Page 12
Four hours later, having thanked her friends for their company and bidden them goodbye, Harper pulled up to the inn in her brand new, shiny, cherry red Mustang. She'd been a bit disappointed that it hadn't been immediately available as a convertible; she'd have had to wait a week or more if she wanted a convertible in this color. However, Katerina pointed out that a convertible wasn't entirely appropriate for the heavy winters they had here in New York. Which, she supposed, was a fair point. Still, she liked the bright, cheerful color of it, and the cream-colored interior, which wasn't going to soak up the summer heat the way black would.
She parked in the small parking lot behind the inn, and got out of the car, standing back to admire it.
Her head turned at an enthusiastic whistle, and she spotted Angus lounging in the entryway, his eyes fixed appreciatively on the vehicle. "Sweet ride!"
She grinned, feeling a glow of pride. "Yep! It's actually my first new car. My old one, that I sold when I left San Francisco, I bought used from my older sister when I graduated from college."
"For a first ever new car, you did good."
"I also found an apartment, I've got an application in. They have to run the credit check and references, but I should know tomorrow if I'm approved." She scrunched up her nose. "I can't think why I wouldn't be. But, I don't want to jinx it by thinking it's a sure thing."
"That's wise," Angus observed with a nod. "You have anything you need brought up to your room?"
"No, it's just me and my purse," she said. "But thanks for asking."
"Sure thing." With a friendly nod, he headed inside.
Her hand poised to grasp the ornate doorknob of the inn door, she paused as the sudden trill of her phone shattered the quiet evening air. She fumbled in her purse, pulling it out. Her breath caught in her throat when Nathan's name illuminated the screen, a mix of excitement and nervousness flooding through her veins. For a moment, she stood frozen, torn between answering the call and following Angus inside.
"Hello?" she answered, trying to keep her voice steady.
"Hi Harper, it's Nathan." His warm voice flowed through the speaker, sending a flutter through her chest. "I was wondering if you'd like to go out for that dinner we talked about?"
A thrill ran through her, electrifying every nerve ending. Harper's grip on the phone tightened as she fought to keep her voice steady. "Yes, I'd love to!" she exclaimed, her words tumbling out in a rush of excitement.
"Great!" Nathan's enthusiasm was palpable, matching her own. "I could pick you up if you'd like? Say about an hour and a half? That should give us both time to get ready."
"Actually," Harper said, a hint of pride in her voice, "I can meet you there in my new car."
Nathan's warm laugh came through the phone. "A new car? That's exciting! Alright then, how about Mama Mia's Italian Restaurant? It's on 5th and Main."
"Sounds perfect," Harper replied, her heart fluttering with anticipation. "I'll meet you there at seven." She paused, savoring the moment before adding, "I'm really looking forward to it, Nathan."
"I can hardly wait to meet your new car," Nathan teased.
Harper grinned. "Her name is Lucia, and you'd better think she's a beauty."
Nathan chuckled, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "You named your car? That's adorable." His voice held a mix of amusement and endearment, as if Harper's quirk had somehow made her even more charming in his eyes. The warmth in his tone carried through the phone, wrapping around Harper like a cozy blanket on a chilly evening.
"Hey, don't mock Lucia," Harper retorted playfully. "She might decide not to start for you someday."
"I wouldn't dream of it," Nathan said, still laughing. "I'll see you soon, Harper."
As she hung up, Harper couldn't stop smiling. She had a date with Nathan, and she was going to drive there in her beautiful new car. Things were looking up.
Harper rushed upstairs to her room, her heart racing with excitement. She flung open her closet door, rifling through her dresses until she found the perfect one - a deep gold that complemented her foxy-red hair.
Harper laid the shimmering dress carefully across her bed, smoothing out any wrinkles with her palm. The silk-blend fabric caught the mid-afternoon light streaming through her window, making the deep green shimmer.
In the bathroom, she turned the shower knobs until steam began to rise. As she stepped under the hot spray, she closed her eyes and let the water cascade over her shoulders, washing away the tension from apartment hunting and the hours spent at the auto dealership waiting on all the paperwork… and waiting… and waiting. The inn's excellent water pressure worked magic on her muscles.
Faster, Reyna complained. We want our mate.
"Patience," Harper murmured, working her favorite shampoo through her thick curls. "We want to look nice for him."
Reyna subsided, sulking.
Stepping out of the shower, Harper wrapped herself in a fluffy inn towel and started the hair dryer. She worked methodically, using her round brush to smooth her natural curls into glossy waves past her shoulders.
She kept her makeup subtle - just enough concealer to even out her fair complexion and hide the light dusting of freckles across her nose, a sweep of mascara to emphasize her amber eyes, and a touch of rose-tinted lip gloss. She didn't want to look too made up, preferring a natural appearance that wouldn't run or smear during dinner.
