Unexpected Rush (Play-By-Play #11)(60)

“I know. But you know me. I’m a bit of a control freak, so there’s also that part of me that doesn’t want to let go.”

Alyssa smiled. “Yes, I do know that about you. But you can’t grow if you don’t let go, you know?”

“Yes. I already have a note in my book to have a sit-down with Rosalie tomorrow and talk to her about increasing her responsibilities.”

“She’ll go crazy. I know she will.”

Harmony grinned. “I know she will, too. She’s wanted to have her own clients since I hired her right out of design school.”

“Okay, so that’s the work part,” Alyssa said. “Now tell me all about this ‘other.’ ”

She hadn’t had a spare minute to talk to Alyssa about Barrett. Last weekend she’d texted her about being out of town on business. In other words, she’d lied, but everything going on with Barrett had happened so fast she hadn’t had time to talk to her about it. And she really wanted to do it in person.

“So you know last weekend I said I was out of town on business?”

Alyssa stirred the fruit in her glass. “Yes.”

“I wasn’t out of town on business.”

Alyssa looked up from her glass. “Okay. And what were you doing?”

“I was in San Francisco. With Barrett Cassidy.”

The shock and surprise were evident on her best friend’s face. “Get the hell out. You were not.”

“I was.”

“You’re seeing Barrett?”

“I am.”

“Damn, girl. Since when?”

“Since . . . very recently. It’s all new and we’re not sure where it’s going, but so far, it’s going good.”

“Harmony. You’ve been hot for him since college.”

She couldn’t help the smile on her face. “I know. But he’s very reluctant about it.”

Alyssa frowned. “Why? Oh, because of Drake. What does Drake think about it?”

“He doesn’t know. And right now, Barrett doesn’t want him to know. He really wants to keep it a secret.”

“I can’t say I agree with that. More importantly, how do you feel about it?”

She shrugged. “I’d prefer to see him out in the open, but I respect his feelings about it. He loves my brother. They’re best friends. He’s afraid Drake will disapprove.”

Alyssa let out a short laugh. “Of course he’ll disapprove. He always does. He always has. No guy will ever be good enough for you in Drake’s eyes.”

“This is true. But I mean, it’s Barrett. Drake loves Barrett.”

“Drake loves Barrett as Drake’s best friend. As your lover? No. Not only no, but oh hell no.”

Harmony could see Alyssa’s point. “Which I think is where Barrett’s head is at. He and I are just getting to know each other on an intimate level. We really don’t want Drake poking his nose into that part of our business.”

“I can see that. You’re entitled to your privacy while you two figure it all out.” Alyssa took a swallow of wine. “Oh, and how intimate is it?”

Harmony laughed. “Pretty damned intimate.”

“Is he as hot and sexy as he looks?”

Now it was Harmony’s turn to take a long swallow of her sangria, as a rush of sexual memories slammed her. “Oh, yes.”

“Honey, it’s written all over your face.”

She fanned herself with her napkin. “I can’t help it. The man is passionate.”

“Now you’re making me jealous.”

Harmony reached across the table. “Don’t be jealous. There’s an awesome and hot man out there for you somewhere.”

“I know there is, and I’ll find him, but, honestly, I’m not in a hurry. My business keeps me busy. Though it doesn’t give me countless orgasms, and from the satisfied look on your face, I’d say you’ve had quite a few lately.”

Harmony laughed. “This is true.”

They finished off their wine and Alyssa followed her to Mama’s house. As they parked outside, Alyssa put her arm through Harmony’s.

“So, this might be awkward tonight. Barrett’s going to be here, isn’t he?”

“We talked on the phone last night and he said he was going to be.” She turned to Alyssa. “Oh, and one more thing I forgot to mention. Barrett has asked Mama and Drake and me to come down to his family’s ranch in Texas this weekend. His parents have invested in a blues club that’s opening in Austin, which is near their ranch, and all Barrett’s brothers will be there as well.”

“So . . . meet the parents time already?”

“I don’t think it’s like that.”

They headed toward the door and Alyssa gave her a knowing look. “But maybe it is.”

Maybe it was. But she didn’t think so. It was just an invite to the ranch for some fun. She knew Barrett and two of his other brothers were getting ready to start the football season, and they all wouldn’t have much time to get together with family, so this was an opportunity.

That he’d invited her family was just about him being nice, and didn’t mean anything more than that.

As soon as they walked in the house, the familiar chaotic noises of family and friends greeted her. She went to find her mother, who was seated at the dining room table with Harmony’s two aunts.