Page 89 of My Favorite Secret
There’s so much happiness in her eyes when her gaze returns to me. “Thank you for believing in me.”
“I’ll always believe in you.”
“And you? What’s your plan for the future?”
The conversation with Tyler during our drive up here enters my mind. I retrieve the red poker chip from my pocket and roll the edge of it along Harper’s thigh.
“I’ve seen you with this poker chip before.” She takes it from my hand, smiling as she reads the inscription. “The house always wins. Except when we play.Tyler has the same thing written on his lighter. Is this some secret brothers’ code?”
“Something like that. Together, we’re unstoppable. Thepoker chip and lighter are a promise we made to each other.”
“What’s the promise?”
“You won’t be pleased by the story. This last summer, Tyler and I visited a speakeasy. It turned out to be one of the best nights of our lives. The place was like a time machine to the 1920s. Jazz, cigars, liquor, gambling. None of it was legal. But the best part was being there with Tyler. We each stole something from the venue and made a pact that we would go into business with each other one day to open our own speakeasy. He stole the Zippo. I stole the poker chip. It had to be red, of course.” I stroke a hand through her hair. “My favorite color.”
Her smile is soft. A little sad. “Why am I only hearing about this pact now?”
“As soon as Tyler sobered up, he told me our speakeasy couldn’t become a reality. He knew you wouldn’t approve of us running an illegal business. His plan was to get into Columbia, marry you, but then…”
“But what?”
I squeeze her hand. “The car accident happened. The three of us grew closer. We haven’t had a chance to tell you this, but Tyler and I have a new plan. We’re going to finish up the school year and open our speakeasy. It will be a legal business, for you, so that you never have to worry about us getting on the wrong side of the law and losing us.”
“I love this plan.” Her smile is filled with intrigue. “I never knew it was a passion of either of yours. Tell me all about it.”
“It won’t be the exact vision we had. I wanted the speakeasy to be authentic to the 1920s. A house of sin. But I’m taming my ways for you.”
“Thank you.” She weaves her fingers with mine,leaning in to kiss me. “I don’t really know what a speakeasy is. Will you and Tyler take me to one? A legal one.”
“Of course. But just so you know…” I smirk, seeing how far I can push my luck. “We’d have more fun if it were illegal.”
She laughs, gently shoving my chest.
We continue our meal, talking between bites. Teasing. Laughing. Constantly touching.
When the plates are empty, I clear the table and draw Harper to her feet. “Shower time. Off you go.”
“You’re not joining me?”
“I need to clean up after dinner.”
Harper raises an eyebrow, suspicious and not at all pleased that I’m passing up an offer to shower with her, but heads to the bathroom without complaining.
Just as she reaches the door, I speak her name, “Oh, and Harper? Don’t get dressed after your shower. I have something special for you to wear.”
“Lingerie?”
“No. Something better.” I have a semi, thinking about Harper wearing what I bought her today.
“What could be better than lingerie?”
“You’ll see. No more questions. Go.”
Without another word, Harper disappears into the bathroom. While cleaning the kitchen, my mind races ahead to what the rest of the night holds. I blow out the candles then wait for Harper in the bedroom, dimming the lights and occupying a corner armchair.
She’s quick. Within five minutes, the water shuts off. My breath catches as she steps into the room. Harper stands naked, watching me, allowing me to soak up the sight of her. Her hair is tied in a bun and her skin glistensfrom the shower. The soft light plays across her curves. She looks like a goddess.
“Your present.” I tear my eyes away from her, nodding to the black box awaiting her on the bed, large but flat. “Open it.”