Look good for mate, Reyna approved as Harper studied her reflection.
Harper rolled her eyes, moving to the bed. She slipped the dress on, smoothing the smooth, shiny fabric over her slender curves.
A pair of low heels completed the outfit, adding just enough height to make her feel elegant without sacrificing comfort. Harper fastened a delicate silver necklace around her neck and slid matching earrings into place.
Turning to the mirror, she paused to stare. The woman looking back at her seemed to glow from within, happiness radiating from every pore. The prospect of seeing Nathan again had added an extra sparkle to her amber eyes.
Inside her, Reyna, her fox, was practically bouncing with joy. Mate! the fox yelped, her excitement palpable. See mate!
Harper chuckled, running a brush through her hair one last time. "Calm down, Reyna. It's just dinner."
But even as she said it, she knew it wasn't true. This was so much more than just dinner.
With a final glance in the mirror, Harper grabbed her purse and headed downstairs. She slid into Lucia's leather seat, the new car smell still lingering in the air. The engine purred to life, and Harper set off towards the restaurant, butterflies dancing in her stomach.
As Harper eased Lucia into a vacant spot in the parking lot, her heart skipped a beat when she spotted Nathan waiting outside the restaurant. He cut an impressive figure, standing tall and handsome in neatly pressed dark brown pants and a cream shirt that accentuated his broad shoulders and lean physique. The soft glow of the evening sun caught in his tousled sandy hair, giving him an almost ethereal appearance. When his eyes found her, his gaze warmed instantly, a smile spreading across his face like sunshine breaking through clouds.
Harper's breath caught in her throat, a flutter of nerves and excitement dancing in her stomach. Reyna's excited yips echoed in her mind, a chorus of " Mate! Mate! " that only intensified the butterflies. With slightly trembling hands, she smoothed down her dress and stepped out of the car, her eyes locked on Nathan's.
His eyes lit up with genuine warmth, and he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. Without a word, he gently laid his hand against her cheek, his touch soft and reverent. Harper's breath caught in her throat, her skin tingling where his fingers met her face. For a moment, time seemed to stand still, the world narrowing to just the two of them.
Nathan's hand slid down to grasp hers, their fingers intertwining naturally. "Shall we?" he asked, his voice low and intimate. Harper nodded, not trusting herself to speak. Together, they walked into the restaurant, the warmth of Nathan's hand in hers a comforting anchor.
They studied their menus, trading glances that made Harper's heart flutter and her neck flush. Candlelight danced across Nathan's features. After they ordered their meals, he leaned in, brown eyes bright with interest. "So, how did your apartment hunting go?" he asked.
Harper perked up, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh, it went really well!" she exclaimed, her voice brimming with enthusiasm. "I put in an application for this lovely place. It's an upstairs apartment with the most beautiful view of the woods." Her gaze drifted momentarily, as if picturing the scene in her mind. "The sunlight filters through the leaves, creating this magical dappled effect on the floor. I'm hoping to hear back tomorrow if I'm accepted."
Nathan listened intently, his eyes sparkling with genuine interest as Harper described her potential new home.
"That sounds perfect for you," he said, his warm smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "The view of the woods must be breathtaking. I can almost picture you sitting by the window, basking in that dappled sunlight." He paused, considering for a moment. "When do you move in if you get it? I'd be happy to help if you need an extra pair of hands."
Harper wrinkled her nose. "My furniture and belongings won't be here for another week," she said. "The moving van is on its way, but they have other stops to make along the way. I was so desperate to get out of California, I hired a professional moving company to not only load up my belongings and transport them out here, but they packed everything up on that end as well. I just handed them my keys and got on a plane. On this end, though, they'll unload everything from the van. All I have to do is say where I want the furniture, and all the boxes are marked which rooms they go in. But I'm on my own for the actual unpacking."
Nathan's eyes twinkled with mischief, a grin spreading across his face as an idea sparked in his mind. He leaned forward conspiratorially, his sandy brown hair falling slightly over his forehead. "You know what? You should have an unpacking party," he suggested, his voice low and playful. "Invite Jacinth, Katerina, and Becca. It'll be a great way to settle in and get to know everyone better." He paused, his warm brown eyes dancing with humor. "I'll even volunteer as a martyred sacrifice to help place things up high that you ladies can't reach. My long arms might as well be put to good use, right?"
Harper's eyes lit up at the idea, her initial hesitation melting away like snow in spring sunshine. "That's brilliant!" she exclaimed, her smile matching Nathan's infectious grin. Excitement bubbled up inside her, chasing away the last traces of uncertainty. "And I could ask Kester to bring some pans of Greek food from Kazakis Restaurant. Oh, the moussaka and spanakopita would be perfect!" Her mind raced with possibilities, imagining the warmth of new friendships mingling with the enticing aromas of Mediterranean cuisine. The prospect of turning this empty space into a home filled with laughter and shared meals suddenly seemed not just possible, but wonderfully inevitable.
