Page 45 of Stopping Short

“We’re not in public! We’re in an empty hallway with no way for anyone to get down here.”

“Not true,” he singsongs. “I'm the public. And I just saw… that.” He motions to the two of us with a grimace. “I could’ve lived my entire life never seeing McLaren kiss anyone, and I would’ve been happy. I can’t unsee that.”

“Oh, please. How many girls have you kissed in your lifetime?”

“A lot less than you think,” he says softly. He glances down the empty hallway, looking lost in his own thoughts. “Have a good night.” He flashes us a tight smile before he heads towards the parking lot.

“What was that about?” Harper whispers, still staring at the door Wheeler disappeared through.

“I don’t know.” I shake my head. “I know Wheeler gets pegged as a player a lot, but he’s really not… that seemed like something more though.”

By the time we get home, Harper’s phone is blowing up with texts from her mom. The news definitely reached the Bradley household and there are a lot of questions being thrown our way.

“Mom,” Harper groans as she scrubs a hand down her face. The video chat just connected and she’s already being peppered with questions.

She’s been pacing around the living room, knowing this will be a tough conversation to have.

“Don’t use that tone with me! I haven’t seen you in so long and I find out through the grapevine that you have a new boyfriend? And don’t even get me started on you being engaged without my knowledge!”

“In my defense, the engagement wasn’t real!”

“Yes, which you could’ve told us as well!”

Harper walks in front of me and I reach out, wrapping my arms around her waist and tugging her onto my lap. The screen comes into view and I'm staring at Harper’s mom, Cali.

“Hey, Cali. You’re looking beautiful as ever. I can see where Harper gets it from.”

Cali’s features soften slightly as she grins at me. She rolls her eyes, but it’s playful. She’s always loved me and I'm sure that’s not going to stop now.

“Don’t you dare try to butter me up, Jackson. You’re so much like Scott. You both think you can sweet talk your way out of tough situations. You can’t!”

“Aw, c’mon. I’ve always been respectful and sweet. Why am I getting a bad rap now?”

She lets out a long sigh and shakes her head.

“You’re not getting a bad rap. I’d just like to know what’s going on in my daughter’s life.”

“Well, she has a new boyfriend. He’s quite handsome.” I grin.

“Is that so?” Cali chuckles, amusement lighting up her eyes.

“More handsome than any of her previous boyfriends. And he’s sweet, loving, the best shortstop in baseball history, and the type of guy every mom wants their daughter to end up with.” I flash her a bright smile and she full out laughs.

“Well, I can honestly say I wouldn’t be upset if Harper married someone like you.”

“Hold up there, Cali. Someone like me or me? I’m only supportive of one of those options.” I arch a brow, hoping she gives me the answer I want.

“You.” She looks up at the ceiling and shakes her head.

“Hey, baby?” I glance down at Harper. She’s watching me with her head tilted to the side. She’s so beautiful. I just want to pull her in and kiss her, but I can’t do that while we’re talking to her mom.

“Yeah?”

“I think Mama Bradley just gave me permission to marry you.”

“Oh my gosh, Jackson!” Cali groans.

“Are you asking?” Harper doesn’t skip a beat. She’s staring deep into my eyes and I don’t think she hates the idea. Not even a little.