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“I can’t believe you’ve set this all up already.” Liv gestures around to the technology that fills our apartment, not just the stuff we’re using for the party.
“I only had to reregister it to our new place. The setup is complete from before.”
“Alright, brainiac, I don’t need or understand the details.”
Eli joins us as the door goes and the first of our guests arrive, which kicks off a steady stream of people arriving. I get lost in greeting friends and getting drinks as I introduce people. I’m mid-conversation with the guys I work with when I look up and see Harlow from across the room. I swear everything else fades out, the music dims, and I only see her.
She looks incredible, of course, in a deep green matching crop top and wide-leg pants, but I think she could be dressed in a bin bag and I’d still have the same reaction. She’s laughing with Sawyer and Liv, and it’s the most welcoming sight I’ve seen in a while. An elbow lightly connects with my ribs, and I look to the side to see Tom with a shit-eating grin on his face.
“Sorry, what was that?”
“Nothin’. Forget us boring buggers and go get your girl.” He’s heard all about her the last couple of days and doesn’t need to tell me twice. Saluting him, I cross the room and make my way over as Liv leaves them. Harlow sees me before I get there, and that perfect smile widens, melting me. I take her straight into my arms, wrapping her up in my hold. It might be a bit presumptuous, but I want it clear to everyone here that she’s off limits to them.
“When did you get here?” I ask as I pull back far enough for her to look up at me.
“Just a bit ago.”
“Hey, man,” I say to Sawyer with a smile.
“You good?”
“Not bad.” I let Harlow go but keep my hand on her waist, right where that strip of skin is exposed. “Can I get you a drink?”
“I’ll get it. Angel?”
“I’ll come with you,” she offers.
“I’ve got it. Wine?” Sawyer asks.
“Yes, please.”
“Ezra?”
“I’m good, thanks.”
When Sawyer walks away, I spin and lean my forearm against the wall, caging her in. Her big blue eyes look up at me.
“Was it something I said?” I joke, having cleared the group out in seconds.
“It definitely wasn’t me. I’m a delight.” I grin at her faux-haughty tone as I bring one hand down to cup her jaw, the other tangling my fingers in her hair.
“That you are.” I finally lean in, kissing her like I haven’t in weeks rather than hours. Her taste explodes on my mouth, and she slips her fingers just under my top to stroke my skin, causing little shocks wherever she touches. This is so natural and so right, I really wish we weren’t with so many people right now.
“Harlow?” We’re interrupted by a familiar voice, and I groan, tearing my lips away and leaning my forehead against hers. “I thought that was you.” Straightening up, I turn to glare at my twin brother.
“Could your timing be any worse?” He blinks as if he can’t understand what I’m saying, and Harlow takes pity, although her grip on my side tightens. I guess she’s still working through some embarrassment, even if we all find it hilarious.
“Hi. Nice to see you again.”
“Can I get you a drink?”
“Actually, Sawyer—” Her refusal cuts off as she notices Sawyer next to the bar the same time as we do, one of Liv’s friends wrapped around him, his arm around her shoulder and their faces only inches apart. Looking back to her, I just catch the look on her face before she schools her features. “Oh. I guess he got caught up.”
“We’ll get it,” I tell him. “I want to introduce Harlow to the guys anyway. Catch you in a bit.” He opens his mouth to say something else, but I’m already pulling Harlow away from him by her hand.
“Which guys?”
“From the shop.”