The waitress approached their table, carrying two steaming plates. "Here we go," she announced. "Chicken marsala?" She looked between them questioningly.
"That's mine," Harper said, inhaling the rich aroma of mushrooms and wine sauce as the plate was set before her. Her stomach rumbled in anticipation.
"And the veal parmesan for you, sir." The waitress placed Nathan's dish in front of him with practiced efficiency.
"Thank you," Harper told her warmly. The presentation was beautiful - tender chicken breast nestled on a bed of pasta, the marsala sauce glossy and dotted with perfectly sautéed mushrooms. Fresh parsley added a pop of vibrant green.
Smells good , Reyna approved, though the fox would have preferred her meat much rarer.
The waitress topped off their water glasses. "Can I get you anything else?"
"No, thank you. This looks perfect," Harper replied. She picked up her fork, the weight of it solid and reassuring in her hand. The rich aromas wafting up from her plate made her mouth water.
The waitress smiled and stepped away, leaving them to enjoy their meals. Harper carefully spread her napkin across her lap, sneaking a glance at Nathan. The candlelight caught the warm highlights in his sandy hair as he arranged his own napkin. Such an ordinary gesture, and yet it made her heart flutter.
"So," Nathan said. "What will we drink with our Greek feast? I could bring beer, and some of my favorite craft ales. We can pair them with the Greek dishes."
"Oh no, you don't," Harper cut him off, wagging a finger playfully. "You're already helping unpack. You're not bringing anything else."
Nathan's laughter mingled with hers, warm and rich against her lighter tones. As their amusement faded to content smiles, he leaned forward, elbows resting on the smooth surface of the table. His brown eyes, flecked with gold in the light, fixed on her with keen interest.
"How was your first week at work?" he asked, genuine interest coloring his voice.
Harper's smile faded, her gaze dropping to her plate. She pushed a piece of pasta around with her fork, suddenly finding the intricate swirls of the sauce fascinating.
Nathan's brow furrowed, concern etching deep lines across his forehead. His eyes, warm and attentive, searched Harper's face for clues to her sudden change in mood. "Harper?" he pressed gently, his voice soft but insistent, a mix of worry and genuine care coloring his tone. "The hostile harpies again?"
She sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly, and the fork in her hand clinked against the plate as she set it down, her appetite seemingly vanishing. "They're not giving up. In fact, they're getting worse," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.
His hand squeezed hers tighter, his thumb moving in comforting circles as she spoke. "That's awful. Harper, I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Have you spoken to your manager about it?"
Harper shook her head, her eyes downcast. "That's the worst part. I can't," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the gentle clink of cutlery around them. "I'd look and feel like an idiot, complaining about such trivial, petty things." She raised her gaze to meet Nathan's, her amber eyes filled with a mixture of frustration and resignation. "It would make me look childish, and worse than them. It's a no-win situation, and I have no idea how to cope."
Nathan's brow furrowed deeper, his concern evident in the tightening of his jaw.
Harper continued, her words tumbling out in a rush, "All I can do is keep my head down and do my job, and hope they'll lose interest in me." She paused, taking a deep breath before adding, "I've tried to minimize the damage they can do. There are lockers in the employee break room, and I have a good lock for mine, and I got a cooler for my lunch that will fit in there. And I keep my pens locked away when I leave my desk. That kind of thing." Her shoulders slumped slightly. "It's all I can think of to do."
Nathan's grip on her hand tightened, his thumb tracing soothing circles on her skin. The warmth of his touch seemed to ground her. Harper shook her head, stopping he before he could speak.
"It's okay," she said, her voice steadier now. "Despite everything, I actually love my job. The clients I work with as a personal finance advisor... it's so rewarding to help them." She paused, her expression brightening as she considered the positive aspects of her work. "There's something incredible about guiding people through their financial journeys, seeing them achieve their goals. It makes all the other stuff... well, not worth it exactly, but bearable."
Her face lit up as she spoke about her work, the earlier distress melting away. "There's this couple I'm helping plan for their retirement. They thought they'd never be able to stop working, but we've found a way to make it happen in just ten years. Seeing their relief, their hope... it makes all the other stuff trivial."
They both stilled as their waitress approached with a warm smile. She deftly collected their empty plates, her movements practiced and efficient.
"Can I interest either of you in dessert tonight?" she asked, her voice cheerful and inviting.
Harper shook her head, a rueful smile on her face. "Oh, I couldn't possibly," she said, patting her stomach gently. "Everything was delicious, but I'm absolutely stuffed."
Nathan glanced at Harper, his eyes twinkling. "How about an after-dinner coffee?" he suggested. "It might be nice to linger a bit longer."
