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I wink as we drive farther out of the city and closer to where I plan to take her on our date. It took me a bit to figure out what I wanted since I kind of made it hard to top the first date, but I just wanted her to have a good time, so I figured going out dancing would be a good idea. In truth, King was the one that gave me the idea, but I would rather be benched than admit the man was right.
“The fact that you’re gripping the seat with white knuckles might have been a clue.” I gesture to her fingers which are gripping the edge of the seat for dear life. Harper laughs as her fingers release and I take her hand in mine. “Don’t worry. It’s nothing to be afraid of.”
She nods as she looks out the window as I continue to drive.
We drive for a little bit longer before my phone rings and I see that it’s Will. I look over at Harper, seeing if she’s okay if I answer it, and when she smiles, I answer it.
“What’s up, man?” I ask, hoping it’s nothing serious.
“Anderson, where are you?”
“Umm, driving with Harper, why?”
“Can you guys drop by the stadium for a sec? My car fucking broke down and I need a ride to the car dealership.”
Harper’s fingers grip mine tight and I look over to see her eyes widen. Her gaze meets mine and I mouth “you okay?” as she nods silently.
“How come someone else can’t drive you?” Wondering why he’s calling me.
“Everyone left, plus the dealership is short-staffed since it’s after seven and I really need to get a rental for tomorrow.”
I take a deep breath and agree, hanging up after telling him we’ll be there in a few minutes.
“Sorry, sweetheart, this was not my plan, but I promise the second we drop Will off at the dealership, our date will begin.” I expect to hear some form of agreement from her but when I glance over once more, I see a panicked look on her face. “Harper, you okay?” Again, she says nothing, her eyes widening, looking forward as her fingers tighten around mine once more.
“I can’t… I can’t… I—” she whispers over and over again and before I have a chance to ask what she can’t do, her breathing starts to elevate, her fingers unlace themselves from mine as her body starts to shake. “Pull over,” she demands and when I don’t do it fast enough, she screams, “Pull over!”
I do as she asks, and the second the truck stops she’s outside and bent over the bushes and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out what’s happening.
In a flash I’m around the front of my truck and kneeling beside her, pulling her hair out of her face and trying everything I can to calm her down while trying to figure out what’s going on.
“Harper, you’re freaking me out, what’s wrong?”
Finally, her eyes meet mine and they’re filled with unshed tears and it’s that moment I realize what a colossal asshole I am.
“Shit,” I mutter, realizing where we were headed. “The stadium,” I mumble to myself as her eyes plead with me. Right now, I don’t know what she’s asking for but I know whatever it is, I will do it. As long as those tears stop, and her body stops shaking.
“I-I’m s-s-sorry. I c-can’t go t-there.”
I stand, pulling her up with me and gathering her close. It takes a moment but she eventually wraps those arms around my waist, squeezing me so tight my heart breaks into small pieces.
“I know, sweetheart, we don’t have to go.”
She shakes her head against my chest as she takes gasping breaths in and out.
“What about Will? We can’t just leave him there.”
I tighten my arms around her, bending down and kissing the top of her head and thank whoever brought her to me. This girl is amazing. Even in the aftermath of a panic attack, she still thinks of others.
“He’ll survive.”
Her head tips back, her chin resting against my chest as her bleary eyes meet mine. Without thinking, I cup the sides of her face and kiss her forehead.
“Why don’t you sit in the truck while I call him and explain everything?”
Her eyes widen and a different sort of panic sets in as I shake my head.
“I won’t say anything about you, I’ll just tell him something came up.”
