Searching for Harmony: A Boston Love Novel (12 page)

Her eyes were on fire and I wanted nothing more than to pull her back to me and finish what we had started.

“Preston?”

Turning my head, I saw my older brother, Wes. Smiling, I quickly made my way over to him. I hadn’t seen him since last Thanksgiving.

“Jesus H. Christ, look at you, Wes. Is that an expensive suit?” I said as I approached him. Laughing, he grabbed me and pulled me into a quick hug. Pushing me back at arm’s length, he looked me up and down.

“Shit, I always knew you were going to be the better-looking brother.”

Pushing on his chest, I laughed. Turning, I motioned to Harmony. She walked up smiling and stood next to me. “Wes, I’d like for you to meet Harmony. Harmony, this is my brother, Weston, but we call him Wes.”

Placing her hand out to shake his, Harmony said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Wes. Preston has spoken very highly of you.”

Wes laughed and shook his head. “Really? That is a pleasant surprise. Usually he has some smart-ass things to say about me.”

Looking between Harmony and me, Wes glanced back at me and raised an eyebrow and said, “So, I interrupted something when I walked up.”

“It’s not what you think. Harmony and I…” Turning to Harmony, I looked at her as I pinched my eyebrows together. What were we now? I’d just kissed her. We’d admitted that we have feelings for each other. We had for sure moved past the friend status.

Giving me the sweetest smile, Harmony reached for my hand. “Preston and I are friends.”

Forcing a smile, I turned back to Wes. I wasn’t sure if I liked the fact that Harmony still thought of us as just friends. I’d certainly thought differently after the kiss we’d shared.

Holding up his hands, Wes grinned from ear to ear. “Hey, if that’s what you want to call it. Finn is about ten minutes out if you guys want to head back up to the house.”

“Sounds good!” Harmony said as she dropped my hand and headed back toward the house.

What in the hell just happened?
Harmony acted like she wanted to be as far away from me as possible and all I wanted to do was pull her into my arms and feel her lips against mine.

Standing there like an idiot, I watched Harmony taking off toward the house. Wes placed his hand on my shoulder and gave it a slight squeeze.

“Dude, don’t overthink it. I saw the way she was looking at you.”

Taking in a deep breath, I let it out as I shook my head and said, “Yeah,” as I tried to push away the uneasiness I suddenly felt.

Walking back toward Preston’s parents’ house, I tried to push away the look of disappointment in Preston’s eyes when I’d said we were friends. My heart was beating so hard and my mind was spinning.

That kiss. Good Lord, that kiss was amazing. I couldn’t even begin to imagine how far things would have gone had Preston’s brother Wes not shown up.

Closing my eyes, I took in a deep breath and blew it out as I opened my eyes and put a smile on my face. Turning around, I saw that Preston and his brother were a good ways behind me talking. I didn’t mean to take off like I did. I needed to put some space between us. We both just admitted having feelings for each other and I needed to think this through.

Hearing someone driving down the driveway, I turned to look and saw a truck pulling up. As the driver honked the horn, the truck stopped and I saw Angie running out of the house.

A tall, dark-haired guy got out of the truck and caught Angie in his arms while he spun her around. Smiling, I was guessing this was Finn. As I drew closer, I noticed he was yet another good-looking guy.
Man, this family has good genes.

Stopping a few feet back, I watched Angie and Jenn greet Finn.

Wes and Preston walked by me and made their way over to Finn. The love in this family was amazing. My heart broke slightly as I realized the only person I had was Jake. Looking away, I stared off into the pasture as I chewed on my lower lip.

“Finn! Come meet Harmony,” Angie said.

Glancing at the group, I smiled as Preston walked up with his brother. Finn gave me a quick once-over and smiled.
Wow
. His smile was almost as amazing as Preston’s.

“Finn, this is Harmony, a
friend
of mine. She’s spending Thanksgiving with us.”

My smile faltered briefly as I peeked at Preston and saw nothing but coldness in his eyes.

Turning my attention back to Finn, I shook his hand and tried not to let my voice crack as I talked. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Finn.”

“The pleasure is all mine. I see my baby brother’s taste in
friends
has improved.”

