Page 24 of Stopping Short
“Hey, Harp?”
“Yeah?”
“We need to call your dad.”
“I know. I just wanted to call you first.” Her voice is so soft. So scared.
“I'm glad you did. I always want you to call me first.”
“I'm dressed. What do you want me to do now?”
“Stay in your room unless I tell you differently. I’m going to keep our call connected, but my phone will be in my pocket. Ok?”
“Ok,” she whispers.
“I’ll keep you safe, sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”
As I climb out of my SUV, I tuck my phone in my pocket. I quickly open my back door and grab the baseball bat I keep on the floor. I have no clue what I'm walking into and while I don’t think Evan would do something as stupid as try to attack me, I don’t want to give him the chance.
When I get to Harper’s front door, I suck in a deep breath and blow it out slowly. I need to stay calm and in control. There’s no other way to handle Evan.
Pushing open the door, I quickly take in the scene and find Evan relaxing back on the couch like he belongs here.
“Get out,” I hiss, stepping into the living room and tightening my grip on the bat.
“What are you doing here?” He glares at me.
“I'm here to get rid of you. Harper asked you to leave and I want you gone.”
“No. Harper told me we’d talk after she got dressed. She told me to wait out here until she was ready.”
“She didn’t invite you here, but you keep showing up. What is wrong with you? Why can’t you understand she doesn’t want anything to do with you? Leave her alone.”
“Oh, and do you think she wants you? Is that what this is? Are you jealous she’s mine and you can’t have her?” He watches me carefully. Like he’s looking for a hint at where my heart and mind are when it comes to her. “That’s it, isn’t it? You’ve decided you want a shot with Harper and you’re willing to do anything to get me out of the picture. That’s why you punched me at the bar.”
“I punched you because you were kissing another woman.”
“Which didn’t affect you. You only stepped in to pull my girl away from me.”
“She’s not yours. You have ten seconds to get out of her house or I’ll use this bat on you.” I hold up the metal and examine it. I love this bat. It’s helped me out of more than a few sketchy situations.
“I’ll sue you if you come near me again.”
“Go ahead and try. I couldn’t care less.” As the words leave my mouth, I make a mental note to talk to Macy and Liliana. I have a feeling I’ll need Macy to smooth over some bad press and Liliana to help me set the record straight. Anything to make the public realize the truth.
I take a practice swing and Evan’s eyes widen. I don’t plan on using the bat, but if he comes near me or Harper, I won't hesitate. He doesn’t know I’d rather handle this civilly and I want to keep him guessing.
“One… Two… Three…” I continue counting, really hoping he uses the tiny brain he has and leaves. My sole focus is getting Harper out of here and away from him. I think we’ll have to change our plans for today. She can’t stay here.
“Eight… Nine…” I take a step forward, a smirk tipping up the corner of my lips. “Ten.”
“I'm going!” He yelps, jumping up from the couch and rushing towards the door. “This isn’t over, Harper! Your little bodyguard won't be here forever. We have to talk eventually!”
He takes one last look at me and I pretend to make a move. He lets out a girly scream and hurries out of the house, slamming the door behind him.
After flicking the lock, I walk slowly towards Harper’s bedroom. Right before I twist the handle, the door flies open and she flings her body into mine. The bat clatters to the ground as I wrap my arms around her and bury my face in the crook of her neck.
She’s shaking in my arms, so terrified. I’ve never seen anyone like this. I'm so happy I didn’t go home yesterday. If I had, Harper would be facing him alone.
