Page 57 of Stopping Short

I don’t waste a second, I wrap my arm around her shoulders and pull her into me. I press a soft kiss to the top of her head and enjoy the feel of her so close to me.

When I glance up, all conversation has stopped and the women are staring at us like we’re the most adorable couple in the world. The men are all smirking and I'm not sure what they’re thinking.

“So… Someone owes me money.” Mason grins. “I said when she finished college they’d start dating.”

“I forgot about the bet!” Cali shakes her head.

“Exactly how long has this bet been going on?” Harper arches a brow at her mom.

“Well… we knew when the two of you were younger, you were practically attached at the hip.” Cali smiles softly.

“We always hoped you two would start dating. I wasn’t sure it would happen.” Mom watches us.

“So, when did this bet begin?” Harper asks again.

“Ehh, a year or so after the two of you met.” Kelsey shrugs. I love that woman. She’s so unapologetically herself. She doesn’t care at all. She’s definitely the female version of Mason. They make the perfect couple.

“Seriously? I was like seven! He was literally double my age!” Harper glances from one person to another.

“Wow, way to make me feel like a creeper,” I groan, scrubbing a hand over my face. “This dinner has really made me feel great about myself. Thanks so much for inviting me.”

“Oh, stop it,” Harper laughs. She wraps her arms around my waist and rests her head against my chest. “I don’t think you’re a creeper. I love you.”

“I love you too, gorgeous.”

Chapter 33

Evan

It didn’t take me long to figure out where Harper was. I jotted down the address she was staying at when she went back to Rosewood. I didn’t trust her and I'm glad I thought ahead.

Even though I’ve been to her parents’ house in the past, I knew I wouldn’t remember exactly where they lived. Having an exact address from when I was tracking her phone is definitely helping me right now.

I pause before turning into the development. It’s a gated community and there are security guards at the entrance with guns on their hips. What kind of development is this?

I frown as I quickly turn in the opposite direction. I don’t need them taking notice of me or my car, but Harper’s parents didn’t live in a gated community when I visited them. I don’t think they lived anywhere near this place.

Taking an empty parking spot on the street, I'm in a good position where I can see the gate and anyone going into or out of the development. I really hope this is where Harper is staying. I need to find her. I need to get her to wear my ring again. To make a public announcement that we’re engaged. I need to sell this to Dennis or my entire family is out of luck.

I sit a little straighter when I see an SUV I recognize leave the development. That jerk, Jackson, is in the driver’s seat. He slows down as he approaches the red light, giving me a clear view of Harper in the passenger’s seat.

“You’ve got to be kidding me! Is she living with him?” I growl through clenched teeth.

It’s the only explanation and it would make sense for a professional athlete to live in such a protected community, especially if other athletes live there. They want to keep the public away from them.

I grip the steering wheel hard enough to make my knuckles turn white. I can’t believe this. If he had never come to Pittsburgh, everything would be perfect in my life. I’d be marrying a woman I don’t love, but I’d be saving my family in the process, and setting myself up for life.

As soon as the traffic starts moving, I follow them at a safe distance, making sure they won't notice me.

Jackson McLaren ruined everything. I’m going to take the woman he loves away from him and there’s nothing he can do to stop me.

Chapter 34

Harper

I gather my hair into a high ponytail and tie the black apron around my waist. I'm so excited to get to work. To spend the entire day with my friends and create some delicious pastries and desserts.

“I’ll be back for you at four. I don’t want you leaving here alone, got it?” Jackson grips my chin softly and lifts it until I'm forced to meet his gaze.