CHAPTER THIRTEEN EMBER
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
EMBER
Harley took off a little bit ago to get clothes and get ready for our date.
I’m really excited for this date. Harley and I never got to go on legit dates when we dated in high school, because I had strict parents. We only ever got to meet up at football games or school events, and you can only do so much at school events. Not very romantic.
I texted Atlas before Harley left this morning, “I’m going out on a date, wanna go with me to get your nails done?” She texts back quickly, letting me know she would be there to pick me up in an hour.
I pull on my puffer vest over my hoodie, and flop onto the couch, waiting for Atlas.
I’ve been scrolling my phone for a few minutes when I hear an atrocious honk out front. I quickly head outside, making sure I lock the door before leaving. I hop in the car and meet a gloom faced Atlas.
“Hon, what’s wrong?” I ask.
“Just been a rough morning,” she says as she backs out of the driveway, right arm braced on the back of my headrest to be sure she’s watching for any cars coming.
I begin to speak when Atlas cuts me off, “Please, just don’t.
” She says, finally pulling onto the road, heading towards our favorite nail salon.
We’re only 3 weeks out from Asher leaving for his deployment, so I know the weight of the world feels like it's sitting right in the center of her chest.
We get to the counter and order our complimentary mimosas while we wait for our nail techs to call us over.
“Yeah, this is technically the first one we’ve ever been on,” I tell her while I scroll Pinterest for nail art designs.
Once we’ve arrived, our tech takes us and gets us settled in our spots, right next to each other. Atlas was always eccentric with her nails, but settles for something tame this time.
“Are you nervous?” she asks, not taking her eyes off of her nails, watching the tech file them.
“No,” I tell her with a smile. “If we’re being honest, I’ve been waiting seventeen years for a date with Harley.”
Atlas laughs, I’m sure remembering we shared a room around that same time, and I used to be a whiny, lovesick girl. “God, don’t I know it.”
“He makes me feel safe.” I look over at her, our eyes meeting and she gives me a genuine smile. “God knows, a man hasn’t made me feel safe in a really long time.”
“I can tell he’s devoted to you, and to your safety,” she tells me, grinning. We sit for a while, silently, finishing up our nails.
While I sit next to Atlas, Rawley pops into my head. “Hey, the lawn boy,” I ask her, not entirely sure I want to tell her about my gut feeling. “How long has he lived there?” I ask against my better judgement.
“Oh, The Carter family was already there when we moved into the house,” she tells me as the nail tech massages her hand with lotion.
At least I got his last name. Maybe I can try Googling him? I feel like such a stalker.
“Do you guys know much about him?” I tread a little farther. “You know, other than his lawn care expertise.”
Atlas looks at me with a twitch in her eyebrow. “What’s with the questions, Em?”
“Nothing, Atlas. He just kind of looked familiar, just didn't know where I would know him from.” I try to keep my answer cool and calm.
I want to do my own research before cluing her in.
I know Atlas, and I know she would react first, probably fire the kid, and then it would wind up not even being who I think it could be.
Atlas finishes up with her nails. “I’m gonna run and pee, and then we can head to the mall.”
I smile. I have plenty of clothes at home, but knowing this is an important date to me, and wanting to get out with my sister to take her mind off of Asher leaving, it feels right. And who doesn’t love shopping with their little sister?
Scanning over my nails, I’m happy with the outcome. I went with a long, black tip, stiletto-shaped full set. Something simple to match anything I end up in. I have no idea what I want to wear, because I also have no idea what Harley has planned for us tonight.
I’m not nervous, but I also can’t stop the flutters in my belly that take flight when I think about a romantic evening with him. I pull out my phone, checking to see if Harley has messaged me since he left this morning. Nothing.
Atlas and I head to the mall, starting with our favorite stores first. Browsing through the racks, I try to feel Atlas out.
“How are you doing?” She glances over at me quickly, going back to mindlessly filtering through the dresses and sweaters on the rack.
“I’m okay, Ember. Just stressed and tired.” She blows out her breath. I can believe that. She does look really tired.
