Page 14

14

FORD

I stare at her beautiful face, anguish rolling through me in waves.

Harper lies in my arms, long lashes resting on her cheek, passed out.

I check her breathing and her pulse again.

Relief buzzes through me when I feel her soft breath on my face and the faint humming of her pulse.

“Harper,” my voice cracks as I gently shake her. “Come on. Wake up.” My body temperature shoots up as panic races through me. “Please.”

I feel Connor beside me, but I don’t look up.

Gram’s quiet footsteps stop in front of me. “Ford. Raise her legs above her heart.”

Connor sets the water on the table, taking care of putting her legs on the back of the couch. “I gotcha, bud.”

“Thanks.” I glance at him briefly before returning my attention to her.

A slight moan comes from her lips.

“Harper?”

Long lashes flutter a few times before opening, locking onto mine. “F-Ford?”

She starts to move, but I plant my hands on her. “No. Take it easy. You fainted.”

After you looked at me with hurt and regret in your eyes, just like you did when you broke up with me.

Her whispered apology rings in my ears, but I can’t ask her about it.

Not yet.

She blinks at me a few times, licking her dry lips. “I-I just got… overwhelmed.”

My hand smooths her hair back from her face. “It happens.”

“Not to you.”

Connor snorts, sitting beside me. “You’d be surprised.”

“He’s not as tough as he looks.” Gram peers down at Harper. “In fact, he can be a real wimp at times.”

“Gram.” My tone is a warning.

Of course, she ignores me. “You’re stronger than he is. He can be a little bitch. Remember that time you had your period and bled through your pants? Ford almost fainted.”

Harper’s lips curve in a smile, a laugh blooming from them.

“Gram. I was fifteen and scared of the female body and that type of… stuff.”

Connor snorts. “I have two sisters and a mom. You wouldn’t have survived in my household. They all ragged at the same time.”

I look over at him, frowning.

He rolls his eyes. “Still happens whenever they all come to visit. It’s like their female clocks sync up. They get bitchy and scary. I throw chocolate at them and leave.”

The color returns to Harper’s face.

She laughs, shaking her head. “That’s usually how it happens. Chocolate is smart.”

Gram pats Harper’s hand. “Ford, lift her head slightly. I’ll put this ice pack behind your neck, Harper. It should revive you a little. Then we’ll get some water in you.”

Once Gram slides the ice pack beneath her neck, I position her on it. “I’ll sit you up and have you drink some water in a couple of minutes.”

She nods, a soft sigh coming from her. “I’m sorry I fainted and scared you guys. I’m probably dehydrated… with everything going on.”

“Don’t apologize, honey. These things happen.” Gram squeezes her hand, and the two exchange a smile that warms my heart.

My gaze is on Harper as Gram shuffles back to her chair.

She looks decidedly better and more relaxed.

Certainly more relaxed than I feel.

While I’m grateful she’s conscious and talking again, my heart is still racing, worry thrumming beneath my skin.

“Let’s sit you up.”

Connor gets up while I lower her legs.

I slowly help her sit up and then open and give her the bottle of water. “Sip slowly.”

“This has all the beginnings of a great romance movie.” Connor winks at me.

“Shut the hell up,” I growl, not wanting to scare Harper and have her faint again.

“Maybe I should faint, and you can give me mouth-to-mouth.” Gram gives Connor a shit-eating grin.

“I’ve got you, my blue-eyed vixen.”

“I should run into the wall and knock myself out, so I’m not subjected to this.” I scowl at Connor and Gram.

They’re not at all bothered by it.

“Maybe I need to faint again,” Harper jokes.

I squeeze her hand, my lips brushing her ear. “Please don’t. You had me worried.”

“So what’s the plan tonight? Is Harper staying here?” Gram asks.

My gaze drops to Harper. “I think it’s for the best. It’s not safe after that rock was thrown through your window.”

“Rock? Someone threw a rock through her window?” Gram’s voice raises, anger lacing every word.

Harper nods. “I woke up to glass splintering and the thud of something hitting the floor. I felt the breeze blowing through the broken window.”

She lifts a shaky hand to her hair, and I spot the gauze I insisted on putting on it after I cleaned it at her house.

“I cut myself on a shard when I grabbed my phone.” She holds up her bandaged hand. “I got up and found a rock with a note wrapped around it. I was scared to death as I crept to the window, trying not to step on any glass, but I didn’t see anyone or anything.”

“They probably threw it and ran. What did the note say?” Connor asks.

She trembles, and I grab her, pulling her into my embrace.

My voice is low when I answer. “This isn’t over.”

“Sounds like someone has a vendetta against her.” Connor’s eyes move to Gram. “I’ll sleep here tonight to help keep Harper safe.”

“Oh, you don’t have to. I don’t wanna put you out.” Harper’s brows furrow, worry lining her face.

Connor pats her hand. “You’re not. Besides, if someone would be stupid enough to come after you here, Ford will fucking kill him, and I need to keep the team’s best player out of prison.”

A smile curves her lips. “Always worried about hockey first, huh?”

“You know it. That’s why I’m single.”

I snort. “Lies. No girl can stand him long enough to date him. He annoys the shit outta them, and they leave.”

Connor laughs. “Fuck you, man.”

I grin at him. “I speak the truth.”

My gaze moves to Gram. “I’ll put her in the guest room across from mine.”

There’s a twinkle in her eyes, but I pretend not to notice.

I know what she’s thinking, and she isn’t wrong.

I’ll be in that room with Harper tonight.

There’s no fucking way I’m leaving her alone.