Forbidden Harmony (Harmony Falls #3) - Elizabeth Kelly Page 0,88

might come home.”

Addison stared at her in astonishment. “Harper, this is your dream. Just because you lost your job doesn’t mean you give up on your dream. You can find another job and keep trying for a gallery show.”

“I’m not good enough for a gallery show.” Harper held up her hand when Addison started to protest. “I’m not, Addie. Trust me. I’ve seen other people’s work here and I’m never gonna get my own show. My mom was right – I don’t have the talent.”

“You do,” Addison said. “Stop letting your mother get in your head. She was wrong.”

Harper shrugged. “It’s not just that. I’m worried about my dad, you know? And maybe losing my job is a sign that I need to come home and take care of him.”

“Your dad wouldn’t want you giving up on your dream for him,” Addison said. “I love you, honey, and I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that wants you to come home, but not at the expense of giving up your dream. You need to keep trying.”

“It’s been over a year,” Harper said. “How much more time am I going to waste? Being a starving artist isn’t nearly as romantic as it sounds. If I come home, I can work at the clinic again and at least make some money. I was barely making ends meet before I lost my job.”

“Oh, Harper,” Addison said.

“It’s no big deal, honey. I haven’t decided for sure one way or the other anyway. Listen, I gotta go. I’m meeting Angie at the deli in ten minutes. Love you, Addie.”

“Love you too, Harper.”

* * *

You keep doing this and you’ll need your own damn parking spot at Addison’s place.

Preacher ignored his inner voice as he walked toward Addison’s apartment building, but the damn thing kept talking.

You can’t keep showing up at her house every goddamn night. She’ll get the wrong impression.

What? That I want to fuck her? This is what she’s asking me for, remember?

You gonna spend the night again like you did last night?

He grimaced. Spending the night with Addie was a mistake, but he wouldn’t make it again. He’d been really tired last night, and it was easier to stay in her bed. He wouldn’t stay as late tonight, and he wouldn’t be weird and eat dinner or watch TV with her. He would fuck her and leave.

A woman walked out of Addie’s building and paused by the door. She was holding a large black garment bag and talking animatedly into her phone.

“Yeah, I bought it. It’s beautiful and fits me perfectly. I got a great deal on it.” The woman paid no attention to him as he walked toward her. “Yeah, it’s the one from that dinky little tourist town. I hated driving this far, but it was totally worth it. What are the odds that I would find a dress that’s exactly what I’m looking for and fits me? What? No, it’s never been worn. She said her wedding was cancelled. I don’t know why. I’m not gonna ask a stranger why she isn’t getting married.”

She walked past Preacher, barely giving him a second look. “Are you home? I might stop by and show it to you. I’ll be a couple hours before I get there, but…”

He didn’t hear the rest as she walked down the sidewalk. He waited until she climbed into her car before buzzing Addie’s door.

“Hello?”

“Hey, it’s me,” he said.

She buzzed him in without replying and he headed toward the stairs. He supposed he should have texted her first to see if she wanted him to come by.

So, why didn’t you?

Because maybe she wouldn’t see his text, or maybe she would ignore it, or maybe she would tell him not to come over.

Just showing up unannounced is a dick move, buddy. She’s too sweet to not let you in if you’re on her goddamn doorstep and you’re taking advantage of that.

He opened the door to her floor and headed toward her apartment. No, he wasn’t. She could say no but she didn’t because she wanted him just as much as he wanted her. He thought back to this morning and the way she’d looked when they were finished fucking. He’d brought her to orgasm three times and her soft and perfect body was sated and limp when he left her in bed and dragged his ass to work.

He didn’t want to admit that he’d been tempted to cancel all his appointments and spend the