Harmony wins the next hand. Even without seeing the cards, I would know based on the wiggly happy dance she does.
“Okay, let me see.” She’s adorable. I scowl at her anyway. “Who was your first?” I grimace, this is a horrible story. More embarrassing than anything.
“It’s even more cliché than yours. I was nineteen. Travis was at a sleepover. I went to the bar out on the highway, got drunk, and wound up in a hotel room with someone I think was just going through. I remember her name was Janet.”
“That’s horrible,” she says. Her big blue eyes gaze at me without judgment. That’s at least something. I’m judging me. Who does that? “I figured you had all the girls in high school you could wish for.”
“I was too busy studying, playing sports, and working here to have time to date. I was totally focused on getting into college.”
“I understand that. I’ve been so focused on my singing career that it doesn’t leave much time for anyone else. It’s been ages since I’ve been on a date, much less been in a relationship with anyone.
People think I have my pick of the gorgeous men in Nashville. Except, I’m always surrounded by people needing something. My agent, my assistant, my label, even my parents are always wanting something.”
I feel the scowl return to my face. I wish she would elaborate on what her parents always want from her, but I don’t feel like it’s my place to ask. I never knew them, but I saw them occasionally on the television next to her. I know they hightailed it out of Dansboro Crossing for greener pastures the moment their daughter got her first contract.
It wouldn’t surprise me if the cruise they’re on was funded by Harmony. Her generosity is apparent in everything she does. Instead of asking though, I wait for her to deal the cards.
“What is your favorite song you wrote?” I ask when I win. I decided to take this game down a notch. There’s no way I want to upset her.
“I think it’s the one I’m working on right now,” she answers. “Did I tell you it started forming last night? I even have a few words.” She hums a few bars. “Uhh, I can’t wait until it’s out of my head and on paper.”
“You’ll get it,” I assure her. She will too. I have no doubt.
“Can I ask you something? I know I’ve only won one game, but it’s something I’ve been wondering about since I’ve been here.” Her face becomes sober as she waits for an answer.
“Okay,” I say warily. It could be anything.
“I heard you got all these scholarships to go to college. They said you had early admittance to Yale. Why didn’t you go?”
I consider her question for several minutes. There are a number of reasons I stayed here. I’ve never discussed them with anyone before. Not even the counselor I hired for Travis after our parents’ death. I don’t think anyone’s ever thought to ask anyway.
“Because this was Travis’s home,” I begin. “He deserved to stay here. I didn’t want to drag him away from the only thing he knew.”
“Have you ever regretted it?”
“No.” I don’t have to think about it. “Harmony, look at me.” I wait until her gaze meets mine. “No, I’ve never regretted even a moment of my decision. He got to stay in his school with friends who accepted him for who he is. I’ll never regret giving that to him. And I like it here.” I look around the house as if it will agree with me.
“But—”
“No but, Harmony,” I snap. “I don’t need my decisions second-guessed.” It comes out harsher than I intended. She grows quiet as I gather up the cards and toss them on the coffee table. “I think I’m going to turn in. I need to check water tomorrow.”
I toss another couple of logs on the fire and climb on the bed. Harmony settles on the farthest edge from me facing away. I really should apologize.
Suddenly, she’s pushed against my back. She begins to giggle. I sit up and look at what she’s so tickled about. Reacher covers most of her half of the bed forcing her onto mine. “Sorry,” she says.
“Reacher!” I growl. He ignores me. I scowl at her, but she starts laughing again. With a sigh, I lay back down. “I guess we’ll stay warm.”
“Beau? I’m sorry.” I know she’s not talking about the dog this time. I roll over until I’m facing her.
“My fault. I don’t know why I get so angry when anything about that is brought up.”
“I think because it’s so hard to understand how something so bad could happen.” She cups my cheek in her hand. “I’m so sorry you lost them. That you had to make those decisions so young. I hope Travis knows what you gave up for him.” Her lips press against mine, and the knot in my chest loosens a little.
She grips the front of my shirt and rolls me onto her as our kiss deepens. Jesus, I’m desperate to make love to this woman. To slip into her warmth and claim her. To never let her go. I stop, though, because it’s only going to make her leaving harder. And I don’t want either of us hurt.
“Harmony,” I whisper. I don’t know if I’m begging or warning.
“I know,” she says. I roll off her and face away once again. She presses her body against mine. It’ll have to do for now.
