Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Setting down my fork, I walked over to Harmony and picked up her hand. Lacing my pinky around her pinky, I whispered, “I pinky swear to you, Sherry and I were not meant to be and you didn’t have anything to do with me breaking up with her. I just finally saw the light.”
Glancing down at our pinkies, Harmony’s eyes filled with tears. Pulling her emotions back in and burying them like she always did, she managed to smile. It didn’t touch her eyes though. My goal was to see a smile on Harmony’s face that touched her eyes. I’d do whatever it took to make it happen.
Dropping her hand down from mine, she slowly stood. “Do you mind if I take a nap? I don’t want to be tired when you show me the town today.”
Throwing my head back, I let out a laugh. “I think I’ll crash for a bit longer, too, on your couch, if you don’t mind.”
Giving me a wink, Harmony stood and walked her plate over to the sink and downed the last of her OJ. “The sofa is all yours, Mr. Ward. Leave the dishes. They can wait until later.”
Standing, I walked over and placed my dish in the sink but waited for Harmony to walk out of the kitchen. Leaning against the sink, I attempted to calm down my beating heart.
Just friends. We’re just friends.
—
Walking back in from the balcony, I stopped dead in my tracks. Harmony was standing in front of me with a huge smile on her face. Closing my eyes, I shook my head. “You have to change, Harmony.”
“Nope. This is my most favorite sweatshirt. Plus, it keeps me warm and makes me feel better since I feel like I’ve been hit by a Mack truck.”
My mouth dropped open. “You don’t play fair.”
Giving me a crooked grin, she slowly walked up to me and placed her hand on my chest. I was praying like hell she didn’t feel my heart pounding. “If you can tell me that you are not wearing any article of clothing that you’ve had on since the Sox started their season, I’ll go change.”
Harmony’s eyes danced with excitement, and for one brief moment I considered what an asshole her husband must have been to cheat on her.
Raising her eyebrows, she purred, “I’m waiting.”
Ah, shit. She sure as hell doesn’t play fair.
Shrugging my shoulders, I let out a gruff laugh. “It doesn’t bother me that you’re wearing a Yankees sweatshirt. I’m not the one who will be getting all the dirty looks.”
“So you don’t mind if I wear it?”
Swallowing hard, I shook my head. “Nope.”
Smiling even bigger, she pulled out a Yankees baseball cap and placed it on her head. My mouth dropped open and my knees went weak. She looked adorable in it. Damn it all to hell. She looked fucking adorable in the damn Yankees cap.
Taking in a deep breath and slowly blowing it out, I prayed like hell Harmony made it through this day with all the Yankees garbage on. And I made a bet with myself I would be able to get her to take it all off by lunch.
“Are you ready for our day, Harmony?” I asked as I put my arm out for her.
Biting gently on her lower lip, Harmony looked everywhere but at me as she spoke. “Preston, I just wanted you to know that…well…” Landing her eyes on my face, she slowly gazed into my eyes. “I want you to know how much I appreciate this. It’s nice to spend some time where my thoughts aren’t flooded by memories or nightmares.”
My heart broke in two. “Thank you for allowing me this day.”
Smiling, she nodded as she laced her arm through mine. “Are we walking or driving in your fancy sports car, Mr. Ward?”
Letting out a chortle, I replied, “I think the fresh air will do your hangover wonders.”
Making a face, Harmony cursed under her breath. “Ugh. I’m never drinking like that again.”
Making our way down the stairs, I found myself actually looking forward to something for once in a very long time. I was excited and terrified to share my world with Harmony, but if it meant she got to spend a day laughing and having fun instead of sitting in an empty house alone, then so be it.
Now, if my brain could just tell my heart to pull back some, everything would be perfect.
Just friends, Ward. You’re just friends.
Chapter 9
Laughter Is Medicine for the Soul
Harmony
Preston and I walked along Comm Avenue, then turned and made our way down Dartmouth Street. The cool, crisp fall air actually felt amazing and seemed to ease my dull headache. Quickly checking my pocket, I rubbed my fingers against the charm Jake had given me. Preston had seen it in my hand and asked what it was. When I told him, he gave me the sweetest smile I’d ever seen.