Page 49 of Drive Me Crazy

I lay awake, watching thetrees blow in the early morning breeze. I need to move, but I'm spoiled to this bed and its soothing ways. I roll over, grabbing my phone.

Once it's loaded, I open the calendar. I stare at it as a smile spreads across my face. "I’m okay. I’m going to be alright." I've survived in this world for longer than I ever thought I would without him finding me.

After adding it to my phone, I hesitate before putting it back on the nightstand. "Oh, Sweet Baby Jesus. I need a bath." I pull myself up and stumble into the shower.

I take my time; the water feels so good running over my sore muscles. I truly need to soak later tonight; his tub is enormous. "I need to ask Em if she has any bath bombs so I can stay in there until I prune over twice."

I stay longer than I should under the hot steam. When I open the door, a chill runs over me. I yank a towel out and wrap it around me, hurrying into the closet for clothes.

"What'll it be today, Harper?" I turn to Ridge's side, going through them again. "I'll be wearing this sweatshirt, paired with leggings. Yes, girl. They make your ass look good and the shirt smells like him. Stop it, Harper!"

I get dressed as fast as I can; the house is a little cold this morning and I need the warmth on my skin. I stop at his chest, pulling a pair of his socks out and yank them on.

On my way out of the bedroom, I get my phone and make my way down to the kitchen. The house is quiet this morning, Emerson is usually up and working by now.

"Hmm, she hasn't even turned the lights off." I continue to the kitchen, cutting lights off as I do. Again, I search each cabinet for a glass, I'm startled by a sound from the family room. I tip toe closer, trying to get a better look.

"Is he... snoring?" I sneak over to the couch, snickering. "Aksel is sawing logs this morning." I peek over the edge and stumble back with a gasp.

A hand appears on the back of the sectional, I step forward, leaning over the top. His lips twitch, as the glorious mane of brunette hair on his arm rouses with him. Both relaxed and groggy, they sigh almost in unison. My heart clenches for what could have been with us.

I gaze at him as his lashes flutter against his cheeks, slowly opening to meet mine. My breath hitches when our eyes lock and we're caught in a time warp. I jolt as though the world stops spinning and we're alone.

"Mornin,' beauty." His words, rough, and husky, invoke a sense of a life before the death, reminding me of the one we spent together. They soak into my every pore, offering me... hope.

I divert my eyes, tilting my face away from him. My heart ratcheting in my chest as his voice sends chills over me. With a deep breath, I greet him. "Good morning, Ridge. It's been a long time."

"Too long, Harper." I cut my eyes at him when I hear the rustling of their bodies. He sits up, and the sun allows me a full view of the gorgeous man he's became. "I hope you don't mind that I come by, Em had an appointment."

I roll my shoulders, and let them fall easily, doing my best to look relaxed. "I don't mind, I only wished it were under different circumstances."

He glances at the sleeping child in his arms. "Tell me about it, I'm a dead man when her momma finds out we missed school."

"She's beautiful." I can't help but to be a little jealous of her and her momma. "Does she look like you or her mom?"

He blinks rapidly. "Umm, I'm hoping her mom or dad. I'm not sure Rumor looking like me would go over well with Boone."

"Oh! This is Mack and Boone's little girl." Once again, his eyes meet mine in an intricate dance, full of hope.

He nods, moving her off his lap and onto the couch. "Yeah, she had an OB appointment this morning. They should've coordinated their calendars."

"They seem to keep you on your toes." I meander over to the chair across from them and sit down.

"I'm happy to do it." He shifts, crowding the edge of his seat as I side eye him. "How are you feeling today?"

"Like I was hit by a Mack truck." I snigger, glancing at him as his body curls inward.

His head shakes. "Sorry, stupid question."

"You're fine," I wince, as I try to wet my lips. "but my mouth is not."

He scrambles, rushing over to get me a bottle of water. "Here ya go, I bet you're dehydrated."

"Thank you." I croak and die a little from embarrassment. "I sound like a bullfrog, like the ones we used to chase out by the treehouse."

"At least you don't look like one." He chuckles and quickly frowns. "Sorry, I wasn't thinking."

I take a sip of water, allowing it to cool my parched throat. "I was gonna say, you're picking at me while you're over here looking like the Wolfman."