Those eyes that she couldn’t wait to see again. Those eyes that she feared she would never see again. Those eyes that—

The doorbell chimed through the house, startling her. Shelly usually called before she came over. Pamela had been known to pop over unannounced though. She sighed. She wasn’t in the mood for Pamela. Pamela said she was making a mistake—a big mistake—by taking a break.

“The fire is hot right now, Danielle. You’re almost thirty. It goes downhill from there. There’ll be someone younger and prettier to take your place. There’s no time for a break.”

Dani had replied with a smile. “I’m happy for them to take my place.”

She took a deep breath before opening the door. She wasn’t in the mood for Pamela, but she could handle Pamela. However, when she opened the door, it wasn’t Pamela standing there.

Her heart stopped. Her breath left her. She held on to the door for support.

“I miss you too. A lot.”

Dani stood there…blinking stupidly at Harper before finally finding her voice. “I’ve been…God…miserable, Harper.”

Harper stepped forward, and Dani nearly fell into her arms. She held her tightly, soaking in her strength, breathing in her familiar scent…feeling her loneliness fade away as Harper’s arms held her tightly. It never once occurred to her that she was outside of her house, in view of anyone who might be lurking, in view of any neighbor who might be home. And she didn’t care.

“I missed you so much, Harper.”

“Me too. Everything was…empty.” Harper pulled back, meeting her eyes. “I didn’t want to do empty again.”

“Oh, sweetheart…no.” Dani leaned closer, kissing her gently. “Not empty. Not anymore.”

When they pulled apart, Harper gave her an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry I didn’t call. I didn’t know what to say. And the more days that passed…well, I was afraid that—”

“You’re here now.” She raised her eyebrows. “Can you stay? With me? For a while?”

“If you want.”

“I want. How long is your suspension?”

“Two months.”

Dani smiled. “That’s all?” She took her hand and pulled her inside. “I think you got off easy, Scout.”

She didn’t bother with pleasantries. She didn’t mind her manners. She simply led Harper back to her bedroom. They needed to talk, yes. But not now. All she wanted right now was to reacquaint with Harper…her body, her lips, her mouth. She, too, wanted to chase the emptiness away. She wanted to forget about the long, lonely days she’d spent since leaving Dallas.

Harper was here. Now. Finally.

Chapter Fifty-Four