these more glamorous social events.”
Garrett chuckles. He knows what a red-carpet event is like now.
We talk for a while. They’re curious about Garrett’s royal side, and he doesn’t disappoint with the details on Villroy. Before we go, I try one last time to contribute toward The Horseman. Sydney won’t have it. Finally, I say, “I’ll be here for your fabulous New Year’s Eve party, and you can’t stop me from bidding on the auction items. In fact, I’ll donate a few items too.”
Her blue eyes light up. “Oh, Harp, that would be fantastic. I know you don’t get rushed when you’re in town by fans, but you’re famous, and I know it’ll draw a crowd to have you here.”
I sigh dramatically. “Everyone’s crazy about me but General Joan.” And I wish I didn’t care so much about her approval.
“You’re invited too, Garrett,” Sydney says.
He smiles. “Thanks.”
I shake my head. “He’ll probably escort my grandmother here. He called her Queen Joan, and she practically swooned.” I leave out my own swooning moment.
Sydney slaps the table. “No! The general swooned?”
“She likes Garrett better than me. He taught her how to record Living Gold, fixed her back gate, and unstuck her painted-shut window.”
Sydney eyes him. “I’m starting to like him better than you too. What can you fix around here?”
“What do you need?” he asks.
I put up a palm. “No, no, no. You call Adam or a local contractor. He is outta here.”
She whips out a business card and hands it to him. He stands, tucking it into his back pocket. This guy. Too generous. My heart is officially melted. No walls could stand up around him.
I hug my friends goodbye and return to Garrett. He puts an arm around my waist and says to Sydney, “I’ll be back to help you out with my toolbox. Maybe before your New Year’s party.”
“I love this guy!” Sydney exclaims. Then she jabs a finger at him. “Just don’t hurt her. She’s had enough of that shit.”
“I’ll treat her right,” he says solemnly.
I give him a squeeze around the middle. Melted.
Sydney walks over, smiling, and punches his bicep playfully. She has brothers, so that’s her friendly way. When she punched me in kindergarten, saying she wanted to be my friend, I went home and cried. I didn’t want a friend who punched me. My grandmother told me to punch her back with equal force (which wasn’t much, my feelings were hurt more than anything), and we’ve been friends ever since.
Garrett just smiles and waves bye. I guess he’s used to punches with five older brothers.
We head out the door. I shouldn’t have stayed away so long. I let the tension of visiting my grandmother keep me from my friends. There’s nothing like having friends who’ve known you your whole life. I know they see the real me.
Garrett retrieves our helmets from the back of his bike. “So, think I’ll be here on New Year’s?”
“I hope so,” I blurt. It’s three months away. I don’t usually admit my hopes for the future this early in a relationship, but it’s true.
He kisses me. “I like that you’re thinking that way about me. Now let’s get back. I’m dying to have you again.”
A thrill goes through me. I throw my arms around his neck and kiss him passionately.
“Harper Ellis!” a shrill old lady voice exclaims.
I jerk away, looking around wildly for my grandmother. Sydney peers at me through an open window of her restaurant. “Ha! I still got it.” She’s great at impressions.
I shake my head. “Very funny. Not!”
“Better make that business private,” she says. “Tongues will wag, and you’ll hear from the General!”
Garrett chuckles and hands me my helmet. “Small-town gossip, huh?”
“It’s a little scary how quickly word spreads.” I wave to Sydney as she slips back inside.
His phone rings, and he pulls it from his pocket. “Uh-oh. It’s your grandmother. She probably wants to know why you’re mauling me in a parking lot.”
I gasp. “No! Don’t answer.”
He grins and gets on the bike. “It’s my brother.”
I smack his shoulder, climb on behind him, and press my burning cheek against his back. The hazards of going home again. Feeling like a teenager caught with the bad boy.
Except, this time, he’s actually good.
16
Garrett
Tonight’s our second date, and we’re finally going to see Wicked. I can’t wait to share all my big news with Harper. I knock on her apartment door. She’s expecting me. I’ve already gone through building security, her guard was notified, and so was she. I don’t