“Hey back,' I say, my voice low beside her ear. She shivers. I love that.”

“I thought I was having a fucking stroke," I say as they free me from my coated elastic prison, making them laugh even harder.”

“You should probably stay away from me," I say, resting my head on my knees. "I'm a mess.”

“And, Jesus, she's a good kisser. So good I want to beat the hell out of whoever taught her.”

“Does this public display of affection with my daughter on my front porch mean I'm stuck with you now?" he asks, opening the screen door for Harper.I'm not sure if I should laugh, so I hold back. "I'm afraid so.”

“Yeah, well, I don't really want to kick you when you're down, but mostly for some crazy reason"- her face tilts up and she gives me this shy little grin-"I think you might be worth it.”

“Her green eyes meet mine in the Guinness mirror behind the bar and it feels like all the air has been sucked out of the room. I’ve never slept with this girl, but she was the first I remember wanting.Harper Gray.”