Harmony

The taxi drove to the financial district as Preston and the taxi driver talked about baseball. Rolling my eyes, I let out a sigh. I never understood why everyone was so crazy about the Red Sox. I think that was the main reason I became a Yankees fan. Because Jake drove me mad with all the Red Sox shit.

The taxi pulled up and parked as Preston paid him and grabbed the two shopping bags. Reaching his hand into the cab, he helped me out.

I wondered if Preston was always such a gentleman, or was it just that he was trying to give me a nice day? My eyes traveled down his well-toned body. Twenty-three. He sure seemed mature for being just twenty-three. Licking my lips, I wondered how good a kisser he was.

Oh, holy hell. I needed to stop this and stop it now.

Taking a few steps down the street, Preston turned and said, “We’re here.”

Glancing to my right, I saw an Irish pub and that was it. “Where is it?”

Pointing to the pub, Preston smiled bigger.

Oh, holy hell. Was Ward an Irish name? One more look at the door caused me to let out a gasp. I was in for a serious shit storm.

Walking closer to the door, I read the sign out loud. “Red Sox fans only.” I jerked my head back to Preston, who threw his head back and laughed.

“Ah hell, this should be interesting. Come on, Harmony, this Irish boy wants to introduce you to some friends.”

No. No. No. No. Grabbing his arm, I glared at Preston with what I was hoping was a horrified look on my face. “Preston! I’m wearing Yankees stuff.”

Tapping my nose with his finger, he chuckled as he said, “I think you’re just pretty enough for them to let it slide.”

My mouth dropped open as Preston pulled the door open. Standing my ground, I refused to move. One quick push by Preston and I was stumbling into the pub. Everyone turned and looked at me. Smiles instantly turned to frowns.

Oh shit. Please let me be pretty enough. Please, dear God, let me be pretty enough.

There was a tall man standing behind the bar. His blue eyes pierced mine and I immediately saw the resemblance to Preston. “Preston, what have you brought us this evening? I’m guessing she didn’t see the sign on the door.”

I could see the papers now. YOUNG GIRL THROWN OUT OF PUB FOR WEARING YANKEES SHIRT AND CAP. The Irish are supposed to be friendly. Aren’t they?

Grabbing Preston’s arm, I pulled him down to me. “Ward is not Irish.”

Laughing, he said, “No, it’s not. It’s British. This is my mother’s brother. Last name is Flanagan. Actually, their parents changed it to Flanagan when they came to America. It was originally O’Flannagain.”

Shaking my head and letting out a faint whimper, I said, “Oh Lord. I’m never going to forgive you for this, Preston.”

Wrapping his arm around my waist, he pulled me closer to him and whispered, “Harmony Banks, by eight o’clock this evening, I promise I will have converted you to a Sox fan.”

My breathing began to pick up as Preston held me close to his body. I didn’t like the way my body reacted to Preston. Okay, that’s a lie. I liked it way more than I should have.

“What if you fail, Mr. Ward?”

Giving me a wicked smile, he moved his lips to my ear and whispered, “Then I’m totally at your mercy, Ms. Banks.”

Closing my eyes, I took in the feel of his hot breath on my neck. I found myself clutching his shirt as I whispered back, “You have to be a Yankees fan for a whole season.”

Preston’s lips grazed my neck as he whispered, “Deal.”

And just like that, he let me go and walked up to the bar as I stood there trying to understand what had just happened to me. Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and blew it out. I was about to turn around when Preston said, “Take it easy on my girl, she’s been misled.”

“My girl.” God, how I like the sound of that.

Shaking it off, I pushed the feelings away and spun around as I plastered on my best smile. The one I had to wear when I attended all the stupid business parties with Trey or my parents.

Walking toward the bar, Preston introduced me to everyone. Of course he saved the best for last.

“Uncle John, this is my friend Harmony Banks. Harmony, this is John, my favorite uncle ever.”

Reaching his hand across the bar, he gave me the sweetest smile. “Don’t let this little bastard fool ya. I’m his only uncle. Your brother is Jake?”

My mouth dropped open as I looked at Preston. Shrugging, he winked.

“I take it my big brother has graced your pub before?”

“Yes, he has, pretty lady. I might add when he comes in he has his lucky Sox T-shirt on.”

Rolling my eyes, I moaned. Then it hit me. Turning to Preston, I gasped, “Please tell me you’re not—” Watching the smile spread across Preston’s face, I knew my answer before he even said it.

“It’s my socks.”

My whole body slumped. “Preston, why? I was really starting to think we had a good BFF thing going.”

Preston’s smile faded but just for a brief second before he smiled bigger and lifted up his jeans’ legs to reveal the nasty socks he hadn’t changed since the Sox started their season.