Everyone laughed as I let out a nervous chuckle. Preston smiled as he walked around me and headed into the house. Turning, I wanted to call out to him, but I was frozen. I knew why he was upset with me. The look in his eyes spoke more than words ever could.

Placing her hand on my arm, Angie led me back into the house. “Tonight is game night! You better keep your eyes open; the boys like to cheat.”

Giving her a slight chuckle, I nodded and said, “Got it.”

I spent the rest of the evening with Angie and Jenn as we finished up some things for Thanksgiving dinner the next day. I hadn’t seen Preston since dinner. As soon as he and the boys cleared the table, he excused himself along with Finn and they disappeared.

Drying off the last bowl, I stood and stared out the kitchen window.

“Harmony, would you like a cup of tea, darling? We can go sit on the back porch and talk.” Jenn handed me a cup of tea as she mouthed, “Peace and quiet.”

“No way, Mom. It’s game night! I’ll go find the boys.”

Rolling her eyes, Jenn shrugged. “I tried.”

Giggling, I shook my head and said, “Even though Angie’s just a few years younger than me, I feel like she has more energy than the Energizer Bunny.”

“You have no idea,” Jenn said as she shook her head. Standing, she said, “Let’s make our way to the dining room. Once the boys realize what game Angie wants to play, the peace will be over.”

Smiling, I took my cup of tea and followed Jenn to the formal dining room. I loved Preston’s childhood home. It wasn’t anything extravagant, yet it was classy and comfortable. I felt at home. Pictures of their family were spread throughout the house. There was a fireplace in the main living room and the formal dining room. Walking over to the fireplace, I picked up a picture of Preston.

“I see his charming good looks started early,” I said with a chuckle.

“Oh Lord, the girls that chased after that boy. His older brothers used to get so mad. The three of them could be standing there and the girls would always approach Preston first,” Jenn said with a lighthearted laugh.

Smiling, I placed the photo down and then picked up what looked like Preston’s senior picture. Good Lord, he had only grown better looking with age.

Running my fingers over the picture, it felt as if my lips were tingling. Placing my fingers on my lips, I could almost feel Preston’s lips on mine.

Hot breath hit my neck, followed by, “Whatcha thinking about?”

Jumping, I quickly placed the picture on the mantel. Preston stood there staring at me with an expression I couldn’t read. He wasn’t smiling, yet his eyes looked happy.

Opening my mouth to talk, I was startled when Angie began clapping her hands and talking.

“Okay! It’s family game night. Monopoly is the game of choice.”

Oh shit. I hate Monopoly.

I chewed on my lip, then whispered to Preston, “Can we vote on another game?”

“What’s wrong, Harmony, Monopoly not your thing?”

Smiling, I shook my head. “Not really.”

The next thing I knew we were all sitting around the table laughing our asses off as two hours passed by. Finn and Angie
really
got into the game and were in a dead heat to take over the entire board. Jenn and I had long since dropped out of the game. Preston and Wes seemed to be making sideline deals against Angie.

“Well, look at this sight.” The booming voice that came from behind me caused me to turn around.

My mouth dropped open as I looked at an older version of Preston. “Oh wow,” I whispered.

Jenn leaned over and said, “I know, now you see where Preston and the boys get their looks. He’s been gone for two days helping a friend with a building project. Let me go say hello.”

Blushing, I smiled at Jenn. Giving me a playful wink, she stood up and walked over to her husband. He wrapped her up in his arms and lifted her off the ground as he kissed her. The act was so intimate that I turned my head, only to find Preston looking at me. Wes asked him something, causing him to pull his eyes away from me. My heart was racing for some reason and I felt my body heating up.

Turning back to Jenn and Mr. Ward, I watched as they smiled and spoke softly to each other.
So this is what love looks like
. A true honest-to-God love. I wanted this. Desperately. Peeking back over at Preston, my breath caught in my throat as I watched him throw his head back and laugh at something his brother had said.

It was in that moment I realized I wanted all of that and I didn’t want it with anyone else but Preston.

“Preston, would you like to be a good guest and introduce Harmony to your father?” Jenn said as she motioned to me. Preston jumped up and smiled.

