Page 51 of Choosing Us

I feel the right side of my mouth tug up in a half-smile. “Yeah, she’s pretty amazing. Also, she’s friends with Sav and Viv, but she’s asked that we keep whatever this is between us off Walker’s radar for the time being. He’s her boss, and they’re friends, but she just wants a little space before having all sides of her life merge.”

“That makes sense, and honestly, I think Walker would get it. He understands boundaries.” Finn nods and takes another drink. “She’s the doctor on Walker’s team, right?”

I scowl at that. “Well, that’s what she does, but that’s not who she is. She’s so much more.” And why do I feel like I need to defend her to my brother?

“Hey, I’m not saying that’s all she is. Calm down, Hulk.” Finn throws his straw wrapper at me.

“She is so incredibly sweet and thoughtful, it’s remarkable, really. I know she’s smart and has a ton of degrees, but those are all just facts about her, those aren’t the things that make Harlow … Harlow. Does that make sense?”

“Yeah, and it doesn’t hurt that with that dark brown hair, chocolate eyes, and curves for days that she’s a stacked shorty bombshell either.”

My head rears back. “The fuck? Don’t look at her chocolate eyes—or at her stack, for that matter.”

Finn throws his head back in laughter. “See? You’re ready to claim her. Me caveman, she mine. No look,” he grunts through his grin.

“I wouldn’t phrase it like that but … yes. No look.” I point at him with a glare, but before he can respond with some other smartass comment, his cell phone rings and he nods to it. I lift my chin in acknowledgment.

“Hey, Tess, what’s up?” Once again, Finn is saved by Tess.

Finn is a phenomenal carpenter with his own residential construction company, but the man would be lost without his office manager, Tess. She handles important things like invoices, bills, and making sure Finn gets paid. “Nah, I ended up grabbing lunch with Ryan, but I can swing by the jobsite after this. Was the flooring delivered on time?” He continues talking about technicalities for one of his job sites as my thoughts wander. I don’t necessarily want to act like a caveman, but the idea of throwing Harlow over my shoulder and keeping her in my cave does sound like a good time.

While Finn finishes up getting his marching orders from Tess, I grab my phone and call Harlow. It goes to voicemail, and I leave a message for her to call me back before my phone vibrates with an incoming text.

Harlow

Hi! I’m on a conference call but can text. What’s up?

Me

Hey, this may be somewhat last minute and that’s on me for not realizing the date, but what are you doing for New Year’s Eve?

The bubbles pop up, disappear for a moment, and pop back up as I wait for her reply.

Harlow

I don’t have any specific plans yet, and to be honest, I didn’t realize it was so close either.

Me

Great, then it isn’t too late to ask if you would like to spend it with me?

Harlow

I’d love to.

Me

I should warn you, my family does a big thing every year so we would be at my dad’s for part of it too, but Viv and Sav will both be there if that helps sweeten the offer?

Harlow

I already said yes, Ryan :) And of course, that makes it even better. I can’t wait.

Me

Me either. Will you let me know when you’re done with work today and we can talk through the details?

Harlow