Searching for Harmony (Boston Love 1)

Looking at Joel, I gave him a weak smile and turned to go back to the nurses’ station. I only had thirty more minutes before I could leave and head home for the weekend.

—

Wrapping my coat tighter around me to keep the cold wind out, I found myself standing in front of Firehouse 37. I had texted Jake earlier to see when he had talked to Preston last. I was shocked to find out that Preston had gone out last night with Jake and Sandy. I had sent Jake a few text messages but he had only sent back one- or two-word replies. I knew he was busy with his residency, and honestly, I wasn’t sure why I was shocked Preston hung out with him and Sandy. Preston and Jake had quickly become good friends after the accident and I knew they hung out together.

Chewing on my lower lip, I had turned to leave when I heard my name being called.

“Hey, Harmony! How is it going?”

Spinning around, I plastered a fake smile on my face. I was so exhausted. Even attempting to act happy was a feat in itself.

Mitchel walked up and his smile faded the moment he looked into my eyes.

“Hey, Mitchel. Is, um…is Preston working today?”

Mitchel’s face tightened as he looked at me. “Are you okay, Harmony?”

My eyes stung with the threat of tears. Nothing had been okay since three weeks ago, when Preston had walked out of my condo after holding me all night long. Or when I’d seen the look on his face when he saw me with my boss at that restaurant.

“I just need to talk to—” My voice cracked, and I hated how vulnerable I was feeling. So tired. I was just so tired.

“Harmony?”

Closing my eyes, I let his voice penetrate my body before opening them again and seeing him. Preston.

Mitchel stepped out of the way and Preston stood there in front of me. Pressing my lips together tightly, I fought like hell not to be attracted to him. His brown hair was a mess and I could guess why. He couldn’t keep his damn hands out of his hair. His eyes looked so tired and sad. It was as if I was looking into a mirror.

Without saying a word, I walked up to him and threw myself into his body. Preston’s arms quickly wrapped me up and I felt like I could breathe for the first time in weeks.

“Baby, what’s wrong?”

My body sagged as Preston held me up. Hearing him call me baby was more than I could take. I wasn’t sure how long I could keep fighting the intense pull Preston had on me.

“Preston,” I sobbed into his chest.

Pulling back, Preston placed his hands on the sides of my face and brushed his thumbs across my cheeks. “Harmony, what happened?” Preston’s chest was heaving and my heart felt full knowing he was so concerned about me.

“I…need…you. This is crazy…but I need—” My voice cracked and I buried my face in his chest as I said, “Preston, please take me home. Please.”

Not two seconds later I was in Preston’s arms as he carried me to his car. When he set me down, I dropped my head back against his seat. I didn’t dare look at him for fear I would spill my heart out about my feelings for him.

No. I just need to sleep. Then I can think clearly.

Hot breath touched my neck as I sucked in a breath of air. “Harmony, I need to grab my stuff. I’ll be right back, baby.”

Nodding, I tried to memorize the sound of my name coming off his lips.

A few minutes later, I heard the door to the car open, then the engine start. “Harmony, do you want me to take you to Sandy and Jake’s?”

Snapping my head over to him, I yelled out, “No!”

Preston whispered, “Okay. Your house?”

The words were out before I could stop them. “Will you take me to your house?”

Preston’s mouth dropped open slightly before he closed his mouth, swallowed hard, then licked his lips and looked straight ahead. “Ah…sure.”

As we drove to Preston’s house, a thought occurred to me. What if he had gotten back with Sherry? Oh shit, Harmony. You idiot.