Page 36 of Enemy Kisses

Once she quickly throws a few things in a bag and grabs her toiletries, I take the bag from her and we head downstairs. Driving to her café in the dark, I check the time. “How late are you?”

She glances at her phone. “Uh, only about fifteen minutes. We haven’t done too bad.”

“Can I do anything to help?”

She smiles at me, and it’s like the dawn breaking through the clouds. “Nah. I’ll be okay.” She squeezes my thigh. “You probably need more sleep.” We pull into the lot behind her café, and I’m pleased to see the motion sensor lights turn on. She turns to me with a furrow between her brows. “I guess I’ll see you later?”

I cup her face gently. “Yeah, you’ll see me later. I’ll come and grab lunch and we’ll work things out.” She nods and I press my lips to hers in a hungry kiss that’s going to have to hold me over until I see her later. Now that I’ve had her properly, I’m not sure I’ll be able to make it through the day without touching her.

She pulls away with a smile. “I really need to go.” She cups my cheek. “Thanks for last night and this morning.”

“You’re welcome.” I climb out of my car and jog around to her side to open the door. She presses up on her toes to plant a quick kiss and then steps around me to head inside. I smack her ass playfully, making her jump, and watch her go inside.

* * *

I’ve decided I’m addicted to Harry. I can’t stay away from the woman. Every day for the past two weeks, I’ve stopped by for lunch, taken Harry home, defiled her in every possible way, then curled my body around hers to sleep. Each day we wake tangled together and start the process all over again.

Things at the pub have settled down since I fired Blaze. Callahan’s hidden camera had captured him stealing the alcohol, confirming my suspicions. I spoke with Thomas about everything Blaze had done. He didn’t think filing a report would achieve anything because the video evidence we had wouldn’t be admissible in court, and even though what he did to Harry was intimidating, there wasn’t much the police could do about it because he didn’t physically harm her. The court system is so swamped that only the worst crimes see the light of day—the system is broken. Having a police officer for a friend comes in handy sometimes.

When I walk into Harry’s café a little after one, pride fills me to see how busy it is. She’s too busy serving a customer to notice my arrival, so I join the end of the line, waiting patiently for my turn to be served. Studying her without her knowledge, I note that her sparkle’s missing today, just like it’s been since Beverley passed. I don’t think it’s noticeable to those who don’t know her well, but I can tell she’s having a sad day.

I step to the front of the line and as she looks up noticing me, a genuine smile graces her lips, not the pretend one she’s been putting on for her customers. “Hey, Firecracker.”

Her shoulders drop, and her posture visibly softens. “Hey, you.”

I lean over the counter and gesture for her to meet me halfway. She glances around but meets me for a light kiss that quickly evolves into something hotter, something not appropriate for our location or present company. A throat clears nearby and I drag myself away from Harry to find Matthew watching us with a smirk and raised brows. “So, is there something you forgot to tell me?”

Judy breezes out of the kitchen, her eyes catching on the three of us. “What’s going on?”

Matthew points to me and Harry, waving his finger between us. “They were making out over the counter.”

Harry playfully smacks him with the back of her hand across his stomach. “Such a tattletale.”

“You mean, reporter of the facts?” Judy says as she twists toward the kitchen. “Quentin, get out here!”

Harry groans.

Quentin pokes his head around the door frame. “What?”

With a twinkle in her eyes and mischief on her lips, Judy waves her hand between me and Harry. “These two were kissing.”

His eyebrows shoot up and he steps out of the kitchen. “Yeah.” Judy nods, and his hard gaze locks on me. “What are your intentions with Harry?” he asks as he wipes his hands on a towel.

“Oh my God. We’re not in the eighteenth century, Quentin. Next, you’ll be asking about his dowry.” She turns to me, her eyes full of apology. “I’m so sorry. Please ignore my employees.” She glares at each one, but they don’t seem fazed. What I love most about this moment is that Harry’s fire has returned, even if it’s all in good fun.

While they’re all chuckling, I blurt, “I’m gonna marry her one day.” I’m mystified how we got to this point so quickly, but it seems like the natural next step for us and I have no desire to take my words back.

All laughing ceases instantly and Harry’s head snaps around to me. Quentin looks like a proud uncle and Judy looks as though she’s ready to burst with happiness.

“Best news ever,” Matthew chirps.

“You can’t be serious,” Harry states.

“One hundred percent, you can take it to the bank, serious, Firecracker.” I finish with a wink as her hand lands on her hip.

“Are you telling me or asking me?”

I glance around at her friends, then around the café where everyone seems to be holding their breath. I take Harry’s hand and lead her out from behind the counter, then drop to one knee. I didn’t come here with this in mind, but it feels right and I’m gonna go with it. I draw in a deep breath, then look up into her stunning green eyes. “Harry, you are the woman of my dreams. From the moment we first met, I couldn’t get enough of your fire.” She smirks down at me. I’m sure she’s remembering that first meeting when I was shocked to discover that Harry was a woman. “So much so that I kept finding excuses to see you and piss you off as much as I possibly could.” Snickers sound throughout the space. “I want to be the man to piss you off for the rest of my days, but I also want to be the man who holds your broken pieces together on your bad days, and the man who gets to laugh with you through the good times. I want to be the man who supports you as you succeed and makes you round with my babies. I want to be everything to you and, in return, I want you to be my everything.” I hear sighs, but I can’t tear my eyes away from Harry to see what’s happening around us. “Tell me you’ll be my wife.”

She lowers her face to mine. Cupping my cheeks, she swipes her lips softly against mine. “I wouldn’t want anyone else to piss me off, Finn.” Her lips spread in a smile against mine. “I’ll be your wife,” she whispers.

She presses her lips to mine, and I drag her down so we can properly celebrate that I just proposed and she accepted. Cheers fill the café as I continue to kiss my fiancée, my future. When we pull away, I cup her cheeks. “I can’t wait to spend forever getting under your skin and on your nerves.”

We both chuckle as her friends and customers swoop in with their congratulations.

* * *