7. Bergan

7

BERGAN

Harrison pulls in front of a beautiful single-family home on a stretch of heavenly land. A good-looking man who looks similar to Harrison comes out onto the porch along with a very pregnant woman and they’re smiling big and waving. Harrison lights up and is eager to greet the couple.

“Bergan, this is my cousin Colt and his wife Aria.”

I shake their hands. “Hello, it’s nice to meet you.”

“We’re so happy to have you here,” Aria says as she strokes her round belly.

“The house is gorgeous, you guys. Colt and Aria redid all of it. You should’ve seen it before.”

They discuss the home as they let me in, and Harrison gets our bags. I’m normally not one to let others do things for me, but it’s my little revenge against him for making me pack in such a short amount of time.

I look through the window and see a large field with a few horses in a couple of sections.

“We can visit the horses in the barn after dinner if you would like Bergan.” Colt offers, and I’m a little excited at the idea. They’re such beautiful animals.

“I would love to! Thank you.”

Since we’re only staying the night, I don’t bother to unpack, and we spend an hour talking over little things. It’s great to watch Harrison and how relaxed he is when he’s with his family. It’s night and day compared to the other players. It also makes me realize this is how he is when it’s just the two of us. There’s no shield or anything.

The four of us pitch in to help with dinner no matter how much Aria insists on us relaxing, but like hell if I’m going to have a pregnant woman wait on me.

Harrison and Colt come in from grilling the steaks and baked potatoes as we sit down to a spread of freshly made rolls and salad. My mouth waters. Normally I’m good with the chicken wings from the restaurant or the frozen dinners I pop in the microwave. It’s depressing only cooking for myself, so I prefer not to.

It doesn’t take us long to dig in. After a few grunts of tasty goodness, the chatting commences.

“How’d the two of you meet?” Colt asks.

I widen my eyes and shake my head adamantly. “Oh, we didn’t… we’re not …it’s not what you think… um…”

Under her breath Aria mutters, “Oh, I think it’s something.” And she smirks.

I look at Harrison and he smiles and eats his food in bliss while I’m imagining how much my hands are going to hurt from squeezing them around his throat.

“You ready for the auction? Being the big-ticket item means you need to wow the crowd.” Colt wiggles his eyebrows. “And the ladies with the big pockets.”

“Got my tux in the car.”

“Wait, you didn’t tell me we were going to an event? Is this a formal event?” I panic, thinking about how I have nothing to wear. I want to strangle him even more now.

“Just wear whatever. You’ll be fine.”

Typical male.

Aria leans over. “I got you covered. No worries.”

But I am worried. Will there be paparazzi there? Will Harrison and I be photographed together? Will it get around again that I’m sleeping my way to the top?

Taking a deep breath, I push the thoughts away and resume eating my food.

I take another bite of the steak and moan at how flavorful and juicy it is. Harrison moves uncomfortably in his seat, and I’m pleased with his reaction. Though, I don’t want to lead him on, no matter how much of a boost his reaction gives me.

“What’s this event for?” I ask.

There, a safe and easy topic to get my mind out of the gutter.

Colt answers, since Harrison's mouth is full. “Cancer research.” The room gets quiet as we all continue to eat.

Harrison’s phone rings and he glances at it. “Sorry guys, I gotta take this.” He rushes to answer the phone.

Aria pushes back from the table. “Let’s go find you a dress.”

Thinking there’s no better time, I take the last bite of my potato and follow her upstairs.

“So, where is this event?” I ask.

“It’s at the Storm Canyon Golf Course. It’s an auction to raise money for children’s cancer treatments.”

My heart melts that Harrison is auctioning off a date with himself for children’s care. He’s got a heart and a soul.

Surprising…

Aria has several dresses to choose from and I start with the red…no. Blue…no. Green… winner.

“Yes, you have to wear that one. It’s perfect on you and makes your hair and eyes pop against your lighter skin. Now I have the perfect pair of shoes.”

She digs in her closets and comes out with a matching shade of the emerald green and when I look at the same size as me, I squeal. “Oh my, you’re my fairy godmother. Thank you.”

I glance at the clock and realize we spent a while in here, and I yawn.

“With the travel, you should go to bed. It’s been a long day.”

“You’re right, I’m exhausted. Thank you so much.”

“Of course.”

“I’ll find Harrison and let him know I’m going to bed.”

I go downstairs and notice the table is cleared and the kitchen is clean. I frown. I wanted to help with clean up.

Harrison isn’t around, so I step outside, and I find him he’s sitting on the steps. A beautiful woman is on the phone screen. She’s around our age.

“Glad to hear. I’ll see you soon. Love you, Millie. Bye.”

Millie?

So that’s the story that’s missing. My walls raise up high and I didn’t even realize they were crumbling. I step back inside and try to be quiet, but the screen door creaks as it closes. In the corner of my eye, Harrison spins and sees me. I don’t stop. I head for the stairs.

Another cheater? Maybe? Or maybe not? But I’m not willing to take a chance. My heart cracked last time, but with Harrison Briggs, he’ll shatter it. As much as it pains me to admit it. I’m falling for him against everything I said I wouldn’t do.

The door opens and closes as Harrison steps inside. “Hey, Bergan? Bergan!”

I turn around with my professional mask firmly in place.

Why does he have to look so sweet and so unguilty?

“I’m going to bed. Goodnight, Harrison.” I resume heading upstairs and when I get to the landing, I look down and Harrison’s head is dropped along with his shoulders. He looks downtrodden, and my heart squeezes. But this is for the best.

I’m a sports journalist and I want his story and want to move on. That’s been the goal the whole time.

But why does it feel like I’m moving backwards?