Breaking Clear (Full Hearts Series Book 3) (8 page)

He wanted her to know he saw her for who she was, not for what her mother had done. He wanted her to know that, for the first time, he was really seeing her. But now that he really saw her and had really kissed her, his eyes couldn’t unsee her and his tongue couldn’t forget the taste of her.

He knew that she was probably in the shower just then too, and found himself wishing he had seen her let her hair down and rub soap all over that gorgeous body of hers, instead of just imagining it. His hands wanted to feel her soft skin against them, his body wanted to feel her curves against him, his cock wanted to bury itself inside her in the worst way. He hadn’t wanted a woman in this way for a long time, not since Avery. He had slept with a few women in the two years since their divorce, and had gotten a lot of offers, but he hadn’t needed them like he needed Harper. This was a completely new type of desire. It was the type that could cause a man a lot of trouble. It could ruin lifelong friendships. It could make hamburger out of his heart. His brain was telling him to leave her alone, but the rest of his body was telling his brain to shut the hell up.

*     *     *

Harper tossed and turned half the night, overtaken by a wild restlessness as her brain tortured her with Evan’s kiss. The scene played on a loop, arousing every part of her until she ached for him. There was only one thing that would satisfy this insatiable craving and he was next door, probably sleeping like a log. She could imagine him there, under the covers. Did he sleep in the nude? That would be quite the sight—his hard body all tangled up in his sheets. Thoughts of sliding into bed with him and running her hands everywhere came into her mind. Letting out a loud groan, she threw the sheets off and stalked down the hall to get a glass of water from the kitchen.

Frustration wasn’t a big enough word for what she was feeling. This was pure agony. His smile, his concern for her feelings, his kiss.
Dear God, that kiss.
It was so much more than she had imagined it would be. And his reason for kissing her so much more than simply wanting to. He had pretended it was for his own sake, but he’d also managed to show their nasty neighbour that he thought Harper was every bit good enough for him. And that alone filled her with a need that wasn’t going to quietly slink away.

“Hey, my friend, you all ready for tonight?” Harper had her phone on hands-free while she brushed bright pink polish onto her toenails.

“There’s been a shitty change of plans,” Megan answered, her voice weak.

“What’s wrong, Megs? You sound awful!”

“I am. Elliott brought home a horrible flu bug and now I have it. I was up all night either puking or looking after a puking child. Luc’s not home from Paris until late this afternoon, so it’s been really friggin’ awful.”

“Oh God, that sounds like an absolute nightmare. Can I come by and help?” Harper’s voice was full of concern.

“My mom just got here. She’s going to watch the kids so I can sleep for a while. But I do need to ask you something. You know how I was going to be taking pictures while you got drunk at the Band on the Bricks event tonight?”

“Mmhmm. You’re going to need to find someone to cover for you for . . .” Harper stopped mid-sentence. She suddenly had an idea of where this was going, and the thought had butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

“Yeah. I definitely have to have pictures of tonight’s show for the contract. No way I can miss Hazel Brown. Which brings me to the part where I beg my very best friend in the whole world to go for me.”

“Oh, Meg, I don’t know. What if I totally fuck it up? Why don’t I call around and find a professional to take them for you? I don’t even mind paying for it.”

“Honestly, I don’t want to ask anyone else. Some of the photographers in town are like vultures. If I give them the chance, they’ll be snacking on my corpse before sundown. That city gig is sweet—I get to attend everything for free and I’ve made some really great connections. Besides, you’ll do a terrific job. You know how to work a camera, for God’s sake.” Megan paused for a moment.

“I do, but what if I screw it up?”

“Not a chance. Seriously, I wouldn’t ask if I thought you couldn’t handle it and if I wasn’t dying.”

“Okay, since you’re on your deathbed. I’ll swing by in a bit to get your equipment so I can practise for a while first. I’ll call and you just put it out front and shut the door. I don’t want to catch what you’ve got there.”

Megan let out a sigh, sounding relieved. “Thank you, Harper. Best. Friend. Ever.”

“What time should I be at the show?”

