AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Yes!” the redhead says. “I’m actually obsessed with your soaps.”
“I got them all hooked on your products. I’m Stephanie.”
“It’s nice to meet you, and thank you.” Harper blushes. “That makes me so happy to hear.”
“We started a business because you inspired us so much. We make lotions!” It’s cute to see them so giddy to meet their hero.
“We’ll see you at dinner, I guess,” Shayla interrupts, but when no one responds, she yanks Leonard away.
“So is this your fiancé?” Stephanie asks.
I smile proudly, tightening my grip around Harper. “That’s me.”
As they continue chatting, I notice the distance between Shayla and Leonard. Even if I didn’t know anything about them, it’d be hard to tell they were an engaged couple.
Mrs. Davenport finds Harper again just as the girls are leaving. “I hope you two will be at the dinner tonight.”
I grin. “We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”
“Looking forward to it,” Harper adds.
“Fantastic! Bruce Silvertown will be there. He wrote the New York Bestseller that’s helped millions of families grow their businesses. You’re gonna love his motivational presentation. It’s going to be very moving,” she tells us.
Harper's eyes widen. “I didn’t realize Bruce Silvertown was the guest speaker. Wow.”
I have no idea who this guy is, but if Harper is impressed, then hell, I am too.
“Starts at six on the dot! Don’t be late,” she reminds us before walking away.
Taking the opportunity, I pull Harper into a hug and squeeze her before placing another small kiss on her lips. A few more presentations are scheduled for today, so we return to the conference room and find our seats.
I hold her hand and rub my thumb against her soft skin. She leans into me, her warmth pressing into me, and I can’t deny how good it feels. And how much more I want of that.
Too bad it’s all pretend.
Or is it?
Chapter Twelve
HARPER
Dinner starts in an hour, so Ethan and I go upstairs to change clothes.
“How do you think the panel went?” I ask when we’re finally alone. “Truthfully.”
“I told you, you killed it, and I meant it. In fact, my favorite part is how you throat punched Shayla with your words. The whole bit about being original was a direct hit. When I saw her lookin’ like she was chewing rocks, I almost fist-pumped the air.”
“She deserves it. I’m just tired of her getting away with her shady practices and no one saying anything about it. It’s not hard to come up with original ideas if you love what you’re doing.”
“You’re right. I think she took it personally, though.” Ethan’s phone rings, and he excuses himself to answer. He moves to the large windows that overlook the city and chats to Luke about the goats. I’m grateful Ethan took the weekend off to join me, but I’m sure he’s concerned with how things are going at the ranch. Taking time off and breaking away from our jobs is a rare occasion for us, so I’m trying to make the best of it. Though I feel the weight of all the things I have to do when I return.
As he continues his conversation, it reminds me that I got a few texts from Hadleigh earlier. Considering she helped us prep for this weekend, I owe her details.
Hadleigh: I’m dying to know what’s happening right now!
Harper: The panel went great. Ethan has been a lifesaver. Shoulda seen Shayla’s face. It was worth all the nerves and preparation to watch her jaw drop.
Hadleigh: Good. She deserves it.
After I check the time, I go to the bathroom and change into the black dress I packed for tonight. I comb my fingers through my hair and pin it away from my face, then touch up my makeup. When I walk back into the main area, Ethan’s no longer on the phone. He turns, and his eyes light up when he sees me.
“Damn.” He whistles. “That dress looks incredible on you.”
Heat rushes through me at the way his eyes lower down my body. “Thanks. It’s one of my favorites.”
“It’s becoming one of mine too. Should I change?” he asks, pressing a hand to his shirt.
I shake my head. “I think you look fine. We should probably get going so we aren’t stuck sitting next to Shayla.”
He chuckles, then we make our way to the restaurant a few blocks away from the hotel. This time, I grab Ethan’s hand. Grinning as if it’s no big deal, he fills me in on what’s going on at home.
“Nothing monumental has happened, at least no goat escapees. I was concerned there’d be some sort of meltdown while I was away, but Luke and the twins seem to be handling everything okay. Told them I’d be back midday Monday.”
“This weekend has flown by,” I admit, somewhat wishing it were longer because I never want to leave this bubble with Ethan.
