Page 9 of Believing in You

Even before that moment, he had thought about her more than he cared to admit. Unfortunately, he wasn’t ready to open his heart to anyone. Not now, maybe not ever.

Still, she was beautiful inside and out, and he wanted to know everything about her—likes, dislikes, everything.

“It’s time, Harrison,” Jamie said. “You gotta let the past go and put yourself back out there again.”

“I am,” Harrison growled. “I’m here, aren’t I?”

He’d once been outgoing and personable, but now, outside of going to work every day and maybe going to the grocery store, he had turned into a hermit.

Jamie nodded. “I’ll admit, it is good seeing you, but what about dating? When was the last time you took a woman out to dinner or a movie?”

Harrison didn’t respond. He didn’t need to. Jamie already knew the answer. Had it not been for his friend’s prodding, Harrison wouldn’t be there.

After the drama that was his life, the last thing he’d wanted was to be out in public. It had been a few years since he’d been hounded by the media, but it had left an impression. Not a good one. Thanks to an invasion of privacy, a ton of embellishment, and total lack of human decency from the media, Harrison had disconnected from the world.

People sucked!

All those holier-than-though, self-righteous folks who sat at home or behind closed doors judging someone else’s life. He hadn’t even committed the crime he’d been accused of. Yet, people crucified him.

Harrison ran his hands down his face and breathed in. This was so not what he wanted to be thinking about tonight. There were some good people in the world, and he hated to lump everyone into one basket. It wasn’t fair, especially after there’d been a handful of people back then who stood by him.

“Nyla would be good for you. Not only is she nice looking, but she’s also fun, funny, and thoughtful. She’s nothing like your ex-fiancée. She’s someone who will be there for you no matter the situation.”

Harrison believed him, but…

“You can’t keep living like this, man,” Jamie said.

There was no one sitting on the stool next to Harrison, which was good. His past wasn’t something to discuss in public, but clearly that wasn’t stopping Jamie even if he was keeping his voice low.

“What happened to you was beyond messed up. Unthinkable, even, but you can’t let it continue holding you captive. You deserve some happiness.”

Harrison nodded. Deep down, he wanted his life back, but it was hard to trust anyone. Even someone as sweet as Nyla.

“I know you, and I know you’re feeling her. I saw it in your eyes the moment you saw her tonight.”

“Jamie let’s not do this,” Harrison mumbled, then finished off his beer. “A lot has happened, and I’m not the same person.”

Jamie opened another beer bottle and slid it to him. Two was his limit.

“I know what type of person you are, and I wouldn’t push you toward Nyla if I didn’t know you two would be good for each other.”

Harrison didn’t get a chance to ask Jamie to back off. A server approached Jamie to fill an order, giving Harrison the reprieve he needed. Yet, he couldn’t help thinking about what it would be like to spend time with Nyla.

Later that evening, Nyla continued to impress Harrison. She was a jack of all trades and was currently behind the bar making drinks.

“Is there anything youcan’tdo?” he asked after she served the last drink of the night. There were still a few people hanging out, but the club would be closing soon.

Nyla released an unladylike snort, then quickly slapped her hand over her mouth.

“Sorry,” she laughed. “Your question surprised me since there are a ton of things I can’t do. However, as manager, I had to learn every aspect of running this place. Some things I do better than others.” She lifted the glass that she was rinsing. “Bartending just happens to be something I’m good at. Actually, it’s probably the easiest job here.”

From where Harrison was sitting, nothing about running the club appeared easy, but she seemed to enjoy it.

“You know, I appreciate you sticking around, but if you need to leave, it’s totally fine. I’ve locked up alone before, and I hate that Jamie roped you into staying.”

“I don’t feel roped in at all. Besides, it’s not a good idea for you to lock up alone. I’m glad to help. Just let me know what you need me to do to assist.”

He might’ve griped at first when Jamie asked, only because he knew his friend was trying to push them together. He understood where Jamie was coming from, especially since he thought Harrison was wound too tight and needed to loosen up.

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