Chapter 5 Kelsey
The late afternoon glow felt softer than the harsh fluorescent hum of the restaurant office as Kelsey stood in front of her full-length mirror, her fingers trembling slightly while she smoothed the fabric of a lavender sundress.
It was a shade of purple that almost matched Nova’s scales, and the light, flowy material made her feel younger and more delicate than her usual structured blazers ever did.
She had spent nearly forty-five minutes on her hair, finally settling on a casual but cute style with two small braids pulled back from her face and secured with tiny, shimmering clips, leaving the rest of her blonde waves to tumble over her shoulders.
She stepped into a pair of matching braided sandals and took a deep breath, trying to steady the frantic rhythm of her heart.
She was anxious, and the source of that anxiety was a man who seemed to occupy every spare corner of her mind lately.
Harrison was a constant, steady weight in her thoughts, and the knowledge that he would be at Archer and Cassidy’s cookout made her stomach flip in a way she could not quite control.
She wanted to go, she desperately wanted to let her little side run free with her friends and enjoy the safety of their company, but the thought of Harrison’s intense, watchful eyes made her feel breathless.
Her phone buzzed on the vanity, the screen lighting up with a notification from the girls' group chat.
Savannah: Kelsey Kincaid, tell me you are currently putting on shoes and not staring at a spreadsheet. You are not allowed to bail on us today!
Kelsey smiled despite her nerves, her thumbs hovering over the glass.
Kelsey: I’m getting ready! I promise. I’ll be there on time.
Cassidy: Oh thank goodness. The house smells incredible, Archer has been hovering over that brisket like it’s his child. Honestly guys, I’m so nervous. This is the first time I’ve really hosted everyone like this. I just hope everything goes well and everyone is happy.
Kelsey: Cass, it’s going to be perfect. You and Archer have worked so hard. Do you need me to bring anything? I can stop and grab extra ice or drinks.
Cassidy: Just bring yourself! Archer said he has everything handled. Besides, Harrison is already on his way, and I think he might actually lose his mind if you aren't here when he arrives.
Kelsey felt her face heat up instantly, her heart skipping a beat as she stared at the words.
Savannah: Seriously. Anyone with eyes can see that man is obsessed with you, Kels. He’s been asking Barrett about the restaurant all week. It’s so obvious he wants to be your Daddy.
Kelsey: You guys are actually crazy. Harrison is just a professional colleague. He isn't interested in me like that. He’s just... polite.
Savannah: Polite? Kelsey, the man looks like he wants to devour you and then tuck you into bed for a nap. It’s written all over his face every time you walk into a room. Just accept it.
Kelsey put the phone down with a huff, her cheeks flaming.
She told herself they were just teasing, that they were seeing things that weren't there because they were so happy in their own dynamics. But as she grabbed her purse and keys, her mind flashed back to that moment at the bar when Harrison’s gaze had felt like a physical touch.
She took one last look at Nova, wishing she could tuck the purple dragon into her bag, before heading out the door.
The drive to Archer and Cassidy’s house felt shorter than usual, and as Kelsey pulled onto their street, her stomach did a violent somersault. Parked right in front of the house was a sleek, dark SUV that she recognized immediately.
Harrison was already there. She gripped the steering wheel for a second, forcing herself to breathe, before putting the car in park. Just as she stepped out, another car pulled up behind her and Blake stepped out, offering her a bright, easy smile.
"Hey, Kelsey! Perfect timing," Blake said, walking over and pulling her into a warm, friendly hug.
"Hey, Blake. I was worried I’d be the last one here," she admitted, leaning into the comfort of his familiar presence.
"Not a chance. Come on, let’s go see what Archer has been up to with that grill," he said, gesturing toward the front door.
Kelsey followed him inside, the cool air of the house a welcome relief from the afternoon heat.
As they entered the foyer, she paused for a moment at the entry table, setting her keys and purse down right next to Savannah’s familiar designer bag.
The house was filled with the savory, smoky scent of slow-cooked meat and the sound of laughter echoing from the backyard.
As they stepped through the sliding glass doors into the yard, Kelsey was immediately bombarded.
"Kelsey! You’re here!" Cassidy squealed, rushing over with Savannah right on her heels.
The two girls wrapped her in a flurry of hugs and giggles, their energy infectious.
"Oh my gosh, look at you! That purple is your color, you look so cute!" Savannah exclaimed, stepping back to admire the dress.
"You guys look amazing too," Kelsey laughed, truly meaning it. Savannah was in a bright yellow sundress that made her look like a ray of sunshine, and Cassidy was wearing a soft floral print that perfectly suited her gentle personality. "This house is incredible, Cass. You did such a good job."
"Thank you! I’m still a little stressed, but Archer keeps telling me to sit down," Cassidy said, her eyes darting toward the grill area.
Just then, Barrett appeared from the group of men, moving with that steady, effortless authority he always carried. He walked right up behind Savannah and, without missing a beat, swatted her bottom with a firm, resounding crack.
"What did I tell you about running on the patio, Savannah?" he scolded, his voice low and stern but laced with affection.
Savannah gave a little jump, her face turning bright red as she let out a tiny, high-pitched whine. "I was just excited, Daddy. I’m sorry."
"Apology accepted. Now stay put," Barrett said, giving her a pointed look before nodding to Kelsey.
From across the yard, Archer looked up from the smoker, his eyes locking onto Cassidy. "The rule is still the same for you too, little girl. No running, and no stressing. You should have a drink in your hand, not be hovering."
