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“That she’s letting this loser make her look like a fool.” Connor snatches the phone off the table.
“That’s not exactly what I was going to say.” I count to 10 to tamp down my irritation. Someday, I’m going to make it crystal clear that he’s going to shut his mouth to avoid insulting Harbor, or I’m going to rearrange his face to go with the dark circles under his eyes. “I was going to say that you need to ask Harbor before jumping to conclusions.”
“Like she’s going to tell me the truth.” He waves his hand with a flourish.
“Well, it doesn’t help that you tend to jump to conclusions, ignore what she says, and think the worst about her.”
His entire body stills at once. Crap. I went too far.
He swallows and taps his fingertips on the table. “It’s hard to remember she’s not my little sister who’s getting into one scrape after another. When she’s my little sister, that’s getting into one scrape after another.”
“I don’t think she’s seeing that guy.” I know how she looks at me, and the vibe is nothing similar. “It looks like a professional relationship that the paparazzi are trying to exploit for ratings.”
Layla walks to the table with a black tray balanced on her hand. “Here you go.”
“Thank you.” Connor quickly dismisses Layla as her eyes catch a glimpse of the phone screen. She grabs the phone, scanning quickly through the article. Her eyes dart to mine. “That’s not what it looks like.”
“That’s what I was telling Connor. I told him not to jump to conclusions, and the photographers are always trying to trump each other with made-up garbage.”
She clutches her chest and closes her eyes.
“Are you okay?” Connor is off the end of the seat and grabbing her shoulder before I can do anything.
“Yes.” Her eyes snap open. “I’m perfect. Sorry about that.” Her cheeks turn pink. “I got a little dizzy.”
“Harbor said you’re pregnant. Are you sure everything is fine?” The concern on his face shows the real Connor. The one who cares about others and isn’t always a grump.
“I’m fine.” She smiles and pats his arm. “Thank you, Connor. You are a good guy when you get your head out of your ass.”
“Thanks,” he growls and flops back onto the cushion.
She gives him a pointed look. “And if someone would’ve taken a photograph of us just now, they could have painted it in a crazy light that we’re actually the ones that are together, and we know that isn’t true.”
“Fine.” He rolls his eyes and focuses on the food she delivered.
For several minutes, we eat and catch up on what our friends are doing and discuss his birthday party. When my cell phone beeps, I lean back against the cushions so he can’t see the messages.
Layla: Thank you. Thank you for trusting Harbor. She would never cheat on someone she was dating. Especially you. She’s one lucky lady.
Warmth settles in my chest at Layla’s approval. I know how important that will be to Harbor because if Layla couldn’t stand me, it would be a dealbreaker. And I’d have to be a total loser for Layla not to see any redeeming qualities. She sees the best in everyone.
Me: No. I’m the lucky one.
She stands behind the register as she reads my message, and once again, she clutches her chest before furiously typing on the screen.
Layla: I’m so glad you two are together.
Yeah, me too. It’s time to hit the road so I can sweep my lady off her feet.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Harbor
I glance at the clock above the unused seating area across from my desk and frown. Two minutes. Two freaking minutes since the last time I looked. I shouldn’t be this excited to see Cole. It’s only been a couple of days, but here we don’t have to hide our relationship, and I miss him. I want to fall asleep tucked next to him with his arms around me while listening to his heartbeat.
But I don’t get off work for another hour.
Ding. As if on cue, my phone buzzes, and a wide smile covers my cheeks. He should be over halfway here if he left on time.
