Game Over (On the Wild Side #1)

by Cheryl Douglas

  “Makes sense.” No way would Harper make this difficult for her friend. Jude had always been there for her and she wanted her to be happy. “So invite him to move in here.”

  “You don’t think it’s too soon?” she asked, rubbing her forehead. “God, I don’t want to screw this up. I’ve been waiting so long for a shot with this guy and—”

  “Relax.” It was strange to see her friend, who was normally so self-assured and confident, second-guessing herself. “Just mention to him that I’m moving out and you’ll have to look for another roommate. If he volunteers, problem solved. If he doesn’t, you’ll know he’s not ready.”

  “That makes sense.” She nodded. “But are you sure about living with Deke—”

  “I’m not living with Deke!” She lowered her voice, glancing down the hall. “I’m living next door. And it’s simply a matter of convenience, I promise. But the apartment is beautiful, I have to say, so it won’t be a hardship. Did you know he owns six buildings like that one? Has something like sixty-nine rental units.”

  Jude’s mouth formed an O. “Wow, sounds like our boy is rolling in it.”

  “I know, weird, right?” She released a breath. “Hard to think of Deke as rich, but I guess he is.”

  “You can’t tell me that doesn’t make him even harder to resist.” Jude laughed. “I’m not saying you’re a gold digger, I know you’re not. But money sure does make life easier, and that guy is so crazy about you, you know he’d treat you like a freakin’ princess. Spoil you rotten.”

  Harper’s tummy quivered, not because of the princess comment but because her best friend believed her first love was still crazy about her. “Deke and I barely know each other anymore. Besides, he dumped me—”

  “Yeah, like a lifetime ago, girl. You need to get over it. You can’t continue holding his past sins against him.”

  Harper wished it was as easy for her to let go of the past.

  “Was breaking up with you a bonehead move? Yes! Especially since he was clearly still in love with you. But we all do dumb things when we’re young.” Their eyes met and she said, “Don’t judge him based on the boy he used to be. Judge him on the man he is today.”

  Based on what she’d learned so far, the man was nothing like the boy she remembered. The old Deke had been jealous and insecure. He’d felt inadequate and embarrassed about his upbringing. The new Deke was comfortable in his own skin and made no apologies to anyone. She loved that.

  “I just need time,” Harper said. “To figure things out. I’m just coming off a bad relationship and the last thing I need is to make another mistake.”

  “You really think Deke would be a mistake?”

  No. “I don’t know. But I need time to figure that out.”

  Chapter Seven

  Deke was talking to Rylee on the phone, filling her in on Harper’s tattoo, so she could collaborate with him on the revised design. He was normally comfortable with intricate re-designs, but this one was personal and he didn’t want to screw it up. When it came to tattoos, he’d earned a reputation as a master in the field, but with Harper he was still a novice working on his masters. He knew he still had a long way to go, but now that she was back in his life he was willing to take it one day at a time until she could finally look him in the eye and say those three little words that had been haunting him since the last time he heard her say them.

  “It’s pretty straight-forward right, Deke?” Rylee said. “I’m surprised you’re stressin’ about this. Seems like the kind of thing you could do in your sleep.”

  Rylee worked for a buddy of his, Nate, who owned a tattoo shop. She was a sweet girl with a dark past, a loner, who’d claimed her tattoo family as kin. He could relate to her story, so they’d bonded over drinks one night and had kept in touch ever since.

  “You remember that girl I told you about once… Harper?” They’d had a few drinks after a show they’d both attended and he’d spilled his guts about the love of his life and how stupid he’d been to let her go.

  “Oh yeah, the girl who went off to college and left you, right?” She chuckled. “Still can’t believe you dumped her like that, dumbass.”

  That’s why he loved Rylee, because she could be brutally honest and didn’t give a shit about offending him. “Neither can I. Anyways, the tattoo is hers.”

  “And the name?”

  “Her ex-fiancé.” He spit it out through clenched teeth. “Asshole cheated on her, so she dumped him.”

