huh? I think that’s what’s best for all of us.”
“It’s not best for me,” Jared countered, furious. “It’s not even remotely what’s best for me.”
Harper offered him an awkward pat. “You’ll be okay. You’re just hungry.”
“I’m hungry for you.”
“Oh, Sam was right,” Zander intoned. “Some of us — and by us, I mean you — are dirty fornicators. You’re leading the youth of today down a slippery slope.”
“I’m going to beat the crap out of you if you don’t get out of here,” Jared warned.
“Is that any way for a professional law enforcement representative to act?” Zander’s expression was suddenly brighter, as if he found the joy he’d been searching for from messing with Jared. Since Harper knew that to be true, she merely shook her head and crawled to her knees.
“It’s time to get up,” she announced. “Showers all around, and then we’ll handle breakfast. I’m betting everyone will be less grouchy with some eggs in them.”
“Speak for yourself.” Jared’s gaze was dark, and fixed completely on Zander. “Just remember, Zander, the showers are separated by sex. That means you’ll be with me instead of Harper once I get out of this sleeping bag. She won’t be there to protect you.”
Zander straightened, reality hitting him smack in the face. “Community showers? That’s cruel and unusual punishment.”
“It’s going to get even crueler,” Jared promised.
Zander offered up a wink. “Catch me if you can.”
EVEN THOUGH IT SHOULD’VE TAKEN THE MEN less time to get cleaned up, Harper beat them to the pavilion by a good ten minutes. Harris gestured for her to join him and Becky at one of the picnic tables, and since she wasn’t keen to sit alone, Harper acquiesced.
“So, what do you think of the campground?” Harris asked as he poured Harper a cup of coffee from his thermos.
“I think it’s nice,” Harper replied, glancing around. “I am a little confused, though.”
“Oh, yeah? About what?”
“Well, for starters, I saw the sign coming in. This is a state campground. How come they allow you to use a state facility for a private business?”
Harris’ eyes gleamed. “You’re very smart.”
“Or I was trapped in a truck with Zander for six hours and needed something else to focus on.”
He laughed. “I do love your friends, all of them. Zander is a particular favorite, though. Have you ever considered that he might do well on the reality show circuit?”
The question amused Harper to her very core. “I don’t know that I’ve considered it. I’m certain that he has, though.”
“I can see that.” Harris chuckled. “As for the campground, it used to be owned by the state. Well, that’s not true. Technically it still is owned by the state. The thing is, the upkeep on a campground is significant. You need people to mow, patrol to make sure nothing nefarious is happening on the grounds, and also monitor lake access. The state was going to close this campground permanently because they no longer had the funds to run it, when I approached them with an idea.”
“But you don’t own the property?” Harper remained confused.
“I have a lease for the property. Right now it’s for one year, to see if we can make a go of this place. If it works out, then we have the opportunity to extend the lease for another ten years.”
“Why not just buy the property?”
“Because I don’t have a million dollars to throw around for a campground.”
“Oh.” Harper was momentarily stymied. “I guess I didn’t think about it. This property would be worth a lot to the right buyer.”
“Absolutely,” Harris agreed. “The lake is a big draw. If you look to the other side of the water, you can see all the homes over there.” He pointed. “Each one of those homes is worth upwards of two million dollars.”
Harper was appropriately impressed. “So ... why didn’t the state sell the land to someone who could afford to develop one of those houses on it? I’m betting the neighbors would prefer another house to a public campground.”
“That’s definitely true. The State of Michigan isn’t keen on selling property, though.”
“Especially property like this,” Becky offered, taking the open spot next to Harris and fixing Harper with a friendly smile. “This property could be worth even more in the future. By working with us to lease the property, it’s a win-win situation for everybody. We get something, and they get time to decide what they ultimately want to do with the land.”
“Let’s say this is a rousing success and people come from all over the world to participate,” Harper prodded. “What happens if the state decides to sell the land when your ten-year lease is up?”
