Unexpected Rush (Play-By-Play #11)(64)

“You two have fun with that,” Mia said, sliding onto a barstool at the island next to Harmony.

After they left, Mia turned to her. “Mom has a thing about her garden, and is willing to show it off to anyone remotely interested in vegetables.”

Harmony laughed. “My mother loves her garden as well, though she doesn’t exactly have a ranch-sized one.”

“Those two will likely spend an hour in that hot sun, waxing poetic about various tomato varieties. Me, I don’t get the appeal.”

“Neither do I. So tell me about school. What will you do with your MBA?”

“I’d like to eventually get my PhD. With a concentration in managing the sports business arena.”

Harmony’s eyes widened. “Wow. That’s ambitious. Planning to start your own dynasty someday, or possibly buy a team of your own?”

Mia laughed. “Not sure about that, but the whole sports thing has been ingrained in me for so long I think it’s rubbed off. And I love management. I’m not sure where I’m headed with it, but it fascinates me. I may end up studying the dynamics and psychology of sports at some point.”

Uh, wow. Talk about ambition. “I’m absolutely fascinated by your career trajectory.”

“Thank you. Me, too. What do you do, Harmony?”

“I’m an interior designer.”

Now Mia’s eyes widened. “Get out of town. Seriously?”

“Seriously.”

“You must love that.”

“I do.”

“Would you mind awfully if I picked your brain? I moved into an apartment in Austin last semester, and it’s bare bones. I have some ideas, but I could use some advice.”

“Of course. It’s my favorite thing to do.”

“Great. I have some pics of the place on my laptop. Hang on.”

Harmony grinned as Mia dashed out of the room. She returned a few minutes later with her laptop, then scooted her barstool closer.

“You sure this isn’t an imposition?”

“Of course not. I love design.”

“Awesome. Anyway it’s a one bedroom, very open and industrial.”

She brought up the photos and handed them off to Harmony, who perused them, her mind sparking ideas right away.

“The space is so light and spacious. And you’re right about the industrial feel. But the windows—you must love all those windows.”

“I do. It was the biggest selling point for me on the place. A lot of my college years were spent in tight, dark spaces. This open, airy feel is so freeing. Plus, the balcony space.”

“I totally agree. You could set up a desk with study space over here, which affords your best use of natural light. Sofa here, a couple of tables here. A conversation area here.”

Within twenty minutes she had sketched out furniture placement and had provided several design links for Mia to consider, from accessories to pillows to furniture.

“This is awesome,” Mia said. “Thank you so much.”

“You’re welcome. It’s a great space. All you need are a few key pieces of furniture and some accessories to set it off, and it’ll be perfect.”

She heard male voices—a lot of them.

“And it was so quiet while it lasted,” Mia said, winking. “The boys are home.”

Lydia and her mother came through the back door at the same time as a horde of people walked into the kitchen.

“What, did you all show up at the same time?” Lydia asked.

“Seems that way,” Barrett said, eyeing Harmony and giving her a big smile.

She felt a burst of butterflies flitting around her stomach. Ridiculous, but there they were.

Flynn was there, and Grant and Tucker with their respective fiancées and families. Flynn gave her a grin that told her their secret was safe with him.

There was also an older man who looked just like his sons.

“Okay,” Lydia said, “introductions all around since I don’t know who has met whom yet.”

She met Grant’s fiancée, Katrina Korsova, whom she recognized because she was a world-renowned fashion model. She also met Katrina’s younger siblings Anya and Leo.

Tucker introduced his new fiancée, Aubry, who Harmony learned was a doctor.

Then she met Lydia’s husband, Easton, who shook her hand. “Last time Diane was here with Drake she raved all about you.”

Harmony looked over at her mother, who beamed a smile at her. “Mama does like to do that. And it’s very nice to meet you, Easton. I’ve heard amazing things about you.”

Easton grinned. “I like the amazing part.”

She also met Easton’s brothers, Eddie and Eldon, and their wives. And then there was Elijah.

Oh, Elijah was quite handsome. She could see why her mother had mentioned him.

Drake came over to hug them.

“Hope you two had a good flight.”

“We did,” her mother said. “I’ve already been out back with Lydia checking out her garden. Makes me want to expand mine.”

Drake shook his head. “Of course you do. Do I need to buy you a bigger house?”

“I don’t know. Maybe I need to move to Texas.”

“Bite your tongue, Mama,” Harmony said. “We’d miss you too much.”