Sitting on the barstool, I mumbled to myself, “And to think I let you stay in my house.”

John and Preston both laughed. Pointing at me, John said, “You’re lucky you’re so pretty and that my boy Preston is friends with you. Otherwise, your little ass would be sitting out on the street right now.”

Biting on my lower lip, I held up my hands and said, “Who are the Yankees?”

Those sitting around us erupted into laughter as Preston gave me a smile that melted my insides.

Preston took the liberty of ordering our food. We started with Irish spring rolls that were to die for. Preston ordered me the Irish sampler that consisted of Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie, and country cottage pie. Preston ordered bangers and mash, which was Irish sausage with mashed potatoes topped with the most amazing brown gravy I’d ever had. Then of course there were the Irish baked beans. I’d never eaten such amazing food in my life.

By the time I was finished eating, I could barely move. My stomach muscles were also sore from laughing so hard. Preston was truly in his environment in this pub. I could not only see it in his face, but hear it in his laughter. This was home to him. When one of the patrons asked Preston to hop up and play the fiddle, I was stunned to hear how good he was.

“His mum and dad are truly proud of that boy,” John said with a smile.

Watching Preston, I realized it was the first time I’d seen such a gleam in his eyes. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched him on the fiddle with a bunch of crazy, Red Sox–loving Irishmen singing along to something he was playing.

“He seems to be at home here,” I said as I turned back to look at John.

John was looking at Preston with such a loving look. “He wants this place. Always has.”

Pulling my head back in shock, I asked, “What do you mean he wants this place?”

John shook his head and laughed. “Preston must have been about ten years old when he stood on this bar…almost in the exact location you’re sitting…and he proclaimed that he was going to run this pub someday.”

Letting out a chuckle, I looked over at Preston. My smile faded some. “I thought he loved being a firefighter.” Preston looked up at me right then and smiled the biggest smile I thought I’d ever seen. My smile back to him was so natural. We hadn’t really known each other all that long, but it was important for me to know Preston was happy. I saw the sadness in his eyes and I knew from talking to Jake that Preston was having a very hard time dealing with TJ’s death and the confusion about where he saw his future going.

John’s voice pulled me from my thoughts and I jumped slightly. “That boy loves firefighting. It’s in his blood. Firefighting goes back four generations on his daddy’s side of the family.”

“But his dream is to own a pub?” I asked, glancing back at John.

“Not just any pub, darlin’. This pub.”

Tilting my head, I looked into John’s eyes. “Why doesn’t he work here?”

Shrugging his shoulders, he made a face. “That’s something you’d have to ask him. He used to work here but then stopped when he started dating that Sherry girl.” Leaning in closer, he used his finger to motion me in closer. “According to his momma, Sherry thought it was beneath Preston to work here. Even more so, she thought he should be working like his older brother Weston, doing banking and shit.” Shaking his head, John looked back at Preston, who was now standing there talking to a few people. “Nah, not my Preston. Out of all my sister’s kids, Preston, I think, has the strongest flow of Irish blood moving through those veins of his.”

Preston walked back over and sat down. “Man, oh man, that was some fun shit.”

“Language, Preston James Ward.”

Giggling, I looked at Preston. “You’re in trouble now. The middle name was used.”

Preston rolled his eyes as he downed his beer. The way his lips wrapped around the bottle was almost sinful. Chewing on my bottom lip, I fought the pull in my lower stomach. I wasn’t sure why Preston looked extra hot, but he did and I needed to look away.

My eyes moved down to his lips as I watched him talking to his uncle.

Look away, Harmony.

His jaw clenched and I knew he was agitated. I’d seen him do the same thing earlier today when his friend at the station started flirting with me. I hadn’t thought anything of it until Preston came storming out of his captain’s office. I saw it all over his face. Worry…or maybe it was jealousy. I wasn’t sure because he kept making sure he told people I was just his friend.

Preston licked his lips and a small moan slipped from my lips as I quickly looked away.

“You okay, Harmony? Are you feeling okay?”

Glancing back at him, I scrunched up my nose and said, “Yeah, why?”

Preston looked confused as he said, “Nothing, I thought I heard you moan.”

My eyes caught Preston’s and we were both lost in our stare.

John slammed his hand down on the bar and Preston and I both jumped. “Who wants dessert?”

I tried like hell to look away, but Preston’s green eyes held mine. Then he smiled that smile I was quickly finding myself longing for. “I’ve got dessert covered, Uncle John.”

Lifting my eyebrows, I narrowed my eyes at Preston and said, “Oh, really?”

His smile grew bigger and his eyes danced with excitement. It didn’t take long for that excitement to pass over to me. All kinds of thoughts entered my mind as to what I hoped dessert would be.

