Page 42 of From the Start

I wink. “Don’t worry. I’ll convince you otherwise.”

“Kai,” she growls.

I help her down from the kitchen counter. “Let me get the paperwork. It’s a lot, but there’s a helpline if you get stuck or I can drive you to the nearest VA office to get their help.”

She slaps my chest. “Stop being nice. It’s annoying.”

“You wish it was annoying.” I wink at her before sauntering out of the kitchen.

I nearly collide with Henry, who’s sitting in his wheelchair near the kitchen table. He gives me a thumbs-up.

“You can give the paperwork to Carl,” Harper shouts from the kitchen.

She thinks she can avoid me. It’s cute. There’s no way I’ll let her avoid me, especially since I’ve managed to crack the ice around her heart wide open. She’ll try repairing the crack but I’ll chisel it away bit by bit until she realizes there’s no need to protect herself from me.

Chapter 13

“I hate being wrong.” ~ Harper

Harper

“Good afternoon, Harper,” Carl greets when I let him into the house.

“Dad’s taking a nap. His pain meds knocked him out. I’m late for work but if you need anything, call me. My cell number and the number for the bar are on the refrigerator.”

“I’ve got everything under control. I’ll see you when you get off work.”

“It’ll be late.”

“Yes, I understand a bar owner doesn’t get off work at five in the afternoon.”

I ignore the obvious sarcasm and barrel on. “I made the bed in the guest room up in case you want to sleep. You don’t need to stay up if Dad’s in bed.”

He squeezes my shoulder. “I promise everything will be okay.”

I hesitate. This is my first time leaving Carl alone with Dad. We spent the day yesterday going over Dad’s routine and getting to know each other.

I know Carl is competent – I might have insisted he show me his qualifications – but this is my dad. I’ve never left him alone with anyone for more than an hour – let alone a stranger from the mainland.

“Harper, go to work.”

I bite my bottom lip. I should be the one to stay with Dad. He’s my responsibility. What kind of person am I, leaving the care of my family to a stranger?

“You can always have one of your nosey neighbors check on me if you’re worried.”

“I don’t have nosey neighbors.”

It’s a lie. My neighbors are totally nosey. In fact, Jade is peeking through her garage window at us now. I wave to her and she gives me a thumbs-up.

I notice the time. I’m late. I can’t stand in the doorway all day. No one wins then.

“I’m going,” I say and manage to drag myself out the door.

I arrive at work five minutes later. Five minutes. I can be home in five minutes if Dad needs me. If Carl flakes and runs off. Although, the more likely scenario is Dad chasing Carl off.

My phone beeps with a message from Stud Muffin. Stud Muffin? I don’t have anyone listed in my contacts under Stud Muffin.

How is Carl working out?