Page 29 of Shatter

Parker looks between Harrison and me, coming to his own conclusion.

"Are you two..."

I shrug. Are we? I don't know.

"Nice."

"I won't tell you what to do with your own body, Mel. Your friend needs you," Harrison says, but I hesitate. Without another word, he turns and walks back into his hallway, so I'm quick to get to my feet and chase after him. I don't need his approval, but I'm also terrified at the idea of hurting him, even inadvertently. And I worry that he's so wonderful that he'll do or say whatever he thinks is best for me. I realize, as I walk into his bedroom, how lucky I am to have a man like him in my life.

"Harry," I whisper, insecurity and indecision warring inside of me. But he's not running away, like I thought he would. He's pulling out another t-shirt and sweatpants. For Parker. He's not only taking care of me, but my best friend. Tears prick my eyes, but instead of them falling, I swipe at them roughly. "I don't want to do anything to hurt you," I say.

He tucks the clothes under his arm, stepping up to me and palming my cheek with his large hand.

"Tonight has been a lot. And we haven't had the chance to talk yet. But I trust you. If you say there's nothing between you and Parker, I trust you. I also promise that if I'm uncomfortable, I'll let you know. I'm not the jealous type, Little Bird."

The use of my nickname soothes the anxiety that had moved into my chest.

Licking my lips, I simply nod.

He walks back into the living room, handing his clothes to Parker.

"Second door on the right is the guest bedroom and bath. Feel free to shower, change; I have food here if you're hungry, or feel free just to pass out," Harrison says, and I watch as Parker's eyes turn a little awe-struck.

Yeah, man. I get it. Competence and consideration are sexy as hell.

Chapter fifteen

Harrison

My heart flips over on itself as I watch the two of them sleep. They're cuddled together, facing each other, holding hands.

They both look so young, so innocent, so not ready to face the shitstorm that I can feel is brewing outside. None of this is going to be good.

I took Parker's phone, too, and turned it off before doing a background check on Marco. Everything came back unremarkable. No criminal record, some student loans, works as an adjunct professor at Georgetown, decent credit; rents a studio apartment on a nice side of town.

Me: This is Harrison. I'm a friend of Parker's. I've turned his phone off for now in case he has a location tracker on. He's safe. Staying at my place. The address is 45 Sutton Sq SW, Unit Penthouse 08 if you'd like to join him tomorrow

Marco: Is he okay?

Me: Could be better. I think they'll probably hang out here for a few days at least while we come up with a plan

Marco: I'll be there tomorrow morning

Sleep doesn't find me until a few hours later. I think about the conversation we never got to have. I scroll through social media, but every other post is the grainy picture of Parker kissing Marco on the dance floor, shots of a confused Melody, or an influencer speculating on what tore the happy couple apart.

I rest my phone on my chest as I stare up at the ceiling.

They're going to have to resurface at some point, but a plan starts to form of how I can protect both of them.

I drag my old ass out of bed at five AM after a few bouts of restless sleep and tiptoe across the hall to my home gym. I might as well make the early morning hours productive.

After finishing the prescribed workout my trainer gave me, I pull my shirt off and use it to wipe off my face and neck, walking into the combined living room and kitchen, to hushed voices on my couch.

Melody and Parker are huddled together on the couch like they were last night - or, I guess, a few hours ago - but they look a lot more rested and relaxed than before. It unknots something tight in my chest.

Their conversation dies as I walk into the kitchen and pour myself a glass of water. I turn and see both of them watching me over the back of the couch, eyes wide.

Both are checking out my chest and abs. I lift an eyebrow at them in question.