Page 4 of Game Over
“Just like old times,” Harper said, giving Donski a hug when he rose to greet her. “Damn, it’s good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
Deke could see the tears well up in Harper’s eyes and he questioned if she ever wondered what they could have been, if he’d had the courage to stick it out and face his fears.
“I’ve missed you too, sweetheart,” Donski said, kissing her forehead. “Never thought I’d see the day we’d have the whole gang back together.”
Harper’s gaze fell on Deke and a beat of silence passed between them that felt to Deke like heartbreak and regret. “Hey.” He cursed himself for not saying more, but the emotion welling up in his throat made it tough to speak.
To the world he might look like a tatted-up bad ass biker with a chip on his shoulder, but this girl still had the power to rock his world.
“Hey yourself,” she said, smacking his back. “Don’t I even get a hug?”
Having her wrapped in his arms again was the only thing Deke wanted the year after he let her go, but when he heard through the grapevine she had a boyfriend he’d beat those fantasies into submission.
He set his beer down and forced himself to stand, knowing their friends were watching their every move. He’d intended a quick hug, but as soon as she slipped into his arms it was game over. She still used that vanilla body lotion that made him crave ice cream… and her.
The hug went on forever but ended too soon for Deke. His hands curled around her face and he looked into her eyes like he’d done a thousand times before. He knew he didn’t have the right to touch her, but he’d never been able to practice restraint with Harper.
“You look gorgeous.” His voice was a whisper, loud enough for her ears only.
Her cheeks were pink as she wrapped her hands around his wrists. “Thanks. You look pretty good yourself.”
“Too many years.” And every one had felt like a decade to him. He knew he should pass on his regrets about her failed engagement but he’d never lied to her before and wouldn’t start now.
“You know how it goes,” she said, clearing her throat as she took a step back. “I meant to get home more, but something always came up. I guess whenever I was here our paths never crossed.”
He’d always been looking out for her whenever he heard she was in town, but he’d never been lucky enough to spot her. Probably just as well. He didn’t need to see her wearing another man’s engagement ring.
“Uh, I’m gonna catch up with everyone,” Donski said, hooking a thumb over his shoulder.
Deke had been so wrapped up in Harper he’d forgotten about his best friend.
“Have a seat,” Deke said, pointing to the stool next to him. “Let me buy you a drink.”
“It’s the least you can do,” she said, smirking as she hopped up beside him.
He was glad she was as direct as she’d ever been. He was dying to clear the air, to let her know he wasn’t the same scared kid who’d dumped her. “You still like vodka?”
She nodded. “Neat, please.”
Deke waved the owner over. Joe was past retirement age, but claimed his wife would kill him if he was home all the time, and tending bar was the only thing he knew how to do, so he kept at it.
“Hey buddy,” Deke said. “Can I—”
“Well,” Joe said, grinning as he looked from Harper to Deke. “Never thought I’d see the day. You two back together again. The missus tried to tell me this little lady was the only one for you.” He laughed as he swiped a hand over his white goatee. “She said that was the reason you never got married or—”
“We’re not together,” Harper said, looking horrified. “We haven’t seen each other in years… until five minutes ago. I just want a drink and he offered to buy me one. That’s it, Joe.”
“Oh, that’s a shame.” He shot Deke a meaningful look before he added, “But as long as you’re still talkin’ I guess there’s hope.” Before Harper could argue, he asked, “What’ll it be?”
“Vodka neat, please.”
“You ready for another one?” he asked, gesturing to Deke’s empty bottle. “Or you have to pick the little guy up when you leave here?”
“No, Mrs. Reynolds is watching Drew at my place tonight.” Deke could feel Harper’s eyes on him, but he tried not to look her way. “I can always walk home. Or hitch a ride if anyone stays sober enough to drive.”
“Ah, your night to have a little fun then.” Joe winked. “Take full advantage, my boy. I remember when my kids were young and we were able to pawn them off on the babysitter for the night, that’s the only time Vera and I got to…” He wiggled his eyebrows. “Well, you know.”
Deke chuckled as Joe placed their drinks in front of them. Being a caregiver to his nephew while his brother was deployed had put the kibosh on his love life, but Deke didn’t mind. He’d do anything to ensure that kid had a better life than they had growing up.