Ugh. Stop this, Harmony. You’re just friends.

John laughed when Preston turned and looked at him. “I’m going to guess you gave your cousin a call.”

Slipping off the barstool, Preston nodded. “Yes, sir, I did.”

Looking between both men, I asked, “Wait. What’s dessert going to be that you had to call in a favor? Your last favor was pretty big, Preston.”

Preston reached over and pulled my baseball cap down over my eyes as he said, “Don’t you worry your pretty little head, Yankees girl. I’ve got this.”

Pushing the cap up, I decided I wanted to be surprised so I let it drop.

After saying goodbye to John and the rest of the patrons of the pub, Preston and I headed outside, where he flagged down a cab.

Once we slipped into the cab, Preston handed the driver a note. Turning and looking at Preston, he smiled and nodded.

“Damn you, Preston. Note passing?”

Giving me a wink, Preston said, “It’s a surprise, Harmony. Now close your eyes and don’t open them or I’ll put a blindfold on you.”

My mouth parted slightly and I tried like hell not to let my imagination go wild, but it was too late. Dropping my head back, I closed my eyes and pictured Preston tying a blindfold on me. My hands slowly made their way down his strong, fit abs, shaking with anticipation at what surprise was beneath his pants.

“Good God, stop this, Harmony.”

Warm breath hit my neck and goosebumps covered my entire body. “Stop what?” Preston whispered.

“What?” I asked as I kept my head back and my eyes closed.

“You told yourself to stop. What are you wanting to stop?”

Shit! Shit! Shit! I can’t tell Preston I was telling myself to stop thinking naughty thoughts about him. “Um…I was going to press you for more information but decided to just let it go.”

I jumped when I felt Preston’s hand touch the side of my face. Tingles engulfed my entire face as he slowly ran the back of his hand down my face. “That’s probably a good idea, Harmony.”

I immediately felt the loss of his warmth when he pulled his hand away. Focus on your breathing, Harmony. Slowly breathe in and slowly breathe out. My body quickly relaxed as I felt myself slipping off into sleep. For the first time in a long while, I felt completely safe just knowing Preston was next to me.

My body was being moved and I had no desire to open my eyes. I knew Preston was carrying me and I knew the moment he knew I was awake he’d put me down.

I heard a voice I didn’t recognize talking to Preston. “Dude, did you knock her out just to get her in here?”

Preston chuckled and it moved through my entire body. Allowing myself this one time to enjoy the way Preston made me feel, I let the feeling rush through my body.

“No, asshole. She fell asleep. Is it all set up?” Snuggling my face further into his chest, I took a deep breath. Jesus, what does this guy wear as cologne? It’s driving me insane.

“You doubt me, baby cousin? I’m not the one who needs to impress a girl. And may I point out she’s wearing Yankees shit. I shouldn’t even let you put her down on the sacred ground.”

“Fuck you, Kyle.”

Smiling, I took notice of how Preston was willing to defend me even though I was wearing New York Yankees stuff. Deciding I should probably get out of Preston’s arms before I grew to love it, I lifted my head and looked into his eyes.

Oh shit. Maybe I should have kept pretending to be asleep. The way he was looking at me had my heart dropping into my stomach. I’d never had anyone look at me the way he was looking at me. My heart began racing as I lost myself in his smile. “Hey,” I whispered.

“Hey,” he whispered back. “We’re here.”

Grinning slightly, I looked around. “Where are we?”

Preston laughed as he slowly put me down and Kyle said, “Dude, she doesn’t even know where she is!”

Taking my hand, Preston led me out toward the lights. The moment my eyes adjusted, I knew where we were. My brother had dragged me to Fenway Park more times than I could count.

My eyes widened in surprise as I took it all in. “Fenway Park,” I whispered. A small blanket was set in the middle of the field…or infield, or whatever they called it. Preston took my hand and led me over to the blanket. Stopping, I looked up and spun around. “Oh my God! I’m on the field…in Fenway Park!” My stomach felt like I was on a roller coaster I was so excited.

Preston laughed and took a step back to allow me to behave like a three-year-old. Jake was going to be insanely jealous. I had to control the urge to text him and show him where I was.

Facing Preston, I smiled. “Why are you doing all of this, Preston?” My heart ached at the thought that he was doing this because he felt guilty.

Taking a few steps toward me, he took my hands in his. “Because I like to see you smile.”

Sucking in a breath, I gazed into his eyes.

“Harmony, my only wish is that you enjoyed this day as much as I did.”

Grinning, I nodded like a small child in a candy store. “This day has been amazing. But you did all of this just to make me smile? Is that the only reason?” I hoped like hell Preston was doing this because he enjoyed my company, because I sure as hell enjoyed his.

