Chapter 86: Are You Done Talking?

~“I always let you down, you’re shattered on the ground, but still I find you there, next to me. And oh, the stupid things I do, I’m far from good, it’s true. But still I find you next to me.” —Imagine Dragons.~

Chapter Theme Song: “Next To Me” by Imagine Dragons.

HARMONY

Mom’s all excited about dinner with Mr. Blake. Me? Not so much.

After our last big fight, I should be keeping my distance from Blaze. But here I am, about to walk right into his house. All because Mom’s suddenly best friends with his dad.

How did that even happen? She’s usually as shy as I am. But I guess Mr. Blake has the same charm as his son.

“We’re here,” Mom says, pulling into Blaze’s driveway. I’ve been here so many times, but now I’m nervous.

What am I doing here? I was supposed to be taking a break from all things Homewood this weekend. But now I’m walking right into the lion’s den.

What will Blaze think when he sees me? He’ll probably think I’m as crazy as Maddie and can’t leave him alone.

~This is all your fault, Mom.~

“I’m so tired,” Mom sighs, getting out of the car.

I roll my eyes. If she was really tired, she would have stayed home. She has no idea how hard this dinner is going to be for me.

Eli fell asleep before we left, so Mom called Jenna, our babysitter, to watch him. I offered to stay home with him, but Mom insisted I come. She said Mr. Blake specifically asked for me.

Mom rings the doorbell, and my mind drifts back to the party Blaze threw a while ago. And all the times we spent together here. Talking, watching movies, and...getting a little too close.

Footsteps echo from inside the house, and my heart skips a beat.

The door opens, and it’s Mr. Blake. I let out a sigh of relief. At least it’s not Blaze. But I know I’ll have to face him eventually.

“Welcome, Haylee and Harmony,” Mr. Blake says, flashing a perfect smile.

“Hi,” Mom and I say together, then giggle like schoolgirls.

Mr. Blake laughs. “Like mother, like daughter. Come on in.”

We step inside, and I can tell Mom’s impressed. She’s always loved fancy houses and furniture. And Blaze’s house is definitely impressive.

While Mom admires the gray and black interior, I scan the house for any sign of Blaze. I don’t see him, but his room light is on. He must be upstairs.

“Blaze is upstairs—he’ll be down soon. Follow me,” Mr. Blake says, leading us to the dining room.

“Okay,” Mom says, following him.

“Have a seat. Dinner’s almost ready,” Mr. Blake says.

I can smell the food, and my stomach growls. I wonder if Mr. Blake is as good a cook as Blaze. Those cheesy noodles he made were amazing. But I’ll probably never have them again.

Mr. Blake goes to the living room and yells up the stairs, “Blaze, come down!”

“What?!” Blaze yells back, and my heart races.

“Dinner’s ready!”

Mr. Blake comes back to the dining room, shaking his head. “No manners.” He goes to the kitchen, and Mom chuckles.

A door slams upstairs, and footsteps echo through the house. Blaze is coming down, and I suddenly feel like I can’t breathe.

“This house is really nice, isn’t it, Harmony?” Mom says, but I can’t answer. I’m too busy trying not to have a heart attack.

Blaze walks into the dining room, wearing blue shorts and a black tee. He runs a hand through his hair, then looks up and sees me. He stops, looking surprised.

I stare back at him, feeling my body relax. I didn’t realize how tense I was until I saw him. His eyes are like a lifeline to my starving soul.

I miss him. So much.

“Good evening,” Mom says, waving at Blaze. He breaks eye contact with me to smile at her.

“Hi,” he says, then glares at his dad. “Help me in the kitchen, Blaze. You’re not a guest,” Mr. Blake says, and Blaze looks at me one more time before following his dad.

BLAZE

“Are you serious?” I glare at Dad as he pours orange juice into a jug, pretending to be innocent.

“You could have told me we were having guests. That’s the polite thing to do. Is this why you made me leave Homewood?”

“Relax, Blaze. I just thought it would be nice to invite them over for dinner,” Dad says, shrugging.

I groan. “You should have told me. What if I’d come downstairs naked?”

He laughs, grabbing some glasses and setting them on a tray. “You wouldn’t dare.”

Is he really saying this to me? I’m the kind of guy who lounges around naked after a shower. I could stay that way all day.