Harper bit her lower lip, hesitation clear in her amber eyes. "I don't know," she said slowly, her brow furrowing slightly. "I was hoping to get to sleep before midnight. Caffeine this late, even though it's barely evening, might keep me up."
The waitress, offered another option. "If I may suggest," she interjected smoothly, "we have an excellent limoncello. It's an Italian aperitif that also serves as a digestif. It's kind of a two-in-one – an after-dinner drink and a dessert rolled into one. We serve it chilled, and it's meant to be sipped slowly and savored."
Nathan's eyebrows arched with genuine interest, his warm brown eyes sparkling as he turned to Harper. "That sounds intriguing," he mused, a hint of excitement in his voice. "I've heard of limoncello, but never knew exactly what it was. What do you think? Want to give it a try? It could be a delightful new experience for both of us."
Harper's amber eyes lit up with a mixture of curiosity and anticipation, her earlier hesitation melting away. She tucked a strand of foxy-red hair behind her ear, considering the option. "You know, that does sound nice," she agreed, nodding with growing enthusiasm. "I've never had limoncello before, either. It's always fun to try something new, especially with good company." A shy smile played at the corners of her lips as she added, "Let's do it. Who knows? We might discover a new favorite."
"Excellent choice," the waitress beamed. "I'll bring that right out for you both."
The waitress returned moments later, carrying a small tray with two delicate glasses filled with a pale yellow liquid. She set them down carefully in front of Harper and Nathan, the chilled glasses already beading with condensation.
"Enjoy your limoncello," she said with a warm smile before retreating to give them privacy.
Harper lifted her glass, eyeing the golden liquid curiously. She brought it to her lips, inhaling the bright, citrusy aroma before taking a cautious sip. Her eyes widened in surprise and delight.
"Oh, wow," she exclaimed softly, savoring the taste. "It's like... a thick lemonade, but so much sweeter. And there's no tartness at all." She took another sip, feeling the warmth spread through her chest as she swallowed. "It's kind of warm going down, too. It's lovely."
Nathan nodded in agreement "It's delicious," he agreed, his voice low and appreciative.
Harper leaned in closer, her amber eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief as her voice dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. "Reyna likes it too," she confided. A look of slight confusion crossed her face, her brow furrowing as she processed an unexpected commentary from her alter ego. "She says... it's like being in her den?" Harper paused, tilting her head to one side as she considered the peculiar comment. "That's a bit odd, isn't it?" she mused, her freckled nose wrinkling in puzzlement. The warmth of the limoncello lingered on her tongue, mingling with the newfound coziness that seemed to envelop her from within.
Nathan's brow furrowed slightly, but a smile played at the corners of his mouth. "That is a bit strange," he agreed, his voice equally soft. "But I suppose if Reyna's happy, that's a good thing, right?"
Harper nodded, taking another sip of the limoncello. The warmth spread through her, a sense of contentment settling over her. It was a good feeling, knowing that both she and Reyna were enjoying this moment. She couldn't quite explain the connection between the sweet, citrusy drink and a fox's den, but the overall sensation was pleasant and comforting.
As they continued to sip their drinks, Harper found herself relaxing more, the earlier tension from discussing her work problems melting away. The limoncello seemed to create a bubble of warmth and contentment around them, making the rest of the restaurant fade into the background.
Harper set down her empty glass, a pleasant warmth spreading through her limbs. The evening had flown by, and exhaustion from her busy day was starting to creep in. Between apartment hunting, car shopping, and this wonderful dinner with Nathan, she'd barely had a moment to catch her breath.
"I should probably head back to the inn," she said reluctantly, stifling a yawn behind her hand. "It's been quite a day."
Nathan nodded, his brown eyes soft with understanding. "Of course. Let me walk you to your car."
Outside, the evening air had cooled, carrying the sweet scent of blooming jasmine. Harper's new Mustang gleamed under the streetlights, its cherry-red paint still pristine and perfect.
"That is a beautiful car," Nathan said, admiring the sleek lines. "You chose well."
"Thanks." Harper fumbled in her purse for her keys, suddenly shy. The evening had been magical, and she didn't want it to end. But exhaustion tugged at her edges, and she knew she needed rest.
"I have to be at the music school all day tomorrow," Nathan said, running a hand through his sandy hair. "It's open enrollment, so it'll be chaos. But... maybe we could text?"
Harper's heart fluttered. "I'd like that," she said softly. "A lot."
They stood there for a moment, the silence comfortable between them. Finally, Nathan leaned down and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek. "Goodnight, Harper," he whispered, his breath warm against her skin.
"Goodnight, Nathan," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Inside her, Reyna gave a contented sigh. Good mate, the fox approved drowsily.
Harper slid into her car, watching in the rearview mirror as Nathan walked to his own vehicle. Her cheek still tingled where he'd kissed her, and despite her exhaustion, she couldn't stop smiling all the way back to the inn.