“Then we would have a decision to make,” Harris replied. “If we’re as popular as we think we’re going to be, then we’ll have options to move to other facilities, or even expand to a variety of different locations throughout the state. Once we have money, there’s nothing that says we won’t be able to buy the property ourselves.”
“Oh, that makes sense.”
“It’s honestly what we’re hoping for.” Harris looked up as the sound of squabbling voices became apparent.
Harper internally cringed when she realized who was coming. “Zander is still annoyed about the hair dryer situation,” she offered ruefully.
“Would it help him to hear that I’ll consider putting hair dryers in the bathrooms going forward?” Harris looked hopeful.
“Actually, that will make things worse. Just ... don’t mention that to him. He’s likely to melt down.”
“No problem.”
Jared was a scowling mess when he joined Harper at the table, pressing a kiss to the top of her head before sitting with his plate. “I’ve had it with your best friend.”
Harper smirked and then glanced at his food. “Way to wait for me.”
Jared looked appropriately abashed. “I’m sorry. I assumed you already ate. We took forever in that bathroom. There was a moment when I didn’t think your buddy Zander would ever emerge … at least not alive.”
“I was waiting for you guys.” Harper pushed herself to a standing position. “I guess that’s my cue to get something to eat.”
“Don’t worry about your boys,” Becky called out, her gaze fixated on Jared. “I’ll make sure to keep them entertained while you’re gone.”
“Um ... you do that.” Harper headed to the breakfast line, grabbing a paper plate and loading up on fruit before she surveyed the egg and potato options. She enjoyed a big breakfast, but she had no idea what was on the schedule for today. She didn’t want to risk stuffing herself on carbs if they were going to walk more than a few miles. Ultimately, she took a big helping of eggs and only one spoonful of potatoes. When she reached the toast platter, she found Sam surveying the offerings with his patented dark glare.
“Is everything okay?” Harper asked after a beat. She wasn’t particularly keen on talking to the man, but she didn’t want to experiment with her patience and watch him glare daggers into the toast either.
“What?” Sam jerked his head in her direction, his scowl only deepening.
“I
asked if everything was okay.” Harper glanced around, hoping to find Leslie. At least the other woman would be able to wrangle her husband away from the table. “Where is Leslie?”
“She’s around.” Sam’s scowl was pronounced. “She’s probably off with those other idiots talking about how grand horror movies are. I find the whole thing ridiculous ... and annoying ... and did I mention how bad the food choices are?”
Harper had to fight the urge to tell Sam exactly what she thought of his constant complaints. “I think the food looks pretty good. I haven’t tasted it yet, but I have no complaints so far.”
“Oh, whatever.” Sam rolled his eyes and grabbed two slices of toast. “They don’t even have any rye bread.”
“I’m pretty sure that’s because two people in the state eat rye bread.” Harper grabbed two slices for herself and then sidled away from the man. “I hope the rest of your morning looks up.”
“That seems unlikely.”
Harper was still shaking her head when she reclaimed her seat next to Jared. He looked almost relieved by her return.
“I was about to come looking for you,” he quipped.
“He was,” Zander agreed. “I can vouch for that. Becky was fighting him tooth and nail on that, though.”
Becky’s expression reflected confusion. “What are you talking about?”
“It’s nothing,” Harper reassured the young woman quickly. She sensed the conversation veering toward a cliff. Zander was clearly sowing his oats ... and at Jared’s expense, no less. “They’re just being ... pains.”
Becky’s eyes remained cloudy. “You have a lot of men in your life,” she said finally. “You must feel lucky.”
“Yeah, Heart,” Jared teased as he handed her a small container of jelly. “Do you feel lucky because you have us in your life?”
“Not today.” Harper smiled around the teasing words as she pulled back the corner on the jelly container. “Most days I feel very lucky, though. I can’t deny that.”
Ghostly Camping (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 16) Page 3