The last time he had a guest, I strolled downstairs in nothing but my boxers, a half-dressed girl trailing behind me. The woman he’d invited over for business nearly had a heart attack.

I guess he’s hoping for a repeat performance, with Harmony and her mom as the unsuspecting audience this time.

I can’t remember when I started caring about how I look. I’ve never been one to worry about what people think of me or how I affect them.

But Harmony’s changed me. I’m acting out of character, and sometimes I don’t even realize it.

I give him a deadpan look, and he waves me off.

“Okay, you’re right. You might have come down naked or in your boxers, like that time you nearly gave Mrs. Saunders a heart attack. But it’s not a big deal.

“Besides, Harmony’s already seen you like that, hasn’t she?”

He’s grinning as he says it, and I know he’s thinking about that time he walked in on us in the hospital room.

I scowl. “No, she hasn’t. And what’s going on with you and her mom? You’re not trying to hook up with her, are you?”

“Blaze, why on earth would you think that?” He pulls on an oven mitt, looking at me with feigned surprise.

“Because you’re a forty-year-old man who can’t control his hormones.”

He pretends to be offended, giving me a flat look. “I can control them, thank you very much. And I’m thirty-nine, Blaze. You don’t even know how old I am.”

“You’re close enough to forty.” I reach for a cup to pour myself some juice, but he snatches it out of my hand.

“Wait until we eat. Now help me with the food, you greedy bastard.”

I roll my eyes and grab a pair of oven mitts.

HARMONY

Mr. Blake and my mom are chatting away, laughing at things I don’t find funny, while Blaze and I avoid making eye contact as we eat.

It’s awkward, but Blaze seems less bothered by it, using his phone as a distraction.

I keep my head down, focusing on my plate of pasta as if it holds the secrets of the universe.

~This is awful.~ I want to go home. I can’t handle the anxiety anymore. I wouldn’t be surprised if my heart gives out from all the stress.

“Yes, I’ve seen it a few times.”

My mom laughs at something Mr. Blake says, and he joins in. As they share a laugh, his eyes flicker between Blaze and me.

Noticing the awkward silence between us, he clears his throat. “You kids okay?”

I force a smile and look up at him. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

“Oh, I know Harmony. She gets quiet when she’s bored. Maybe we should head home,” Mom suggests.

Blaze looks up from his phone at me.

I shake my head. “No, it’s okay. I’m just a little tired.”

“Aww, I can see that. School’s tough, isn’t it?” Mr. Blake asks.

~Not really, but your son sure is.~

“Yeah, it’s really draining.” I press my lips together, and he sighs.

“I understand. Why don’t you stay the night, dear?”

Both Blaze and I stare at him in surprise, and he chuckles at our reaction.

“Just for the night. I’m taking Blaze back to Homewood for school tomorrow, so you could ride with us. Plus, your mom must be tired.” He looks at her with hopeful eyes.

My mom won’t agree. She’s always been overprotective, so there’s no way she’ll—

“Oh yes, I was actually going to ask if she could stay the night. Maybe she could get a ride with one of you tomorrow morning since your son goes to the same school. That would be a big help, Mr. Xander,” she says.

My eyes widen in shock. ~Is this really my mom? Who is this woman?~

Blaze goes back to his phone, and I clear my throat, shifting uncomfortably in my seat. “Um, I don’t have my bag or anything I need for school at Homewood—”

“Oh, don’t worry, sweetie. I packed your things because I was going to ask Mr. Blake if you could stay over.

“I have to be at work really early tomorrow. We’re getting a new boss, and I need to get some things sorted out before he arrives.”

My mouth falls open. She packed my things? This can’t be my mom. How could she just—

“Great, it’s settled then!” Mr. Blake says cheerfully. “Harmony will stay the night, and I’ll make sure she gets back to Homewood bright and early tomorrow.”

~Why would she think this is okay?~

“Thank you, Mr. Blake. I feel like I’m always asking you to drive my daughter around. I owe you one,” she says, giggling like a teenager. It throws me off.

~She’s acting weird.~

Mr. Blake waves her off. “It’s no problem, Haylee. I have plenty of room here, and I don’t mind having her. You could stay too, if you want.”

