Preston

Harmony had fallen asleep almost immediately. By the time the movie was over, my arm was so asleep it felt like pins sticking me every time she moved an inch.

Looking at her, I smiled. She was sleeping so peacefully, I hated to move her. Looking around, I saw a blanket lying across the back of the sofa. Reaching for it, I pulled it over Harmony and somewhat adjusted my body so I was lying on the sofa and had Harmony wrapped in my arms.

This is not good. So not good.

Moaning internally, I closed my eyes. Jesus, this is so good. So very good.

No. No, this is not good. Friends. We are just friends.

Harmony let out a small whimper. Pulling her in closer to me, her body completely relaxed. Fighting to keep my eyes open, I finally gave up the battle and drifted off to sleep. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, holding Harmony in my arms felt amazing. I’d never felt so complete in my entire life.

As sleep took over, I whispered, “Just friends.”

Harmony moved slightly in my arms as I held her against me. Even though every inch of me was aching and I was sure my body would cramp the moment I stood up, I prayed like hell it wasn’t morning yet. This was for sure going to be a night I would never forget.

I inhaled a deep breath, and Harmony’s scent filled my senses. That’s when I heard Harmony clear her throat.

Wow. Harmony sure has a deep morning voice.

Opening my eyes, I saw Jake sitting on the coffee table wearing a wide grin. I glanced down to see Harmony snuggled up against me with my arms wrapped around her.

“You’re sure holding on to her for dear life,” Jake whispered.

Giving Jake a dirty look, I mouthed, “Screw you.” I was almost positive Jake knew I had feelings for his sister. Hell, I was holding on to her for dear life as I slept on the sofa with her.

Smiling bigger, he leaned over and looked at Harmony. “She sure is sleeping peacefully.”

“My arm is about to fall off,” I whispered.

Harmony moved about and then stretched. Opening her eyes, she saw Jake smiling at her.

“Hey,” Harmony said in a sleepy voice.

“Sleep good, baby sister?”

Nodding, she said, “I slept amazingly.” Harmony started to move and then stopped. Sitting up quickly, Harmony turned to look at me. “Preston?”

Giving her a slight smile, I replied, “Harmony?”

Snapping her head back over to Jake, she asked, “What time is it? I’ve got class this morning.”

Looking at his watch, he said, “It’s almost eight.”

Jumping up, I flew off the sofa. “Shit! I’ve gotta go.”

Harmony stood up and watched as I quickly put my shoes back on. “You had your shoes off, Preston? With those socks?”

Laughing, I looked at Jake and shrugged my shoulders as Jake burst out laughing.

“Sorry, Harmony.” Reaching out to shake Jake’s hand, I said, “Sorry I can’t stay and chat, but I’m late.”

Turning to Harmony, my heart stopped. Her eyes looked so sad. “Where are you going?” Harmony asked.

“I promised my mom I’d take her and my sister shopping in Boston. Something about a winter formal.”

The smile that spread across Harmony’s face about dropped me to my knees.

“Sounds like fun,” Jake said sarcastically. Harmony shot him a dirty look before looking back at me.

“I’ll walk you out, Preston.”

Nodding, I pointed for her to lead the way. Looking over my shoulder, I lifted my hand. “Talk to you later, Jake.”

Narrowing his eyes at me, he said, “Oh, you better believe we’ll be talking later.”

Shit. That can’t be good.

Harmony walked me out to my car and I could tell she had something on her mind. “Is everything okay, Harmony?”

Sucking in her upper lip, she bit down on it before giving me a forced smile. “Yeah, sorry. Um…thank you for staying with me last night, Preston. I’m sure you had somewhere better to be.”

Lifting my hand up, I placed it on the side of her face. “There was nowhere else I wanted to be last night than where I was.”

Harmony’s lips parted as she sucked in a quick breath. She took a step away from me, and I dropped my hand and smiled weakly.

“I’ll see you around, Preston. Thanks again for yesterday and for, um…ahh…staying again last night.”

My heart dropped slightly. It was clear Harmony didn’t want anything other than a friendship with me. And that was how it should be. At least that’s what my head was telling me. My heart, on the other hand, was quickly falling for Harmony.

“Anytime, Harmony. I enjoyed myself.”

Raising her hand and giving me another goodbye, Harmony turned and headed toward her place.

Getting into my car, I shut the door and watched her walk into her condo. Closing my eyes, I shook my head.

