Harper is breathtaking. She pulled her hair into a loose, low bun, a couple of strands framing her face as if they escaped on purpose. Her dress is midnight blue, silken and fluid, hugging her in a way that feels unfair to the human race.
“Hey.” She beams, and I do my best to keep my knees from buckling. Her eyes trail over me, slow and unapologetic, lingering just long enough to make my pulse quicken—but maybe that’s just my imagination running wild.
“Hi,” I finally manage, swallowing. “You’re… wow. You look amazing, Harper.”
“Thanks.” She blushes, tucking one of those escaped strands behind her ear. The gesture feels oddly intimate. When I offer her my arm, I half expect her to hesitate.
She doesn’t.
We take the elevator down together, her fingers resting lightly at my elbow, and meet up with everyone in the lobby. They all look sharp and polished, their suits and evening gowns fitting the occasion.
“One thing, before we go in,” Adler says, his stern gaze set on Harper.
“What is it?” She frowns, already wary.
“Will you finally admit you’re friends with all of us?”
A second passes before everyone breaks into laughter.
“What?” she blurts through chuckles, her gaze flicking to me like she’s gauging my reaction.
“We haven’t made it official yet,” he continues. “And Ihate uncertainty.”
“Same,” Beaumont adds. “We need to put a label on this thing we have going on.”
“I’m sure Froggy wouldn’t mind that,” Miles mutters, his voice barely there—but I hear him anyway and shoot him a death glare. Can’t have him sabotaging my chances with Harper because he’s trying to “help.”
“Fine,” Harper says with a roll of her eyes, though she can’t hold back her smile. “I guess I can safely say that, yes. We’re friends.”
That single, short sentence sends a jolt to my chest. I love having Harper around, and it looks like I’m not the only one. My friends seem to have adopted her too. More than anything, I’m glad that the feeling is mutual and she plans on seeing us—seeing me—again when we’re back in New York.
“She said yes!” Adler applauds loudly, making the people walking past turn around, startled.
“Wow,” Beth says. “He didn’t even react like that whenIsaid yes.”
We all laugh, and Adler pulls his wife into his arms.
“Of course I did. Don’t be jealous now.”
“Seriously, though,” Hawthorne says, offering Harper a smile. “Are you sure you know what you’re getting yourself into? This is a pretty intense group.”
“And once you’re in, they don’t let you leave,” Wally deadpans, triggering another round of laughter.
“Oh yeah,” Harper says. “I noticed.” She glances at me, the corner of her mouth lifting. “But I think I can handle it. And I know people who can make me disappear if I need an out.”
“Then you’ll be fine.” Wally nods. “Maybe you could hook me up too.”
“Wow, what’s wrong with Wally tonight?” Miles says, eyes widening. “What did you give him, Grace?”
Wally groans. “Just glad it’s my last night here with the lot of you, that’s all.”
More chuckles ripple through the group.
“Well then,” Hayley says, linking her arm with Beaumont’s. “Let’s make it count.”
17
Harper
