My Forever

Chapter 6

Harper’s POV

The first week at Declan’s went by quickly. He picked me up from the twin’s house every night and I would spend an hour working as his assistant. We would have dinner together and then I would spend the rest of the night studying.

The best part was Declan would continue to work as I studied and we would spend the evening in silence. I occasionally would find myself studying him. He was incredibly handsome and he was so good to me.

Then there was Chase. He was my age and actually interested in me. Not some silly crush on an older man. But I didn’t get the same butterflies in my belly when Chase was around. Maybe I just needed to spend more time with him.

I did, however, find myself communicating a lot with Luke. He was funny and was always reaching out to help me whenever he could. In fact, we became friends.

Friday evening came quickly and I found myself already done with the work Declan had given me. He said he had plans for the night and I assumed they were at the restaurant.

I stepped out of the office on my way to find him when there was a knock at the door.

As I opened the door my heart dropped. Standing in front of me was the woman that had rushed out of the restaurant after being with Declan only a week ago.

“Are you going to invite me in?” She asked, smiling.

“Oh yes….please come in.”

She walked in and looked around.

“Did Declan finally listen to me and hire a full-time maid?”

“No, I’m his assistant.”

She looked me up and down. “Really? Well, he had one but I suppose he could use the extra help.”

“Sophia.” Declan said, coming down the stairs dressed in a suit, looking handsome as ever.

“Declan.” She smiled at him and walked into his arms.

He gently kissed her cheek and then directed her towards the door.

“Harper, this is Sophia….Sophia, this is Harper. She is my assistant and will be staying here.”

“She is staying here?”

“Yes.”

“How old are you?” She said, giving me a dirty look.

“Sophia, that is none of your business and this is her home, so if you don’t like it then you can leave.” Declan said without skipping a beat.

“Fine…Whatever. Let’s go before we are too late.”

He shook his head but pulled his jacket on.

“All the work you gave me is complete. Did you have anything else?”

“No…enjoy your evening.”

He placed his hand on the small of Sophia’s back and they walked out of the house together. I felt destroyed. In one week, I had allowed my crush to manifest into feelings. I needed to stop acting like a child. The sooner I realized I was on my own, the better.

Feeling like an i***t, I walked to my bedroom and curled up and fell asleep.

It was around 2 in the morning when I heard a loud noise from downstairs. I jumped out of bed and then heard Declan grumbling.

I slowly made my way downstairs to find him sitting in his office with a bottle of whiskey almost empty.

“Declan,” I said, slowly walking toward him.

“I’m sorry Harper. Did I wake you?”

“Yes but it’s OK….are you OK?”

“I am now.” He said, smiling at me.

“What happened?”

He took a deep breath. “Do you realize how beautiful you are?”

I knew my face was instantly red. “No, I’m not.”

“You are and I shouldn’t be saying things like that to you. I am so sorry.”

“How about I help you to bed and we talk about what has you upset in the morning.” I said, putting my hand out to him.

He allowed me to take his hand and lead him to his bedroom. It was the first time I had been in his room and it was huge. The giant king-sized bed in the middle of the room looked inviting.

I turned around to see Declan taking off his clothes.

He stripped down to his boxers and I helped him into his bed.

“Thank you Harper.”

“You’re welcome, Declan. Get some sleep.”

The next morning, I jumped out of bed I hurried to the kitchen and started the coffee. I found some ibuprofen and started making pancakes.

Just as I finished the last pancake, Declan walked into the room. I quickly poured him a cup of coffee and put it down in front of him.

“Thank you.”

I placed a plate in front of him and we both sat and ate in silence.

“Do you want to talk about last night?”

“Just another fight with Sophia. I can’t seem to do anything right.”

“Are you….together?”

“No…It’s complicated. We just aren’t meant to be.…It’s hard to explain.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“I just think we are too incompatible. I realized last night I needed to break things off with her and she….I don’t like hurting her. I don’t like hurting any woman, for that matter.”

I wasn’t sure what to say. I have no experience in relationships and after my father died I didn’t witness any of my mother’s.

“I think we should get you a car today.” He said, quickly changing the subject.

“A car? I don’t have enough money for a car.”

“Harper, I need you to have a car as my assistant and I have more than enough money.”

That was how we spent the next four hours and Declan considered it working. Despite me saying multiple times I didn’t need a car. We finished the day with me picking out a car that he liked. After getting my car, we stopped and had lunch and headed home.

Spending the day with him was one of my favorite things.

Text message:

Chase: Are you working?

Me: Nope :)

Chase: Wanna go to the mall and grab dinner?

I wanted to hang out with Chase but I really wanted to spend the evening with Declan.

Me: Let me check with work first.

Chase: OK, let me know.

Declan was in his office and had been since we got home. He had received a call from Sophia and they were talking.

I couldn’t help but feel jealous. I wanted all of his attention and I didn’t like that he gave it to her.

Another half hour went by before he emerged and put on his coat.

“I’m going out and I won’t be home for dinner. Do you want me to leave you some money for pizza or something?”

“No, I have money. Thanks.” I couldn’t help but feel like a child at that moment. Asking me if I needed him to leave money. I turned and walked upstairs and didn’t look back.

I heard the front door close and I wanted to cry, but instead, I picked up my phone and sent Chase a message.

I hadn’t been to a mall in years and, for the first time, I had money to buy myself a new outfit.

Text Message:

Me: Does the offer still stand?

Chase: Of course!

Me: OK, I will meet you there in an hour.

Chase: I could pick you up?

Me: That’s OK, I will just meet you.