NowIwas the one frowning.Had I been gone that long?
Probably.
Still, I hadn't lied to her. I'd ventured out late this morning to take the kittens for their usual ride in the stroller. And just by chance, I'd happened to be walking by Drake's place. Andhehappened to be looking out his front window.
One thing had led to another, and I'd spent an embarrassing amount of time making out with him on the sofa while the kittens wreaked havoc in his Christmas tree. Even the two who'd been sleeping in the beginning had eventually joined in the fun.
Now, they were all tuckered out, blissfully asleep in the heated carriage.Yes, even Ginger.
To Harper, I said, "Trust me, they had a great time."
"But you're supposed to take them out for just a half-hour," she said. "Not all day."
"It wasn't all day," I said. "And they're perfectly fine. The stroller's heated, remember?" I resumed pushing as Harper fell in beside me.
When her only reply was a dark look, I knew it was time to change the subject. "So, where's Lexie?"
"In the living room," Harper said. "She lookedreallyworried."
"Why? Everything's fine," I said for what felt like the millionth time. Still, fine or not, I thanked my lucky stars that I'd declined Drake's offer to walk me back.
Today was Sunday, which meant that Harper had the day off. I wasn't exactlyhidingDrake, but the last thing I'd wanted was another ugly scene.
And besides, I told myself, Harper was already cranked about Lexie's old boss. If I tossed Drake onto the pile, Harper might seriously flip.
Unfortunately, this also meant that I'd been keeping Drake from Lexie, too. But this was forhersake, not mine. Usually, the two sisters told each other everything, and I hated the thought of putting Lexie in an awkward situation by asking her to keep quiet.
As I guided the stroller through the front door, I spotted Lexie sitting on the sofa by the fireplace. I offered up an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that."
"About what?" she asked.
Once again, my smile faded. "Harper said you were worried."
"Yeah," Lexie laughed. "After Harpergotme worried."
Behind me, Harper shut the front door so hard the windows rattled. "Oh, so it'smyfault you were worried?"
Lexie snorted. "Well it wasn'tmewho was ready to call the police."
I turned to stare at Harper. "Why would you call the police? Did you eventrymy cell phone?"
Her chin lifted. "No. But Iwouldhave if I hadn't spotted you just now."
I was still staring. "Do you mean before orafteryou reported me missing?"
With a sigh, she moved deeper into the living room. "Before. Obviously."
Lexie and I shared a look. It was Lexie who spoke first, telling me, "You know, she was like this in high school, too."
Harper demanded, "What do you mean?"
Lexie looked to her sister. "You're more protective than mom. And Dad, too, come to think of it."
"I am not!" Harper said. "You and I got into all kinds of trouble in high school, remember?"
"Sure," Lexie said. "Together.But heaven forbid I get into trouble on my own."
Harper moved toward Lexie and sat beside her on the sofa. With obvious concern, she asked, "So you're in some kind of trouble? Do you want to talk about it? I'm here if you want to."
