Page 43 of My Only

“Plus, like I said, constantly reminding Harper I was married,” he continued, “was more about protecting her than it was about protecting me. Because, well, Calese be Calesing.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “Knowing your wife? I believe you.”

Levi took a sip of his coffee, then added, “Look, you’re a good dude, Hassani. And I know you love your wife.”

“With every breath in me,” I affirmed.

“Exactly.” Levi nodded. “I met Ayla. She’s real. Solid. Things I know you already know. But Harper? That woman don’t care nothing about that, man.”

He glanced behind us, then lowered his voice. “She likes to see how far she can push things. It’s like she gets a thrill out of crossing boundaries. I don’t really know what her deal is.”

I blinked twice. “Hmph.”

“That’s why she don’t like me anymore.” Levi snickered. “She doesn’t take rejection well. After so many failed attempts—and me always bringing up my wife—now all Harper gives me is attitude. And often.”

He shook his head. “I just make sure to keep my distance, ‘cause women like her can be dangerous. For real.”

I nodded, playing it cool.

Levi had handled things the right way with Harper.

Harper had an undeniable presence.

She was a beautiful woman, and she knew it.

She was fully aware of her feminine charm and wielded it with precision.

It was nice to be around, I won’t lie. But I wasn’t stupid, nor would I ever consider exploring anything beyond work with her. Ever.

I was used to women throwing themselves at me.

But this?

This felt different.

Maybe because I was older now? Maybe because I was married?

Whatever it was, this situation wasn’t like the others.

Especially after last night.

Ayla said she wanted a divorce.

Even now, the words felt unreal.

“I hear you, man,” I finally told Levi. “I got this, though. I know better than to let some office crush mess up my life.”

Levi nodded. “Word.”

Because what the hell would that look like?

Me—principal architect on one of the biggest projects of my career—caught up in some mess over Harper?

Hell no.

“Still,” Levi added, tossing his empty cup in the trash. “Just watch your back with her. Women like her got a hard time hearing no. Feel me?”

“I feel you.”

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