Page 38

38

HARPER

“ I rented a room at the Serene Lake B&B.” Allie looks at me before casting a sidelong look at Connor. “He’s not staying there, is he?”

I look over at Connor, standing next to Ford, his eyes glued to Allie.

Ford’s right. The way he’s looking at Allie… she’s definitely in his crosshairs.

“No, he’s been hanging out at Gram’s.”

Allie gives me a look, her brows raised almost to her hairline. “I’ve gotta admit, the things you told me seem… unconventional.”

Ford is busy staring at me like I’m the air he breathes.

“I mean, the guy is a little… intense.”

A smile curls my lips. “He is, but… I love him, Allie. Ford and I… well, we have a history. He understands me in a way no one else does.”

She snorts. “Yes, he’s obsessed and stalks you.”

I swallow hard.

Thank God I didn’t go into detail about him kidnapping and handcuffing me.

She wouldn’t understand.

Hell, I’m not sure I understand it.

I just know how he makes me feel. It’s a high, an addiction I can’t get enough of.

“He adores me and would do anything to keep me safe and happy. He wants what’s best for me.”

Allie turns her blue eyes to me. “As long as you’re happy. That’s all that matters.”

My smile bursts free. “I’m really happy.”

She pulls me into her arms, hugging me tight. “That’s all I want for you.” She steps back, admiring me. “I can’t wait to go shopping for your dress. And mine.”

“Are you good with navy? I was thinking navy and orange. You know I love Tiger Lily’s.”

“Oh, that will be gorgeous. And I love navy.”

“We’ll have a larger wedding later, but for now…” I shrug, my gaze moving to Ford. “We don’t wanna wait.”

Ford will not wait.

He was ready to marry me yesterday.

“Are you really gonna quit your job and move to Boston to be with the team?”

I nod, my spirits dampening at the thought of not being close to Allie.

“Yes.” My voice comes out shakier than I intended.

“Well, then, I’m just going to have to get a job in Boston.”

My eyes fly wide. “Oh my God. Seriously?”

She nods. “Mark travels a lot, so he can fly in and see me anywhere I choose to live.”

Her gaze is slightly over my shoulder, not meeting my eyes, which makes me wonder about her and Mark.

She’s convinced she needs someone solid because her childhood was chaotic. Her dad was in the military, and her mom was an actress, so she traveled a lot and didn’t have “roots.”

I worry that she’s settling for Mark only because she craves stability.

She scowls, and I follow her gaze to Connor.

He gives her a cocky smile, and she rolls her eyes, turning her back to him.

He’s getting under her skin.

“I don’t want to uproot your life.” I bite my lip, trying and failing to suppress my smile. “But I’d love it if you lived near me.”

“You’re like the sister I never had, Harper. Of course, I want to be near you.” Her expression brightens. “I’m gonna search online and see what I can?—”

“I’m going to be your personal escort, Allie.” Connor appears behind her, a bright smile on his handsome face. “I’ll lead you to wherever you’re staying, and then I can pick you up for dinner.”

“I can find my way to the B&B and the restaurant just fine.” She looks down at the hockey stick in his hand, cringing. “Can you put that thing away? I just know I’m going to have nightmares of you beheading me with it.”

Connor smirks. “Already dreaming about me, baby.”

She scoffs, her eyes widening. “No. And don’t call me baby.”

She flips a lock of her silky light brown hair over her shoulder, scowling at Connor.

He rolls his eyes. “I’ll escort you to the B&B. Baby. ”

She fumes at him. “I’m gonna hit you with the hockey stick.”

I press my lips together, leaning against Ford when he slides his arm around me.

When I look up at his amused expression, I nearly lose it.

“Oh, baby. Kinky. I’m into it.” Connor turns around, sticking his ass out and wiggling it. “Beat me, baby.”

I can’t suppress my laughter anymore.

I turn my face into Ford’s shirt, cracking up at Connor’s crazy antics and the incredulous expression on Allie’s face before it turns to pure annoyance. “Trust me, jackass, you won’t like the way I beat you.”

Connor turns around, his hand on his chest. “I can assure you, I will. In fact, I’m honored that you’d choose to implement your dominatrix abilities on me.”

“Doma—what the hell is wrong with you?” she splutters, shaking her head. “You need counseling.”

“And you can be my therapist.” He hooks his arm around hers, tugging her toward her vehicle. “We’ll see you at the restaurant.”

“Let go of me. I already said I’m?—”

“You can say whatever you want, gorgeous. I’m not listening.” Connor raises the hockey stick in the air, a victorious smile on his face.

Allie gives me a look of utter astonishment.

I just shrug, knowing there’s no stopping Connor.

“She’s done for.” Ford laughs, shaking his head. “Connor won’t let up until she’s his.”

“I hope he doesn’t kidnap her. It wouldn’t shock me, though.”

Ford’s head is in my hair, breathing me in. “You liked it, hummingbird. Don’t lie.”

My cheeks heat, and I open my mouth to argue, but his smirk is already growing.

“No use fighting it,” he murmurs, brushing his lips over my temple. “You like when I take what’s mine.”

I turn, wrapping my arms around his waist and staring up at his face. “I do. But if you tell anyone I told you that?—”

His finger presses against my lip. “It’s our secret. Spouse honor.”

I laugh, my brows raising. “Spouse honor?”

“Like Scout’s honor but between spouses.”

“We aren’t married yet, Ford.”

He tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Not by my choice. I’d marry you right now?—”

“No. I want a wedding with our crazy friends.”

“Speaking of, you’re gonna need a few more bridesmaids.”

I look up at him, a smile on my face. “I’ve got it covered. My friends from high school said they’d do it when I messaged them earlier.” I cock my head. “Is Daltyn gonna be in it?”

“Yup.”

Ford nods, wrapping his arm around me and leading me to Gram’s vehicle. “I’m so fucking excited to marry you. I wish we were doing it tomorrow.”