Harper considered this, absently running her fingers through her hair. The idea had merit, especially since... "Reyna could help with that. Her hearing is incredible - she'd pick up humans long before they got anywhere near us." Her fox stirred at the mention of her name, projecting images of dense forest and the thrill of exploration.
"Really?" Nathan's eyes lit up. "How far can she hear?"
"Depends on the conditions, but usually about half a mile if the sound carries well. More than enough time to get Jill hidden away safely." Harper smiled, warming to the idea. "And most hikers stick to the marked trails. If we stay off the beaten path, we probably won't run into anyone at all."
Nathan nodded enthusiastically. "Exactly. There's this brook that runs through the park, too. We could picnic beside that."
Reyna's excitement bubbled up at the mention of the brook, and Harper had to stifle a laugh at her fox's sudden interest in potential fish-catching opportunities.
"That settles it then," Nathan said, nuzzling his cheek against her hair. "I'm going hiking with a jackalope and a fox. It's not every day I get to say that."
Harper laughed, the sound light and carefree. "You're starting to realize that 'normal' doesn't really apply anymore."
Nathan squeezed her shoulder gently. “Normal is overrated.”
He leaned back, pulling her with him so that she was nestled against his side. The rhythmic beat of his heart against her ear was a comforting counterpoint to the ticking clock. Harperclosed her eyes, letting the warmth and peace of the moment wash over her.
The clock chimed again, this time the half-hour. Harper reluctantly pulled away, a hint of regret tugging at her.
“I really should go,” she said, though she made no move to stand.
Nathan’s arm tightened around her waist. “I know.” He pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead. “But I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” she echoed, the word a promise.
Reluctantly, Harper untangled herself from his embrace and stood, smoothing down her shirt. She turned to face him, her heart full of a warmth that spread through her like the afterglow of a perfect melody.
“I’ll see you at noon?” she asked, her voice soft.
Nathan’s answering smile made her breath catch. “Noon. I’ll have lunch ready.”
With a final, lingering glance, Harper turned and headed for the door, the anticipation of tomorrow already warming her from the inside out. The night air was cool against her skin as she stepped outside, but the memory of Nathan’s embrace lingered like a comforting warmth.
Nathan walked her to the door, their fingers intertwined. "Text me when you get home?"
"I will." Harper reached up on tiptoe to kiss him one last time. "Thank you for tonight. For everything."
His smile was soft in the dim porch light. "Drive safe."
Harper stepped out into the cool evening air, her heart light despite her reluctance to leave. As she slid behind the wheel of her Mustang, she caught sight of Nathan still standing in the doorway, watching to make sure she got to her car safely. The simple gesture made her smile.
She started the engine and backed out of the driveway, waving as she pulled away. Even Reyna was content, curled up sleepily in the back of her mind. The evening had been exactly what she needed - good food, beautiful music, and most importantly, Nathan's quiet, steady presence making her feel safe and cherished.
Chapter 28
Harper pulledinto Nathan's driveway, her heart fluttering with anticipation. The memory of last night's kisses still lingered, making her smile as she walked up to his front door. Before she could knock, Nathan opened it with a warm grin.
"Perfect timing. I'm almost done packing lunch."
She followed him into the kitchen where delicious aromas wafted from an open picnic basket on the counter. Nathan was tucking wrapped sandwiches next to containers of fresh fruit and what looked like homemade cookies.
"That smells amazing," Harper said, peeking into the basket. Reyna perked up at the scent of roasted chicken.
"I hope you like chicken salad. Made it this morning with grapes and pecans." Nathan added two bottles of sparkling water. "And those cookies are my grandmother's recipe."
Harper's mouth watered at the sight. "You bake too? Is there anything you can't do?"
"Many things." Nathan chuckled. "But baking cookies isn't one of them."
