Page 33 of The Final Draft

“I don’t care what Zac Burns thinks of me. It’s you I care about. Do you trust me?”

Another shrug. “What are we doing, Julian? What am I to you?” She’s lowered her shields. She’s vulnerable, and it contradicts her tough-girl appearance tonight. I’m having a hard time reconciling the two. But this is Harper. A sweet, caring, funny, interesting woman hidden behind leather and makeup.

“I like you, Harper.” Leaning closer, I tuck a strand of hair behind her ear, watching the blush bloom on her cheeks. “I like you a whole lot, gorgeous.” Pulling back, I study her eyes, searching for any hint of her reaction. I’m this close to kissing her luscious red lips, but I resist the temptation.

“What am I to you?” she repeats. This time, she finds her confidence, demanding an answer.

“Someone whose company I enjoy immensely. A gorgeous woman who I find incredibly sexy. Harper, you are so many things to me, and I want to keep adding to the list.”

“Tell me a secret.” Her voice is low, seductive.

I respond without thinking, telling her exactly what’s on my mind. “I want to kiss you.”

Her lips morph into a wicked smile. “That’s no secret.” Boldly, she leans into me, and her soft, painted lips meet mine, a feather-light kiss that teases me. But it’s oh so promising. There’s the answer I wanted.

Excuse me while I have another out-of-body experience. Her lips on mine are heaven, and it takes a fraction of a second to react. I bury my hands in her hair, pull her closer, and take control of her sweet kiss. My tongue sweeps out, tasting her, seeking entrance into her mouth. I want to devour her. I’m hungry for Harper and lose myself in her. Her reaction says she’s hungry for me, too.

Kat’s voice comes over the speakers, announcing our arrival at the restaurant. We pull apart, and Harper’s smoldering eyescontradict her giggle. She reaches out and wipes at my lips, her lipstick on her thumb.

“I like this color on you, Mr. Decker.”

I press the intercom button on the door. “Kat, can you circle the block once for us, please?” The car pulls away from the curb. I pull a tissue out and hand it to Harper and pull down a lighted mirror. Her smeared lipstick is sexy as fuck, but no one gets to see it but me. She fixes her make-up and is ready when we arrive back to our destination.

Kat opens the door and helps her out, a knowing smile on her face. Even with her edgy makeup, Harper’s happiness is unmistakable - her face practically shines with joy. It's a complete contradiction, and Harper Cartwright is making me question everything I thought about her.

The gap between that leather skirt and those boots is calling to me, but we’re in public and going to dinner. I put my dirty thoughts away. For now.

Seated at our table in a cozy booth, I hear the gentle hum of conversation and the clinking of silverware in the intimate restaurant. I deliberately took a seat opposite her, my eyes fixed on her, enchanted by her presence, and curious to unravel her mysteries.

“Champagne?” I ask while perusing the wine menu. She bites her bottom lip as she debates the angel-devil sitting on her shoulders. She’s conflicted. Where’s that confident, sexy, kick-ass woman I picked up earlier?

“What’s the signature cocktail here?” she asks the waiter.

“We make the best Old Fashioned in the city,” he answers with a touch of pride.

“Oh, I’ve never had an Old Fashioned, but I’ll try it. And a glass of water, please.” Her eyes sparkle with excitement. She likes adventure, new things. Good to know.

“Make it two.” The thought of tasting the whiskey on her lips makes mine curl upward into an amused grin.

“Let’s play a game,” I suggest.

“What kind of game?” Okay. Adventurous with a side of caution.

“Another round of Q and A, but more like Truth or Dare.” She looks away while she debates the pros and cons.

“Okay. But dares are within reason.” There she goes, changing the rules. She bends the world to her, and it’s incredibly sexy.

“Of course. Consent, always.”

The waiter returns with our drinks. She takes a sip, her lipstick marking the rim of the glass, and it’s a total turn-on. This foreplay is killing me, but I’m here for it.

“Do you like it? Because if not, we’ll get you another drink.”

She twists her mouth a little while she considers the question. “It’s different. I want to sip on it before deciding. Is that okay?”

I nod to the waiter. He’ll return when we pick up our menus again.

“Of course. Truth or dare?” I challenge her.

---