Page 20 of Game Over
“Hey guys.” His smile included Drew, who was sitting in one of the leather chairs lining wall to wall windows that flanked the main door. “This is a nice surprise.”
Harper held up a bag from his favorite deli. “Drew suggested we stop for sandwiches and said this was your favorite spot. I didn’t think you brought a lunch with you today…” She blushed as her gaze drifted to the receptionist, who was hanging on their every word.
Deke gave the girl the stink eye before grabbing Harper’s hand. “Sounds perfect. Let’s go back in my office and eat. Come on, Drew,” he said, over his shoulder.
His artists all greeted Drew with a chorus of shouts and waves. They all loved the little guy and the feeling was mutual. The kid wasn’t at all intimidated by their long beards, piercings, colorful ink or chains. Probably because he’d grown up around Deke. It was the norm for him.
“Hey guys,” Deke said, knowing he had to make an introduction. “I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine, Harper Stewart.” Deke knew a few of his friends would probably recognize the name. He mentioned Harper more than few times over the years. “Harper, this is Hades, Damien, Bones, Vlad and Ebony.”
Harper smiled at all of them, her eyes drifting over the beautiful young woman who’d been the latest addition to his shop, Ebony. She’d hit on Deke a few weeks after she started, but he let her know he didn’t mix business and pleasure, and they’d been forging a solid friendship ever since.
“Nice to meet all of you,” Harper said, squeezing Deke’s hand.
He laughed as he shifted so she was walking ahead of him. “Okay, guys. Enough gawking. Get back to work.”
Once they were behind the closed door of his spacious office, she said, “Wow, they’re intense.”
Drew tipped his head and looked up her. “I think they like you, Harper. They kept staring.”
“Yeah,” Deke said, trying to appreciate his nephew’s innocence. “I’ll, uh, talk to them about that.” He wanted her to feel comfortable dropping by to visit him at work and she wouldn’t if his artists were undressing her with their eyes every time she stepped through the door. Damn horndogs, the bunch of them.
“Don’t worry,” Harper said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “No big deal.” She started to unpack their lunch before hesitating. “Deke, I hope this is okay. You don’t have an appointment or anything, do you?”
He glanced at the time on his phone. “Not for an hour. I was just getting caught up on some stuff when you came in, so perfect timing.”
“Oh good.” She pulled two chairs up on the other side of his desk and set Drew up with his ham and cheese sandwich and bottled water before passing Deke a shaved roast beef on rye with Swiss cheese and mushrooms.
“Thanks.” He winked at her as Drew dove into his sandwich. “This is great. You’re right, I forgot to bring lunch. I was just gonna run out and grab something when I had a minute, but eating with you guys is much better.” He could easily get used to this every day.
“I can pack you a lunch every day,” Harper offered as she opened a grilled chicken wrap. “Even if it’s leftovers from the night before.” She smiled. “I always tend to get carried away and make too much.”
She was spoiling him, and damn, did he like it. “You’re a sweetheart.” He paused, letting her know it wasn’t a flippant comment, he really meant it. “Thanks, Harper.”
“My pleasure.” She shrugged, like it was no big deal. “Oh, before I forget, we ran into Donski at the deli and he said he was coming over to watch the game with you and Drew tonight, so I invited him over for dinner. I hope that’s okay?”
He enjoyed hanging out with his best friend, but would much rather have more quality time with Harper. “Uh yeah, sure. That’s cool.”
“I’m going to stop by the grocery store on the way home. I thought I’d grill steaks, if that’s okay with you?”
“Uncle Deke’s the grill master,” Drew said, giggling. “You should show her.”
Deke smiled before his eyes locked with Harper’s. “That’s a good idea. I should wrap up with my last appointment by five. I can grill.” His lips tipped up at the corner. “You know, show you how it’s done.”
She laughed, pointing at him. “If you’re cooking with me, you better check your ego at the door, buddy. No way are you gonna outdo me.”
He loved that they were falling back into the kind of easy banter that used to define their relationship. He’d never been in a relationship that felt more relaxed or natural than his time with Harper.
“You should stay and watch the game with us, Harper,” Drew said.
Deke would have to remember to reward this kid with a pony for Christmas or something. He was making it too damn easy for him to score more time with his dream girl. “Hey, that’s a good idea.” He grinned at Harper. “You should definitely stay.”
“Oh, I’d love to.” Her shoulders slumped as her bottom lip jutted out for Drew’s benefit. “But I have plans. Drinks with an old friend.”
“Anyone I know?” He knew all of her old friends.
“Yeah.” She smiled. “Paul.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Alfinore. He was in my graduating class, so a bit younger than you. But you know him, right?”
He cleared his throat and reached for his water bottle. She was going out with a guy? WTF? “Uh, yeah, sure. I know Paul.”