  “Can’t say that I blame her for wanting to wipe out the ink then. What were you thinking?”

  He’d love to replace it with his name, but knew that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon. “Something colorful, feminine.” Like the lady herself. “I don’t think she’d mind making it a bit bigger, if need be, to make it better.”

  “Sounds good. So you two getting back together, or what?”

  “Let’s just say we’re getting closer.” He smiled, thinking if they kept moving at this pace they’d be engaged by Christmas. “She’s looking after my nephew for me this summer.”

  “No way! How’d you talk her into that?”

  “She’s a teacher. Between jobs, since she just moved back to the area. I needed someone to watch Drew and she needed the money.”

  She laughed. “Call it fate, huh?”

  “I’d like to think so.” Whatever force brought her back into his life, he’d gladly hit his knees every night to praise it.

  His gaze drifted to the door when the buzzer indicated a visitor. “Uh, speaking of, guess who just walked in?” His smile spread as he watched Harper chat with the college student manning the front desk.

  “In that case, I’ll let you go. Hey, Deke. Good luck with the girl.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’ll text you later with some ideas for the tat.”

  “You’re the best.”

  “Just remember, you owe me.”

  There wasn’t a price too high to get rid of the reminder of the loser who’d stolen too many precious years from her. “Just name it, you know that.” There was nothing Deke wouldn’t do for his friends. They’d become family and his success meant he could afford to be generous.

  Harper waved as he disconnected the call. She looked adorably shy and uncertain, like she wasn’t sure if she’d overstepped by paying him a visit at work. He would gladly welcome her into all parts of his life, but when a few of his tattoo artists started smiling, trying to catch her eye, Deke clapped his hands and said only loud enough for them to hear, “Back to work, assholes. She’s off limits.”

  A collective groan rang out before they returned to cleaning stations and inking bodies.

  “Hey guys.” His smile included Drew, who was sitting in one of the leather chairs lining wall to wall windows that flanked the main door. “This is a nice surprise.”

  Harper held up a bag from his favorite deli. “Drew suggested we stop for sandwiches and said this was your favorite spot. I didn’t think you brought a lunch with you today…” She blushed as her gaze drifted to the receptionist, who was hanging on their every word.

  Deke gave the girl the stink eye before grabbing Harper’s hand. “Sounds perfect. Let’s go back in my office and eat. Come on, Drew,” he said, over his shoulder.

  His artists all greeted Drew with a chorus of shouts and waves. They all loved the little guy and the feeling was mutual. The kid wasn’t at all intimidated by their long beards, piercings, colorful ink or chains. Probably because he’d grown up around Deke. It was the norm for him.

  “Hey guys,” Deke said, knowing he had to make an introduction. “I’d like you to meet an old friend of mine, Harper Stewart.” Deke knew a few of his friends would probably recognize the name. He mentioned Harper more than few times over the years. “Harper, this is Hades, Damien, Bones, Vlad and Ebony.”

  Harper smiled at all of them, her eyes drifting over the beautiful young woman who’d been the latest addition to his shop, Ebony. She’d hit on Deke a few weeks after she sta
rted, but he let her know he didn’t mix business and pleasure, and they’d been forging a solid friendship ever since.

  “Nice to meet all of you,” Harper said, squeezing Deke’s hand.

  He laughed as he shifted so she was walking ahead of him. “Okay, guys. Enough gawking. Get back to work.”

  Once they were behind the closed door of his spacious office, she said, “Wow, they’re intense.”

  Drew tipped his head and looked up her. “I think they like you, Harper. They kept staring.”

  “Yeah,” Deke said, trying to appreciate his nephew’s innocence. “I’ll, uh, talk to them about that.” He wanted her to feel comfortable dropping by to visit him at work and she wouldn’t if his artists were undressing her with their eyes every time she stepped through the door. Damn horndogs, the bunch of them.

  “Don’t worry,” Harper said, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. “No big deal.” She started to unpack their lunch before hesitating. “Deke, I hope this is okay. You don’t have an appointment or anything, do you?”

