Page 108 of Emergency Exit
“When you say that, it does make me concerned for your mental health.”
“Yes, but if I learned anything over the last few months, it’s that watching you traumatize people is hilarious. And if I’ve learned anything over the last few hours, it’s that the police would give me a lot less shit if I put a ring on it.”
“I think you’re having poor impulse control,” said Harper through chattering teeth.
“No, I said it when we first met, and now I’ve had time to think about it. I think it’s a good idea.”
“Did you not hear me when I said I punched Stephanie?”
“Yeah. I wish I had that on video. Meanwhile, I punched Mason, so you know... we’re probably not getting invited to the next birthday party.”
Harper giggled and then shivered violently. Ash pulled her pants down, underwear and all, and maneuvered her into the bath.
“Ohhhhhhhh,” said Harper, sinking down into the water. “It’s so hot.”
“Good,” said Ash. “You stay there. I’ll be back with hot chocolate.”
“OK,” agreed Harper, and Ash nodded sharply.
The door closed, and Harper stared at the rapidly filling tub. She wasn’t sure how Ash had gotten them from disaster to penthouse quite so fast. The water climbed up past her boobs, and Harper let out a sigh as all of her extremities began to uncramp.
He wanted to marry her. He probably wasn’t serious, but it still sounded nice. He might have been serious about moving intogether, though. She would definitely be taking him up on that. It really would be so much more convenient.
A few minutes later, there was a soft tap on the door, and Ash came in carrying a mug on a saucer. When he opened the door, she could hear the sound of voices coming from the living room.
“Your hot chocolate, m’lady,” he said, shutting the door.
“Oh, yay!” said Harper.
He set the cup on the tub surround and sat down next to it.
“Ash, you said the police could talk to your lawyers. But do you have lawyers?”
“I called Vivian, Rowan’s girlfriend, and got her to connect me. She works at a law office. At least for the next few days.”
“Oh. OK. Because I may also have punched Cooper. So I might need a lawyer.”
“Yes, Piper told me. I’m so jealous! I wasn’t there for any of the good stuff!”
“I feel like I punched a lot of people today,” said Harper.
“I know the feeling, but I don’t think two is that many.”
“Well, it’s two more than I’ve ever punched before.”
“I see your point. I might need to take you to karate with me so we can make sure you’re punch-ready for the future.”
“I’d prefer not to punch people, really,” said Harper.
“I will try to take care of the punching, but it won’t hurt to get some basics.”
Harper nodded. He was probably right.
“How’s the water, Princess Bubble Hair?”
Harper raised her hand and took a fluff of bubbles from her hair.
“Good, thank you. Are there people here?”
