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Harper's response is a jab to my stomach before she bounces through the building doors, heading for Caleb and Mira standing outside. I clutch my stomach while a silly grin sits on my lips.
Although I'm not sure where Harper and I stand after two nights ago, with the last-second kiss in the elevator, I know that I liked it. I have gotten used to seeing the funny side of what used to be her insufferable nature and learning part of what makes her tick and wraps everything with a pretty bow.
"You two look like a real couple," I comment on Caleb's and Mira's matching outfits. "It's tacky," I add when he gives me a dorky smile and then turns to Mira, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
Harper elbows me. "You are jealous, that's all. They look cute."
I fake a gag. "Right."
She ignores me and hugs them both, one after the other, then announces that Caleb and I will take my car while Mira will drive Caleb's, and she'll follow. It makes me feel a certain way—because I wanted to spend the car ride alone with her—but I don't protest.
"Do you want me to make up an excuse?" Caleb leans and whispers. "I know you want to ride with her. I can help you accomplish that."
Ignoring him, I head to the parking lot, not looking back to check if my best friend is following behind. In true Caleb fashion, he teases me with Harper until we reach the bowling alley. I don't bother doing the same because I know it won't affect a truly smitten man.
My dream comes true when Mira partners with Caleb, leaving Harper with me. Caleb adds a stake to the team that knocks down the most pins in the least amount of rolls.
"You better bring your A game," Harper says in her office voice.
"Sir, yes, sir," I report with a salute.
She rolls her eyes, but I see the suppressed smile on her face.
Caleb goes first, knocking down all the pins except one. Then I grip a heavy bowling ball, wink at Harper, who rolls her eyes at me, and walk towards the lane. Taking a deep breath to focus, I take a stance and release the ball smoothly. The ball curves and hits the pins with a satisfying crash, and they all go down, strike.
“Yes!” Harper yells. “Show them how it’s done!”
I grin as I walk back to her. “You look like you just won the lottery. I like it.”
She shrugs, trying to downplay her excitement. “It’s all right.”
“All right?” I shake my head as I settle down beside her.
The seating system is such that each bench is designed for two people. Mira and Caleb claim one while we sit on the other.
“You’re having fun. Accept it. Embrace it.”
She gives me a bewildered look, tilting her head. “Yeah…that’s weird. Let’s focus on the game, shall we?”
Mira goes, and then it’s Harper’s turn. I see the determination in her eyes when she picks up the ball and, taking her time, adjusts her stance. I watch as she lines up her shot and releases the ball. It feels like slow motion as the bowling ball glides down the lane, but it hits the first pin awkwardly and ends up knocking down only a few pins.
Crap.
Before she turns around, I can already feel the tension in her shoulders. Her eyes, when I see them, they don’t look happy.
“Good job,” Caleb says.
The moment the words come out of his mouth she glares at him, I get up, clearing my throat loudly to get her attention. “Why don’t we get something to drink?”
Without waiting for Harper to agree, I take her hand, and we walk towards the vending machine. I don’t say anything until we get there, mainly because I don’t know what will flip her off, and I’d rather not be on her bad side today.
I don’t ask what she wants either, I just get her a soft drink. Harper sighs as I hand it to her.
“I was about to lose my shit, wasn’t I?”
“Uhun.”
“Thank you for getting me out of there. Caleb did not deserve what I would have done to him.”
