by Jade Winters
‘I hope not,’ Dylan said, taking Harper’s hand in her own.
Harper’s eyes dropped to Dylan’s mouth. She would do just about anything to guarantee a lifetime of kissing her lips. ‘Okay, maybe not.’
‘I’m glad to hear it.’
‘So that’s Abi’s life sorted. What about you? You got anything in the pipeline?’ Harper asked.
‘Actually I have…’
Harper reached under the water and slid her leg up Dylan’s thigh.
Dylan let out a playful squeal and clamped her hand over Harper’s to stop her going any further. ‘No, not that.’ Dylan grinned ‘You really are insatiable aren’t you?’
Harper pouted. It was true. She was. Usually she could take or leave sex. But being around Dylan, she felt like she was on heat. ‘It’s your fault. You shouldn’t be so sexy.’
Dylan brought Harper’s hand to her face and gently kissed each of her finger tips. The warmth that spread through Harper’s body had nothing to do with the temperature of the water.
‘Back to your question. I’m thinking of starting my own practice.’
Harper’s eyes widened. ‘Really?’ she asked trying to keep the surprise out of her voice. She was obviously a crap actress. Dylan sensed her doubt a mile off.
‘You sound surprised.’
‘To be honest, I wasn’t convinced you wouldn’t end up back working for your dad.’
Dylan didn’t miss a beat. ‘No way. I want to be a part of something that I’m proud of. Which brings me to you. I want us to be partners.’
‘I thought we’d agreed to that already,’ Harper teased.
‘I meant—’
‘—I was kidding. I know what you meant.’ She stroked Dylan’s cheek. ‘Can I think about it? It’s quite a big decision to make.’
Dylan’s face dropped. ‘Sure.’
Harper felt a sense of sadness when she saw the disappointment in Dylan’s eyes. Harper was not an impulsive person by nature. Everything in her life was structured and well thought out. Could she really resign and take a step into the unknown with Dylan. It didn’t take long for her heart to make the decision for her. Harper reached for the bottle of champagne by the side of the bath and refilled their glasses. She held hers mid-air. ‘I’d like to propose a toast.’
‘To?’ Dylan replied half-heartedly.
Harper smiled. ‘To our partnership of course.’
Dylan stared at her in disbelief. ‘Are you having me on?’
‘Nope.’ Harper clinked Dylan’s glass. ‘Here’s to us and a long and happy future.
Dylan leant forward and pressed her lips against Harper’s. ‘I’ll drink to that.’
Chapter Fifty-One
Six months later
‘I can’t believe this is real,’ Abi said, spinning in circles in the spacious living room of her new three bedroom house.
‘Believe it, you deserve it,’ Harper said watching her with a sense of pride. Over the last few months Abi had gone from strength to strength. After the divorce was finalised she seemed to have a new lease of life, especially after she told Robyn where to go when she’d tried to worm her way back in. Robyn had taken it quite literally and moved to Italy for a work promotion, only visiting Jake once a month. If Abi was upset about it she never said anything. She hardly mentioned Robyn at all. They all seemed to have landed on their feet. Blue and Anderson’s solicitors was finally up and running. The added bonus for Harper was Shay making the move to their company as well. It would have been hard to leave her behind. Dylan had brought in her secretary, Cathy and the four of them had fallen into step behind each other easily.
Harper liked working with Dylan. She was constantly surprised by her dedication to help those that were in need. Dylan had finally restored her relationship with her father after a few weeks of no contact. He had told Harper when they met, that he was proud of his daughter and the good she was doing. Harper believed it to be a genuine statement.
‘Right! Glasses, or cups at the ready, please,’ Dylan said, smiling at Harper before popping the cork on the champagne bottle. She poured the fizzy liquid into four plastic cups, while Tia served young Jake with some apple juice for the occasion. Harper walked to Dylan’s side and slid her arm around her waist as Dylan toasted, ‘May we all, from the moment we entered this doorway...enjoy only love, happiness and prosperity.’
The women cheered in agreement. Harper leant closer and whispered in Dylan’s ear, ‘I love you.’
‘Love you too,’ Dylan replied. Harper’s heart skipped a beat as it always did when Dylan said those three little words.
The sound of a van pulling up outside caused them to turn their attention to the front door. ‘I think the removal people are here.’ Abi walked a little closer to the window. ‘Oh no it’s not.’ She corrected herself. ‘It’s a delivery van.’
All eyes watched as the burly man moved to the back of his van and took out a large parcel. Seconds later he called through the open door, ‘Anyone home?’
‘In here,’ the women called back in unison. The four of them looked at each other and laughed at the synchronicity.
The man appeared at the living room, breathless as he struggled to get the large flat parcel inside. ‘Where’d you want it?’ he said, as he dragged it into the middle of the room.
Abi’s face creased in confusion. ‘I don’t know what it is,’ Abi started.
‘Just against the wall please,’ Harper said to him, before turning to Abi. ‘It’s a housewarming gift for you.’
A wide smile spread over Abi’s mouth. ‘For me?’
Harper signed the delivery note and the man made a quick exit.
‘Go on, open it,’ Harper encouraged.
Abi walked over to the package and gently tore the wrapping from the massive frame. She gasped when the painting revealed itself. Her eyes filled with tears as she beheld the magnificent old painting of the Norse goddess with her stern eyes and majestic hair.
‘Syn! You gave me Syn? Oh my God, Harper,’ she shrieked ecstatically. Abi flung her arms around Harper and gave her a long endearing hug. ‘Wow!’
They both looked at the regal oil painting.
‘She’ll be here to watch over you. Just as she has been all this time.’ Harper glanced down at the engagement ring on her wedding finger and smiled. Just like she has over me.
