Page 13

13

HARPER

B ecause I’m a glutton for punishment, my gaze moves to hers, and the outright glee and enjoyment on her face makes me wish there was a sharp object I could fling myself on to end my existence.

Or at least, give me a momentary reprieve from this abject humiliation until the ambulance arrives.

“Oh, man. What did I miss?” Connor’s head bobs between the three of us, a bag of popcorn in his hands.

Seriously? The little shit actually made popcorn to watch the show?

“I’m warning you, Connor. You can fucking be replaced. There are plenty of talented left-wingers?—”

He drops beside us on the couch and opens his popcorn, completely unfazed by the rage rolling from Ford. “Yeah, but none would be half as cool as me.”

I stare at him in shock.

He hasn’t changed a bit.

But, it’s disconcerting until you get used to him.

He pops a piece of popcorn in his mouth. “And no other guy will deal with your shit like I do.”

Ford snorts again, his hands curling into fists.

His gaze roams over my face before moving back to Ford. “Who are we killing? We can binge-watch some crime docs to ensure it’s the perfect crime with zero evidence left behind.”

He turns to Gram, but Ford cuts him off. “I’m seriously ready to beat the shit outta you, asshole.”

“Hey. That’s my man. I won’t allow it.” Gram smiles at Connor, who makes a kissing noise in her direction.

“This is why I wanted an asteroid to slam through the roof earlier. Now, I’m hoping two of them burst through.” Ford shakes his head, an exasperated sigh coming from him.

“I could get behind that plan,” I say weakly.

“I think that means our romance is forbidden.” Connor pops another piece of popcorn in his mouth and holds the bag out to Gram. “Want some, my steel-haired beauty?”

She bats her eyes. “Don’t mind if I do,” and grabs a handful.

“See what I mean,” Ford mutters in my ear. “Fucking embarrassing.”

“Oh, you’re one to talk. Your ex-girlfriend is sitting on your lap like she’s about to recite her Christmas wish list to Santa.”

My cheeks are on fire.

Gram gives me a huge smirk. “A very naughty Christmas list that I’m sure includes your?—”

“Don’t say it!” Ford holds up his hand.

“Say what? Your dick?” Connor deadpans.

“Is the shovel still in the shed?” A whimper comes from me as my gaze bounces between the three people in this room. I’ve had more humiliation in one night than I’ve experienced in the past three years. “I need to dig my own grave.”

“Hell, no. You’re not digging a damn grave,” Ford snaps.

“Oh, hell, Harper. Ford will never allow that. You can’t escape him that easily.”

Gram laughs. “You’re damn right about that. He’s nothing if not determined.”

“Oh, fuck. Can the two of you just stop?” Ford runs a hand through his hair while the other one digs into my hip.

“Why? This is the most fun I’ve had in years.” Connor throws another handful of popcorn in his mouth, a devious grin on his face.

Ford snorts. “Yeah. Cause it’s at my expense.”

Gram levels me with a mischievous look, but it instantly morphs into concern as she leans closer, her gaze intent. “Harper, honey, are you okay?”

That is the last drop in the bucket before I overflow.

Hysteria rises, my breathing heavy.

My skin flushes, sweat breaking out on the surface.

I shake my head vehemently, closing my eyes and shaking my head.

I can’t get enough oxygen.

Someone threw a rock through my window with a threatening note.

I can’t breathe.

Todd humiliated me in the bar tonight… but it’s certainly not the worst thing he’s done.

Oh, fuck. Is there a python wrapped around my chest?

Gram called me her favorite ex-granddaughter-in-law to-be.

Does that mean Ford really did want a serious, long-term future with me, and I… ruined it?

I’m out of control .

My body is a separate entity from me.

It’s as though I’m floating high above the room, watching this insane shitshow of a comedy-slash-reality show as I sit on Ford’s lap, falling the fuck apart.

“Harper, stay with me.” Ford’s voice is calm in my ear as he grips my hand. “Connor, get her some water. Gram, get her a cool washcloth… or an ice pack.” His voice sounds distant as he barks instructions, sending them from the room.

“Breathe, Harper.” His face is full of concern, but his eyes… Oh, God, the emotion in his eyes.

“In for a count of four and hold… slowly out for a count of eight.”

He demonstrates, and I automatically mimic him, mesmerized by the feral possessiveness mixed with deep devotion in those beautiful orbs.

Ah. Sweet oxygen.

I keep my eyes locked with his, breathing with him.

He’s always coming to my rescue.

Even after all this time apart, he’s still the same Ford I’ve known for nineteen years, doing what he does best. Saving me .

Dread coils inside like a snake.

Deep regret fills me.

I let him go.

Tears prick my eyes as I forget how to breathe, and the oxygen fades again.

Hysteria rises, threatening to overcome me, as spots fill my vision.

“I’m sorry,” I murmur, unable to tell him what I’m sorry for.

I’m sorry I let you go.

I’m sorry I ruined us.

And then the blackness drags me under.