What in the hell are you doing, Preston?

Hitting my sister’s number on my cellphone, I waited for her to answer.

“PJ! Are you on your way?”

Just hearing my sister Angie’s voice caused me to smile. She was the only person to call me PJ. When she was a baby, Angie had a hard time saying “Preston.” My grandmother used to call me PJ, short for “Preston James,” when I was in trouble. Apparently, when Angie was growing up, I was in trouble a lot because she’d quickly caught on to PJ.

As I headed out on Comm Avenue, I felt a heaviness in my heart for some reason. “I’m on my way, Short Stack. I woke up late but I’m on my way.”

Hearing Angie squeal, I imagined her jumping up and down. “Mom said be careful driving but hurry up!”

Laughing, I shook my head. “Yes, ma’am. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Okay, see ya soon. I love you, PJ.”

“Love you, too, Angie.”

Hitting END, I tried to push back the uneasy feeling I had creeping up on me.

Walking down Newbury Street, I let out a frustrated sigh as I listened to my mother and Angie go on and on about how happy they were to have found a dress for the winter formal. Angie’s boyfriend attended a private school and had asked Angie to go to the dance with him.

Lacing her arm through mine, Angie looked up at me with those big green eyes of hers. “How about lunch now, big brother?”

Chuckling, I said, “Sounds good. I worked up an appetite watching you try on all those pretty dresses.”

Giving me a wink, Angie said, “So, Mom said you finally broke up with Sherry the snob.”

Dropping my mouth open, I glanced over at my mother. “Wow, news travels fast.”

Shrugging her shoulders, my mother said, “I won’t say I’m sad over this.”

Shaking my head, I looked ahead. “Did anyone other than me like Sherry at all?”

“Nope,” my mother and sister said at once.

“Oh, Preston! There is Papa Razzi—we haven’t been there in forever,” my mother said as she headed over to the restaurant.

Angie giggled. “Guess Mom wants Italian.”

“I guess so,” I said as Angie and I followed our mother into the Italian restaurant.

The waitress immediately began flirting with me as I did my best to ignore her. “Table for three?” she asked as she licked her bottom lip and eye-fucked the hell out of me. Nodding, I smiled politely and said, “Yes, ma’am. Table for three.”

Giving me a wink, the hostess said, “Follow me, then.”

Walking through the restaurant, it felt as if I was being watched. Setting the menus down on the table, the hostess blocked me from sitting down. Turning to me, she said, “You don’t remember me, do you, Preston?”

Glancing at my mother and sister before turning back to the hostess, I said, “Um, no, I’m sorry, I don’t.”

“Cassie Sharp.”

The name didn’t ring a bell at all, and I was racking my brain trying to think if I had gone on a date with her before I started dating Sherry.

Letting out a nervous chuckle, I shook my head. Tilting her head and letting out a fake laugh, Cassie put her hand on my chest. “Mitchel’s sister. We met at his birthday party a few years back.”

Holy shit. Sharp’s baby sister. Looking her up and down, I was shocked at how much she had…grown up.

“Wow. Cassie Sharp. You certainly have grown up.”

My mother cleared her throat as my sister laughed.

Leaning in closer to me, she whispered, “In more ways than one.” Taking a step back, I gave her a weak smile.

“Right, well, I’ll be sure to let Mitchel know I ran into you.”

Picking up my hand, she wrote her number on the back and said, “Let’s not.”

Turning on her heels, Cassie headed back to the hostess station.

Shaking my head, I sat down at the table. My mother and Angie were both staring at me. “What?” I asked as I looked between them.

“Seriously? Do women just throw themselves at you like that all the time?” Angie asked. “I mean, yuck. That was gross.”

Laughing, I glanced around the restaurant and that was when I saw her.

Harmony.

She was staring at me. Once our eyes met, she gave me a small smile. Smiling back, I lifted my hand and waved to her. That’s when he turned around and I quickly dropped my hand and balled my fists.

Who was this guy? Was Harmony on a date? The guy gave me a good once-over before turning back and talking to Harmony. She smiled and let out a small chuckle as she shook her head.

What the fuck is that all about?

“Preston? Darling, what’s wrong?”

“PJ? Earth to PJ!”

Fingers snapped in front of my face as I forced myself to pull my eyes off Harmony and the mystery man.

“What?” I asked.