“I’m supposed to be there for five o’clock, in time for the beer garden. Head to Pearl Street, the thirteen hundred block. You’ll see the stage; go there and ask for a guy named Guy. He’ll give you all the instructions, the volunteer pass and drink vouchers.”

“A guy named Guy?”

“I know. I’d like to think I would have some witty comment about that, but right now I’ve got nothing.”

“It’s okay, sweetie. You don’t have to entertain me when you’re sick. See you in a couple of hours.”

*     *     *

When she pulled up to the house, Harper saw Megan standing in the living room window in her bathrobe. She got out of the car, carrying a grocery bag. Megan opened the door and put the camera bags on the front step before walking back inside, leaving the door open so they could speak from a distance.

“Thanks, Harper. I owe you one. I’ll add it to the list.”

“No problem, my friend.” Harper held up the bag. “Chicken noodle soup, saltines, ginger ale, Dramamine, and Freezies. The barfer’s buffet.”

Megan managed a weak grin, which only made her slightly green face appear even more sickly. “You’re the best. I’m so glad you’re living here now.”

“I’m glad I can be here to help. I just hope I don’t mess up your contract.”

“You won’t. Say hi to Hazel for me.”

“Sure thing.” Harper gave her friend a sympathetic smile. “Feel better, you.”

*     *     *

As Harper parked near Pearl Street, she reflected on how nice it was to live close enough to help Megan out. She had been so far away for so many years that she had completely missed out on the opportunity to really be there for her best friend, her brothers and her dad, for that matter. She had offered support over the phone but it wasn’t at all the same as being with them through life’s ups and downs. It felt good to be needed and to be able to take care of those she loved the most, even if it was just for a little while.

Getting out of the car, she heaved the camera bag over her shoulder and inhaled the clear summer air. A midday downpour had swept through town, leaving behind a sweet smell and darkened pavement. The whole world felt fresh to Harper as she crossed the street to the municipal building. She had knots in her stomach about doing this work for Megan, but deep down she knew she could do a good job. A great job, if she could just relax a little and try to enjoy the moment. The best photo shoots she had worked on all had the same elements of joy and confidence that fed into any artistic endeavour. She could get some great pictures—it would be a matter of quantity tonight. The more shots she took, the better the chance she would get the ones Megan needed.

Half an hour later as the beer garden opened, Harper was ready. She felt somehow important with the camera in her hands and the press pass around her neck. There was already a good-sized crowd out for the event; some were dressed casually and some appeared to have come straight from work, still in their suits but with ties off and collars loosened. The atmosphere was one of anticipation, hundreds of people determined not to miss this moment. As the sun lowered, Harper made several adjustments to the camera’s settings and continued shooting candids of the crowd and volunteers. Just after 7 p.m., the band took to the stage, welcomed by thunderous applause for the legendary Ms. Brown. Lifting the camera, Harper zoomed in on Hazel’s face in time to catch a joyful expression as she laughed and got the audience to its feet. Harper tapped her foot to the beat as she worked.

“Harper?” A male voice sounded from behind her.

Turning, Harper broke into a smile as she saw Brent Yearwood standing there, red Solo cup in hand. Brent had been a friend of Harper’s throughout high school. He moved in for a hug. What he lacked in height, he more than made up for in muscle. He resembled a bouncer, complete with the shaved head and crooked nose. “Damn, you’re looking good these days. It took me a minute to recognize you.” His words brought a strong waft of beer with them.

Harper pursed her lips, letting the corners turn up. “Oh, thanks. God, it’s been a long time. You look great too. How are you?”

“Terrific. Even better now that I see you. What are you doing here?” He pointed to her camera.

“Oh, I’m filling in for Megan Sullivan. She’s at home with the flu.”

“You two are still friends? That’s a dangerous combination.”

“It would be if we were both here, so everyone’s safe for tonight,” she returned.

He grabbed her hand. “Come over here. There are a lot of people who’ll want to see you.”

Plucking the equipment bag off the ground, Harper let him lead her over to a crowded table.

“Look who’s back in town!” Brent called, slinging an arm around her shoulder. The group turned to him, their eyes falling on Harper.

