Page 81 of Drive Me Crazy

Boone's eyes flicker between us. "Y'all are staying around to see them, right? You know she's gonna want to see you."

"I can get a ride home, so you can stay awhile." I bump Ridge's shoulder, nudging him to respond.

"We're here," he tugs on my hand. "let the grands go first."

Boone thumps his bicep. "Good! I'll get them moving."

I chew the inside of my lip. "Should we find a place to sit?"

"No," Ridge leans in, whispering in my ear. "we're going to go find some place private."

"I'm thinking this is a bad idea." I protest as he pulls me toward the door.

His head spins. "Wanna do it here?"

"Is that an option?"

He glowers. "No!"

"Then why ask, Mister Grouchy Pants." I drag my feet behind him, doing my best to pout. It has no effect on him, he's determined to get answers and I'm set on not giving any.

He pushes through the door as I trail along. I have to admit; I don't mind being here with him. I know I can't give him the answers he's looking for right now.

"Will you ever just go along with the program?" He slams back another door, holding it open for me.

"Would you like it if I did?" I smirk, knowing I'm working on his last nerve.

His head falls forward. "Probably not."

"You've always let me go my way, Ridge. What's with the cave man attitude?" I cross my arms, readying to defend myself. Truth is, I'm hoping to deny and deflect.

He crowds me against the wall... again. "Is there anything wrong with me wanting you alone?"

"No, if it's for the right reasons." I lift my chin, angling my mouth toward his. "But I have a feeling, this isn't one of the right ones."

"It's as easy as the sway in your hips," he leans in. "all you have to do, is to tell me what you're hiding from me."

I lay back against the wall. "I don't have a clue what you're talking about."

"Harper, I know you better than you know yourself."

We lock eyes, and a charge of energy surges between us as if it's willing me to tell him my deepest and darkest secrets. I've never fought something so hard in my life, but this isn't something he needs to know.

Not yet.

"Then you should definitely know, there's no chance in hell I'm going to tell you anything. Especially if there's nothing to tell." I avert my eyes, praying I can fend him off.

He steps back, and I immediately chill from his absence. "For someone that spent years doubting her own existence, you sure as hell exude confidence."

"So, you recognize it?" I slip under his arm, yanking on the door. "I'm confident in you, Ridge."

"You could be wrong about me, you know."

I nod. "Yeah, I've been wrong plenty of times and this might be one. It also might be the only choice I have."

"I'll never let you down again, Harper." He moves closer to me, laying his hand over mine. "But I need you to be honest with me, there can never be secrets between us again."

I stare out into the night, the stars twinkle and shine, much like Ridge's eyes when he looked down at me under the same sky years ago.

"I-I just need a little more time, that's all." I swallow past the knot forming in my throat. "And I'm scared you'll not want me when I tell you all my truths."

He wraps my wrist, pulling me into his arms. "Crazy girl, that'll never happen."

"So, you say," my breath hitches. "this could crush us both under its weight and I can't fathom losing you again."

He tightens his hold on me, and I sink into him. "You were never without me; I've always been here waiting."