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“It’s just I’ve never—I don’t—”
I silenced her with a finger over her lips. “It’s okay. It’s enough that I love you.” And I had the courage to tell her my feelings. In the beginning, I was worried about our friendship, but we were too far gone for that. Whatever happened in the future, I wasn’t going anywhere.
Nineteen
EVERLY
On Friday morning, Harrison took Wren back to Lola’s. I never went because I worried it would be awkward if I was there as Harrison’s girlfriend, which I would be. I was no longer just his friend to everyone else. It was a weird thing to be in this role that wasn’t even yours. I was especially confused after Harrison declared his love for me. It seemed out of bounds for the parameters of our relationship. I wasn’t sure what to make of it.
The doctor’s office was closed today, but Harrison said he had work to do in his office, so I went to the guest room to work. I spent the day brainstorming designs for invitations I could sell online.
I also toyed with some higher-end ideas for those brides who had a larger budget. Those were the most fun because I could do whatever I wanted.
There was a lot of banging and noise coming from Harrison’s office. He insisted he was just building a new desk. I wondered if he planned to give me the old one. Harrison did thoughtful things like that. It had nothing to do with me being his girlfriend and everything to do with who he was as a person.
I offered to prepare dinner for Ethan and Harrison, but Ethan said he needed to go home and eat dinner with his wife, Savannah, and their son, Miles.
I was interested in how Ethan and Savannah made things work, but we weren’t close enough that I could ask a question like that. Savannah had apparently tutored him when they were kids. He’d crushed on her but hadn’t done anything about it until he bought the building her store was leasing. They didn’t start out as friends, though.
On Saturday, it was more of the same, with Ethan coming over shortly after breakfast. Then they holed up in his office again. I spent the free time making plans for the next few months and working on my designs.
I couldn’t shake the feeling that there had to be a way to bring in additional money. I wanted to build on and increase what I was bringing in currently.
Around five, Harrison appeared in the doorway.
Stretching my neck, I asked, “Are you hungry? I can make dinner.”
Harrison looked slightly nervous. “Actually, I ordered in.”
My shoulders lowered, and I smiled. It would be nice to have an evening free from cooking. “Thanks.”
He cocked his head. “You’re not required to make me dinner every night.”
“I know.” Maybe I did it so I felt useful. He was giving me free room and board.
“It should be here soon. I’m going to jump in the shower and clean off the sawdust.”
“Want me to join you?”
He shook his head. “I don’t want to get you dirty.”
“Mmm. I can be the judge of that.” I loved when he was hot and sweaty from working. It was sexy when he worked with tools. All I could think about was how capable his hands were and what they could do to me.
“You finish up here, then we can eat.” He kissed me softly on the lips and headed toward his room and the shower.
His refusal hurt a little, even if he’d softened it with a kiss. Why wouldn’t he want to spend some time with me this weekend? I wanted to focus on the business, and it was a great opportunity with there being only one week left at my current job, but I wanted to spend time with Harrison too. I wanted to talk about whether his declaration changed anything for us.
Maybe he was regretting what he’d said last night. He was worried it would change our friendship. Determined to find out, I vowed to speak to him after dinner.
I didn’t want him to feel obligated by what he’d said. I’d prefer he be honest if he was having second thoughts.
I changed clothes into something more comfortable and grabbed a book to read, trying to relax on the bed.
When Harrison walked out a few minutes later, steam from his shower followed him into the room.
“You changed? I was thinking we could dress up for dinner. I ordered something a little fancier. I wanted to wine and dine you.”
I perked up at that. “Maybe I’ll take a shower too then.”
