She wanted that.
“It hasn’t been entirely selfless. I think you know that.” Cooper said, his eyes growing serious.
Harper nodded and bunched her lips. “I know.”
“He’s here tonight, isn’t he?” Cooper asked.
Harper hesitated, then decided she didn’t want to lie. Not to Cooper.
“Yes.” She nodded and moved in closer, laying her head against his chest. Cooper wrapped his arms around her. “I’m sorry.”
He kissed the top of her head.
“Nothing to be sorry about, beautiful. You need to decide what you want. I think you know I want you. I’m not going to just give up—that’s not my nature.”
She lifted her head and saw the determination in Cooper's eyes.
“We’re here until next week, but if you need time, then that’s okay. New Zealand isn’t that far away.”
Harper's eyes moistened.
This man was fighting for her. When had any man done that? Least of all Daniel Dufort. He’d slipped in and stolen her heart, then left when things got difficult.
Why wouldn’t he fight for her like Cooper was?
Harper knew the answer. She wasn’t his priority. Daniel had responsibilities and expectations on him. She had no place in his world.
She never would.
“Can I interrupt?”
Cooper stilled and turned as Harper looked up into Daniel Dufort’s powerful eyes.
Her heart thumped.
Cooper's arms released her as she stared at the man dressed head to toe in black. His shorts fit his large thighs like they were made for him—and probably were—while the black shirt did nothing to hide his large, muscular chest. Tonight, he had a little scruff on his face, and it suited him.
She tried to ignore his icy blue eyes as they bore down on her.
God, he was gorgeous.
The familiar heat blazed between them as Daniel looked at her as if she were the only thing that mattered. If only that were true.
Cooper didn’t move away. He remained up against her body, waiting for a response. The choice was hers.
She lifted her eyes apologetically, and he nodded, kissing her cheek. “Remember what I said.”
The two men gave each other a respectful nod as Cooper walked away.
Daniel didn’t hesitate. He pulled her into his powerful arms with such possessiveness it took her breath away. They were both big men, but Daniel was larger, taller, and his energy far more dominant.
Harper felt dizzy.
A slightly more upbeat song played, but they remained slow dancing.
“I’m leaving tomorrow,” Daniel finally said, and she nodded. “God, Harper, I can’t stand this.”
She lay her head against his chest to hide the tears building. Her sniff gave her away, but Daniel didn’t say anything. Instead, his fingers dug into her skin.