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“You don’t take any vacation time?” I asked.
Harper’s shoulders stiffened. “I just started with Gia, and before that, I worked at the restaurant. I save my time for when Evie’s sick.”
My heart squeezed at that revelation. The plight of a single parent, never having time to just take a trip for pleasure. I wanted to offer to take them to the beach, but it wasn’t my place, and I rarely took time off myself. I covered the restaurant so everyone else could take their vacation time.
“You’re no different,” Harper said pointedly.
“I traveled when I was younger. But those trips were mostly with my family. I’ve never gone anywhere with a woman.”
Harper’s gaze met mine, and something shimmered in her eyes. Did she wish she were the woman I’d take on trips, that I’d plan a future with?
The server brought our food, and we dug in, enjoying the fragrant seafood dishes. We talked about Evie’s school and friends. She adored her teacher and was excited about every little thing—the day the bookmobile came to school, the assembly when a magician performed tricks, and even just playing on the playground. She was a ball of energy and so full of love.
Evie loved her lobster-stuffed ravioli, but it was too much for her to eat in one sitting, so we got her a to-go box.
I paid the bill and shook my head when Harper tried to protest. “This was my treat.”
I held my hand out to Harper when I stood. “Where to next?”
“I heard there are fireworks tonight at the harbor because there’s a festival downtown,” Harper said tentatively, as if she didn’t think I’d want to go.
“You want to go?” I asked them.
“Yes!”
I got the impression that they didn’t get taken out often, if ever, and this was a real treat for them. I didn’t want the evening to end, although I did want to talk to Harper in private. “To the fireworks it is then.”
I parked downtown, and we walked to the harbor. There was a raised wall around the edge of the dock where we could sit and watch the people coming and going.
I braced my arm behind Harper. The more crowded the area got, the more it forced Harper to lean into my chest. I secretly enjoyed the proximity.
I felt the slight tremor that ran through her body every time she moved closer. I resisted the urge to nuzzle my nose in her hair. I wished she were mine to touch and hold. This friendship thing wasn’t serving me anymore.
Evie danced to the music in front of us. Harper pulled out her phone to snap a few pictures and then a video.
It felt like we were a family. It sparked a longing in my chest. I needed to talk to Harper tonight. I couldn’t wait any longer to find out if she liked me.
When the first firework exploded over the water, the crowd stilled, and everything went quiet except for the loud popping noise. Evie climbed onto my lap and huddled against my chest. I pulled her closer, loving the feel of her in my arms.
Harper smiled as she looked at us, and I knew what she was thinking. Evie deserved to have a man in her life who thought she was the world. I could be that guy if only Harper felt the same way I did. What were the odds that she’d harbored some secret crush on me through the years or just discovered this attraction like I had?
The odds weren’t in my favor, but it didn’t stop me from hoping and wishing.
When Evie flinched a little from the noise, I asked, “Want me to cover your ears?”
“It’s okay,” she said, but she pressed her face into my chest and closed her eyes tightly.
“Is she afraid of fireworks?” I asked Harper, whose eyes widened.
“Not usually.”
“Want to get out of here?” I asked Harper, my heart racing with the need to ease Evie’s distress.
“We probably should,” Harper said, rising and waiting for us to follow her.
I easily lifted Evie in my arms and headed to the pizzeria and their apartment.
“I’m sorry. She’s always enjoyed them in the past,” Harper said, regret tinging her voice.
