Page 68 of From the Start

“I’ll take them.”

“Finally,” she mutters before ringing up the purchase.

My phone rings as I’m walking out of the store.

“Hey, Zane,” I answer.

“Where are you?”

“I’m on my way home from the mainland.”

“Do not pass go. Do not go home. Proceed directly toSmuggler’s Cove.”

“Did we agree to have dinner tonight?”

“Miles is out. You’re in.”

I switch on my engine to begin the drive back to Smuggler’s Hideaway. “What are you talking about?” I ask once the Bluetooth connects.

“Miles has plans. I need a wingman.”

“Dude, I am not playing wingman for you.”

I have no interest in spending any time at a bar or restaurant while Zane hits on women. I love my brother but he is a player. Women are interchangeable to him as long as they smell good and are pretty to look at.

“Why not?” he whines. “You were more fun before you fell for Harper.”

I don’t deny my feelings for Harper. It would be a lie. Besides, I don’t want to deny my feelings. I want the world to know how special Harper is. How honored I am, she’s with me. Even though she’s still fighting it.

“You literally tied me to a chair last week at our monthly poker game because you couldn’t – and I quote here – handle another prank from me.”

“I need my brother.”

“There are six Raider brothers. Pick another one. I’m out.”

I hang up. When he rings back, I ignore it. There’s no use speaking to him since he can’t convince me to go out with him anyway.

I park in front of Harper’s house thirty minutes later. She’s not here but I don’t need her for what I’m doing this afternoon.

“Thank goodness,” Carl says when he opens the door. “I need to run to the store. If Henry doesn’t get his Fruit Loops, he’s a madman.”

“I can go for you,” I offer but he’s already hurrying down the steps.

“The door isn’t a revolving one,” Henry warns. “Close it!”

“Hey, Henry,” I greet when I sit down across from him.

“What are you doing here? Harper’s working.”

“Maybe I came to see you.”

He narrows his eyes at me. “Awful early to ask for her hand in marriage. She won’t acknowledge you as her boyfriend yet.”

I chuckle. “The operative word being yet.”

“You’re a glutton for punishment, aren’t you, boy?”

“Nah. I just know Harper’s worth it.”