Unexpected Rush (Play-By-Play #11)(68)

He splashed cold water on his face.

“Good thing it’s still hot outside, which will explain all this sweat,” he said.

She smoothed her hair and righted her clothing. “Good thing you didn’t lay me down in all that hay. It might have taken hours to get it all out of my hair.”

He turned and pulled her into his arms. “That sounds like a challenge. I’m up for it if you are.”

She laughed and shoved at him. “I think we’ve been gone long enough.”

“Okay. You go on and head back. I’ll be around after you.”

She didn’t want to rock the boat, but felt it should be mentioned. “You know, we wouldn’t have to do all this skulking around if you’d just tell Drake we’re seeing each other.”

He shook his head. “Not right now, Harmony. Not long after we get back, training camp starts. I don’t need to be at odds with my teammate, let alone my best friend.”

She wasn’t sure she accepted that, but a part of her understood it. “I guess.”

He rubbed his hands up and down her arm. “Listen, if it were anyone else, then yeah. But you know how Drake gets about you seeing someone.”

Now that part she did understand. “Yes, I do know how he gets. He’s a little unreasonable about me and dating.”

Barrett arched a brow. “A little?”

She laughed. “Okay, a lot. We’ll keep it on the down low for now. But not forever.”

He tipped her chin with his fingers, then brushed his lips across hers. “No, not forever.”

Harmony walked out of the barn and Barrett stood there, his body still burning for her.

Yeah, he wanted things out in the open.

But he also knew Drake. Drake was as overprotective as a brother could be. He’d been around Drake when Harmony started to date someone. He was like a private investigator, needing to know the guy’s background. And no matter who the guy was, he wasn’t good enough. And God forbid the dude did something to hurt Harmony.

Yeah, he’d seen Drake’s reaction when Harmony and a boyfriend broke up. He wanted no part of that.

No. The season was gearing up and it was important he and Drake both be on their game. Putting Barrett and Harmony’s relationship in the middle of all that would spell disaster. He’d just let things play out the way they were for now. See how things went for a while. And then, down the road, if he and Harmony were still going strong, he’d break it to Drake.

Because Barrett had been in and out of relationships before. He knew how those things went. Some lasted. Some didn’t.

Right now it was good. He hoped it stayed good. But he just didn’t trust that it always would. And he wasn’t about to put his years-long friendship on the line unless it stayed good between Harmony and him.

Maybe it was shitty of him to think that way.

In fact, as he started the walk back to the house, the thought of not seeing Harmony again caused an ache in his gut.

That should tell him something. So maybe he was in denial.

But denial was a good place for him right now.

And if that put him firmly in * territory, he supposed he’d have to live there for a while.





Twenty-Nine





On Saturday, Mia surprised Harmony by asking her to go into Austin early in the day.

“I thought we’d go shopping, have some lunch, then meet everyone at the hotel later,” Mia said.

“I’d love to.”

Harmony was all about shopping.

Lydia had already told her they were going to stay at a hotel in Austin that night, since they’d be out late and it was too far to drive back to the ranch. So she packed her bag and grabbed her dress for tonight, then piled into the car with Mia and they headed to Austin.

“I needed to get away from the ranch,” Mia said, as she pulled onto the highway. “I love my family, but once everyone gets there, it can be too much family togetherness. Know what I mean?”

Harmony laughed. “I know exactly what you mean. And I only have one brother. I don’t know how you do it with four.”

“It’s easier now that Grant and Tucker are engaged. And with Katrina having siblings, I’ve gotten to know Anya very well. So at least when the boys come to visit, they’re bringing women with them.”

Harmony smiled. “I’m sure that helps. We have a regular Thursday-night dinner at my mother’s house. Drake has dragged football players—sometimes the entire defensive team—into our house ever since high school.”

Mia glanced over at her. “Oh, how fun for you. More testosterone in the house.”

“I’m sure you can relate, but, no thanks.”

Mia nodded. “Exactly how I feel.”

Then again, Harmony was currently seeing a football player—and Mia’s brother. Which she wasn’t about to mention to Mia.

They chatted nonstop on the drive to Austin, about everything from boys to fashion. Since she had no sisters growing up, it was fun for Harmony to be in the car with Mia. They were fairly close in age, only a few years separating them, so it was a joy to have someone to talk to. She found they had similar tastes in everything from fashion to music to television.

When they got to the mall, they wandered in and out of stores. Mia was a shopper just like her. They both liked to take their time and browse. Harmony picked up a hot red lip gloss with Barrett in mind, and could already imagine driving him wild when she wore it tonight.