“I don’t like that idea in real life, sweetheart.”
“Because we’re not a romantic comedy. The last thing I want is to go through a hundred more bad dates, or find you kissing some other woman and have to castrate you.” She popped another bite of egg into her mouth.
“Ouch!”
“You know what I mean. Who has time for that kind of heartache?” Her eyes narrowed. “You don’t have another woman in the wings, do you?”
“Nope. I’m not an asshole. And I’m glad you’re not looking for more dates.”
“I just found you. Do you really think I’m dumb enough to take out the hook and toss you back in the water?” She pushed to her feet and said, “Now I’m full of nervous energy. I’m going to get some jam for the croissants. Do you want anything?”
“No, thanks.”
She left the room with a bounce in her step, similar to the quickening beat of his heart.
He turned his attention to the story as he ate.
When Harper returned, she fidgeted nervously, stealing glances at him as he read. After they finished eating, she told him to keep reading and went to wash the dishes.
She never came back.
When he was done, he found her pacing the living room, biting her nails.
She stopped cold at the sight of him. “Well? Does it suck? Is it okay? I know I have scenes to flesh out, and—”
Her words were lost in the press of his lips. “Remember what I said about writing for the WHAT Theater?”
“Yes.”
“Forget it.”
Her shoulders slumped. “It’s that bad?”
“No, babe. It’s that good. The local theater is too small for this. You need to finish it and get it out to whoever got you your last deal, because it’s fucking hilarious. I mean, I feel horrible for the girl, but women are going to eat this up.”
She squealed and threw her arms around his neck. “I’m so happy!” She pushed away, and her smile morphed into a worried frown. “What about guys? Marketability has to be there for the widest audience possible.”
“You know way too much about how guys think. How could you have ever thought your instincts were off? The lines in the bar scene are spot-on, babe. And I loved the way you handled the scene when she found out the guy she was dating wanted a threesome. But please tell me that’s not how it really happened.”
In the scene, the heroine was contemplating finally sleeping with her boyfriend, and she received a package before their date. The gift was a pair of leather pants and a corset. She thought it was strange, but she played along because they had a fun, quirky relationship. She wore the outfit to his house for dinner despite being uncomfortable, having a wedgie, and almost tripping in her heels because the pants were too tight. The guy answered the door dressed in a suit. When he opened the door wider, she noticed he was holding a leash that was attached to a leather collar with spikes around another man’s neck. When the woman finally picked her jaw up off the floor, she casually mentioned needing to retrieve her whip from the car and then hightailed it out of there.
“Of course not!” Harper exclaimed. “But I figured the more outlandish the better. Relationships start with swipes these days. You never know what to expect.”
He pulled her into his arms and said, “It’s brilliant, Harp. Absolutely genius.”
“Really?”
“Really!” He spun her around as they kissed. When he set her down, she was smiling so big it had to hurt. “You should ask Emery if Ethan can help you get it out there.”
She shook her head, pacing again. “No. I’m not going to use any contacts like that. I have to earn this on my own or I’ll always wonder if my writing is good enough or if Emery just called in a favor. I have contacts. And I met that guy on the plane, remember? What if he does work somewhere big? For all I know, he could work with Netflix.”
“The guy you chewed out?”
“Mm-hm. But I’m getting way ahead of myself. I can’t think about any of that until it’s done and the writing is perfect.”
“Then let’s get started.” He headed into the bedroom to grab a sketch pad from a drawer.
“What are you doing?”
He came out of the room waving the drawing pad. “You’re not the only one who’s found their muse.”
“Did you get more ideas for Ocean Edge?”
He reached for her hand and said, “I think it’s time I start doing a little decorating around here. But first, let’s push the couch into the sunroom.”
Her eyes lit up. “The couch? What a great idea! We’ll be even more productive and comfortable.”
“Especially when we try to help each other through those mental blocks we’re sure to encounter.” His hands slid down to her butt.
“Mr. Wheeler, are you trying to distract me from writing?”
“No way. I fully support this endeavor and plan to give you lots of inspiration. Just tell me one thing: If I send you a leather outfit, what are the chances you’ll wear it for me?”
“That depends. Does it come with a whip?”
“You are a dirty girl.” He nipped at her lip, chuckling.
“Only for you…”
Chapter Fourteen
THE CAPE CHILDREN’S Amphitheater was located down a wooded road on the outskirts of Brewster, on the personal property of an eccentric retired actor, Harvey Fine, whom Harper would be interviewing after the show. Harvey’s father, who was also an actor prior to his passing, had built the amphitheater for his personal use. Sometime after inheriting the theater, Harvey began allowing local performing arts groups to hold performances there. Harper had fond memories of watching Jana onstage there when they were younger. She looked at her beautiful blond sister, sitting on the edge of her seat beside her in a flowing sundress and cute colorful sandals, watching children perform The Wizard of Oz. Jana’s hand rested on her belly. She was glad Jana had agreed to join her. It was Wednesday afternoon, and they’d lucked out with a warm, sunny day.
When had her rebellious little sister grown into such a mature mama-to-be? She wondered what would have become of their friendship if she’d stayed in LA. Would Harper have inevitably changed to fit in with the people there? Would she have become a workaholic like Gavin had when he was away from his friends and family? Luckily, she’d never have to find out.
“They’re magnificent,” Jana whispered. “I was never this good at their age.”
“You were better.” She used to be jealous of Jana’s ability to flawlessly mold herself into any role, while Harper could only be herself. She was no longer jealous of that ability, as she had her own qualities of which she was proud. She was capable of writing great stories, and sure, she’d lost sight of that for a while and some of her stories were crap, but that was all part of finding her voice.
My muse.
Her mind drifted back to her weekend with Gavin. Her thoughts never strayed far from him. They’d ordered Chinese food Sunday evening and eaten it in the sunroom while they worked. Gavin had begun sketching designs for his house, pointing out color schemes and textures online and asking for Harper’s opinion as much as she’d asked for his when she’d read him excerpts from her story. She’d never imagined feeling so partnered with anyone. She loved sharing all parts of her life with him.