Idiot, idiot, idiot.
Why had she let Daniel inside her heart again? God, she’d even told Daniel she loved him.
Idiot!
Through her anger, Harper couldn’t help but think of the man downstairs who seemed more than willing to move mountains to be with her. The world is a small place, Cooper had said.
Harper shook her head.
This wasn’t about Cooper.
It wasn’t even about Daniel.
She had to believe that one day, somewhere, there was a man who would want her more than anything. Someone who would make her a priority and love her despite any obstacle.
She now realized that man was not Daniel Dufort.
“That’s not...look, things are still complicated, Harper. I’ve never even dated a woman before, let alone told them I loved them,” he said, dropping his utensils. “When I think of being with you, well, fuck, yes I do worry you would hate New York. Not want me.”
He stood and circled her as she searched for her phone and purse.
“Harper, stop. Come on. Don’t go. I’m leaving in a few hours. Jesus, I told you I love you for god sakes. Give me time to wrap my head around all of this and sort some shit out.”
She found her shoes and picked them up.
“Jesus, would you stop? I’ll delay my flight another day. Then we can take some time and talk,” he said, laying his hands on her shoulders from behind.
Harper turned.
“I know how this ends, Daniel. Tell me, would I be the most important thing in your life? Are you willing to get married?”
“Harper,” he growled.
“Have you told your father you’re not marrying that woman?”
Daniel paled and his jaw stiffened.
Unbelievable.
“Are you fucking kidding me?” she said, pushing him away as Daniel grabbed her wrists.
His phone began to ring.
––––––––
“CRAP. FUCK. WHAT DO you want, Fletcher?” Daniel snapped, punching the screen, clearly answering it instead of declining the call.
“So you’ve seen it?”
“Seen what?” he asked, a chill creeping through his bones.
Harper froze and looked up at him.
––––––––
HE KNEW WHAT THE NEXT words were going to be as Fletcher began to speak. His mind was screaming, fuck don’t say it, don’t fucking say it.
But it was too late.