“I know the idea was for me to help when Asher is gone, but I can help now,” I remind her. I know she knows it, but maybe she needs to actually hear it out loud. I feel my phone go off in my pocket, and immediately go to grab it, hoping it's my man.
I smile when I see Harley’s name on my screen.
HARLEY:
Wear something warm.
Well there goes the dress idea. I shoot him back an answer, and when I look up and see Atlas wiping her eyes quickly, my heart breaks for her.
The phone vibrates in my hand.
HARLEY
I can’t wait to see you, pretty girl.
I leave him on read, chewing on my bottom lip and focusing on Atlas. I want to help, but if it’s my idea, Atlas will never go for it.
My phone lights up, and Harley’s face fills the screen. I press the green answer button.
“I would love to chew on that bottom lip,” he says, his voice low and raspy.
How the hell does he know I'm chewing on my lip?
I look around, searching for any sight of his curly, dark hair. Right as I make a full circle, I feel a hand trail down my back, sending shivers up my spine.
Harley crowds my space and I let out a laugh. Ending the call, his arms circle around my waist and he kisses my cheek from behind. Turning around, I smile up at him and kiss his pillowy lips.
“What’re you doing here, stalker?” I ask him, confused.
“I was picking up a new shirt for tonight,” he says as his cheeks grow slightly red. I look over at Atlas, who is still in her own world.
I blow out a breath and snuggle into his chest. “I am so excited about tonight…” I begin. But Harley’s eyes leave my face and he looks over to Atlas.
“Hey, is she okay?” he asks me with worry clearly written across his face.
“I think the realization of how soon he’s leaving is catching up to her,” I tell him. “I was actually going to cancel our date and offer to take Aria so her and Asher could have some alone time.”
Harley’s mouth pulls up on one side. “I really like that idea.” I squeeze him tight. I expect him to take off out of the store, but to my surprise, he lets go of me and heads right over to Atlas. I have to put some pep in my step to catch up with him.
“Hey Atlas, how’s it going?” he asks her, surprising the hell out of her. Her eyes are puffy and I realize she must have been doing her damndest to hide it from me.
“Oh, shit. Hey Harley.” She tries to pull herself together enough to engage in conversation.
“Hey, so, my grand plan tonight kind of blew up because of the cold front coming in.” He wraps his arm around me. “I figured you’d prefer your sister without hypothermia.” I laugh, wondering where the hell he’s going with this.
“So, I’ve been wanting to see Luca,” he says. “And I have tons of snacks ready and I don’t want them to spoil. Could we kidnap Aria for the night? I promise we’ll get her to bed at a decent time.” He laughs, and I realize what he’s done.
Atlas laughs as she rests her hand on Harley’s folded arms. “You guys were so excited, watch Luca another day and put a coat on that bitch.”
“No way, I already ran it by Ember. She’s stoked,” Harley tells her, hands rubbing together excitedly.
“Atlas, let me spend some time with my little Princess,” I tell her, poking out my bottom lip, full puppy dog style.
She laughs and rolls her eyes at me. “Are you sure?” she asks, her eyes shining.
“Yeah babe. Why don’t we head to the house and you can drop me off,” I tell her. “I can Aria-proof the house and then come pick her up. Then you and Ash will have the night to yourselves.”
“Actually,” Harley jumps in. “I can take you home, pretty girl.”
I grin. “Perfect. Go get Aria ready. We’re heading out now,” I say as I usher her out of the store to her car.
Atlas takes off in her car.
“If you didn’t already, you absolutely have my heart now,” I tell him, reaching for his hand as we walk to his car.
When we make it to his car, before he can open the door, he spins me so my back is flush with the car.
He leans in and captures my lips. I lean back, letting him tower over me and take control.
His lips are slow and sensual. His body heat is radiating from him.
I don’t want to stop this, but I have to get home to get the house ready for Aria.
It’s not messy by any means, just not ready for a walking baby.
I run my hand up his chest, bringing my thumb to his bottom lip. He leans his forehead into my own before letting out a breath.
