Page 91 of Fool Me

“Will Harlowe be there?”

“I’d like her to come, but only if you promise not to make it uncomfortable for her.”

“I can do that.” She says it with a conviction that makes me believe she really wants to make this work, even if it’s awkward for her.

We spend a few more minutes talking about California, our plans for the Fourth of July, and the upcoming prep she’s doing for Founder’s Day before she leaves with a hug and a promise to bring her famous cowboy potatoes.

The week goes about as we expected. On Tuesday morning, while we were at the gym, Harlowe got an alert about a rafting accident that required Echo’s tracking skills. Thankfully, they found the missing person with only minor injuries.

On Wednesday, there was another call. This time they were searching for a missing hiker that wandered off after a little too much cannabis. He was lying in the meadow counting stars when Echo and Harlowe found him. Another happy outcome.

On Thursday, it was a lost pet that triggered a lost camper. That one nearly broke me. An eight-year-old boy wandered away from his campsite to chase his dog, who’d been startled by fireworks. It wasn’t far from where Morgan was camping and she’d immediately gone silent when she received that alert during our dinner at Jude’s. I’d dropped a few twenties on the table and drove her straight to her house, not letting go of her hand until we were in her driveway.

It had taken a few hours, but they found both the boy and the dog before morning. Other than being shaken and cold, he was okay.

She needed the day off and I was glad we had plans with her friends today to help lift her spirits after the long night. Honestly, I needed it too.

First up is floating down the river, something I haven’t done since I was a teen, but Harlowe in a swimsuit is something I could definitely get behind. I pull up to the tiny purple house to find Echo lying on the front porch while Harlowe kneels in the grass, pumping up her paddleboard.

God damn, I think I fall for Harlowe a little harder each time I see her. And now is no exception. She looks like summer and fun andmine.

“Take it Easy” by the Eagles is playing from her phone as she bounces on her toes, singing along to the lyrics without a care in the world, holding the pump in place.

The fringe on her favorite white cut-off denim shorts brushes against the back of her legs as she sways. And when the board is inflated, she stands, putting it on her shoulder, showing off her toned body in a red bikini top that is surely going to get me in trouble today.

I stand against my truck at the curb, waiting for her to turn and spot me. When she does, her smile nearly knocks me out.

After last night’s call, I was nervous that she would struggle—that it was too close to Morgan’s and was going to take her back to that dark place she’d just fought her way out of. I’d barely slept last night waiting to hear the all clear on the scanner app I’d gotten so used to having on in the background when she was on call.

My therapist would probably tell me that wasn’t a healthy habit. But my anxiety would have to deal, because not knowing if Harlowe was okay was worse than the crackling scanner.

She stops in front of me, leaning the paddleboard against the bed of the truck before pressing up on her toes to meet me halfway for a kiss. When she pulls back, there’s a new flush to her cheeks. I like that just a simple kiss from me could do that to her.

“Damn, I’m glad we saved those shorts from staining.” I whistle.

“I didn’t hear you pull up.”

I loop my arm around her, trapping her against my chest and toying with the strings hanging down her spine. “Can’t imagine why with the Eagles concert in your front yard,” I tease.

“Did you enjoy the show?”

“Very much so. But I have a serious question. This bikini, do the bottoms also have ties?”

She rests against me so easily, her hand on my chest, fitting against me like a piece I didn’t realize I was missing. Her fingers skim under the rolled edge where the sleeves of my shirt are cut off and she looks up with a glimmer in her blue eyes. “Why is that important?”

“Just wondering how many times I’m going to fall in the water today because I’m too busy staring at you when I should be focused on my balance.”

She sucks on her cheek like she’s struggling to keep a straight face. “Don’t worry, Doc. I’ll rescue you.”

“I like the idea of getting to see you in action.” My hand slides into her back pocket, squeezing. We should load up the truck and go, but I’m in no hurry to share her with our friends. “Did you hear anything about the job?”

She shakes her head and holds her smile in place. “But I didn’t expect to—not with the holiday week. I’m not worried.”

“Good, you shouldn’t be.” My lips brush her temple and I sigh. “We should probably get going. Can I help you with anything?”

“Load this while I grab my bags?”

“Of course,” I say, letting her go and grabbing the board.

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