Walking over to his father, they shook hands and Mr. Ward pulled Preston in for a quick man hug. Preston turned back to me as I stood up and made my way over to the three of them. As I drew closer, Mr. Ward let out a whistle as he held out his hand to me. Taking my hand in his, Preston’s father brought it up and placed his lips gently on the back of my hand as I let out a nervous giggle.

“All right, Dad, that’s enough. She’s mine.”

Sucking in a breath, I looked at Preston as he and his father exchanged laughs.

She’s mine.
My stomach dropped at Preston’s words.

Preston turned to me and placed his hand on the small of my back. Goosebumps raced across my skin and my heart melted at the simple gesture.

“Dad, this is Harmony. Harmony, this is my father, Mike.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Ward.”

Waving his hand at me, Preston’s father shook his head. “It’s Mike, Harmony. Please call me Mike.”

Nodding, I said, “Mike it is.”

Giving me a nod, he looked up and the next thing I knew, Finn and Weston were standing around their father.

Preston stepped closer to me and placed his lips near my ear. “You look tired, Harmony.”

Stay strong, Harmony. His smell is not knocking you out of your socks, his hot, sexy voice is not penetrating into the very depths of your soul, and his stunning green eyes are not piercing your eyes and beckoning you to him.

Parting my lips, I fought to find the words to speak.
What in the hell is happening to me?

Shaking my head, I whispered, “I’m not tired.”

Raising an eyebrow, Preston tilted his head and then smiled.

“Yes! I told you she wasn’t tired, Preston.” Angie grabbed my hands and pulled me toward the stairs. “Come on, Harmony. We’re changing.”

Looking back at Preston, I saw he was grinning as he shook his head. “Changing for what?” I asked as I watched Preston until Angie had pulled me all the way to her room.

“We’re going dancing! The club is eighteen and older so you and I can go. Although Preston told me your birthday is tomorrow.” Putting her finger up to her mouth, she said, “Don’t worry, he made me promise not to tell my mother because you didn’t want anyone to know.”

Before I even had a chance to protest, I had tried on three different dresses before Angie settled on a teal blue cocktail dress. She went on and on about how the teal brought out the blue in my eyes.

“Holy shit. You have killer legs. Wait until my brother sees you in this dress. He’s gonna jizz in his pants.”

My mouth dropped open as I let out a gasp. “You did not just say that!”

Throwing her head back, Angie began jumping. “You’re gonna be twenty-one in a few hours, Harmony! Aren’t you excited?”

Shrugging my shoulders, I said, “I guess I am. I haven’t really been thinking about it.”

“Well, we’re gonna dance our asses off. When was the last time you went to a club?”

Scrunching my nose up, I said, “Um, maybe high school.”

Angie froze, then slowly shook her head. “I promise you, Harmony, you’re gonna be finding your groove tonight and I don’t mean just dancing. Did I mention Preston’s room is in the attic? Far away from everyone.”

Looking at Angie with a confused expression, I asked, “What does that have to do with anything?”

Rolling her eyes, she spun me around and quickly pulled my hair up and put it in a French twist. Pulling a few strands down, she looked at me in the mirror.

“Harmony, do you have any idea how beautiful you are?”

Blushing, I looked away. Turning me around to face her, Angie looked into my eyes. “Do you have any idea how much my brother is over the moon for you?”

Biting on my lower lip, I smiled. “You think?”

“Oh honey, I don’t think…I know. And after tonight, you won’t have any questions about it and you will totally understand my reference to his bedroom.”

Angie ran over to the closet and slipped on a pair of red high heels. She handed me a pair of black heels as she smiled a naughty grin. Angie and I were exactly the same dress and shoe sizes. Slipping the shoes on, I turned and looked at myself in the mirror. I didn’t even recognize the woman standing in the mirror. Somewhere between getting pregnant, getting married, and losing a part of myself, I’d become a woman.

Glancing over my shoulder, I watched Angie put on lipstick. Smiling, I looked back into the mirror. Up until a few hours ago, I hadn’t known what I was thankful for, but now I knew exactly what I was thankful for: that entire day, as well as the family I was quickly falling in love with.

Sitting on the sofa talking to my father, my brothers and I all waited for Angie and Harmony.

“Don’t stay out too late, tomorrow is Thanksgiving. And keep an eye on your sister.”

