Page 17 of Sins of the Father

“You’re single. I’d ride that train until it ends,” Chase adds.

I groan and throw back the shot then motion to the bartender to get me another one.

The only way I’m making it through this night is with plenty of alcohol.

I stand against the bar, and Harper catches my eye. She still has Hope but is seated in a chair. Hope’s sitting in front of her on the table, and they are playing patty-cake.

She really is stunning.

I drink my beer, barely listening to the guys, watching her every move, with heat throbbing in my veins.

Stop staring. She’s Jamison’s sister.

And she’s only in town for the weekend. She lives in New York, and you don’t do casual.

The last thing I need in my life is complications. I only recently got back in Quinn and Jamison’s good graces. I don’t need to get kicked back out for disappointing his sister.

And it would be bound to happen because that girl would need anyone but someone boring. Plus, as both my exes said, I’m emotionally unavailable. And I know their words have truth in them.

3

Harper

“I’ve got an issue.”Cathy pulls out a chair and sits.

“What’s wrong?” I tap Hope’s hand again.

“Nothing. It’s actually a good thing, just bad timing. Well, bad timing for me, not quick enough for Ralph.”

“Ralph? Your father-in-law?”

“Yes. Brad’s on the phone with Ralph. They found a kidney donor.”

“That’s great.”

“They scheduled surgery for Monday.”

“Why is that bad?”

“Are you okay watching Hope on your own?”

“Of course I am.”

“All right. I’m sorry I won’t get time with her, but I don’t want her hanging out in the hospital, and Brad is going to need me to help him with Ralph. We’re going to need the extra bedroom.”

“Don’t worry about anything. I’m totally good to watch her while Quinn and Jamie are on their honeymoon. She can stay at my place with me.”

Cathy stays silent, watching Hope play with me.

“What’s up?” I ask.

“You should stay in Chicago with her.”

“Why would I do that?”

“Quinn and Jamison have everything she needs at their place.”

“I’ll move all the stuff we took to your house to mine when we return.”

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