Chapter 9: “I’m in love with her”

A week later
Cole pulled up at Harvey’s. He couldn’t help but wonder about Harper. From what he’d heard from Caden, she’d told him she didn’t have feelings for him, which made him feel worse because that’s probably what she’d planned on doing from the start but he hadn’t stuck around to let her explain and had gone off and destroyed their budding relationship, or whatever it was. Harvey came out followed by a red-eyed Harper. She’d been crying. Harvey gave her another hug, reluctantly pulling away, then got into the car. Before pulling away, he caught Harper’s eye. She looked away and went inside. He drove off as his emotions were running wild. He gripped the steering wheel. “Dude, what’s wrong?” Harvey asked. Cole wished he could just spill but he had to go over with Harper when they’d tell everyone before he told her brother. “Nothing,” he replied. “Bullshit.” Cole sighed, “There might or might not be a girl.” Harvey’s eyes widened, “That you like or…?” “Yes, that I like, dipshit.” “Whoa. Who? Do I know her?” Cole shrugged, “It doesn’t matter; she’s not speaking to me now anyways.” “What did you do?” “Slept with another girl.” “You what?!” “We weren’t exclusive and she did something I misunderstood.” Harvey shook his head with a laugh, “You’re impossible.” “It’s not funny Harvey. I’ve been a mess since then.” Harvey gave him a weird look then said, “You really do like her? Not just like for sex?” Cole glared at Harvey, “I’ve only had sex with her once.” “How long have you known her?” “A while; over half a year,” he paused and the next words he said were unplanned, “I’m in love with her.” Harvey gaped at him, “What?!” Cole knew it was hard to believe; heck, he was having a hard time believing it. But it was true, he was in love with Harper. Too bad he only realized it now. He looked over at Harvey who looked shocked, “I need to meet this girl.” They arrived at the airport. They checked in and then boarded the plane along with all the other deployed soldiers. “You already know her,” he finally said. “Huh?” “You already know her,” he repeated. It took a moment for Harvey to understand what he was talking about but when he did he raised an eyebrow, “I do?” Cole nodded, “Harper.” Harvey just looked at him then ignored him for the rest of their flight.