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Iadmire Harper as she sleeps beside me, her chest rising and falling in gentle rhythm. Her face is angelic, almost ethereal in the morning light that filters through the curtains. I find myself reaching out to brush my fingers through her soft, wavy hair, wondering how I got so lucky to have this beautiful woman in my life.
“God, you’re gorgeous,” I whisper, even though I know she can’t hear me. Still, it’s a sentiment that needs to be said aloud.
My eyes wander over to the clock on the bedside table in my room, where the four of us relocated at some point during the night, and I realize it’s almost eleven in the morning. The debate rages within me—should I wake her up? Or let her sleep for a bit longer, considering the passionate night we just shared?
“Harper,” I say softly, testing the waters. My heart clenches at the thought of disrupting her peaceful slumber, but there’s a part of me that craves her presence when she’s awake too.
“Harper,” I whisper a second time, my voice barely audible. To my surprise, her eyelids flutter open, revealing those captivating green eyes that never fail to enchant me.
“Antonio?” she murmurs, her voice thick with sleep. “What time is it?”
“Almost eleven,” I confess, brushing a stray lock of hair from her forehead. Her eyes widen in alarm, and she attempts to sit up quickly, only to wince in pain.
Seeing the wince of pain that crosses her face, I reach out to steady her. “Hey, take it easy,” I say gently, my hand curling around her arm. “It’s completely normal for you to be sore after last night.”
Harper looks down, a blush creeping over her cheeks as she considers my words before something more important takes precedence. “Oh god, my kids! What happened to them this morning?”
“Hey, it’s okay,” I reassure her, giving her waist a gentle squeeze. “Benedict and Hudson took care of everything. They dropped Olivia off at school and Peter at daycare before they went in to work. No need to worry.”
“Really?” Harper’s face relaxes into a relieved smile. “Wow, I’m just…thank you. All three of you are incredible. Shouldn’t you be at work?”
“I took off today.”
“Took off? I didn’t know fire chiefs could do that.”
“We all need a break every now and then.” She laughs. “Hey, Harper,” I begin, trying to sound as casual as possible, “my sister Isabella’s birthday party is coming up and it’s really important to her. I’d love for you to come with me.”
“Isabella’s birthday?” Harper’s eyes light up with interest. “That sounds like fun. When is it?”
“Today,” I answer, relieved that she seems open to the idea. “It would mean a lot to both of us if you were there.”
“Today?” she repeats. “Why didn’t you say anything before now?”
“I hadn’t decided whether or not I was going.”
“It’s your sister’s birthday,” she says, frowning confusedly.
“And it happens once a year. She reminds me every single year.”
Harper stares at me as if she wants to say something, opening her mouth before closing it right back and rolling her eyes. “Of course I’d love to go,” she replies with enthusiasm. “What are the plans for the party?”
I hesitate for a moment, unsure of how to respond. “To be honest, I’m not exactly sure,” I admit sheepishly. “But I know I don’t want to go without a date by my side.”
“Are you sure this qualifies as a date?” Harper asks, raising an eyebrow playfully. “I mean, I’m not complaining, but I have three boyfriends now. Do the rules of dating still apply?”
“Get used to it, beautiful,” I answer with a chuckle. “You’ll have plenty of dates with all of us, and we’re more than happy to share you.”
Her cheeks flush at my words, and I can’t help but appreciate how adorable she looks when she’s flustered. “Alright then, Mr. Fire Chief,” she concedes, her voice laced with amusement. “It’s a date.”
“Fantastic,” I say, grinning from ear to ear. “Now, let’s get you out of this bed and into a hot relaxing bath.” I stand up and extend a hand toward her, feeling the warmth of her skin as she takes it. “Maybe if you’re lucky, I’ll join you and give those shoulders of yours a proper massage,” I tease, causing her eyes to widen with surprise.
“Really?” she breathes, her anticipation evident in her gaze.
“Only if you’re good,” I warn, enjoying the playful banter between us. Inside, I marvel at how effortlessly our relationship has evolved.
“I promise I will be,” she whispers, biting her lip coyly. With my help, she rises from the bed and makes her way toward the bathroom. She releases her grip on my hand and rushes into the room.
As I listen to the sound of water filling the bathtub, I reflect on the whirlwind of emotions that have engulfed me since meeting Harper. The intensity of our connection is something I’ve never experienced before, and it leaves me questioning when exactly I became so infatuated with her.
