Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50043 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
“Where are you, Angel?” Colt called from the bedroom.
Throwing the fabric over her head, she settled it into place. “I’m putting on my dress.”
“Need any help?” he asked, appearing in the opening as the hem settled into place. He stopped as she came into view. Very deliberately, he reached for the light switch and flipped it on.
She blinked in the sudden glare of the fluorescent bulbs above her. Even half blind, Harper could see him scan her body. “Want to zip me up?”
“Damn.” Colt walked closer. “Turn around.”
Feeling awkward, Harper turned her back to him. She felt his cold hands against her skin and shivered. “You’re like an ice cube.”
“I thought I was back under control until I saw this dress. You look amazing.” His hand released the zipper when it reached her neckline.
“Turn around, Angel.”
Slowly, Harper rotated in a small circle, trying to be graceful in the small area. She searched his face for a negative reaction, but only saw him smile in delight.
“You look amazing, Harper. I’m going to have to fight off the men with a stick.”
“You’re too sweet,” she murmured, knowing that statement wasn’t true. She’d been in Avondale all her life and no one was knocking down her door.
“I’m a lot of things, but sweet isn’t one of them,” he answered huskily.
“I’m glad you like this dress. It’s one of those you bought for me.” Feeling a surge of guilt, she added, “I’ll be glad to pay you back if you’ll give me some time.”
“You’ve already paid me back by letting me camp here.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he shook his head. “I enjoy doing things for you. You want me to be happy, right?”
“Yes, but…”
“No buts. Now, I’ll get dressed and we’ll go.”
“I have to put my makeup on,” she protested.
“You look perfect now, but I understand.” Colt stepped backward out of the closet to allow her to pass, and watched her walk to the door of the bathroom.
When she disappeared from his view, Harper heard a low wolf whistle. She smiled at her image in the mirror. I love this dress.
Her phone buzzed and buzzed again and again. Picking up the device, she opened it to find a flood of messages arriving from Colt. Will you go to dinner with me?
“Stop, you goof!” she called, grinning at the reminder of their carefree days when Colt worked so hard to take her to the movies.
“That’s Daddy goof to you.”
Giggling hard, Harper had to wipe the tears of amusement from her eyes before putting on her mascara.
CHAPTER 11
When her phone rang, she jumped. Looking at the screen, she saw Amber’s name appear. Quickly, Harper answered.
“Hello?”
“Harper! Are you heading over to the reunion?” Amber’s voice sounded excited and happy.
“We’re walking out the door right now.”
“Be ready for some questions,” Amber warned.
“Just give me a hug instead,” Harper whispered, looking over at Colt, who stood by the door.
“Fifteen minutes, Amber. We’ll meet you there,” Colt called toward the phone.
“I’m putting my shoes on,” Amber reassured Harper.
A visual image of the devastatingly handsome gray fox in formal wear popped into Harper’s mind, making her blurt, “Tell me he’s wearing a suit.”
“He’s wearing a suit.”
“Damn. See you soon.” Harper ended the call.
“No lusting after Rio, Little girl,” Colt said with a steely look, understanding the conversation without hearing both women talk.
Her cheeks flooded with heat, and Harper knew she was blushing. “Sorry.” She allowed herself to scan the image he presented and felt the warmth move lower to settle in her abdomen.
“I’ll do as a poor substitute?” he asked with an arched brow, and she guessed her expression revealed her appreciation of his appearance.
“You would never be a stand-in for anyone, Colt.” Harper walked forward and lifted her hands to reach around his neck and straighten his shirt collar. When Colt took advantage of her closeness to nuzzle kisses against her neck, she clung to him.
“There are a lot of handsome men in the world. I can appreciate them, but I’m not attracted to them. Since grade school, there’s only been one guy I’ve been interested in—ever.”
“That better be me,” Colt growled, looping his arms around her waist and pulling her close.
“It’s you. Of course, everyone thinks you’re doing me a favor by pretending to be my boyfriend for the reunion.”
“There’s only one person who might believe that, and I think most people stopped believing anything that comes out of her mouth a long time ago.”
“Miranda.”
“Guess they’ll have to change their minds when I settle back in town,” he pointed out before changing the subject. “It’s time. Let’s go, Little girl.”
She allowed Colt to guide her to the door. He stopped and picked up her small handbag from the table as they passed. Harper smiled to herself. She loved how Colt took care of her.
On the way to the reunion, Colt chatted about people and places they passed. He’d turned the radio down low, providing a bit of ambience to the trip. Of course, he played the local country western station.