“It’s so easy to get lost in you, Ember.” He pulls me forward, off of the car, reaching for the handle behind me. “Let’s get the house ready for that little princess.”
My heart flutters in my chest as I settle in the car, already warming up out of the cold air. Harley comes around the drivers side, sliding in with a content smile before starting the car and taking off.
Harley has performed an entire living room makeover.
Any little girl’s dream sleepover. He has converted the couch into a makeshift oversized bed, using the footstool and blankets.
There are twinkly little lights around the window frame and around the TV stand.
He was insistent on putting the living room together while I made snacks in the kitchen.
I hear a car pull up outside, and before I can finish up what I’m doing, Harley is out the door to help carry things into the house.
As I walk out of the kitchen into the living room, Atlas is walking through the front door, hands full of Aria’s night time essentials.
Marching right behind Atlas is Harley, carrying Aria, who is blowing little bubbles out of her mouth.
Asher follows closely behind all of them.
My heart swells, watching how easily Harley falls into our little family of chaos.
As soon as Aria sees me, she screams excitedly and stretches her arms out wide. I swoop in to take her from Harley, pulling her in close, stroking her hair and giving her neck little tickling kisses. I look up and see Harley watching me with a face I can’t read, and I quickly plaster on a smile.
“If she gets fussy or doesn’t go down, just call me and I can come get her,” Atlas says, cutting through the moment. She’s clearly nervous, and I don’t blame her. Aria has stayed the night with me before, but it has been awhile since the last time.
“Babe, it’ll be okay.” Asher pulls her into a side hug. “Ember has this covered. You have to get some sleep,” he says as she sends an elbow, attempting to silence his words.
I didn’t realize she had been having problems sleeping, or I would have offered to take Aria much sooner than now.
“I’ve got her, Atlas. I promise,” I say, seeing Atlas lose it, tears running down her face now. I pass Aria to Harley, and pull Atlas into a tight hug, and let her cry.
Harley and Asher take Aria into the kitchen, giving Atlas and me a moment to ourselves.
“Honey, is this just about Asher leaving?” I ask her.
She’s always been independent, but since she met Asher, she’s become a “Husband’s Girl.” She knew she could depend on him, and it took years before she would let him in.
“I just have been having trouble sleeping, and I know that it’s only going to get worse when he’s gone,” she tells me as she wipes her nose with her sleeve.
“Then I want you to have a glass of wine with us before you leave. Chat with the adults and see that Aria is okay.” I pull her up from the couch.
“Then I want you and Asher to head home, snuggle up in bed, watch a new movie, order Taco Bell, and enjoy your time with your husband,” I tell her.
“I will keep you updated if she becomes an unruly crotch goblin,” I say, making her let out a laugh.
We walk into the kitchen and find Asher and Harley chatting while Harley sways left and right with Aria still in his arms.
“She sure does like you, Black,” Asher tells Harley as he reaches to grab Atlas to pull her into a hug.
I grab for the wine glasses, setting them on the counter. “Want a glass before you head home?” I nod to Asher, who looks down at Atlas for reassurance. “Yes, please, but just a quick one!” he says, leading Atlas to the stool by the island, standing behind her.
After the four of us easily polish off a bottle, Asher is able to usher Atlas out of the house to head home.
Aria and I get settled on the couch while Harley cleans up the kitchen. He gets this all done during the commercials before Luca starts playing.
Just before the opening credits begin, Harley comes in carrying M&Ms, popcorn, a bottle for Aria, and a mug of my favorite vanilla chai for me.
We settle in and become engrossed in the movie.
Aria eats a couple pieces of candy, Harley watching her like a hawk to be sure she doesn’t choke, before he decides a couple is enough.
I can’t help but laugh because this is exactly how I used to act, until I realized that babies are resilient little shits.
Aria finally settles on her bottle and passes out midway through the movie. Harley has kept his distance on the couch while I have her snuggled in my arms.
“You can get closer, babe.” I laugh, shifting her to one side so she’s laid out. He reluctantly comes close, snuggling up to the two of us.
His close proximity grounds me, and finally I let sleep take me too.