“Is everything okay? You look upset,” my mother asked as she looked around.

Letting out a gruff laugh, I said, “Yeah, yeah, everything is fine. Sorry.” Rubbing my hands together, I asked, “So what is everyone getting?”

“Oh, that is easy. I’m totally getting the Penne con Pollo,” Angie said as she folded her menu shut.

“Penne al Pomodoro for me,” my mother said with a smile and wink.

Shutting my menu, I attempted to keep my eyes off Harmony. “Guess I’ll get the Tuscan Chicken Salad Club.”

“That sounds heavenly, too,” my mother said with a sweet smile.

Our waitress came and got our drink and food orders. My mother and Angie began talking about shoes as I glanced over at Harmony and the guy she was with. Reaching across the table, he placed his hand over Harmony’s as she smiled gently at him. Harmony glanced over at me and I quickly looked away.

Pulling out my phone, I sent Jake a text. I wasn’t sure if he would be working today or not. He seemed to be working crazy insane hours ever since he started his residency.

Me: Hey. Sorry I had to leave so quick this morning.

Setting my phone on the table, it pinged back with a text message. My mom and Angie were still deep in shoe talk so I picked up my phone.

Jake: Hey dude, on a quick break. No worries. Harmony sure seemed to be happy this morning. Said she had a wonderful day yesterday. Thanks, Preston, for being such a great friend to Harmony.

Ugh. There was that damn word again. “Friend.” Although I was trying like hell not to look over at Harmony, I took a chance and stole a peek.

Fuck. I shouldn’t have. Her smile was beautiful. My stomach turned at the thought of some asshole making her smile like that.

Me: It was a fun day. At lunch with my mom and sister. Speaking of…Harmony is here with some guy.

Jake: Really? I wonder who she’s with? Shit, I’ve got to go. Give me a call tonight.

Well, that got me nowhere.

“Preston? Are you listening to me?”

Pushing my phone back into my pocket, I looked at my mother and gave her my best smile. “Sorry, Mom. What were you saying?”

“Angie and I are thinking we are done for the day. After lunch, we’re ready to head back if you are. Are you going to stay at the house for dinner tonight?”

The waitress brought over our food as my mother tried to persuade me to stay for dinner that night.

Going to take a bite of my sandwich, I noticed Harmony and the guy standing up. Harmony walked around the table to the guy. He placed his hands on her upper arms as they stood there and continued to talk as I just sat there and watched them.

“Preston? Where are you, sweetheart?”

Looking back at my mother, I took a bite of my sandwich. Chewing it, I swallowed and smiled. “Sorry, Mom. I wish I could but I’ve got to work tomorrow so I’m planning on hitting bed early tonight. I’ve had a crazy last two days.”

Raising her eyebrows, she nodded. “I’d say. Your uncle told me about your stop by the pub. Said you were with a girl.”

Narrowing my eyes at my mother, I said, “Mom, she is just a friend. Besides, I just broke up with Sherry. The last thing I’m looking for is to be in another relationship.”

Giving me that look only your mother can give, she slowly nodded and said, “Uh-huh. So, do you want to tell me why you keep staring at the young lady over there?”

Shaking my head, I said, “No. I really don’t.”

Angie chuckled. “What’s wrong, PJ, don’t want Mom in your private life?”

Letting out a chuckle, I was about to reply when I heard her voice.

“Hey, Preston.”

My mother and Angie both turned and looked at Harmony standing next to our table.

Setting my sandwich down, I stood and turned to Harmony and smiled as I glanced around for the mystery man she was on a date with.

“Hey, Harmony.” I cursed under my breath when I heard my voice crack. I knew Angie noticed, because she giggled.

Harmony smiled as she looked at Mom and Angie. Clearing my throat, I pointed to Angie as she gave me that smile like she knew everything that had to be known. “Harmony, this is my sister, Angie. Angie, this is my friend Harmony.”

Angie stood up and instead of acting like a normal human being, she pulled Harmony into her arms and whispered something into Harmony’s ear that made her laugh and look at my sister with a confused look. Next came my mother. Standing up, she extended her hand toward Harmony. “Harmony, this is my mother, Jennifer Ward. Mom, this is a friend of mine, Harmony.”

Shaking my mother’s hand, Harmony smiled. “You must be very proud of Preston, Mrs. Ward.”

