Page 63 of The Final Draft

“You wouldn’t be intruding. At all. You’d be my tissue holding, won’t laugh when I’m crying at my baby sister, support date. I’ll need you. Besides, the girls would love to have one more for their girls’ night before the wedding. It’ll be fun.” He’s really selling it and I have no doubt it would be fun. But I don’t want to be a distraction for him, pulling him away from precious moments with his family. I want what’s best for Julian.

“But I understand if it’s more of a commitment than you want to make right now, seeing as this is all new and everything.” His voice trails off, his usual confidence and swagger gone. Does he really think I’m hesitant because I’m unwilling to make a commitment to him?

“Don’t be daft. It has nothing to do with us being new. I just don’t want to be a distraction for you at this special family event. I’m okay to duck out or blend into the wallpaper when you need me to.”

He leans over and kisses me. It’s sweet, cozy, adoring. “Gorgeous, you’re the very best kind of distraction. And besides, you could never blend into the wallpaper.” He claps his hands and the otters look his way. “Then it’s settled. We’ll have fun. But let’s not tell anyone until we get there. I want it to be a pleasant surprise. Hey, do you have a passport?”

“I need a passport to go to Charlotte?” His train of thought isn’t always linear, his brain constantly multitasking. I’m not sure where this question came from or where he’s going with it.

“No, but maybe we could sneak away for an extra day or so. We should be close to finishing up the book, and a celebration will be in order. What do you say?” He pops an olive in his mouth and quirks his eyebrow, waiting for my answer.

Certainly, he’s figured out I can’t say no to him.

“Okay, but ONLY if we have the first draft done. I can’t relax with a deadline looming.” And that’s the reality. I’m task driven, and if this isn’t done, I won’t be able to enjoy myself.

“Great!” He stands and goes to the fence overlooking the otters. “Did you hear that fellas? She said ‘yes.’” He turns and leans against the fence, his face hidden in the shadow of his hat. I can’t help but laugh at his ridiculousness. I join him at the fence, put my arms around his neck, and kiss him. It’s sweet, but it’s evolving into private bedroom-level kissing. My mind races along with my pulse.

“Come on, lover boy, take me home. I need to say thank you properly.”

Apparently, he doesn’t need to be told twice. He takes my hand and practically drags me out of the zoo. We reach his place in half the time it took us to get there. Frankie greets us, assuring us that Noodle is happy and settled in the apartment. Julian gives a quick thank you and pulls me to the elevator, not stopping to talk.

Actually, there was very little talking for the rest of the evening, and I’m not mad about it. Sometimes, words are overrated.

CHAPTER

FORTY-ONE

JULIAN

I reluctantly took Harper and Noodle back to Zac’s after our amazing weekend. We spent our time collaborating. A little writing. A little Netflix and chill. A lot of sex. Yep. Collaboration all around. It was fantastic. I want to keep collaborating with Harper all the time.

Unfortunately, work requires me to be in Chicago for the day, but I should be home this evening. I’m probably annoying Harper with my frequent texting, but I don’t care. I can’t get enough of her. As I’m waiting for my return flight, I get a surprise text from my girl.

Want to come over for dinner? The guys are home and I’m cooking for them. 7:30?

I picture her surrounded by hockey players, only this time there’s no glass between them, and I’m immediately jealous. But I don’t want to interfere with her friendship dynamic either. Shedoesn’t mention other friends often. Specifically, girlfriends. I wonder what Harper’s version of girl time is?

Ashleigh taught me the importance of girl time, and I encourage her to do it often. Hell, sometimes I even host Ashleigh’s girls’ nights. I’m excited for Harper to hang out with the women in my family at the wedding. I know they’ll welcome her to their tight-knit group.

I don’t want to cause any trouble. Zac doesn’t like me.

He doesn’t know you. But I understand if you’re tired.

Do YOU want me there?

Of course, but seriously, no expectations. You had a life before me, with other people and tons of stuff going on.

My life before Harper feels like a distant memory. Between sports, networking, and socializing, my calendar was overflowing, and I was in constant demand. Everyone always wanted a piece of me. But my time with Harper is different. She wants nothing, yet I want to give her everything. It’s been almost twenty-four hours since I’ve seen her, and I feel incomplete. I need to see her. But she had a life before me too, and I don’t want to complicate that.

I did. And it was empty and filled with busyness. You’ve wrecked me, Harper, and I’m not sure what to do with myself now. I’ll be there as soon as I can.

Wanting to maximize my time. I catch up with Patrick before boarding the plane. No major issues to deal with, and I’m grateful. I spend the flight writing, so I have more time with Harper. The book is coming together, and the check ins with Professor Daniels are encouraging.

When I arrive at their building, Zac is returning from walking Noodle. “You know, for someone who has a live-in dog walker, you sure walk your dog a lot,” I say in greeting.

He laughs as the doorman holds the door for us. “I miss the little guy when I’m gone. I wish I could take him with me on the road. You think I can work that into my contract?”

“If you had a good agent, you could,” I clap back.

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