She stared into several faces from her past along with some who were new to her, feeling a nervous excitement as she greeted everyone. Smiling, she gave the table a wave. “Hi.”

Hugs were given and introductions made. Brent sat down, but not before stealing a chair from the next table and squeezing in a spot for Harper next to him. They fell into familiar banter as though no time had passed. After a bit Harper stood up, announcing that she had to get back to work.

Brent lifted his arm, placing his fingers lightly on her lower back. “Come back over here when you’re done. We’re going over to O’Neill’s after we get kicked out of here. You have to come.”

Harper’s answer was cut short as her gaze fell on Evan, who was making his way through the tables toward her. They hadn’t seen each other since he’d kissed her, and warmth spread through her body as she watched him. Their eyes met and she could feel her heart pounding beneath her ribs as he neared. She saw him glance at Brent’s hand, his eyes narrowing. Turning back to Brent, she gave him the killer smile she meant for Evan. “Love to. Mind if I leave my bag here while I go do another round of pictures?”

“Sure thing, darling. I’ll take good care of it,” he called as he watched her walk away.

*     *     *

Evan watched Brent’s eyes track Harper’s ass as she manoeuvred around the table, his blood heating up to a simmer. Although he knew he had no business thinking it, he didn’t want
anyone
looking at her that way. Before he had time to understand just exactly why this bothered him in the first place, she was heading straight for him, in a low-cut black shirt and dark jeans that curved around her hips exactly the way his hands were itching to. Her red heels brought her big blue eyes four inches closer to his. How the hell could she walk in those things without toppling over? Instead of falling, she was moving like she was on a runway and she owned it.

She slipped through the crowded space and came face to face with Evan. He gave her a little nod. “Hey, didn’t expect to see you here.”

“I’m filling in for Megan. She was supposed to cover the event for the city,” she said, moving closer to speak into his ear. Her proximity to his neck allowed her perfume to reach his nose, then travel directly to his cock. “Are you going over to O’Neill’s after this?”

“Yeah. You coming?” he asked.

“I just received an invite. I thought it might be fun,” she answered, just as one of the other patrons knocked her forward into Evan’s chest. He grabbed her waist with one hand to steady her.

“I’ll make sure it’s fun. Save me a dance,” he said into her ear, leaving his hand on her.

Harper gave him a sultry look. “In that case, I might stop by,” she answered before turning and cutting through the crowd toward the front.

Now Evan’s eyes were the ones doing the tracking. He blew out a long breath at the sight of her walking away. She did not have that ass when they were in high school. That he would have remembered.

*     *     *

Harper worked until the show ended, then made her way back to the table to put away the equipment. The partygoers started to disperse, some singing to themselves, others searching for the next venue to keep the good times going. Their group followed the crowd through the gates, Brent walking beside her. “You ready for some fun?”

“I am. It’s been a while since I cut loose. I’m just going to drop off Megan’s equipment in the truck,” Harper answered, glancing behind her and seeing Evan walking with a couple of his old hockey teammates. His eyes were set on her intently.

Harper veered off the sidewalk toward the parking lot on the opposite side of the street.

“Harper, hang on a second,” Evan called, jogging after her. “You change your mind?”

“No, I just thought I’d drop off Meg’s stuff in the truck.” She paused so he could catch up.

Evan took the bag from her, slinging it over his shoulder. “Why don’t you put it in mine? I needed the Fort Knox security system, so you might as well use it too.”

“That would be nice. Thank you.”

Once everything was locked up, Evan turned to her. “Shall we go?” he asked, holding his arm out.

Harper looped her hand under his considerable forearm, wrapping her fingers around his skin. They walked in silence, the tension rising between them. Once inside the pub, Evan leaned in. “What are you drinking?”

“Surprise me,” she answered, heading over to the bar table where their friends were standing.

Harper smiled to herself. Maybe Boulder wasn’t so bad after all. So far tonight had been wonderful. She’d been welcomed with open arms by her old friends, and there was one in particular from whom she was pleased to be receiving such a warm reception. A martini glass was lowered onto the table in front of Harper. And there he was.

“Figured you for a cosmo girl,” Evan said.