Beaming with pride, my mother nodded as she looked at me. Looking back at Harmony, she said, “Please, call me Jenn.”

Grinning, Harmony said, “Jenn it is.”

“How did you two meet?” Angie asked as she sat back down, and my knees about buckled under me. I hadn’t even thought for two seconds anyone would ask how we’d met.

My head snapped over to Harmony as her smile faltered some before she replaced it with one that didn’t touch her eyes.

Trying to think of something to say, Harmony began talking. “Preston responded to a wreck I was in.” Turning and looking at me, her eyes seemed lost and confused. “He tried to save my son but…”

Harmony’s voice faded off as my mother quickly took control of the situation. “I’m so sorry for your loss, Harmony.”

Turning to my mother, Harmony nodded. “Thank you.”

“Harmony is such a beautiful name. Is that your real name?” Angie asked. If I could have, I would have reached over and kissed my sister.

Letting out a chuckle, Harmony nodded. “Yep. My mother loves the symphony.”

Taking a step back, Harmony looked at me. “I didn’t mean to interrupt, but I saw you and wanted to say hi.” Turning to my mother and sister, Harmony held up her hand and said, “It was a pleasure meeting you both.”

“The pleasure was all ours, dear,” my mother said in such a soothing voice.

Before turning and leaving, Harmony said, “Enjoy your afternoon.”

“See ya around, Harmony,” I said as I looked back down at my plate as I sat down.

Angie gave me a kick and I let out a yell. “Ouch, you little brat!”

“Why are you not going after her?”

Looking at my sister like she’d lost her damn mind, I pulled my head back and stared at her. “Huh?”

Rolling her eyes and letting out a frustrated moan, she said, “Clearly she wants you to go after her, PJ.”

Looking back toward the door, I asked, “Why?”

“Oh my gosh, Mom! He knows nothing about women.”

My mother laughed as she continued to eat. “Angie, eat your lunch and leave your brother alone.”

Dropping her mouth open, Angie looked at me, then back to my mother. “Mom, tell me you didn’t notice the way that girl’s eyes lit up when she talked to PJ.”

Letting out a gruff laugh, I shook my head. “Ha! You’re dreaming, Angie.”

Tilting her head, Angie stared at me as I attempted to eat with her glaring at me.

“Oh. My. Gosh. You like her, Preston, don’t you?”

My sandwich stopped at my mouth. “You called me Preston.”

She let out a laugh. “Yeah, I did. This is serious and calls for using our grown-up names. Preston. Do you have feelings for her?”

Now, that caught my mother’s attention. “Preston?” she asked with concern lacing her voice.

Swallowing hard, I couldn’t find my voice. Finally getting some control of the situation, I said, “No. We’re friends. I mean, she lost her husband in the wreck also and…no…Angie, you’re crazy.” My eyes caught my mother’s and I knew she could see right through me.

“Preston.” My name off my mother’s lips was almost my undoing. I wanted to jump up and shout to the world that I had fallen for Harmony hard and fast. And all it took was spending one day making her laugh and one night holding her in my arms.

“Not now, Mom. Please not now.”

Nodding, she turned to Angie. “Let’s finish up so we can get home.”

Angie smiled. “I’ve gotten a bit of renewed energy!”

Moaning, I rolled my eyes as my mother chuckled.

The rest of the afternoon was spent looking for the perfect pair of shoes for Angie. My mother and Angie talked about designer shoes while I tried not to think of the guy Harmony had been out with.

Later, as I was walking my mother and sister up to the house, I leaned over and kissed Angie on the cheek. “Behave, Angie.”

Winking, she gave me a naughty smile and said, “Always!”

My mother turned and gave me a once-over. “The only way you’ll know for sure is to ask her, Preston.”

“Excuse me, ma’am?”

Narrowing her eyes at me, she shook her head. “Preston, I’ve seen that look before. I saw it on your father’s face the first time he saw me on a date with another man. Talk to her and ask her.”

“Nah, Mom, it’s not like that with me and Harmony. We’re just friends.”

Nodding, she said, “Okay, Preston.” Reaching up on her toes, she kissed my cheek. Turning to walk into the house, she looked over her shoulder and said, “Life is too short, darling. You of all people should know that, Preston.”

“What does that mean, Mom?”

Lifting her hand, she gave me a wave and walked into the house.

Pushing my hand through my hair, I let out a sigh. I’ll never understand women.

Ever.