Finn laughed. “Dad, this is Angie we are talking about. The last time we all went out to this club, Wes almost beat the living shit out of some guy for looking at Angie the wrong way. I think between the three of us, we’ll keep our eyes on her.”

My mother sat down next to my father and reached for his hand. “Now, boys, let the poor girl have fun. She’s been feeling down the last few days since her boyfriend broke up with her.”

Dad jerked his head to look at my mother. “Let her have fun? Hell, no.” Turning and pointing at each of us, he said, “You watch her like a hawk.”

Wes laughed and said, “Better not count on Preston for that, Dad.”

Looking at Wes, I pulled my head back and was about to ask why when he continued talking.

“I’m thinking his eyes are going to be glued to someone else all night.”

Looking toward the stairs, I saw Harmony and my mouth dropped open. She was dressed in a teal dress that fell to the middle of her thighs. Swallowing hard, my eyes moved across her body. She was laughing at something Angie was saying as they walked down the stairs.

Motherfucker. She is gorgeous. How am I going to keep guys away from her when she looksd like that?

The top part of the dress was covered in sparkly shit, but the way her breasts looked in the dress had my dick growing painfully hard.

“Son, you might want to at least close your mouth while you stare at her. It’s more polite.”

Looking at my father, I whispered, “W-what?”

“You’re staring at Harmony with your jaw down to the floor, son.”

Standing up, Finn slapped me on the shoulder. “Damn, dude, either you stand up and walk over to her or I’m going to.”

Jumping up, I pushed Finn out of the way and made my way over to Angie and Harmony. Stopping in front of my sister, I smiled and said, “You look beautiful, Angie.”

Beaming, she said, “Thank you, PJ.”

Turning to Harmony, my hands began to shake and that damn fluttery shit was happening in my stomach again. Taking her hands in mine, my eyes captured hers. “Harmony, you look gorgeous.”

Glancing around the room, she blushed and looked back at me. “I haven’t been dressed up since…” Shaking her head, she let out a nervous chuckle. “Thank you, Preston. Angie picked out the dress.”

“It’s beautiful,” I whispered.

My mother walked up and smiled as she pushed a curl to the side of Harmony’s face. “Oh, Harmony, you look stunning. That color just makes your eyes pop. Let me grab you a shawl, it’s chilly out.”

My mother quickly went to her room while my father lectured Angie about being safe. Walking back out, my mother wrapped a black shawl around Harmony’s shoulders.

“Um, thank you so much, Jenn.”

Winking, my mother nodded.

Angie clapped her hands to get everyone’s attention. “Okay, since Dad is putting a curfew on me—which I still say is so unfair since I’m eighteen, but whatever—we should probably head out.”

“I’ll drive,” Wes said as he kissed my mother on the cheek, followed by Finn. I couldn’t take my eyes off Harmony. Finn hit me in the chest and asked, “Are you guys driving separate?”

Nodding, I said, “Yeah, I think we will.”

Taking Harmony’s hand in mine, I kissed my mother on the cheek and glanced at my father. He was giving me a look that I couldn’t really read. Raising his eyebrows, he said, “Be careful, Preston.”

Smiling slightly, I nodded and said, “Yes, sir.” I knew the hidden meaning in that was to be careful with Harmony. Just
how
he wanted me to be careful was the question.

Walking out to my car, I opened the door and held Harmony’s hand while she got in. Jesus H. Christ. Her legs. Why had I not noticed before what amazing legs she had?

Shutting the door, I turned to see my parents standing on the porch. My father was watching me intently as I walked around the front of the car. Stopping at the door, I asked, “Is everything okay, Dad?”

Smiling, he said, “Yes, Preston. Have fun this evening, and watch your sister.”

“Will do, sir.”

Getting into the car, I started it up and followed Wes down the driveway.

Clearing her throat, Harmony looked at me. “You look so handsome, Preston.”

I had on dress slacks, a button-down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and a pair of dress shoes that I’d borrowed from my father since my mother said I couldn’t wear my sneakers.

“Thanks. I’m afraid you’re going to steal the show this evening though.”

Laughing, she shook her head as I looked straight ahead.

“I don’t dress up often so it’s kind of fun. Angie really gets into the whole dressing-up thing. She said she just wore this dress for her winter formal.”

“Ever since she was little, she has been the princess who loves to get dolled up.”

