Chapter 10
It had been four days since Harper quit her job at Lily's, and she was driving me insane with her constant fussing. I was getting around well without the wheel chair, but my headaches were still pretty consistent. I was going in for a check up today, and because my vision was still pretty blurry, I couldn't drive. Harper insisted on taking me, and I'd agreed, as long as she agreed to check out some listings for her new flower shop.
She needed to get back to work just as much as I did, and I hoped that after my appointment today I'd be in the clear. We arrived right on time, and when the doc saw me walking in, rather than being rolled in he smiled.
“Glad to see you up on your feet Mr. Stephens.”
“Good to be up.” I said.
“I just want to run a few tests, check your eyesight, and make sure everything's healing properly. It shouldn't take too long. Any plans for this beautiful day?”
“Realty shopping.”
“A new home?”
“No, a new store front. Harper's opening her own flower shop.”
“Well, congratulations on the new venture!”
“Thanks.” She said shyly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
“No reason to by shy about it dear, I bet you'll be the prettiest little flower shop owner in California. I'd buy flowers from you any time.”
“Are you hitting on my girlfriend right now?” I asked, in disbelief.
“My apologizes, I assumed she was your sister.”
“We're leaving.”
“Mr. Stephens, you need to be checked-”
“Harper. Now.” I said, standing and reaching for her hand. She took it willingly, as I led us both out of the hospital, and back to her car. I mumbled, and muttered the whole way. “Can you believe that asshole?” I asked. “He's lucky I didn't knock his ass out. My sister? He treated me the entire time I was hospitalized, he knew damn well you weren't my sister. Unprofessional piece of-”
Harper's hands found either side of my face, effectively stopping my rant. She smiled up at me with her big blue eyes, and stood up on her tip toes to kiss me softly. “You don't have to see him Cole, but you do need to be seen.” I started to object, but she kissed me again. “Please.”
Resting my forehead on hers, I let out long sigh. “Alright Sweetheart.”
After getting the all clear from a different doctor, I was told I could return to work in seven days. I'd already missed five, but my boss was understanding. I even made sure to mention the prom, and the doc said as long as I wasn't head banging, It would be fine to attend. I knew Harper would secretly be upset if we didn't go, it was her first prom after all, and I wanted to be the one she experienced it with.
We were on our way to the Realtor's office, when I got a text from Wes asking how my appointment went. I filled him in, and tossed my phone back into my pocket, not wanting to be disturbed while we were talking with the agent. Harper entered the building first, and I followed close behind her, adjusting my sunglasses. I was still pretty sensitive to the sunlight, so I wore them a lot now. Harper said it was sexy, but it just reminded me of that song about wearing sunglasses at night.
“Ms. Blue!” What a pleasure it is to finally meet you. Mrs. Granger has said so many good things about you.”
“Really?” I asked, “Like what?”
“Oh, uh, you know-” She stammered.
Harper rolled her eyes, playfully smacking me on the arm. “Don't mind him.” She said. “He's just here so I've got something pretty to look at.”
“Excuse me.” I said, grabbing Harper by the wrist, and calmly pulling her through the nearest door.
“Cole!” She squealed, as I pushed her against the wall, using my body to cage hers. “What are you doing?” She gasped, her eyes growing wide.
“Teaching you a lesson.” I growled, grabbing her free wrist with my other hand, and bringing them both up above her head. I could feel her heart racing against mine, and I smiled, leaning down to capture her lips. I bit her bottom lip, and she moaned into my mouth. “That smart mouth of yours is always getting you into trouble Sweetheart.” I whispered, as I dipped my head down to her neck, and nipped her there.
“Cole.” She breathed out, barely audible.
A sharp double knock from the other side of the door, made her jump. I laughed, as I released her wrists, and kissed the tip of her nose. “We'll finish this later.”
I opened the door, just as Ms. Shaw, the Realtor was about to knock again. She glanced past me, her cheeks heating when she realized what she'd interrupted. “I have a list of properties ready, whenever you'd like to leave.” She said, awkwardly.
“Thank you.” Harper said, quietly from behind me, her embarrassment on full display.
When Ms. Shaw turned to walk away, Harper brushed past me, whispering. “I hate you.” As she went. I couldn't help but laugh, I loved seeing her flustered. I decided I'd be on my best behavior for the rest of our property search, in hopes that we'd actually find something. I really did want her to find her store front, but I couldn't pass up the chance to heat her cheeks.
We looked at six different buildings, and told Ms. Shaw we'd be in touch. I knew Harper had a favorite in mind, but she wanted to bring all the information home so we could go over it together. We drove back in silence, the long day making me realize how tired I was. I was getting around better, but I still felt like I'd been hit by a Mack truck when I pushed too hard. The cool central air felt amazing when we finally entered the house, and I plopped down onto the couch with a grateful sigh.
“You alright?” Harper asked, with amusement.
“Starving.”
“I'll order pizza.”
“Perfect.”
“Are you capable of speaking more than one word?” She teased, dialing the number for pizza delivery.
When she finished placing the order, I gave her a reply. “Get that smart mouth over here, and sit down.”
She laughed, tossing her phone onto the couch, and sliding in beside me. “What did you think of the properties?”
“Which one did you like?”
“I asked you first.”
“It's your shop Harper, I want to know which one you liked.”
“The third one. It was older than the rest, but I think that's what gave it it's charm. The crown molding, and original wood trim around the windows. It was beautiful.”
“There's your answer then. Are you ready to make an offer?”
“What about inspections, and researching the location?”
“The properties have already been inspected, that's what Ms. Shaw told us, and as for the location, it's right next to a very popular restaurant, and minutes from the beach, you couldn't do much better. Especially if someone forgets to buy flowers for his date.”
“Which happens more than you think.” She teased.
“One time!” I laughed. “Am I ever going to live that down?”
“What was that about? At the Realtor's office?” She asked, suddenly switching gears.
“What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean Cole.” She said, shifting in my arms to face me. “I know you're getting impatient.”
“Sweetheart, I was just having a little fun with you.” I said, brushing my hand over her cheek. “I happen to like making you blush.”
“Aren't you tired of waiting for me to get my shit together?”
“Do I look like an unsatisfied man?” I asked, raising my eyebrows up, and down.
“I'm being serious.”
“So am I. If I wasn't happy, I wouldn't be here Harper. So stop second guessing everything, and just enjoy being happy for once.”
“You make it sound so easy.”
“It is that easy Sweetheart.” I said, pulling her back into me. “Now, tell me more about this pizza you ordered.”