4. Miles

Chapter 4

Miles

Coming home to Harper was everything I’ve ever wanted. I know it’s not real, but opening the front door and seeing her on the other side was amazing. It was also a fucking turn-on to see her sitting there on my sofa in her short cotton shorts and a tank top. Clothes that I’m sure aren’t supposed to be sexy, but on Harper are hot as hell.

Earlier when we hugged, I could have sworn her nipples were hard and I’ve had a hard time keeping my dick from getting hard every time I think about it. Shedding my dirty clothes, I step into the steaming hot shower. I’m instantly bombarded with thoughts of Harper joining me. I envision her naked body stepping under the water with me as I grab my dick and begin to roughly jerk up and down. I shouldn’t do this with her downstairs, but I need to get myself under control if I’m going to sit next to her on the couch. There’s no way I can do that in the state I’m in right now.

My hand moves faster and faster as I think of what it would be like to wrap my lips around those nipples I felt earlier. I bet every bit of Harper would taste amazing and I would do anything to get the chance to find out. Fantasy Harper turns so I can see her ass and I feel the tingle of my impending orgasm gather at the bottom of my spine.

“Fuck, Harper, I want you so fucking bad,” I moan out loud. “Harper, oh God.”

More nonsense follows as I come in ropes down the drain. Damn, that felt good but hollow. It’s always that way. I don’t think I will ever feel complete until Harper is in my bed, or in my shower, with me.

I quickly finish cleaning myself and wash my hair, then step out and dry off. I pull on clean sweatpants and a white T-shirt. I’ve been upstairs longer than a normal shower should take and I’m sure Harper is wondering where I am. She’s probably also nervous about her house and hungry. I know I sure am— for food and her.

I head back downstairs and she’s still sitting in the same spot, so beautiful it almost hurts to look at her. “Sorry I took so long,” I say to get her attention.

She looks up and my heart skips a beat when our eyes meet. I need to get myself under control or I’m going to make her uncomfortable and she’s going to leave and stay somewhere else.

“It’s okay, Miles. I’ve just been reading on my phone,” she laughs. “Trying to avoid reality. I would rather be in this world of torrid affairs and happily ever after instead of facing the reality of exactly what’s wrong with my house.”

I almost say that I could give her all of it but stop myself. That’s not who we are, and I need to respect that. “Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but I come with house information and it’s not pretty.”

She sighs and makes room for me next to her on the couch. “I didn’t think it would be. Lay it on me.”

I sit close enough that our thighs are touching, and she doesn’t move away. I tell myself it’s just to comfort her, but I know that’s complete bullshit. I can’t help but touch her. “First, I am sorry that this happened, and I feel like I’m sort of responsible. The problem started as a leak under your laundry room, but today a pipe in the front bathroom just split. I told you that those pipes were fine and didn’t need to be replaced right away and I feel terrible that this happened.”

With a hand on my arm, she stops me from talking. “Hey, your plumber, Greg, also came out and gave them a thumbs up. Pipes sometimes leak, split, explode… whatever. This is not your fault.”

“Thanks, but I still feel like I should have just finished all the plumbing. I wanted to, but you said you wanted to wait. I knew you wanted to do the house renovations on your terms, and I was trying to respect that, but I could have still done it.”

That was the wrong thing to say to Harper. “Miles St. James. You are not my father, brother, or husband. It’s not your place to feel responsible for me or to second guess what I want to do with my belongings.”

“I know, but I easily could have done it. I am your friend, and it wouldn’t have been a big deal, but now you have a mess on your hands.” I want to add so badly that I will always take care of her if she lets me.

“And it’s my mess,” she huffs, losing all her previous indignation. I can see the fight drain out of her and don’t stop myself from pulling her into my lap. She leans her head on my shoulder.

“You know that I’m going to help you with all of it, right? That you won’t have to do anything but tell me what you want.” I run my hands through her hair. I’ve held her when she was upset before, but this feels different.

“I know, and you have no idea how thankful I am for your friendship, Miles. I don’t know what I’d do without you.” She takes a big breath and continues, “I know I can’t hide from the reality of what’s happened, but do you think it can wait until morning? I’m exhausted and I just want to crash.”

“Of course. Did you eat dinner?”

“I had a sandwich earlier and I left you one in the fridge.” She stands and, with a sad smile, heads toward my guest room. “I’ll see you in the morning, Miles.”

“Okay, Harps.”

I watch her walk up the stairs with Titan following closely behind. She once again put me in my place, didn’t she? She’s thankful for my friendship and doesn’t know what she’d do without me. I feel the same way, but damn I want so much more from her at the same time.

I grab the sandwich out of the fridge and eat it in four bites. I’m too keyed up to head to bed, so I head to my home gym and hop on the treadmill. I see a lot of extra exercise in my future while Harper is here. It may be the only way to get rid of all the extra tension inside of my body.