  He glanced at the time on his phone. “Not for an hour. I was just getting caught up on some stuff when you came in, so perfect timing.”

  “Oh good.” She pulled two chairs up on the other side of his desk and set Drew up with his ham and cheese sandwich and bottled water before passing Deke a shaved roast beef on rye with Swiss cheese and mushrooms.

  “Thanks.” He winked at her as Drew dove into his sandwich. “This is great. You’re right, I forgot to bring lunch. I was just gonna run out and grab something when I had a minute, but eating with you guys is much better.” He could easily get used to this every day.

  “I can pack you a lunch every day,” Harper offered as she opened a grilled chicken wrap. “Even if it’s leftovers from the night before.” She smiled. “I always tend to get carried away and make too much.”

  She was spoiling him, and damn, did he like it. “You’re a sweetheart.” He paused, letting her know it wasn’t a flippant comment, he really meant it. “Thanks, Harper.”

  “My pleasure.” She shrugged, like it was no big deal. “Oh, before I forget, we ran into Donski at the deli and he said he was coming over to watch the game with you and Drew tonight, so I invited him over for dinner. I hope that’s okay?”

  He enjoyed hanging out with his best friend, but would much rather have more quality time with Harper. “Uh yeah, sure. That’s cool.”

  “I’m going to stop by the grocery store on the way home. I thought I’d grill steaks, if that’s okay with you?”

  “Uncle Deke’s the grill master,” Drew said, giggling. “You should show her.”

  Deke smiled before his eyes locked with Harper’s. “That’s a good idea. I should wrap up with my last appointment by five. I can grill.” His lips tipped up at the corner. “You know, show you how it’s done.”

  She laughed, pointing at him. “If you’re cooking with me, you better check your ego at the door, buddy. No way are you gonna outdo me.”

  He loved that they were falling back into the kind of easy banter that used to define their relationship. He’d never been in a relationship that felt more relaxed or natural than his time with Harper.

  “You should stay and watch the game with us, Harper,” Drew said.

  Deke would have to remember to reward this kid with a pony for Christmas or something. He was making it too damn easy for him to score more time with his dream girl. “Hey, that’s a good idea.” He grinned at Harper. “You should definitely stay.”

  “Oh, I’d love to.” Her shoulders slumped as her bottom lip jutted out for Drew’s benefit. “But I have plans. Drinks with an old friend.”

  “Anyone I know?” He knew all of her old friends.

  “Yeah.” She smiled. “Paul.” When he didn’t respond, she said, “Alfinore. He was in my graduating class, so a bit younger than you. But you know him, right?”

  He cleared his throat and reached for his water bottle. She was going out with a guy? WTF? “Uh, yeah, sure. I know Paul.”

  “Is he your boyfriend?” Drew asked, wide-eyed.

  Harper giggled and ruffled his hair. “No sweetie, he’s just a friend. I haven’t seen him in a while and wanted to catch up.” She glanced at Deke. “He was at the bar the other night. You must have seen him.”

  He’d been too focused on Harper to notice anyone else. “Yeah, I think I saw him.” He tried to remember everything he’d heard about Paul in recent years. “He’s, uh, engaged, isn’t he?” Please God, let him be engaged.

  “Was.” She grimaced. “Let’s just say he and I have a lot in common. His ex isn’t any more trustworthy than mine was.” She side-eyed Drew, but he was too busy devouring his sandwich to question her.

  Great, just great. The guy was single. They had a lot in common. Old friends. Deke started the day feeling like nothing could get him down now that he had Harper back in his life, but she’d just put the kibosh on that notion.

  “You okay?” she asked, handing him a paper napkin.

  “Yeah.” He couldn’t tell her the truth, that he was seeing red because she was spending time with another man. “Sure. You can catch a game with us some other time.”

  “We should go to a game this weekend,” Drew said. “All of us.” He looked at Deke. “You said you’d take me to a ballgame this summer, Uncle Deke, and it would be more fun if Harper came too, doncha think?”