Smiling, Harmony let out a chuckle and looked out the window. “How far is the club?” she asked. Glancing over at her legs again, I held back a moan.

“Ah…about thirty minutes. We used to always go to this place. It’s eighteen and up, but in a few hours, you’ll be legal to get hammered.”

Letting out a laugh, Harmony held up her hands. “Oh no. I’ve decided drinking and me do not go together.”

My heart was beating so hard in my chest, I was positive Harmony would be able to hear it.
What if she hooks up with a guy tonight? Fuck, why did Angie want to come to this stupid club?

“Preston? Is everything okay?” Harmony asked as she placed her hand on my arm, causing a jolt of energy to rip through my body.

“Yeah. I was just thinking, that’s all.”

Dropping her hand, Harmony talked about all the great recipes she’d gotten from my mother. Before I knew it, we were pulling into the club’s parking lot and I was praying like hell some asshole didn’t catch Harmony’s eye. As we walked toward the building, I could her the bass from the club booming and Harmony smiled a beautiful smile. “I haven’t gone dancing since before I had TJ.”

“Really? Well then, you have some making up to do, sweetheart.”

Harmony’s eyes lit up when I called her “sweetheart.”

“I should probably get on your dance card now, huh?”

Biting her lip, Harmony walked closer to me and placed both hands on my chest. “My dance card is already filled, Mr. Ward.”

My heart dropped and I was sure panic moved across my face. “It is?”

Nodding slowly, she reached up on her toes and brushed her lips gently across mine. “Your name occupies all the spots; I hope you don’t get tired of me.”

Wrapping my arms around her, I pulled her into me and she let out a gasp as my hard dick pressed into her stomach. “I could never get tired of you, Ms. Banks.”

Harmony’s eyes glassed over with tears as she whispered, “Promise?”

Wrapping my hand around the back of her neck, I pressed our lips together and kissed her with as much passion as I could.

“Oh, holy hell, Preston! I thought you would at least be able to control yourself until after we got into the club,” Finn yelled out.

“Don’t mess up her hair, Preston!” Angie yelled out.

Harmony and I laughed as we pulled back from each other. “You ready to get your dance on?” I asked.

Nodding, she laced her arm through mine and we headed into the club. The bouncer looked at Harmony’s license and smiled. “Three more hours, I’m going to give you a wristband and stamp. Once it gets past midnight, you can drink.”

“Okay,” Harmony said as she looked up at me and grinned.

Finding his way to a table, Finn clapped his hands and then pointed to Angie. “Behave. Don’t leave with anyone. Don’t take a drink from anyone, and check back in with one of us every hour. We’ll all meet back here at one to see how everyone is feeling.”

Angie held up her hand and said, “I see my friends. Later, big brothers.” Turning to Harmony, she leaned over and whispered something that made Harmony’s cheeks turn bright red.

Giving me a wink, Angie took off.

“What did she say?” I asked Harmony, who looked shocked as hell by whatever my sister had said to her.

“Um…nothing. It was, ah…nothing at all.”

Tilting my head, I gave Harmony an incredulous stare. Holding up her hands, she laughed. “I swear, it was nothing.”

“One drink, then we’ll go dance. What do you want?” I asked as Harmony glanced around the club.

“Diet Coke.”

Laughing, I said, “Seriously? You don’t want a drink?”

“Preston, no! He told me I had to wait until midnight.”

Good God this girl is too good to be true
. Her innocence had to be one of the most attractive things ever. “Diet Coke it is.”

After fighting the crowd at the bar and two really drunk girls trying to get my attention, I made my way back to Harmony, who was sitting at the table talking to Wes. Setting her Diet Coke down on the table, I sat down next to her. Wes glanced at me, then back at Harmony. “Have you always wanted to be in nursing?”

Nodding, Harmony said, “Yeah. I think it all started when my older brother Jake decided he wanted to be a doctor. I didn’t think I was smart enough for medical school, so I thought nursing would be a great pick.”

Wes was about to ask something else when a brunette walked up and asked him to dance. Grabbing his bottle of beer, he got up, wrapped his arm around her waist, and led her out to the dance floor.

