Page 12

12

HARPER

M y muscles ache from the tension coiled inside me as I march up Gram’s porch steps, feeling like I’m heading to my execution.

My breath stutters when I stop in front of the door, my feet refusing to move.

A strong, warm arm wraps around my shoulder, pulling me in.

“It’s okay, Harper.” Ford’s deep voice rumbles beside me, steady and sure.

My eyes dart to his, completely unconvinced.

It’s not okay.

I know Leona Brooks.

I’ve known her for nineteen years.

She can sniff out bullshit from a mile away, and she fiercely protects the people she loves like a feral wolf.

Especially her only grandson.

My knees shake as I search Ford’s gaze, trying to draw from his strength.

He has no idea what it was like the first time I ran into Gram after the breakup.

I still remember it like it was yesterday.

When I came home for the summer, I went to the grocery store to pick up a few things for my parents.

I stood in front of the seasoning, looking for my mom’s favorite brand. Elation filled me when I plucked it from the shelf and put it into my basket.

I turned and nearly slammed into her.

Leona Brooks.

Ford’s Gram.

Her sharp gaze sliced through me, scanning my face with cool calculation.

I froze, gripping my basket like a life raft.

“H-Hi, Gram.”

She pursed her lips, looking me up and down, and said, “Humph.”

Then she pushed her cart right past me, leaving me standing there like an idiot.

She never openly said anything, but the warmth she’d once had for me?

Gone.

Over the years, she softened—just barely—but it was like being dunked in a freezing lake after years of basking in the warmth of her acceptance.

Now, I’m moments away from walking into her house and standing beside her grandson while wearing his damn sweatshirt.

I try to turn around, but Ford tightens his grip.

His breath feathers against my temple as he whispers, “I’ll protect you.”

I nearly melt against him from the deep, feral promise in his voice.

Great.

I’m about to face Gram while being a horny ex-girlfriend wrapped up in her grandson.

God help me.

Ford pushes the door open and ushers me inside.

My eyes fly wide with panic when he mutters curses. “What the hell are you doing here?”

I follow his gaze and stop dead in my tracks.

Sitting in the chair like she’s a mafia queen is Leona Brooks.

And right next to her, sprawled on the couch like he lives here, is Connor freaking Byrns.

Oh. My. Fucking. God.

This is going to be pure torture.

No way.

I can’t do this.

Panic fills me with a desperate urge to escape, but Ford tightens his grip, locking me in place.

Not only can I not escape, but now I’m spiraling because his body is all heat, strength, and dangerous comfort.

Meanwhile, Connor folds his arms behind his head, completely unbothered, and says, “Gram called. Said you were about to go ballistic because something happened to Harper.”

Ford snorts but doesn’t say anything.

Connor props his feet up on the coffee table, his voice casual. “Figured I’d stop by and give moral support.”

Ford growls beside me, the sound vibrating against my chest.

Connor smirks, completely unfazed. “Or, you know, eat popcorn and watch the show. Dramas are my favorite.”

“Jesus Christ,” Ford grumbles.

Gram clicks her tongue, glaring at Ford. “Haven’t I told you not to take the Lord’s name in vain?”

“Sorry, Gram,” Ford murmurs.

Her sharp gaze moves from him to me.

I immediately freeze, my pulse skittering beneath my skin.

Oh, God.

Here comes the humiliation.

“Well, well, well. If it isn’t my favorite ex-granddaughter-in-law-to-be,” she drawls, her voice laced with way too much satisfaction. “Back in my house, wrapped around my grandson. What a coincidence.”

A strangled whimper escapes me.

Oh, God, I’m dying.

Meanwhile, Connor fucking lights up. “Oh, shit.” He leans forward, rubbing his hands together in pure delight. “This is getting good. But hold up, Gram. I need to go grab the popcorn.”

Ford’s tone is murderous. “Connor, I swear to God?—”

Connor grins and points to Gram. “You better watch it, man. You keep swearing at the Lord, she’s gonna be the one smiting your ass.” He winks at Gram, then stands and strolls toward the kitchen. “Be right back.”

I’m mortified.

Meanwhile, Gram just smiles sweetly. “Nice to see you again, Harper.”

My voice barely comes out of my dry mouth. “G-Good to see y-you.”

Ford grumbles something unintelligible before whispering, “Come on. Let’s sit down.”

He practically drags me to the other end of the couch.

To my utter shock, he plops into the seat and pulls me onto his lap.

My first thought?

Oh, fuck. I’m gonna crush him.

My second?

Oh my God. His hard dick is beneath me.

Has it grown since the last time I saw him?

At what age does a man’s dick stop growing?

Should I Google it?

I stiffen as I feel Gram’s hawk-like gaze drilling into me.

Oh, hell. She knows what I’m thinking!