"Yes, Daddy," Cassidy replied instantly, her voice small and obedient as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Kelsey watched the exchanges with a mix of longing and overwhelming shyness. It was so natural for them, so easy. She felt a sudden, intense prickle on the back of her neck and she knew, even before she looked, that she was being watched.
She turned her head slightly and saw the group of men standing near the large oak tree deep in conversation, but Harrison was standing slightly apart from them.
He looked powerful, his broad shoulders filling out a dark polo shirt, his presence dominant even in silence. He was nodding at something Adrian was saying, but his eyes were locked firmly on Kelsey. He did not look away when she caught his gaze.
Instead, he maintained that heavy, piercing stare that seemed to see right through her sundress and her professional exterior, straight into the little girl who was currently trembling inside.
The afternoon moved in a blur of conversation and snacks.
Kelsey tried to stay engaged, chatting with the girls about the restaurant and their lives, but she was constantly aware of where Harrison was.
She could feel his focus on her like a physical weight, a steady pressure that made her feel smaller and more delicate as the hours passed.
Eventually, the heat and the social pressure became a bit much, and Kelsey decided to sneak away to find the bathroom. She slipped back into the house, enjoying the sudden quiet of the hallway. But as she rounded the corner toward the guest bath, she stopped dead in her tracks.
Harrison was standing there, leaning against the wall as if he had been waiting for her.
Kelsey’s heart raced, her breath catching in her throat.
Up close, he was even more intimidating.
He was so much taller than her, his presence filling the narrow hallway until it felt like there was no air left for her to breathe.
She felt her little mindset start to take over, her shoulders curling inward, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her lavender dress.
"Harrison," she managed to whisper, her voice sounding far younger than it usually did.
"Kelsey," he replied, his voice a deep, resonant rumble that sent shivers down her spine. He did not move toward her, but his gaze was intense, scanning her face with a thoroughness that made her feel completely seen. "You’ve been avoiding me all afternoon."
"I haven't... I’ve just been talking to the girls," she stammered, looking down at her sandals.
"Look at me when I’m speaking to you, sweetheart," he said, the command quiet but absolute.
Kelsey’s head snapped up, her eyes wide. No one called her sweetheart. No one spoke to her with that kind of effortless authority. It felt like a warm blanket being wrapped around her shivering soul.
"That’s better," he said, a small, ghost of a smile touching his lips. "You look beautiful today. But you look tired. Are you taking care of yourself?"
"I’m fine," she lied, though the word felt weak even to her own ears.
Harrison took a step closer, invading her personal space until she could smell the faint scent of his cologne and the scotch he’d been sipping.
He reached out, his large hand hesitating for a second before he tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear.
His touch was warm and incredibly steady.
"We’ll talk more later," he said, his tone making it clear it wasn't a suggestion. "Go on now. I think Archer is about to announce that dinner is ready."
Kelsey nodded, her heart thumping against her ribs like a trapped bird. She hurried past him, her skin tingling where he had touched her, her mind a chaotic mess of "Daddy" thoughts that she could not suppress.
A few minutes later, everyone gathered around the long outdoor table as Archer began slicing the brisket. The atmosphere was joyful, with a cacophony of voices and the clinking of silverware.
Kelsey watched as Barrett stood behind Savannah, carefully making her a plate with exactly what she liked, making sure she had enough greens before adding the meat. Archer was doing the same for Cassidy, leaning down to whisper something in her ear that made her giggle and blush.
Kelsey felt a sharp, hollow ache in her chest. She stood at the end of the buffet line, reaching for a plate with a hand that felt strangely heavy.
She was so used to doing everything for herself, to being the one in charge, but in this moment, all she wanted was for someone to tell her what to eat.
She wanted someone to take the plate from her and tell her that everything was going to be okay.
As she reached for the tongs near the potato salad, a shadow fell over her. A large, warm hand reached out and gently but firmly took the plate right out of her grasp.
"I’ve got it," Harrison’s voice rumbled right behind her ear.
Kelsey spun around, her eyes wide. "Harrison, I can... I can make my own plate. I’m fine."
Harrison said nothing. He just gave her a stern, dark look; his eyebrows slightly raised in a way that left no room for argument. It was a Daddy look if she had ever seen one—a look that said 'Behave and let me take care of you.'
Kelsey’s protest died in her throat. She felt her knees go a little weak as she let out a soft, shaky breath. "Okay," she whispered, her hands dropping to her sides.
She stood there, feeling like a small child, as Harrison moved down the line.
He worked with a calm, methodical precision, choosing the best slices of brisket, a small serving of the potato salad, and a large helping of the grilled vegetables.
He seemed to know exactly what she would like, his movements dominant and sure.
The rest of the group had gone quiet, watching the exchange.
Savannah caught Kelsey’s eye and gave a subtle, triumphant wink, while Cassidy just smiled softly, looking happy for her friend.
No one said a word, respecting the gravity of the moment, but the air was thick with the collective realization that the dynamic had officially shifted.
Harrison finished the plate and looked back at her, his gaze softening just a fraction. "Go sit down, and I’ll bring this to you."
"Thank you," she said, her voice barely audible.
As she walked toward the table, she felt a strange sense of relief washing over her.
The weight she had been carrying—the bills, the restaurant, the constant need to be strong—felt a little lighter with Harrison standing behind her.
She did not know what the future held, or how she would handle the mounting pressure of her secrets, but for the first time in a very long time, she did not feel like she was facing it alone.
She sat down, her eyes fixed on the man who was currently acting as her protector, and for the first time, she allowed herself to believe that maybe, just maybe, she did not have to be the one in charge all the time.