I lost track of how long we stood at the metal railing, looking out at the city before us, chatting and laughing.
From the corner of my eye, I noticed Harley staring at me. When our eyes met, he quickly cleared his throat and looked away.
I raised one arm high above my head, stretching lazily while the other curved behind it. "Remember how we skipped the grad after-party and came here instead?"
Harley nodded. "When we got back home, it was already morning."
"Auntie and Uncle were so pissed at us."
We looked at each other in silence for a moment before bursting out laughing. Neither of us regretted it. If we had the chance, we would do it again in a heartbeat.
I was about to say something when I heard a rustling noise in the bushes. I looked in that direction, terrified, inching closer to Harley.
"Harley, we're not alone," I whispered through clenched teeth.
He chuckled.
I rolled my eyes at him before turning on my heel and heading back toward the car.
Just as I reached for the door handle, something darted out from the bushes and ran across the pavement.
I jumped back with a startled gasp. A small orange cat trotted across the street as if nothing had happened.
Behind me, Harley burst out laughing. "You were scared of a cat?" he said, trying to catch his breath.
I glared at him. "It could have been something else."
He shook his head, still amused. "Sure. A highly dangerous garden cat."
I smacked his arm.
Harley only laughed again, shaking his head.
"Come on," I muttered, climbing into the passenger seat.
As I pulled the door shut, I caught him still standing beside the car, watching me with that same quiet expression he had been wearing all night.
"What?" I asked.
He blinked once, as if realizing he had been staring again, then walked around to the driver's side.
"Nothing."
But when he started the engine, the faint smile on his lips hadn't disappeared.
We drove off in silence toward home. Outside the window, the city lights blurred together as the car sped down the asphalt road.
"When did you take over Huang Group?" I asked, breaking the silence.
I saw his hands tighten on the steering wheel before relaxing again.
"Shortly after you left for England."
Neither of us spoke for a moment as the car continued down the road, streetlights flickering past the window.
"I'm sorry for hurting you like that," I said, twisting my fingers together.
Harley exhaled slowly. "I'm sorry too… sorry you had to deal with my backlash."
Warmth spread across my chest. "I'm so happy we're friends again."
When Harley glanced at me, something flickered in his eyes — too quick to name. He smiled back. "Me too."
The vehicle slowed down as Harley pulled into the driveway and parked at the entrance of the Huang mansion.
The next morning, when I opened my eyes, I reached for my phone on the nightstand. I was about to check my social media when I noticed ten missed calls from Amy.
I quickly sat up and dialed her number. She answered on the third ring.
"Amy, is everything okay?"
"Everything has never been better," she said, excitement clear in her voice.
"Okay, spill. What did I miss?"
Amy chuckled on the other end of the phone. "You'll see later this evening when you and Harley join us at Lumen."
"Amy…"
"Trust me," she said. "You're going to love it."
After she hung up, I climbed out of bed and stretched, yawning softly. I glanced at my reflection in the full-length mirror.
My hair was a mess. I pulled down the pajama shorts that had ridden up and straightened my tank top.
When I stepped out of my bedroom, I saw Harley coming up the stairs while talking to someone on the phone.
He glanced up when he noticed me standing there. "I want a copy on my desk by the end of the day," he said before hanging up.
"Work problem?"
I watched as he ran a hand through his hair. "Yes. Looks like I'll be going into the office today after all," he said before stepping into his room.
I followed him. "Do you know what time you'll be done?"
He sat down on his neatly made bed and looked up at me. "I'm not sure. Why?"
I walked across the room and sat down beside him. "Amy wants us to meet her and the guys at Lumen this evening. Something exciting happened."
"Okay."
I stood up to leave when Harley suddenly grabbed my wrist, stopping me in my tracks.
Before I could turn around, he gently pulled me back down onto his lap and wrapped his arms around me.
My heart pounded in my chest. "H-Harley…"
For a moment, he didn't answer. His arms stayed around me, firm and warm.
"Let me hold you like this for a while," he murmured, tightening his arms slightly.
After a brief pause, he added quietly, "It's been a long time."
My face burned as I tried to steady my racing heartbeat. Slowly, I nodded, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest against my back.
I swallowed the lump that had formed in my throat. "Um… Harley."
"Hm."
"Can I get up now?" I asked, fidgeting in his lap.
"Why?"
My hands flew to my face, covering it as heat rushed to my cheeks. I could practically feel him smiling behind me.
"It's embarrassing and highly inappropriate."
When I glanced back, I saw Harley smirking. He said in a teasing tone, "But we used to do this all the time when we were younger."
When he unconsciously loosened his grip, I took the opportunity and jumped off his lap. I turned around and looked at him. "That's the last time you're doing that."
He grinned wickedly. "Didn't enjoy it?"
My mouth dropped open. This guy has no shame, and secretly I liked it — a little too much for my liking.
"Don't be late," I said before exiting his room.
I leaned back against his closed bedroom door and exhaled softly. I felt my cheeks burning while my heart beat nervously against my chest.
Calm down, Sophie. Calm down.