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Harper
“Thanks for comingon such short notice, Mark,” Nathan states as the chef he called enters the apartment. “I’d like to introduce you to my girlfriend, Harper. She’s visiting for the week from my hometown back in Tennessee.”
“Of course, we’re always available for you, and it is a pleasure to meet you, Harper,” the man states. My first impression of him based on his looks is he’s a seasoned chef, late forties, maybe his early fifties. “I have brought a few different options with me or can easily call the kitchen and swap things out, but what I brought along is a surf and turf, a medley of summer vegetables to grill, along with a raspberry swirl cheesecake and salted caramel mini cupcakes for dessert. I also have a charcuterie board for an appetizer, along with a crab and artichoke dip with garlic-crusted baguette slices for dipping.”
“Wow, that all sounds so amazing, and it is nice to meet you, as well,” I reply, a little stunned at the elaborate menu Mark whipped together on such short notice.
“Everything sounds perfect. You know where to go, so we’ll leave you to it. Let us know if you need anything,” Nathan says.
We head out onto the rooftop deck, I still can’t get over how spacious, yet cozy it is up here. The view isn’t that much different than the one is from his apartment just below us, but there’s something about the breeze in your face that adds to it. I take a seat on one of the lounge chairs, while I watch as Nathan walks around, fiddling with things as he checks them.
“What are you doing?” I ask.
“Just making sure all the lanterns are set to come on once the sun sets,” he tells me. “I don’t keep them on when not up here.”
“Makes sense,” I reply as I watch him a little longer.
It isn’t long before Leo and Candace arrive, letting themselves out onto the rooftop. I stand, joining Nathan by the outside bar where he’s already pouring drinks.
“Babe, you’ve already met Leo,” Nathan states, “now this is his much better half, Candace. Candace, I’d like to introduce you to Harper.”
“It is so nice to meet you,” Candace gushes.
“Likewise,” I greet the very beautiful woman.
“Nathan, it’s good to see you, especially looking so happy,” she states, looking between the two of us. He slips a hand around my torso, tugging me closer to him. The warmth of his body seeps into my skin and I can’t help but melt into the contact. I’m going to miss this when I have to go back home next weekend.
“Amazing what can happen with the love of a forever woman,” he states, and I don’t miss the way her eyebrows shoot up at his statement. We’ve exchanged the “I love yous” privately, between the two of us, but not publicly, not that I wouldn’t, the opportunity just hasn’t happened. To know that he’s apparently at the same place is a nice feeling. Makes me realize we’re both feeling the same things.
“How are you enjoying California?” Leo asks as we all grab a drink and move over to the sitting area.
“So far it is great. I haven’t been many places, yet, but hopefully over the next few days I’ll get out and explore some.”
“If this one,” Candace states, pointing at Nathan, “needs to go into the office and work, I’m more than happy to be your tour guide. I don’t have anything pressing this week that needs done.”
“Oh, thank you. I might just take you up on that.”
“Of course! It gives me a reason to get out of the house, and then we can get to know one another a little better without the men in our lives hovering,” she says.
“Hey now, we don’t hover,” Leo pipes in.
“You hover,” she insists, patting his cheek.
“I’ll show you hovering.” He smirks, pulling her in for a kiss.
“Don’t mind them, they might have been together for years, and married for the last seven, but you’d think by the way they act sometimes that they’re still in the honeymoon phase.” Nathan Says.
“Nothing wrong with that,” Leo states. “I’d rather be in love with my wife than in a miserable relationship.”
“Exactly. There’s no reason to settle.” I add.
“So, does that mean that you aren’t settling to be with me?” Nathan asks, but only loud enough that I can hear him.
“Never. I love you and I hope that we’re that way years from now,” I tell him, before he pulls a Leo and kisses me.
“Please tell me this isn’t going to be a kissing fest,” Rose states, walking in on both couples kissing. “Because if it is, I’m leaving now.”
“We’ll behave!” Nathan calls out. “Grab a drink and join us, the food should be out soon,” he tells her, and she does just as instructed.