Taking a quick look around the club, I saw Finn all up on a girl as they danced. Pointing at him, I said to Harmony, “I’d bet you a hundred bucks he’s already told her he is a firefighter.”

Harmony laughed as she took a sip of her soda. “It is rather sexy. The whole firefighter thing.”

I lifted my eyebrows and smiled. “Really? Well, would you like to dance with one?”

Chewing on her lower lip, she asked, “Are you asking me to dance?”

Standing, I held out my hand. Taking her hand in mine, I pulled her up and prayed like hell she didn’t notice how sweaty my hands were. I had no idea why I was so nervous, but the more Harmony and I opened up to each other, the more nervous I became.

As we walked out to the dance floor, I saw at least three guys eye-fucking Harmony. Bringing her closer to me, I grabbed her hand and spun her around as she laughed. Pulling her back to me, I kissed her quickly on the lips. “I want every asshole in this place to know you’re mine.”

Harmony’s eyes darkened as she pushed her hand up into my hair and pulled my lips back down to hers. I wasn’t sure how long we stood there and kissed. Someone bumped my arm, causing me to pull away. Turning, I looked at Finn, who was laughing.

“Dude, the dance floor is meant for dancing, not kissing.”

The song changed and “Beg for It” began playing. Harmony raised her eyebrow and said, “You wouldn’t make me beg for it, would you, Mr. Ward?”

Pulling her to me, I placed my lips against her ear and said, “I think hearing you beg might be a major turn-on.”

Harmony gave me a naughty smile and began dancing.
Holy shit. Not only is she beautiful, she can dance, too
.

Looking up to the heavens, I prayed for strength.

Harmony was moving her hips in a sinful way as I smiled and moved right along with her. Turning around, Harmony pushed her ass into me as I grabbed her hips. I closed my eyes as I let a moan slip out.

Fucking hell. This girl is driving me mad with desire.

Turning back around, Harmony wrapped her arms around me as she kept moving against me. My hands moved over her body as we danced close together.

The song changed to Sam Hunt’s “Make You Miss Me.” Pulling Harmony into my arms, we slowed the dance down. I wasn’t sure where all of this was leading, but I hoped like hell Harmony was on the same path as I was.

Her head was resting on my chest as we danced. Pulling back some, she looked into my eyes. I quickly became aware of my heartbeat as the hairs on my arms raised. Harmony’s eyes were laced with passion and fear. Placing my hand on the side of her face, I slowly stroked her soft skin with my thumb as her breathing quickened.

Placing her hand over mine, Harmony closed her eyes. “Preston, don’t let me push you away. Promise me you won’t let me push you away.”

My knees felt weak as my eyes searched her face. Opening her eyes, a single tear rolled down her face. I brushed it away as I said, “I promise you, Harmony.”

When the song finished, I walked Harmony back over to the table. “Do you want a drink, Harmony?” I asked. She gave me a smile that quickly grew.

“Are you trying to loosen me up, Preston?”

Before pulling her chair out, I leaned over and gently kissed her as I whispered against her lips, “Trust me, sweetheart, I have a much better idea for how I would loosen you up.”

Harmony grabbed my arms as she appeared to steady herself. “I think I’ll take that drink now.”

Harmony and I had sat at the table for at least an hour just talking. We mostly talked about my job and her schooling as she nursed the Bud Light I had set in front of her an hour ago.

Every now and then, Angie would make an appearance to check in. Wes had all but disappeared, and I was pretty sure he was hooking up with the girl he had been dancing with since we’d gotten there. Finn was standing at another table talking to about six girls. Somehow I had a feeling he’d end up with at least two of them tonight, knowing Finn.

Angie came running over and hugged Harmony and said, “Happy twenty-first birthday, Harmony!”

Standing up, I reached for Harmony and pulled her up. “Let’s dance, old lady.”

Throwing her head back, Harmony walked out onto the dance floor as she moved her hips and danced with Angie.

“Hands on Me” started playing and Harmony spun around and pointed at me. “Oh my God! I love this song!”

Placing my hands on her hips, we began dancing pretty provocatively, grinding our bodies together. My hands were all over her as Harmony licked her lips and ran her hands over her own body.

Fuck me. Hottest damn thing I’ve ever seen is Harmony rubbing her hands over her own body. I’m gonna have to take a cold shower when I get home.