“I’d love to, but I have to be at work early tomorrow, and my son is at home. Thanks so much for your help.”

“It’s my pleasure.”

I can’t wrap my head around my mom’s decision. She’s never been one to let me sleep over at anyone’s house. How can she trust Mr. Blake so easily, knowing he has a twenty-year-old son living with him?

What’s gotten into her?

It seems Mr. Blake has used his famous ‘Xander’ charm. The same charm Blaze used on me, and now I can’t seem to break free from it.

***

“Alright, remember to hit the sack early, no staying up late watching ~Pretty Little Liars~ or whatever show you kids are into these days,” my mom instructs, handing me my backpack.

I stagger under the weight. What on earth did she pack in here? It’s way heavier than what I brought home.

She shuts the car’s backseat door and turns to me. “And call me if you need anything. Also, remember he has a son, so no messing around with him.

“I’m allowing this because Mr. Blake is a responsible man who wouldn’t stand for any inappropriate behavior. His son might be as handsome as him, but don’t let that cloud your judgment.”

“Mom, don’t you think this is a bit strange? Why would you let me stay here? You barely know them.”

“Mr. Blake is going to be a friend of mine for a long time, so you should get used to him. What? You don’t trust yourself? I’ve raised you to be disciplined, I shouldn’t have to worry about leaving you here, right?”

I shake my head, looking down.

“Exactly. And what do I always say about boys?”

“Mom.”

“Say it.”

I roll my eyes. “Boys mean babies.”

“Correct.” She leans over and kisses my cheek before opening her car door. “Call me. Mr. Blake is a cop, so you’ll be safe.”

His being a cop doesn’t mean anything. She’s not making any sense, honestly.

She gets in the car. “Go get some sleep.”

I sigh and wave at her as she steps on the gas and drives off. Leaving me here.

My mom has lost her mind. It’s like anyone who comes into contact with these two guys ends up losing their sanity.

So much for keeping my distance from Blaze.

I head back inside, and Mr. Blake has already cleared the table. Blaze is still sitting there, engrossed in his cellphone.

At the sound of my footsteps, he looks up, and our eyes meet again. The electric connection between us sparks once more, and I quickly look away from him as Mr. Blake approaches me.

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure you get to school safe and early tomorrow.”

I smile. “Thank you, Mr. Xander.”

“Also, I have two guest rooms, but...” He scratches his temple. “One doesn’t have a bed, and the other is closed for renovation. The roof needs fixing.”

“Oh...okay.” I smile. “I’ll take the couch.”

He chuckles. “No, no way. I wouldn’t do that to a guest. I was wondering if you could stay in Blaze’s room for the night?”

~What?~

My eyes widen in shock, and at this rate, they’re going to pop out of my head. This night is full of too many surprises.

“Um...” I swallow. “I’m not sure.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll be in the house, so he won’t do anything to you.” He turns to Blaze. “Harmony will be staying with you for the night, Blaze.”

Blaze looks surprised as he glances between his dad and me, and I awkwardly look away.

“Come on, get up and show her to the room,” Mr. Blake commands with a frown. “You’re far from being a gentleman. Jesus.”

“It’s okay.” I shake my head in disagreement. “I can sleep on the couch—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Blaze interrupts as he stands up. “You’re not sleeping on the couch.”

My cheeks flush, and Mr. Blake looks down with a gentle smile.

“Come on.” Blaze turns and heads toward the staircase, and I glance at Mr. Blake, who closes his eyes and gives a small nod, gesturing with his hand for me to follow his son.

And I do, even though my legs feel strangely wobbly beneath me.

***

“You can use one of these,” Blaze offers, extending something toward me, but my mind is elsewhere as I stare at the mat on the floor.

“Harmony.” He snaps his fingers in front of my face, and I snap back to reality, looking at him.

“Sorry...”

“What were you thinking about?” He raises an eyebrow, and I shake my head.

“Nothing. What did you say?”

“Here, you can have this blanket.” He hands me the soft gray fabric, and I can smell his scent on it.

I give a small smile. “Thank you.”

“You can take the bed too.”

He tugs at the hem of his T-shirt as I start to protest. “No, I can’t. Where would you sleep? That’s not fair, Blaze. We should just...”

My words trail off when my eyes land on his toned chest.

