I closed my eyes, which itched like hell after days of wearing my extended wear contacts. I was responsible when it came to everything else in life but staying routine with my lenses was always far from my mind. Especially since the last few days—being my brother, who had perfect vision—called for nothing but my contacts.
Tomorrow was going to be a long day of playing catch-up at the office. Between last night’s practice and the game this evening, I hadn’t even touched some of the accounts that needed my attention. And it was only a matter of time before the clients noticed.
And my bosses.
I twisted between the sheets as Harper’s face came to mind, and I tried to shake it. My chest already heavy with the inclination that I wouldn’t be seeing her again.
There was just no reason for it now.
Just as the image cleared, there was a light knock on my door. Expecting it to be Troy, I ignored the first one.
But when the knock sounded again, with a little more force, I turned, alarmed. There was something off about it. That wasn’t the knock of a six foot-four hockey player with hard knuckles.
It was most definitely a smaller hand. And though tentative, it was unrelenting. Whoever it was, wasnotgoing away.
I didn’t bother with boxers and just threw on my thin pajama pants. It occurred to me they were the same ones Harper was wearing when she crashed here last week.
Slipping on my black-rimmed eyeglasses, I treaded down the hall, pulling the door open without a thought. I would have sworn that my tired eyes were playing ticks on me, but there was no way my imagination would carry me as far as picturing Harper with the rock-hard expression she held right now.
I swiped the frames off my eyes and she frowned as if disappointed. She took in a breath, looking down at the spectacles I held between my fingers.
Something shifted between us. At least for her. I could tell by the way she was looking at me.
What I should have done was smile that all-knowing smile Troy carried so well, as if he’d known she’d come around. He’d lean casually on the door frame, shirtless and proud, welcoming her in without a single word.
He was right—hewasbetter at this.
“Harper.” It sounded so desperate coming from my lips, because it was torture seeing her again.
“Can I come in?”
I pushed the door against the wall, letting her through. “Is something wrong?” I asked with caution because she seemed like she was about to hurl something at me.
“Yes.” She waltzed in and swiveled anxiously, her dark red boots pacing the few feet of the entry, her trench coat swinging behind her with every pivot. “Why did you do what you did tonight?”
“Because it was what you wanted.”
“How?” She turned, swiping at her forehead. “How long have you…was it just—”
“Harper.” I reached out to calm her. “Please don’t make more of this than it is.” The last thing I needed was for her to fall for Troy all over again.
“So, it was nothing. Clearing a conscience?” Her brows popped questionably.
“Yes.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Excuse me?”
“Why did you kiss me?” she breathed. “I wasn’t after that, but you did it anyway.”
“Harper.”
“Yes,” she shouted. “I’m very much aware that you know who I am. Why would you kiss me?”
Heavens.
“I’m sorry I kissed you.”
