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“Please do! I’m crushing so hard. I feel like a teenager again.” She leans closer, lowering her voice. “You know what he said the first time he saw me?”
“Did he ask if you fell from heaven?” I glance at the stacks of fabric littering my living room—a reminder of how much work I have to do.
“No. He said he’d waited his entire life to find me.” She beams, lost in the memory.
“That’s sweet,” I reply, understanding that emotion deeply. It’s what I searched for and found in Asher. “And how did you feel?” I ask, genuinely curious.
Her grin widens. “Flattered! We walked through the gallery together and shared things about ourselves for hours. At the end ofthe night, he kissed me and then asked me out. Tonight was a dream, Billie. I’m floating on cloud nine.”
“I’m so happy for you, Harp,” I assure her, sincerity filling my chest. It’s been ages since I’ve seen her this alive—years, possibly a decade.
“I might invite him to London for the show. Be my plus-one!” A giddy smile spreads across her face.
“Let’s discuss it when you’re not toasted,” I tease. “Tipsy Harper sometimes makes questionable decisions.”
She leans forward and pulls me into a tight hug. She smells like cotton candy. “I make smart ones too! Oh shit! What time is it?”
“Close to one in the morning,” I yawn, stretching as fatigue threatens to pull me under.
“Oh no. It’s late! I should go.” She pulls away. “Can we meet up soon? I’ve missed you.”
I roll my eyes playfully. “Oh hush. You see me nearly every day.”
“Okay, but seeing CEO you and hanging with my best friend are two totally different things,” she insists.
“We’ll plan something when we’re back from London.”
Harper stands, still glowing with excitement about her latest crush, and I can’t help but feel hope for her. I hope he’s the one. No man has been worthy of her heart before—at least none that I’ve met. She deserves someone who sees her brilliance and beauty, who will protect her kind soul.
She gives me another tight squeeze, and her warmth seeps into my bones like sunshine.
“I love you, sister,” she says.
“I love you too,” I reply, opening the door to find Brody still where I left him.
He’s like a gargoyle, a silent guardian standing watch.
Harper glances at him as she heads toward the elevator.
I move closer to Brody, lowering my voice like we’re sharing a secret. “What’s going on?”
“I don’t trust Micah,” he says, tension lacing his words, his brow furrowed.
“Is he dangerous?” My heart races as a knot forms in my stomach.
Brody doesn’t answer, but his silence speaks volumes.
“Don’t let her out of your sight,” I demand, urgency rising within me. “That’s an order. I’ll talk to Easton and Weston tomorrow about it. I’ll call Zane.”
“You’re my responsibility. Not Harper,” he says firmly, his voice steady, but his expression is concerned.
“Please,” I nearly beg, my voice softening as vulnerability creeps in. “I need you to keep her safe. I’ll be at work for another eighteen hours tomorrow and then home. Asher will be with me.”
“Okay.” Brody nods and walks away, leaving me leaning against the door, trying to regain my composure.
I move back to my bedroom, where Asher sits at the edge of the bed. His presence grounds me as my mind tangles with thoughts. As I approach him, he wraps his arms around me, pulling me close, as if he can shield me from it all. When we’re alone like this, it’s easy for me to believe.
“What’s going on?” he asks.