  He definitely did. Deke raised an eyebrow as a slow smile spread across his face. “What do you think, Harper? You game? We could head into the city Friday night, grab some dinner, and catch the game on Saturday?” The more time he spent with her the less time she’d have to catch up with old friends.

  “Um, I’m not sure—”

  “Please, Harper!” Drew grabbed her hand, practically bouncing up and down in his seat. “Please, please, please!”

  Harper laughed. “How can I say no to you?”

  ***

  Harper still hadn’t told Deke that she intended to take him up on the offer of the apartment, but now that they were alone, manning the grill on his balcony, it seemed like the perfect time.

  “So I talked to Jude today,” she said, peeling the peppers he’d grilled and depositing the skins into a grocery bag.

  “Oh yeah? About what?”

  She was suddenly nervous. What if he’d re-thought his offer and realized he’d been too generous. No way could she afford the rent on a place like that by herself, especially since she hadn’t even secured a teaching position for the fall yet.

  “Um, about the apartment. That is if you still want me to stay there while I’m looking after Drew? If not, I totally understand. As it is, you’re being way too generous with the salary and expenses and—”

  “Harper.” He grinned. “Can I get a word in?”

  “Sure.” She dipped her head to hide the blush staining her cheeks. She always babbled when she got nervous.

  “I want you to take the apartment… if it’s what you want?”

  “It is.” She’d have to be crazy not to want a place like that. “Thank you.”

  “My pleasure.” He turned the foil wrapped baked potatoes after moving the steaks to the top rack to rest. “And Jude was okay with it?”

  “Yeah. In fact, she’s thinking about asking Jason to move in.”

  His eyes widened. “Wow, she doesn’t waste any time, does she?”

  Concerned she’d given her friend bad advice, Harper asked, “You think it’s too soon? If a woman asked you to move in with her after one night, you’d be freaked out, even if you’d known each other forever?”

  “Depends on the situation, and the woman, I guess.” He closed the lid and turned to face her. “Now if it was you who asked me to move in with you…”

  His eyes zeroed in on her mouth and she could almost feel her lips tingling. “What would you say?” she asked, tipping her head back. He towered over her, but somehow they always seemed to fit perfectly.

  “I wouldn’t be able to book the moving t
ruck fast enough.”

  He leaned in and so did she. Deke slipped his hand under her hair, closing around her neck, and she hooked her thumbs into his belt loops. She knew it may be a huge mistake, but the desire to taste him again overruled her better judgement.

  Except it wasn’t just a taste. The first swipe of his tongue felt like liquid fire licking through her veins. Every part of her body heated up simultaneously as they explored each other’s mouths like they had all the time in the world.

  Intimate, sensual, didn’t even begin to describe that kiss. He owned her in that moment.

  When they finally broke apart, he rested his forehead against hers while a rough chuckle escaped his lips. “Damn, I forgot how good that felt.”

  The feeling was mutual. In her mind, she’d always tried to block out her best moments with Deke because they’d been too painful to remember, but that kiss just unlocked an avalanche of memories… naked, naughty memories.

  “Me too.”

  Donski was inside with Drew and they were watching a classic cartoon on TV. Harper could hear their laughter filter through the closed glass door and it made her smile.

  Deke’s fingers skimmed her cheek. “So, I didn’t want to ask, but after that kiss, I have to. You and Alfinore?”

  Harper laughed. “You’re kidding, right?” She’d always thought of Paul as a brother. He’d always been big and bulky, a linebacker on their high school football team, and everyone’s best friend.

  He frowned. “No, I’m not kidding. What’s the deal?”

  “Deke,” she said, patting his beard-roughened face, “Paul is like, one of my best friends. Always has been. You know that. You didn’t have a problem with it in high school, so why would you now?”

  His grip on her tightened. “I didn’t say I had a problem with it. You can be friends with anyone you want. I just wanted to make sure that’s all it is.”

  They were stepping into dangerous territory, but she knew if he was the one going out with a female friend tonight she’d be asking the same questions he was. They’d known each other so well a lifetime ago, but a lot had changed since then. They were completely different people and had to get to know each other all over again.