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Tears fill her eyes, and she nods. “Thank you,” she whispers. “I needed to hear that.”
“I’m only speaking the truth. Don’t ever forget how incredible you are, Harper.” My eyes flick down to her full lips, then back up. “And don’t ever let anyone make you feel less than, because you deserve so much more. You deserve the world.”
She leans in toward me, lifting chin a little. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
“Don’t try. Do it.” My lips hover so near to hers that just the slightest breeze could bring her right to me.
Closing her eyes, she brushes her lips against mine. The feeling of it is perfect, soothing, thrilling, and hypnotic all at the same time. I kiss her back, letting my lips linger on hers for longer than I should before pulling back and resting my forehead on hers. My entire body protests the fact that I’m not kissing her again, but I can’t take advantage of someone so recently wounded. I am not that kind of guy.
“We should get some sleep,” I whisper.
“Yeah, we should.” She leans back, looking embarrassed and utterly dejected.
I lift my hand to her cheek and touch her soft skin with my fingertips. “The fact that I’m not trying for something right now is not a reflection on you in any way.”
“That’s kind of hard to believe.”
“Only a total asshat would try to get you into bed right now, Harper, but believe me, I’ve thought about it. A lot more than I should have. You’re beautiful in every way, and you deserve a true gentleman.”
“You are a true gentleman.”
Offering her a half grin, I say, “I wish to God that wasn't the case right now.”
“When the right woman comes along and manages to change your mind about relationships, she’s going to be one lucky girl.” With that, she stands up and walks into the cabin.
She might already be here. Which is why I need to get the hell away from her right now.
Chapter21
Harper
Dear Reader,
My computer is blowing up!
Benniferis engaged again? It’s all so shocking. I mean, seriously, I just dropped two dissolvable melatonin pills into my cup of chamomile tea to help calm down.
It’s not like I have anything against the Divine Miss Lo. No sir. She’s the bomb-digga-dom. And while I would once have happily supported her marriage to Ben, that was before he married his lovely wife and then left her for, wait for it—the nanny.
Miss Lo’s reunion tour with Ben gives me the willies. It’s a matter of been there, done that, don’t go back. Don’t. Go. Back. (I’m talking to you, Miss Harper!)
I don’t give a fresh fig what single people do—or who they do—but once you take Beyonce’s advice and put a ring on it, remember that it stands for something.
I have to go lie down. My tea is kicking in.
Dish,
Ferris Biltmore
* * *
As well as I slept the first night up here, that’s how badly I slept last night. I tossed and turned and wondered what my life would have been like had I’d met someone like Digger before Brett. Would I have even noticed him enough to see what a prize he is? Probably not, since my whole life back then was about making it big in Hollywood. Being here in Alaska makes me realize how much I despise everything I’d fought so hard to achieve in Tinsel Town.
I love to perform, becoming a variety of people in the various roles I’ve been cast in, but Idetestthe politics and machinations behind the scenes. With all the egos and insecurities that abound in the movie industry, it’s surprising anything of quality is ever made.
When I can’t take my restlessness any longer, I get out of bed and walk out of the cabin. I’m the only one up, so I hurry to the outhouse. After opening the door to leave, I’m greeted by none other than a baby grizzly bear.
Holy crap.
