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“Sorry, what?”
“Noah told me you were sick. I didn’t expect to see you at the center. If you knew you weren’t feeling well, why show up? Why risk it?”
Her expression softened, but she dropped her eyes.
“Harper?”
“I…” She lifted her face again, and I had to force myself to take a breath. Something was happening to me. Something really fucking disarming. “I didn’t want to let him down.”
She could have said anything—anythingbut that.
“That’s admirable… but it was still a stupid thing to do.” It came out more of a reprimand than I intended.
“Yeah.” A sigh rolled through her. “Can you help me sit up?”
I slid my arms around her and hoisted her up the bed, our faces too close. Harper stared at me, something flashing in her eyes as her gaze dropped to my mouth.
Fuck.
She was in my house. In my bed. Looking every bit as gorgeous as she usually did, despite her pale skin and tired eyes. It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Her. Me.Us.
A beat passed, the air strained between us.
“Mason, I—”
“Got it.” Scottie burst into the room, and I jerked away, standing and cupping the back of my neck.
“What’s up?” He frowned, glancing between us.
“Nothing, I’m fine.” Harper patted the side of the bed. “Come over here.”
He went willingly, perching on the edge of the bed, hanging on her every word.
“Thank you for helping me.” She smiled.
“I didn’t want you to die.”
Jesus. This kid.
“I’m going to be fine. I promise. You and Mason bought the whole pharmacy.” Her gaze lifted to mine, full of gratitude and something I didn’t want to acknowledge.
“Why don’t we go downstairs and get a snack, bud. I’m sure Harper would like a minute to get herself together.”
“But I don’t want—”
“Scottie,” I said firmly.
“Yeah, okay.” His shoulders slumped with resignation. “Bye, Harper.”
“Bye.” She gave him a small wave.
“Take as long as you need,” I said, barely making eye contact. I needed to get out of here, to give myself a minute to think.
“Okay, thanks,” she quietly said as I followed Scottie out of the room. But she called after me.
“Mason?”
“Yeah?” I glanced back, struck by a bolt of lightning, when our eyes collided.
