No one would hurt me.
No one would find me out here.
Except for Harrison.
The two of us would meet up here and talk sometimes. We’d chat about everything and nothing. That was before we grew apart.
That was before Frank made it clear that I’d never be unconditionally accepted as part of the family. He’d give me a role to play and I’d have to play it. That was the only thing I was good for, at least in his eyes.
And it hurt.
So much more than it should have.
“You’re here,” Harrison’s voice sounds from up ahead, and I look up to see him sitting on a bench. He jumps to his feet and hurries to me. “That was fast.”
He kisses me, and I can’t bring myself to do anyth
ing except revel in the beauty of this moment. I can’t bring myself to do anything except relax in his arms and lose myself in his touch. Harrison O’Conner is touching me in the gardens, and my heart suddenly feels very full, and very happy.
“He postponed the meeting,” I finally say, pulling back.
“What? Why?”
He’s surprised, of course. Frank isn’t exactly known for being flexible, and he never pushes things back.
Never.
I just shrug.
“Who knows? It doesn’t matter. I’m here now.”
“Good,” he says, and Harrison pulls me close to his chest. He kisses me on the mouth and I lean up, eager for more. I run my hands up and down his chest. Part of me still worries that I’m not supposed to be doing this.
After all, it’s wrong.
It’s forbidden.
It’s naughty.
After all, it’s not something I’m supposed to be doing, and it’s probably not something I’m supposed to be wanting, but I do.
“Adalee,” he whispers, pulling back, and he shakes his head. “How long have you liked me?”
It’s a question I wasn’t really expecting, and it’s one I’m not sure how to answer. How can I be honest about this?
But I’ll do it.
For him.
“A long time.”
“Me too.”
“You never told me.”
“I never thought you felt the same.”
“I’m sorry I held back.”