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“I don’t care about golfing.”
She let her arms tighten around him and her head rest on his shoulder. It did feel good to be in his arms again. “Did Uncle Daar say anything? Is he okay?”
“He seems fine.”
“Okay, but did he say anything else? Why?”
“It was just a mugging, that’s all.”
She pulled away from him then, scowling. “But it wasn’t. You’re all pretending like it was, butthat was not a random mugging.”
Harper opened his mouth then shut it as he shoved a hand back through his hair.
At least he wasn’t telling her it was all in her head. She might have walked out permanently if he did that.
“What am I supposed to say?” He lifted his chin and looked at her. “I get the feeling I can’t ask questions about your uncle. Yes, today was weird. And I’m talking from a security standpoint where I deal in weird threats. What am I supposed to do when your uncle brushes this morning off saying it was no big deal? Then you’re visibly upset to the point that you were shaking. Of course, I want to say whatever I need to make you feel better.”
“I want the fucking truth,” she snapped then squeezed her eyes shut.
This conversation needed to turn around. This could not be happening. They were far too close to the edge.
“I’m sorry,” she said softly before he could respond. “You’re right. Today upset me a lot. Maybe what I really need is just a chance to sit and everything be okay.”
Harper took her hand in his. “Come here. Come sit with me then?”
She let him lead her to a sofa set back against the windows. Despite its contemporary right lines angles only appearance, the sofa was plush and comfortable. She curled her legs under her and Harper drew her in so that she was tucked against his side. It was all too easy to lean her head on his shoulder and just be.
For several moments neither spoke, probably because they were each weighing their options.
She couldn’t exactly confirm or deny Harper’s suspicions about Uncle Daar, not without opening herself up to more lines of questioning than she was comfortable with.
“Where did you really go?” Harper asked. “I’m worried, okay? That’s the only reason why I want to know.”
“There’s a Hilton with a spa I’ve gone to before with sorority sisters. That’s where I went.” And it wasn’t a complete lie. She had gone to the spa with Jessica after they talked themselves to death. Robin was a little ashamed she hadn’t shown more concern for Harper. “How was your day? I really thought you would prefer golfing. I didn’t pause at all to think about how you might be feeling or thinking. I’m sorry.”
His hand stroked her arm and shoulder. “It’s fine.”
For some reason, she felt those words might be the most honest thing he’d ever said. There was no charm, no joke, no attempt to appease anyone. He was fine with how things had played out now, and that was that.
“We played golf then had lunch. After we pretended to finish the game, then came back. Everyone else took a nap and I’ve been getting the lay of the land, seeing what else there is to do.”
Inwardly she cringed. She’d completely abandoned him.
His voice took on a familiar mischievous tone. “I did find this cute shop nearby, and I got you something.”
“Oh?”
He slid a hand into his pocket and pulled out a little burgundy velvet drawstring bag. She sat up a little while he opened it then took her palm and poured the contents out.
It was a three-dimensional silver heart on a delicate chain. The heart glistened pink within the fine cage of silver wire.
Harper had bought this for her. Amidst everything else going on, she’d been on his mind.
“It’s so pretty,” she said and blinked back tears.
What was with her emotions?
“You don’t have to pretend you like it if it’s not your thing—”
