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HARPER

A llie chugged down four glasses of wine before finishing her entrée.

I watch her, knowing she’s bothered about Mark’s text before dinner.

She called me while I was changing.

I put her on speakerphone and let her scream, knowing she needed to get it out.

But apparently, it’s still festering.

Her phone beeps from inside her purse.

She instantly reaches for it, her lips pursing when she sees Mark’s name on the screen. I don’t get a chance to see his message since she’s already shooting to her feet.

“Excuse me. I need to use the restroom.” Allie speed walks toward the bathroom, practically power strutting in those killer heels.

She barely makes it three steps before Connor’s out of the chair and on her heels.

He materializes beside her like he’s been there the whole time, his hand resting lazily in his pocket, a smirk curving his lips. “Bathroom break? I’ll keep you company.”

Her head snaps toward him, eyes flashing. “Are you kidding me?”

“Never, baby.” He winks. “I take my chaperone duties very seriously.”

I hear Allie sputter as she stomps off, Connor hot on her heels.

I exchange a look with Ford. “She never had a chance.”

Ford smirks. “She never did.” He wiggles his brows. “Just like you didn’t.”

Ignoring what he just said, a sigh falls from my lips. “I just… worry about her.”

I relay the conversation Allie and I had before we left my parents’ house. “I’m afraid Mark’s going to hurt her.”

I lower my voice, my eyes darting around, ensuring Allie isn’t around. “I don’t trust him. He’s gone a lot, and plenty of times he said he’d call or text her but didn’t. She waits diligently by her phone… it’s heartbreaking.”

Ford squeezes my thigh. “Connor will pick up the pieces if he does. He may be many things—and I have an extensive list of all his negative traits,” he flashes me a smile. “But he’s also extremely loyal. That’s one of his top traits. And that man goes all in on everything he sets his sights on.”

He takes a drink.

“He’s genuine in everything he does. Scratch beneath his goofball surface, and the man has a heart of pure gold.”

I blink, shocked by his words. “Wait, we’re talking about the same Connor, right?”

“I’ve literally seen him give his shoes to a kid at the community center,” Ford says. “It was freezing, and the kid had a pair of really old, worn shoes. Connor asked the kid what size he wore. He immediately took them off and gave them to the boy.”

Respect shines in Ford’s eyes.

“Now you’re making me really like the big menace.” I blink back the tears, my heart squeezing in my chest.

Ford grins. “He hides his heart behind his goofiness and love for drama. That’s how he deals with everything—humor.”

His eyes move across the restaurant before locking with mine.

“Allie could do a helluva lot worse than Connor. Even though he is a fucking menace.”

I laugh, and the three guys across from us cheer.

“Connor’s the shit,” Jake says.

“Ditto,” Cole and Daltyn say, wide grins on their faces.

I really like these crazy fuckers.

They feel more like family than my own parents.

“I like your teammates,” I whisper in Ford’s ear, my hand grazing his dick. “You’re my absolute favorite, of course.”

“I better be,” he growls, his eyes heating.

A thrill goes through me at the desire lining every inch of his face.

“Be careful, Harper,” he scolds. “If I throw you on this table and fuck you, I’m going to have to kill every fucking person in this restaurant, so no one sees you naked. And that includes my teammates, who I fucking love like my family.”

I laugh, sliding my hand away from his dick. “Down, boy. No need to kill anyone.” I rub his thigh playfully. “I’m just building the anticipation for later.”

He leans in. “I may have you riding my dick before we leave the parking lot.”

I slam my thighs together, heat coursing through my veins.

I like that idea a little too much.

I look up as Allie stiffly walks to the table, her face pink.

Connor is behind her, smirking like he just won the lottery.

Oh, boy. What the hell happened with those two?

I probably should’ve followed her to the restroom, but I seriously doubted that would’ve deterred Connor.

Ford gives me a knowing look, raising his brows, which pretty much cements my thoughts that there was nothing I could’ve done.

“Let’s all go back to the B&B and have a drink,” Daltyn says. “A celebratory toast to the soon-to-be Mr. and Mrs. Brooks.”

Cole bangs his fist on the table. “I second this.”

“Motion carried,” Jake says with a grin. “Let’s get out of here.”

Smiling at Ford, I take his hand, letting him help me up from my chair.

From the corner of my eye, Connor puts his arm around Allie’s shoulders.

She gives him a swift slap on the chest before pushing away and stalking to the door, Connor hot on her heels.

“Just let them go,” Ford says, his voice velvety smooth. “Besides, I want some alone time with my fiancé.”

I giggle, falling in step beside him. “You didn’t propose yet.”

He smirks. “Not yet.” He winks at me. “It’s coming though, hummingbird.”

A thrill goes through me as I wonder if he will do it at the B&B.

It wouldn’t surprise me.

I’m sure his teammates would relish the opportunity to be present for it.

The restaurant door swings shut behind us, and the crisp night air snakes down my spine.

It’s not just the chill making me shiver.

I swear, something is off.

My stomach twists, the hairs on my arms standing on end.

I glance around, scanning the dimly lit parking lot.

But there’s nothing unusual.

It’s just my imagination.

Ford’s warmth wraps around me, his arm sliding over my shoulders. “Cold?”

I nod, but my smile feels tight.

I don’t say anything, hiding the flicker of unease curling in my gut.

I tell myself it’s nothing.

But for a single, fleeting second, I swear someone is watching.