Page 40 of He Has Charm (Boston Brawlers Hockey)
“It’s a—” Harper starts, but I cut her off. She would go on speaking for me all night in an effort to maintain control if I let her. But I’m not that guy. I’ll go along with her being my so-called handler—up to a point.
“You would be right. It’s a Porsche 911 Turbo S convertible. My splurge when I signed my last contract for the big money.” Chelsea laughs.
“Bingo. I get your brand loud and clear. Playboy at large.”
“We’re working on rebranding,” Harper says.
O’Rourke snickers. “I know something about that. Hope you’re ready for the long haul.”
“We’re ready,” Harper says like we’re a team, and I’m wondering if maybe I should sell my car.
As if she’s read my mind, she whispers to me, “Would you consider selling your car?” I try holding back my grin because she’s so damn cute and predictable the way she’s looking after me and looking after her own sweet buns while she’s at it.
“Only for you,” I lean in and whisper back under the cover of the radio.
She rolls her eyes. “I’m serious,” she whispers. I glance in the rearview to see that O’Rourke is paying attention to the road and Chelsea is saying something to him.
“I’m super serious,” I say. “If you think it’ll help, I’ll do it. You’re the expert.”
She narrows her eyes and looks at me like I’m a puzzle, which is better than her previous horrified look so that’s something. Maybe I’ll rate a genuine smile like I’m a guy she might be interested in by the end of the night.
Although what I would do with that, I don’t know because that’s dangerous territory. Yet, I can’t stop wanting it. And wanting her respect even more. Unfortunately, I get the idea her interest and her respect may be mutually exclusive.
Chelsea turns to us from the front seat and Harper jerks away from me as if she’s a guilty teenager getting caught by Mom.
