It was all Harper could do to not check her makeup… again. She chewed her fingernails nervously as her gaze traveled up and down the sidewalk once more.

Christ, I’ve gotta calm down. Harper shook herself mentally, amazed at how ridiculous she was being. It’s just Dev!

But then, wasn’t that all the more reason to be nervous? It felt like there had been so much leading up to this moment. And not just during the past year either… This night with Devin could change everything. And she wanted it to, so badly.

But what if things ended up being too awkward? What if she made a fool of herself? What if she disappointed him?

Katie and Rylie had both rolled their eyes at her when she’d shared her insecurities… but she couldn’t help it. It was terrifying. And it wasn’t only because the date was with Devin… It would also be her first real date she’d ever had. With anyone.

She and Erik had just sort of fallen into things naturally. And though they’d hung out at his apartment together many times, or even occasionally gone to a restaurant or movie, nothing they did together ever felt like a date. Especially not after things fell apart so terribly with his addiction.

And with Ivy, well… they’d never had a choice. Harper still liked to imagine sometimes what it would have been like to actually go somewhere with Ivy — see a movie, or visit an art gallery, or just take a stroll through the park holding hands. She’d have given almost anything to go on a date with Ivy, just once. But the only time they truly spent together was within the thick brick walls of the prison.

“Hey.” She almost jumped at the sound of Devin’s deep voice over her shoulder. “Sorry if I kept you waiting.”

Harper turned around to face him, pushing away her nervousness the best she could. “Oh, you didn’t.” She assured him. It was her own fault for being so early anyway. “I just got here a little early… But I wasn’t waiting long.”

Her lips curled into a smile as her eyes drank in the sight of him. Somehow, he looked even more handsome than usual. How was that even possible?

“Oh, good.” Devin smiled in relief, making his face even more breathtaking. She could feel his eyes traveling up and down her body for a moment. It sent a pleasant shiver down her spine. “Wow…” He said at last. “You look beautiful.”

Her cheeks instantly grew warm. “Thanks… So do you.” Harper’s smile widened… until she realized what she’d just said. “Y-you look handsome, I mean. N-not beautiful… Sorry.” Oh my fucking God. This time, her cheeks were on fire for a very different reason.

Devin’s deep, booming laugh filled the air at her words. “Don’t worry about it… I’m okay with ‘beautiful’.” His playful smile instantly chased her embarrassment away. “Guess we’d better head inside… Shall we?” With a small wink, he offered her his arm.

And Harper gratefully accepted.

Harper smiled as she took the glass of wine from Devin’s hand, her fingers brushing against his for a moment. She’d been so excited when he’d invited her back to his apartment for drinks. Their evening together had already been so perfect… She didn’t want it to end.

“Thanks.” She said softly after taking a long sip from her glass. “Mm… oh wow, this stuff’s good!” Harper laughed, taking a moment to examine the deep red liquid.

“You like it? Good.” Devin called over his shoulder as he headed back into the kitchen with the bottle. “It’s one of my Mama’s favorites. She swears by the stuff, so I decided to give it a try…”

Harper’s looked over her shoulder, her eyes following him as he returned the bottle to the… Huh? Another bright laugh passed her lips. “Holy shit, is that an actual wine cooler?”

He rolled his eyes, laughing softly as he rejoined her on the couch. “What, you think I’d keep my wine in the fridge like some kind of savage?” He teased. “Nah, I know. It’s super ridiculous, right? But it was a housewarming gift from my parents.”

“I was just teasing… I like it.” Harper assured him. “It really goes with the vibe of the whole place.” She paused for a moment. “Have I told you yet how much I love it?”

“Only the last three times you were over here?” He smiled playfully at her. “But thanks. I really love it too. Rent’s an arm and a leg, but it definitely feels like it suits me better than the old one did.”

“It does!” Harper agreed. “It’s awesome. I’d love to have place of my own like this.” She mused. “Or at least give my parents’ house a makeover…”

“Yeah… I mean, their house is really nice. And huge! But… Hmm… A little outdated, maybe?” Devin replied almost guiltily. “But hey, once you hit the bigtime with that book of yours, you’ll have the money to turn it into whatever you want!” He gave her a wink as he spoke.

“Pfft!” Harper nearly choked on her wine. Still laughing, she placed her glass back on the coffee table in front of her. “Okay, first off, you’re assuming my parents would ever let me mess with their house like that. And secondly, you’re assuming anyone’s ever gonna want to publish my book.”

“Mmm-hmm… And you’re assuming no one’s gonna recognize just how amazing your book is. And how amazing you are too.” Devin’s smile widened. “Someone will, Harper… You know I already do.”

Her heart fluttered under his gaze. “I don’t know about amazing…” She said softly, returning his smile. “I think you’re giving me a little too much credit.”

“I’m not.” He shook his head. “You’ve gone through so much shit in the past few years…”

Harper laughed. “Yeah, and like ninety percent of it was self-inflicted.” She interjected.

“So what if it was? The point is, you got your shit together and you made it through. Do you know how many other people would’ve never even tried to change in your shoes? Or just laid there and given up? Or gotten their asses thrown back in jail? Or… worse?” Devin paused for a moment before continuing. “I’m not giving you too much credit, Harper. You’re not giving yourself enough.”

Her heart grew warm at his words. “Dev…”

“I’m so proud of you.” He continued. “And I don’t mean that in some kind of weird condescending way. I mean I’m seriously in awe of how strong you are. And seeing how far you’ve come this past year… It was like falling in love with you all over again.”

The breath caught in Harper’s throat. How could she possibly respond to that? How could she even begin to explain the way she felt about him in return?

Harper had no idea what to say.

So she didn’t say anything.

The moment her lips touched his, every inch of her body was on fire. It was electric. Devin opened his mouth instantly, allowing her access as she climbed on top of him, just as she had the night after Ivy’s funeral.

But this time, he did not stop her.

Before long, their shirts lay on the living room floor, forgotten. Devin’s mouth trailed down the side of her neck and over her collarbone. And soon, she felt his large, rough hands fumbling with the hook on the back of her bra.

She pulled back instantly as he did so.

“Wait.” Harper spoke breathlessly over Devin’s small groan of disappointment. “Hold on.”

“What is it? What’s wrong?”

“I just… Can I use your bathroom?” She laughed nervously. “I’ll be like two minutes, I promise! And then I’ll meet you in the bedroom?” Harper suggested, trying to smile.

“Unngh.” Devin let out another soft groan, but smiled. “Okay. But hurry up!” He teased.

She leaned down to quickly brush her lips against his before climbing off of his lap and disappearing into the bathroom.

——————————–

Note: Decided to mix things up a little bit here… the next chapter will be tomorrow instead of Wednesday! So don’t forget to check back tomorrow! 🙂