Page 71 of The Final Draft

“You didn’t?” Chance shakes his head in disbelief.

“Oh, but he did.” Harper says as she joins the group. “And it was the sweetest, most romantic thing anyone could ever do.” She wraps her arm around mine, pushes up on her tiptoes, and gives me a kiss on the cheek.

I’m not sure what happens next because I’m pushed aside. High-pitched squealing that could explode lightbulbs ensues, and the glammed-up bride, maid of honor, and sister of thegroom jump up and down and attack my girlfriend. It’s pure pandemonium of the happiest kind.

“I take it they know her?” Dani asks me, safely away from the excitement zone.

“Yep. And apparently, they like her best. At least I’ve got their blessing.” Harper is being peppered with hugs and questions. I can’t wipe the grin off my face watching this scene. Harper is getting all the things a girl needs from her squad. A wave of love washes over me, a powerful emotion that leaves me breathless. My girl is the perfect fit as the Decker Connection’s newest member.

When the girls catch their breath, I introduce Harper to Dani, Tripp, and Trevor, and we all settle down for a delightful meal celebrating the special couple. Toasts all around make me laugh and cry. Sure, I was emotional at Alexander’s wedding in February. But this wedding? It hits different. Maybe it’s because Ashleigh is my sister, my fellow lover of romance books, and an amazing human being. Or maybe it’s because I know the feeling of being in love.

I picture a similar scene, but this time it’s Harper in white. My chest tightens, and butterflies dance in my belly. I need her to say those three words back to me, and we’ll be on our way.

CHAPTER

FORTY-SIX

JULIAN

Last night was the tamest, but most enjoyable, bachelor party I’ve ever attended. We started the evening at TopGolf, a two-story driving range, hitting golf balls and mocking each other’s swing. We continued our evening at a dimly lit bourbon bar, sharing life updates and offering Cole our best wishes for his marriage to Ashleigh. No strippers. No women at all. Just seven guys enjoying the evening, and several of us missing our significant others. We called it a night before the clock struck midnight and went home. For me, that meant an empty bed in an apartment that isn’t much more personal than a hotel room. Harper joined the girls for a bachelorette party sleepover at Alexander's penthouse.

It was hard to fall asleep, knowing Harper was so close, only separated by three stories of steel and glass. There’s no denying my addiction to this girl. I wanted to sneak up there and steal her away, but I behaved myself. Look at me being all mature.

I wake to the scent of bacon, and the excitement of seeing Harper soon brightens my mood. Wait? Bacon.

I hop out of bed, throw on pants, and find my girl in the kitchen wearing a pair of pink silk pajamas. It’s the hottest thing I’ve ever seen.

“Well, this is unexpected.” I wrap my arms around her waist, pulling her back into my chest. My hand palms her stomach, teasing the waistband of her tiny silk shorts.

“We had so much food, I thought I’d share,” she giggles as I nibble on her ear.

“I’d rather have you for breakfast,” I mumble.

“Are you always like this in the morning?” She reaches behind her, finding my erection ready and willing.

“Only when you’re around.” She turns around in my arms and kisses me, making me totally forget about the bacon.

I lift her up and set her on the counter, the perfect height to feast on her. I run my hand down the lapel of her pajama top, the buttons shouting at me to release them, and I obey, until her top hangs open, her breasts offering themselves to me for a taste. I kiss down her neck, to her collarbone, and give her breasts the attention they deserve.

“Did you have fun last night?” I ask between kisses. I’m taking my time enjoying her. Kissing her favorite places, I coax a quiet moan from her. My fingers dip below the waistband of her tiny shorts and my hand finds the promised land. I skim and tease her soaked slit.

“Um, hum,” she responds.

“Did you take the elevator in this?” Another wordless response that I take as a yes. “I hope no one saw you looking this delicious.” I’ve never been the jealous type, but Harper, well, she’s for my eyes only.

Her giggle flips my switch, and I go from slow and lazy to insatiable in less than a second. “I know you aren’t much of a morning person, but I’m going to change that.”

I pull her to the edge of the counter, and she leans back, her hands holding her up, giving me better access. I fill her with one finger, then two, while my thumb massages her clit, finger banging her like my life’s happiness depends on it. By the look on her face and the sounds she’s making, she’s happy too. When she comes, she throws her head back and moans my name in a way that I want to remember for the rest of my life.

With a smug smile, I lick my fingers clean, and I’m rewarded with a new surprised look. This one is seductive, sexy, and curious. I crave to see this one again and again.

“So much better than bacon,” I tease. My lips find hers, and I’m lost in Harper again. I lift her from the counter, her legs wrap around my waist, and I carry her back to the bed where I enjoy a full Harper breakfast buffet.

As she lays with her head on my chest, her fingers idly glide over my abs. We both got a full workout this morning, and we haven’t left the apartment. I can get used to this kind of cardio.

“What’s the plan for today?” she asks.

“Well, we need calories if we’re going to continue to function. Then I’ll give you options. Tyler has a ball game this morning. Xander, Matt, and Tripp coach the team, and it’s pretty fucking adorable. Or we can explore Charlotte if you want. I can show you where I had my first kiss.” I wiggle my eyebrows, and she laughs.

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