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“It’s something you need to survive in this world,” Aunt Willa says as she moves toward the table to pour the wine into our glasses. “You don’t stay fruitful without being a little stubborn.”
“I’ll drink to that,” Cassie says, raising her glass.
We join her in the cheer.
“So how are you?” Aunt Willa asks our unexpected guest. “How’s Brett?”
“I’m good, and Brett… well, you know, he’s very fruitful as well.”
Aunt Willa laughs. “Yes. He is. It was nice of him to visit me at the rehab center.”
“From what I hear”—Cassie sets her glass down—“you’ll be seeing him again soon? He mentioned you’re taking over the drop-offs next week. Are you ready for that?”
My aunt’s spine snaps straight. “Of course, I am.”
I shake my head with a chuckle, glancing down at my wine.
“Great,” Cassie says with all teeth showing as she grabs her glass for a quick sip. “And you’re working at the center?” She looks at me, escaping my aunt’s fomented eyes. “Answering hotline calls?”
“Yes, but it’s only temporary,” I say.
“Harper’s thinking of staying here in Florida.” Aunt Willa’s view sways my way. We haven’t talked about it much, but I know she wants me to commit to it. “How is the job hunt going?”
“I haven’t applied anywhere yet. I’m waiting for you to take over. I don’t want to be at an interview and get a call, so I’ve put everything on hold for now.”
“Well, you’ll be free from it in a week if you wanted to start looking.”
I nod. “So how’s Lix and Cole? Did they all get that job finished yet?”
“Brett said they are doing the finishing touches tomorrow. It turned out beautiful. You should stop by tomorrow and check it out. I know Cole would love to see you. He mentioned he missed having you around.” She laughs with a twinkle of knowing in her eyes.
“Yes,” Aunt Willa chimes in. “That would be nice. Don’t you think, Harper?”
I force a smile and flash my eyes at both meddlers before taking a sip of my wine.
???
Dammit. I get out of my car, slamming the door. How did I let them talk me into coming here today? Okay, there was no twisting of my arm, merely a mention. Yet here I am.
I walk up to the mansion’s wide steps and enter. Cassie is right. The place looks fantastic. The owner is going to be happy. I wander through the house, coming to a complete stop when I find the Daxon brothers and a man standing in a circle in a grand room.
They all look at me. Cole crosses his arms over his chest. His eyebrow raises, and his lips twitch. Damn him!
“Hi,” I say, embarrassed and questioning my decision to come.
They all greet me with their replies.
“Ah,” I stammer. “I’m sorry. I can see you’re busy. I’ll come back or call.” I wave a flustered hand, turn on the balls of my feet and rush out the door.
I jog down the steps and reach for my car door handle.
“Harper!” I hear Cole call my name.
Shit. I was almost out of here. I glance up. He’s walking toward me. Heat flushes all through my body.
He stops. “What did you need?”
“It’s fine.” I toss my hand in the air. “I’ll call you later.”
