Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82198 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 411(@200wpm)___ 329(@250wpm)___ 274(@300wpm)
Before the accident, I had thought there might be a slight chance at a future with Sherry. Now, it was becoming clear that we were only growing further apart.
The game came back around to Harmony. Lifting her eyes up as if she was thinking hard, she said, “I’ve never had sex in—”
Jake jumped up and shouted, “Okay! I think we’ve had enough fun with the drinking games.”
Sherry stood up and nodded. “I agree. It’s become rather boring.” Turning, she made her way over to the bar and made a drink. Harmony stayed sitting where she was as I sat across from her.
Not knowing what to say, I grinned and said, “Hey.”
Her eyes still held the same sadness they’d held that first day in the hospital. “Hey,” she whispered back.
“How are you doing, Harmony?”
Falling back on the sofa, she let out a frustrated sigh. “Considering I have discovered that not even drinking numbs my pain, I’d say I am doing pretty shitty.”
My heart felt as if it was physically aching. Her eyes caught mine and I wasn’t sure how long we sat there and stared at each other.
“I heard you moved.”
Nodding, she bit down on her lower lip and my body reacted in a way that surprised the hell out of me. For the first time since I’d known Harmony, I was physically attracted to her.
“Yep. You’ll have to come see my new place. I bought a condo on Comm Avenue.”
Swallowing hard, I barely spoke. “I’d like that.” My heart began pounding as I pictured kissing Harmony’s soft lips.
Leaning forward, Harmony’s eyes searched my face as she smiled slightly. “You’re looking at me differently than you ever have before, Preston.”
Feeling my face flush, I looked away as I stood up. “Um…excuse me, Harmony. I need some fresh air.”
Quickly making my way out to the patio, I dragged in a few deep breaths as I pushed my hands through my hair.
What the fuck is happening? For one brief second, I’d wanted to take Harmony in my arms. I’d wanted her. Seriously wanted her.
Jesus, Preston. Get a grip on yourself, you douche.
Staring out over the lights of the city, I closed my eyes and all I could see was Harmony’s smile. You cannot be falling for Harmony Banks. Jesus, get it together, Ward.
“P-Preston?”
Her voice moved through my body like a warm sensation. For the first time in months, it was the only thing that made me forget for a few brief moments.
Glancing over my shoulder, I smiled. “Yeah?”
Harmony stood at the door. Beyond her, I saw Sherry hanging all over the guy she had been talking to most of the night. “I think I’m going to get sick.”
My eyes snapped back to Harmony. “What?”
She swallowed and I saw it on her face. She was about to throw up. “I’m trying really hard to hold it down.”
Rushing over to her, I picked her up in my arms and made my way through Sandy and Jake’s condo to the guest bathroom. “It’s okay, baby, just hang on.”
She buried her head in my neck, and I prayed like hell she wouldn’t throw up on me. I can handle anything but puke on me.
Pushing the bathroom door open, I brought Harmony over to the toilet and gently set her down as I lifted the lid.
“Oh God!” she moaned as she leaned over and got sick. Spinning around in the bathroom, I looked for a washcloth. Reaching into a drawer, I pulled one out and ran it under hot water.
Kicking the door shut, I got down next to Harmony and held her blond hair back as she continued to get sick.
When nothing else would come out, she leaned back into me and cried. “I’m so embarrassed. I can’t believe I got drunk at my brother’s party and then threw up.”
Rubbing my hand down her back, I attempted to get her to settle down. “Shh, it’s okay. Every single one of those people out there has prayed to the porcelain god at some point in their life.”
Laughing, Harmony pulled back and looked at me. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
Pushing a strand of hair from her face, I whispered, “Anytime.”
Harmony’s mouth opened slightly as if she was about to say something, but she stopped herself. Looking away, she said, “I better call a cab.”
“No. No way am I letting you take a cab home. I’ll give you a ride.”
Giving me a knee-knocking smile, she asked, “Are you sure? What about…Sherry? She might not be ready to go.”
Standing up, I reached down and helped Harmony stand. “Well, I am and I’m the driver, so if she doesn’t want to leave, she’s shit out of luck.”
Covering her mouth, Harmony giggled. “You’re so bad.”
Once Harmony rinsed out her mouth again, we headed back out to the living room. Harmony was definitely drunk. She could hardly walk as she made her way over to Jake and Sandy. Following her, I stood there while she said I was taking her home.