I awkwardly look away while he lets out a heavy sigh. “You’re always so stubborn. Take the bed. I’ll sleep on the floor.”

He turns away and grabs another blanket from the closet, then he moves over to the bed and picks up a pillow.

I sigh. He’s really serious about this. I hate the idea of invading his personal space and taking his bed. It just doesn’t feel right.

He tosses them on the floor, but just as he’s about to settle down on the cold ground, I plop down in his spot instead. I know I must look childish and silly right now, but I don’t care.

He glares down at me in disbelief. “Really, Harmony?”

“Yes. I’m the guest. I’ll be fine down here.”

“Get up.”

“No.” I shove the pillow over my head, and I hear him suck in a breath as he swiftly grabs my shoulders, pulling me up to face him.

His hands stay on my shoulders, his gaze intense as he studies me. His face is serious, but I can see his eyes flicker to my lips.

I catch the look of desire and yearning in his eyes, and it makes my breath catch in my throat.

“Take the bed,” he says quietly. “And quit bugging me...”

His gaze lingers on my lips as he speaks, but quickly returns to my eyes. “Otherwise, I’ll just sleep on the couch downstairs.”

“I don’t want the bed,” I mumble.

“Alright...then I’ll be downstairs. Goodnight,” he says, and I feel my heart shatter.

He turns to leave, and I feel a surge of anger. I’ve tried so hard with him, but I always end up feeling hurt and let down.

“Fine,” I snap. “Go. I’m done chasing you. Do whatever you want. I’m sick of this, you jerk.”

He stops in his tracks, slowly turning to look at me, clearly taken aback by my outburst.

“Did you just call me a jerk?”

“Yes.” I nod. “Yes, I did, Blaze Xander. I’m sick of you and your arrogant attitude!

“You act like the world revolves around you, like people should chase you until you decide it’s time to talk to them. You’re an ass! And I’m done chasing you.

“I don’t need to, okay? You’re not some god!”

He raises an eyebrow. “You know my dad can probably hear you.”

“I don’t care! I don’t care if the whole world hears! You’re a narcissist who thinks everyone should worship you.

“You don’t care about the hurtful things you say, and having ASPD doesn’t give you the right to walk all over people. I’ve been letting your bad behavior slide, but I’m done making excuses for you!

“Why? Because it’s not fair. It’s not fair to me, and I don’t deserve any of this. I don’t deserve to be treated like one of those girls you’ve slept with!”

He crosses his arms over his chest, a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Go on.”

“I won’t tolerate your rude behavior! And I won’t let you ignore me, then talk to me whenever you feel like it.

“I’ve apologized for so many things, but you’re still acting like a child! If you can’t accept an apology, then do whatever you want, take it or leave it.

“You’re too arrogant to apologize when you’re wrong, and I’m not going to sit here and let you be mean to me for things I’ve already said sorry for. You’re rude, thoughtless, cruel, and disrespectful!”

“Keep talking, and I might just have to teach that smart mouth of yours a lesson.”

His tone is playful, and he doesn’t seem bothered. His intense stare makes me uncomfortable, and I shift from foot to foot, my confidence wavering, but I hold it together.

I’m not done with him yet.

“You think everyone should be at your beck and call, but Harmony Skye won’t be, okay? I’m more than that. I won’t let you keep hurting me, and I sure as hell won’t kiss your ass!

“Maddie and all those other girls might have, but not me. I’m not going to grovel at your feet like some servant. I’m not one of them!”

After the last word leaves my mouth, I’m panting from the anger, and Blaze grins at me from across the room. “Are you done?”

His eyes twinkle with admiration as he bites his lower lip, making my heart flutter.

He should be angry. Why is he looking at me like that?

He starts to walk towards me, and I take a step back, nervous. “N-no, I’m not done...”

He wraps his arms around my waist, pulling me against him. My chest hits his, and my eyes widen as I look up at him. I’m trying to keep up my confident facade, but I can feel it slipping.

He smirks at me, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Then keep talking. I want to hear what else you have to say with that sassy mouth of yours...”

His pupils dilate, and I see a spark of desire in his eyes. It’s too much, and I look away, my heart pounding in my chest.

“I...I, you’re a spoiled—”

His lips crash into mine, cutting off my words and replacing them with the taste of him.