Harper
I can’t believe Jackson’s taking me to DiMaio’s. This feels like so much more than a birthday dinner. It feels like the start of something new.
I find a little black dress in the back of my closet. After I finish my hair and makeup, I slip it on and take a look at myself in the mirror. I haven’t gotten dressed up in forever. I miss it.
Evan never really took me anywhere. We’d hang out with friends or grab a quick bite to eat at a fast-food place, but we never went to a restaurant.
Don’t get me wrong, I'm not one of those women who think I need to be spoiled or taken out for a three-course meal every night, but in four years, we never went to any dates where I couldn’t wear sweatpants.
As that thought settles over me, I realize just how messed up that is.
He never really valued me or treated me like I was special to him.
A knock on my door has a smile spreading across my lips. He’s early, but I don’t mind. That just means I get to spend more time with him.
I swing the door open and my smile instantly drops. Evan’s standing on the other side. He’s staring down at his feet and when he glances up at me, his eyes widen.
“Jeez, Harper. You look gorgeous.”
“What do you want, Evan?” I sigh and take a step back. I know he’s not going to leave until he tells me whatever he came here for.
“I want us to get back together. Please. I can’t live without you,” he whispers.
I stare at him. I’d love for a man to say those words to me, yet somehow hearing them come from Evan… they sound wrong. Fake. Like they’re just words without any meaning behind them.
“No. I already told you it was over. I didn’t change my mind.”
“Who are you all dressed up for?” His eyes move up and down my body, making me wish I could get him to leave.
“It’s none of your business.” I fold my arms over my chest and glare at him. “If you have nothing else to say, you can leave.” I motion to the door.
“I'm not leaving until you hear me out!”
“I did, Evan. I heard every word you’ve said. I just don’t care.”
“How can you say that?” He stares at me like I'm the one who’s being unreasonable.
“You were making out with some woman at the bar last night. It might sound crazy, but no part of me wants to be with a cheater. I’d rather be single.”
“It was one kiss. That’s barely cheating.” He rolls his eyes.
“You’re ridiculous.” I snort with humorless laughter.
“What do you want me to say? I'm sorry I kissed her. It won't happen again.”
“Maybe not with her, but it will happen again… But there is one thing I want to know.”
“What is it?”
“Why did you call me Harper Stone when you proposed?”
“Because that’s your name?”
“No. No, it’s not. My name is Harper Bradley.”
“Maddox isn’t your dad.”
“Yes, he is. He’s the only dad I’ve ever had. The only one I’ve ever known. Either way, it doesn’t matter. My legal last name is Bradley. I never told you my biological dad’s name and legally, I never had his last name, so why would you use it when you proposed?”
Evan’s mouth opens and closes, but nothing comes out. His face pales and I wonder what’s going through his head. None of this makes sense.
“Get out of my house!” I point towards the door, more than done with entertaining him.
“Harper, c’mon.” Evan reaches for me, but I take a step backwards. I don’t want him touching me.
“What’s going on?” Jackson’s deep voice has my attention snapping over to the door.
He’s so handsome in a pair of charcoal slacks and a black dress shirt. The top three buttons are open, showing off a dusting of chest hair. His light brown hair is messy, yet perfect.
His eyes take me in and he swallows hard. His gaze never leaves me and I wish I knew what he was thinking.
“Oh, I see how it is. You’re mad because I kissed someone, yet you’ve already moved on? That’s a little hypocritical, don’t you think?” Evan scowls at me.
“Oh, please! Don’t try to make this all my fault. I'm going out for dinner with my best friend to celebrate my birthday. You’re being so dramatic.” I shake my head, wishing he’d just leave.
“He could have any woman in the world, Harper. Do you really think he’s going to settle for you?”
I squeeze my eyes shut as his words wash over me. The same thought has been on my mind all day. Am I crazy to think something could happen between us?
“Get out,” Jackson growls, making me jump. I open my eyes and find him seething. I’ve never seen him look so angry, not even at the bar last night.
“I'm just telling her the truth. You might make her feel special for the weekend, but you’ll go back to traveling and kissing a different girl in every city. She isn’t special to you.”
“Leave. Now.” Jackson folds his arms across his chest. His jaw is clenched so hard I’m worried he’s going to hurt himself.
“Just go, Evan. You’ve made it clear what you came here for. You wanted to make sure I know I'm not good enough for Jackson. You think forgiving you and getting married is the right move.”
“Are you going to?” There’s so much hope in his voice. I almost want to laugh, but it’s so pathetic how he’s behaving.
“No,” I whisper. “I'll stay single.” I spin on my heels and head into my bedroom, shutting the door behind me.