“Right, so what’s the plan to make sure we keep Harper safe? Because this man won’t survive if something happens to her, and we won’t survive him.” Flynn’s small smile is his way of trying to lighten the load, letting me know we are all in this together, while still being the annoying little brother he will always be.

The next ten minutes we discuss about how Rem suggests we handle this and set up a time to meet with Ashton before he leaves tomorrow to fly home. But by the time I get into my car and drive home, I know that I have my own plans, and I’m keeping them to myself until such a time I might need them.

I message Harper to let her know I’m home, and she replies, letting me know she’ll probably be another hour, which is what I need.

Stripping out of my suit and throwing on my gym gear, I run on the treadmill like I am chasing away all my anger that is bottled up inside. But it’s not just that. My mind is all over the place, thinking about Harper and my feelings for her. I knew I wanted to settle down and find the woman who would make me whole. But now that I think I’ve found her, I don’t know what to do with that.

Especially when she doesn’t feel the same.

Sweat dripping off me, I decide I’ll head to the shower in my room. Throwing my dirty shirt over my shoulder that I had taken off earlier, I’m walking through the apartment as the front door opens, and Harper steps through it.

We both stop and just look at each other for a moment.

I can tell she is checking out my naked abs, and I’m worried that she is about to see what that look does to me.

To stop myself from picking her up, throwing her over my shoulder, and carrying her to my room, my brain jumps to scolding her. “You didn’t message me that you were on your way home. You’re supposed to message me.” And straight away, I can tell my gruff words don’t hit well.

“Wow, hello to you too, Mr. Grumpy. And fuck off, it’s not like I was on my own. That’s a luxury I’m not allowed anymore.” She turns and heads for her bedroom.

Yep, that went well.

“No need to be so snappy,” I mumble under my breath as I follow her down the hallway to my bedroom to get in the shower.

“Another rule for your list. Forrest must wear a shirt!” she snaps, slamming the door behind her, and I can’t help but smirk as I pass her room.