Page 19 of Stopping Short

“Alright, let’s get a move on.” She hops off the boulder and waits for me to follow suit.

We take off and chit chat the entire time. Things feel like they’re back to normal between us. We’re Harper and Jackson again.

Now, I need to figure out how to make us more.

I need to make her mine. I won't stop until I do.

Chapter 13

Harper

I can’t believe Jackson’s taking me to DiMaio’s. This feels like so much more than a birthday dinner. It feels like the start of something new.

I find a little black dress in the back of my closet. After I finish my hair and makeup, I slip it on and take a look at myself in the mirror. I haven’t gotten dressed up in forever. I miss it.

Evan never really took me anywhere. We’d hang out with friends or grab a quick bite to eat at a fast-food place, but we never went to a restaurant.

Don’t get me wrong, I'm not one of those women who think I need to be spoiled or taken out for a three-course meal every night, but in four years, we never went to any dates where I couldn’t wear sweatpants. As that thought settles over me, I realize just how messed up that is. He never really valued me or treated me like I was special to him.

A knock on my door has a smile spreading across my lips. He’s early, but I don’t mind. That just means I get to spend more time with him.

I swing the door open and my smile instantly drops. Evan’s standing on the other side. He’s staring down at his feet and when he glances up at me, his eyes widen.

“Jeez, Harper. You look gorgeous.”

“What do you want, Evan?” I sigh and take a step back. I know he’s not going to leave until he tells me whatever he came here for.

“I want us to get back together. Please. I can’t live without you,” he whispers.

I stare at him. I’d love for a man to say those words to me, yet somehow hearing them come from Evan… they sound wrong. Fake. Like they’re just words without any meaning behind them.

“No. I already told you it was over. I didn’t change my mind.”

“Who are you all dressed up for?” His eyes move up and down my body, making me wish I could get him to leave.

“It’s none of your business.” I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him. “If you have nothing else to say, you can leave.” I motion to the door.

“I'm not leaving until you hear me out!”

“I did, Evan. I heard every word you’ve said. I just don’t care.”

“How can you say that?” He stares at me like I'm the one who’s being unreasonable.

“You were making out with some woman at the bar last night. It might sound crazy, but no part of me wants to be with a cheater. I’d rather be single.”

“It was one kiss. That’s barely cheating.” He rolls his eyes.

“You’re ridiculous.” I snort with humorless laughter.

“What do you want me to say? I'm sorry I kissed her. It won't happen again.”

“Maybe not with her, but it will happen again… But there is one thing I want to know.”

“What is it?”

“Why did you call me Harper Stone when you proposed?”

“Because that’s your name?”