Preston swallowed hard and looked down and inhaled a deep breath. “I like being with you, Harmony. I can’t explain it, but I feel a connection with you. I’m not doing this because I feel guilty, Harmony. I need you to know that.”

I slowly let out the breath I was holding. Thank God, Preston wasn’t spending time with me because he felt guilty about TJ.

“I feel a connection with you, too, Preston.”

We stood there and stared at each other. I was positive Preston felt the electricity between us. Taking a step back, I looked down at the blanket and noticed a small cooler. “Is that dessert?”

Laughing, Preston motioned for me to sit down as he sat down next to me. Opening the cooler, he pulled out two ice cream sandwiches. Falling back onto the blanket, I giggled. “You’re killing me!” Lying down next to me, he unwrapped the ice cream sandwich and handed it to me.

“Your brother threatened my life if I asked him one more thing about the things you like.”

Taking a bite of the ice cream sandwich, I looked over at Preston and asked, “You never thought to ask him who my favorite baseball team was?”

His head snapped over and he looked at me as he shouted, “No! You live in Boston, for Christ’s sake. Being a Sox fan should be bred into your blood, woman!”

Laughing, I rolled over onto my side and looked at him. “I think I’m going to like this friendship. A Red Sox die-hard fan, who happens to be Irish and is going to have to be a Yankees fan all of next season.”

Preston closed his eyes and shook his head. “Harmony, you’re on the infield of Fenway Park, how can you still be a Yankees fan?”

Leaning over, I brushed my lips against his neck and smiled when I saw the goosebumps appear on his skin. “You’ll have to do more than swoon me on the infield of Fenway Park to get me to become a Sox fan.”

Preston leaned up on his elbows and smiled. “I swooned you?”

Pushing him over, I jumped up and finished off my ice cream sandwich. I needed to get this back on track and quickly. I could feel the way Preston was looking at me and I knew I was most likely looking at him the same way. “I better get back home, Preston. I have an early class tomorrow.”

The disappointment spread across his face and I wanted to kick myself. “I had a wonderful day today, Preston, but—”

“But?”

Placing my hands on his chest, I felt his body tremble under my touch. “But I’m just tired. I haven’t had this much fun in a long time and I’m emotionally spent.”

Nodding, Preston took my hand and led me out of Fenway Park.

As we rode in silence in a cab to my condo, I stared out the window and second-guessed my decision to end the night. Turning, I peeked over at Preston. He was texting someone and my heart dropped.

What if he was texting another girl? Sherry maybe? Or maybe someone else he had made plans with tonight. Looking back out the window, I fought to hold my tears back. This was why I couldn’t open my heart to anyone…especially Preston Ward. The way my heart was feeling for him, I couldn’t risk being hurt again.

Preston walked me up to my door and stopped. “Thank you for spending the day with me, Harmony. I had a wonderful day.”

My eyes landed on Preston’s lips. “I did, too,” I whispered.

Preston took a few steps back. “Okay, well, I guess I’ll be heading back home.”

“O-okay.”

“Sleep good, Harmony.”

Trying to smile, I knew that was impossible. I’d hardly been sleeping at all since the accident. The feeling of being alone swept over my body. The warm, fuzzy happy feeling I’d been experiencing all day was slowly slipping away the farther Preston walked away.

“Preston! Wait.”

Stopping, he turned and looked back at me. “Yeah?”

“Will you stay and…um…stay and—” Oh shit. What do I want him to stay and do? Think, Harmony. Think!

“Watch a movie with me?” I groaned internally. Really, Harmony?

Preston’s smile grew bigger. “Sure!”

The moment he came bouncing back up the stairs I knew I was in trouble. He couldn’t stay away from me any more than I could stay away from him.

Opening the door and heading up the stairs, I glanced over my shoulder. “I’ll have you know I’m breaking all my rules here.”

Letting out a chuckle, Preston asked, “How so?”

Walking up to the coffee table, I reached down and turned the television on. “I’m watching a movie with an Irish, crazy-tradition, sock-wearing Red Sox fan.”

Preston flopped down on my sofa and laughed. “Bring on the movie.”

Dropping my keys on the coffee table, I sat down next to Preston and snuggled into his side as he surfed for a movie. When Pride and Prejudice flashed across the television and Preston kept it on the movie, my heart about stopped. This was my all-time favorite movie ever. Of course, a true Pride and Prejudice fan would have a worn-out copy of the book always close by, like I did—on my nightstand. I would beg Trey to watch this movie with me and he always said no. “Is this okay, Harmony?”

I barely got the words out. “Yep. This is perfect.” Just like Preston was perfect. Closing my eyes, I settled more into Preston’s side.

Jesus H. Christ. Why does he have to be a Sox fan?