“I don’t know how many times I need to say this. I will fight for you, Harper. You can try to push me away, but I’m stubborn as hell, and when I want something, I don’t give up easily.” My words make her flinch, but I figure the more I say it, I have a chance that eventually it will sink in.

“Oh, you think you are stubborn? Pot meet kettle.” And she is defaulting to humor so she doesn’t have to talk about this any longer.

“Don’t do that. Again, you are talking to the champion of avoiding conversations that are more than surface level. I know that trick.” Taking a deep breath, I try not to show my disappointment at not being able to say anything to my family. “But I told you I wouldn’t push you, and I won’t. But if you think I will be able to hide the way I can’t take my eyes off you, you’re delusional.” Speaking the truth is all I can do.

Brushing off what I just said, she continues. “Then I will piss you off so much that the only look you will be sending my way will be one where you want to kill me. I’ve got this, you’ll see.” Harper looks like she is accepting a challenge.

I don’t have the heart to tell her that my brother and friends have already worked out that we slept together once and that I want more. So, she can try to hide it, but I doubt it will last for long. They aren’t that stupid, and if Flynn knows, then Felisha will definitely know. There is no way he can keep his mouth shut.

She thinks she is so smart, but I’m going to make it so hard for her that I know which one of us will be the most pissed off. They say make-up sex is off the charts, so I can’t wait to test out that theory tonight.

“Well, if I’m not allowed to touch you or kiss you tonight, I think I deserve a little TLC now, what do you say.”

Before I can even get my lips on her, Harper has jumped up and taken me by surprise.

“Nope, not happening. Annoy-Forrest is already activated.” Very proud of herself, she is backing away from me.

But two can play at this game.

Standing and walking toward her, she is so distracted that she backs herself into the corner of the floor-to-ceiling windows that lead out to the balcony.