She must have looked through the peephole to know I was the one knocking. At least she was being cautious.
“I know you’re there, Harper. Can we talk?”
No answer.
I waited, inwardly swore, and considered going home.
“I’ll just say what I have to say out here then.” I gave her a moment to open the door thinking she wouldn’t want her neighbors to hear. When she didn’t respond, I continued. “I’m sorry for many things, but not for being with Anne.” I leaned my forehead on the door, wishing I could do this face to face with Harper. “The truth is that I love her, Harp. If she’d let me, I’d give her the world. But she chose you…chose your friendship knowing you wouldn’t let her have both. Whatever happens between us, Harper, I hope you’ll forgive Anne although it fucking hurts that she has to be forgiven for being with me. Do you hate me that much?”
I took a breath to stop my emotions from getting away from me. I waited to see if Harper would respond. Nothing.
I sighed. “I give up, Harper. Maybe I went overboard, but you’re the only family I have. It’s my job to look out for you. But you don’t want that and so I’m giving you what you want. You’re on your own. I won’t interfere. I’ve brought some paperwork. It’s the information about your trust so you can manage it. It also has your utilities, car insurance, and HOA payment statements. Since you’ll be in charge of your trust, you’ll be responsible for paying these bills. The condo is paid for, but there’s still real estate tax. If you need any help with the trust, I can recommend a lawyer.” I paused but she still didn’t answer the door. “Okay then. I’ll just leave the papers here.” I set the package against her door. “I love you Harper. Take care of yourself.”
Well, that was a bust, I thought as I walked away from her condo. I walked slowly on the off chance she’d change her mind about me, but when I reached my car, I knew my gesture and words hadn’t gotten through. That didn’t bode well for winning Anne, but I’d try.
Thirty minutes later I was outside of Anne’s condo. I knocked.
The door opened and Dax stood inside. Jealousy burned deep.
He stepped back. “She’s getting ready for bed.”
I walked in, noting the blanket and pillow on the couch. I was both relieved that she was continuing to accept protection while at the same time insanely jealous that Dax was in her home.
Anne entered the living area wearing a white robe tied around her middle. Underneath the tie, I could make out the roundness of her belly and yearning consumed me. I couldn’t fuck this up.
She stopped short when she saw me. “Bran.”
“Hi. Sorry for barging in, I just had a few things to say.”
She nodded.
“I’ll be outside.” Dax wisely left us alone.
She went to the kitchen. “I was going to make some tea. Do you want something to drink?”
I followed her. “No. Thank you.” I watched her as she turned on her hot water kettle and pulled out a tea bag. “Are you feeling okay? Is the baby okay?”
“We’re fine.” She sounded distant.
“Have you talked to Harper?”
Her hands gripped the counter. “No. She hasn’t responded to my calls or texts and hasn’t been home when I stop by.”
“She’s probably hiding when she’s home. I swear she can be so immature at times.”
Anne continued to face away from me. “Why are you here, Bran?”
I ran my fingers through my hair wishing this was easier. I’d hoped Anne would give me some sign that she felt something for me. Maybe she missed me.
But she felt farther away now than ever.
“Our deal is that you live at my place—”
Her body tensed but she still didn’t turn to look at me.
“My place is safer and has the staff to cater to your needs.”
She tore open the packet of her tea bag, putting the tea in her mug and pouring water over it.