He pulled back and opened my car door for me and I turned giving him one last look. I wasn’t going to be the type to ask when I’d see him again. I didn’t want to ask if this was a one-time thing. It sure as hell didn’t feel like it. So instead, I brushed a hand along his cheek and whispered goodnight.

15. August

15

My meeting with Eddie went smoothly yesterday, not due to any work I’d done late—and I mean late after Harper left Tuesday night, but because I’d bull-shitted my way through the entire thing.

Eddie was either desperate for me to work on his account, or he wasn’t as smart as I’d thought.

I ran a hand across my face. This was not how I operated. This morning alone, I’d lost thirty grand for an account that I needed to make back before they noticed.

My mood was dreadful and that was saying a lot.

I hit my assistant’s line. “Debbie, I need you to block my calendar for the rest of the day to 'do not disturb'.”

“Yes sir,” she replied promptly.

Unfortunately, there was no one who could set the do not disturb button in my own head. Harper had taken up permanent residence in my mind and there was no shaking it off. Having her in my bed, spending the day with her without a care in the world.

In the grand scheme of things, I could deal with her in my head. As long as she didn’t end up living in my heart. Hell, as long as I didn’t end up in hers.

I had to do something about this. And soon.

How the hell I was going to tell her who I was without her slapping me in the face? Not that I couldn’t take a hit, I’d taken plenty for my useless twin over the last two weeks, but this one would hurt.

Giving up on working, I stood and grabbed my duffle bag. I needed a workout to relieve the tension.

An hour of weightlifting and pushups did nothing. I was back in my office still dwelling over what I was doing with Harper—convinced it was far worse than what my brother had done to her years ago.

He was simply inconsiderate, selfish and careless. My deceit was deliberate and calculating.

My betrayal couldn’t be attributed to stupidity. It was intentional and there was no way I should have taken her bed.

Debbie rang and I ignored it. Any other day, I’d have answered just to tell her off. But today, I was too angry and spared her my wrath, hoping it was an oversight and she wouldn’t call again.

The damn phone rang again.