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Reunited
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-21 02:12:15
Bab terkait
A Sketch Away From Perfect Nothing Too Extravagant
*Harper*The apartment in Mineesota is quiet except for the rhythmic strokes of my brush against the canvas. There’s a kind of peace in painting, something about the way colors blend together, the way shapes emerge from nothing, the way my hands move without me having to think. It’s one of the few things in my life that feels truly simple.Except today, my mind refuses to be quiet. I keep thinking about Scott and his stronger-than-expected feelings,and the fact that I can’t stop thinking about him.I dip my brush into the deep crimson paint, swirling it onto the canvas with long, sweeping strokes. I tell myself I’m just painting shadows, but I know the truth. I’m painting Scott’s lips, the color they turn when he kisses me, when he really kisses me.I press my lips together, remembering the way he looked at me at the carnival. The way he held my hand. The way he invited me to a family event without hesitation, like I already belonged.And that’s the thing, isn’t it? Scott seems to b
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28A Sketch Away From Perfect The Woman Scorned
*Harper*When Tomas calls a few days later and asks if I want to go salsa dancing at our usual spot, I smile so wide my face hurts.“Of course,” I say, already flipping through my closet for a dress that will make him sweat before we even hit the dance floor. “I’m dying for another night with you, Profe.”When Tomas knocks on my door, I’m already feeling dangerous.The dress I picked is deep green, tight in all the right places, with a slit high enough to make a statement. My heels click against the floor as I open the door, and the moment Tomas lays eyes on me, his whole body goes still.His gaze travels down my body, slow and deliberate, before snapping back to my face with a heated intensity that sends a shiver down my spine.“Helena,” he breathes, shaking his head as he steps inside. “You are . . . imposible.”I grin, letting my fingers trail along his chest before resting on his shoulder. “Impossible to resist?”“Completely.” He finds my waist, pulling me closer. “Let’s get to t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-29A Sketch Away From Perfect Grandma's 100th
*Harper*Scott is sprawled on my couch, scrolling through his phone, looking completely relaxed.At least, he is until he looks up. The second I step out of my room, his phone drops onto his lap, his lips parting slightly as his eyes trail over me.The white sundress with pink flowers had been an impulse pick–sweet, flirty, innocent enough for a family party, but still tight in all the right places. My hair is curled, cascading over my shoulders, and my perfume smells like fresh strawberries and summer dreams.I barely make it two steps into the living room before Scott lets out a low, audible gasp.“Oh, no,” I tease, placing a hand on my hip. “Did I break you?”He blinks once, then twice, before clearing his throat. “You’re… I mean–” He stumbles, trying to gather his thoughts.I bite back a smile. “You mean?”Scott shakes his head, standing up slowly. “I mean I’m going to need a minute to remember my own name.”Laughing, I step forward, running a finger lightly down the front of his
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31A Sketch Away From Perfect Uncomfortable Passes
*Harper*Rafe is back in Minnesota to play the Vikings. It’s the first game I’ve gotten to see in person since we all went to San Francisco, and I’m so freaking excited! McKenzy is also buzzing with enthusiasm, bouncing from room to room while we get ready. “I’ve already picked out my outfit,” she announces from the bathroom, her voice echoing slightly. “It’s slutty, but I make it classy.”I laugh, standing in front of my closet, towel still wrapped around me. “I’m sure Rafe’s teammates will find you irresistible.”“They’d better,” she sings back. “It took a long time to find the perfect balance of the two!”By the time Damien’s sleek black car pulls up to our building, McKenzy and I are both looking fabulous. I went with a body-hugging red dress in the same shade as the 49ers uniforms because Rafe always says red is his favorite color on me. McKenzy, true to form, went for an off-the-shoulder mini-dress in glittering gold that makes her look like a human disco ball.Damien steps out
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01A Sketch Away From Perfect A Good Girl
*Harper*A few days later, Rafe calls mid-morning, his voice soft and a little guilty, like he’s been sitting with something too heavy for too long.“Hey,” he says when I answer. “You got a minute?”I sink into the couch, tucking my legs under me and feeling oddly nervous.“Of course.”There’s a short pause, but long enough for me to know this isn’t just a casual check-in.“I’ve been thinking about the party,” he says. “About McNaught.”I close my eyes briefly. “Rafe—”“No, just let me say this.” His voice is firm, but there’s worry underneath. “I should’ve shut that down before it even started. I knew he was weird about me taking the starting spot, and I saw how he was looking at you when I introduced you. I just didn’t think–”“That he’d corner me?” I finish for him.“Yeah.” His sigh is heavy. “That’s on me.”“No,” I say, keeping my voice gentle. “That’s on him. You’re not responsible for what some jealous creep does after too many drinks.”He goes quiet for a second. “I still feel
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-02A Sketch Away From Perfect Showdown on the Porch
*Tomas*I don’t plan to take Harper to the salsa club tonight. It’s our place, our little pocket of rhythm and heat where we move together like our bodies were made to match. But it’s also somewhere Carmen knows I’ll be. And lately, I can’t shake the feeling that she isn’t done making trouble for us. So I call Harper and suggest something different.“A jazz club?” she repeats, sounding both surprised and intrigued.“Sí,” I say, smiling into the phone. “It’s not as spicy, but it has its own kind of heat. You’ll see.”She laughs, soft and sweet, and I already know tonight is going to be perfect.When I pull up to her apartment, she’s already waiting outside, wearing a silky black dress that clings to her curves like it was painted on. Her hair tumbles over her shoulders in soft waves, her lips painted a deep red that’s already staining my imagination.“Dios mío,” I murmur, stepping out to open the passenger door for her. “You are dangerous, mi preciosa.”She smiles, slow and knowing, an
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04A Sketch Away From Perfect Milo
*Harper*My phone rings as I’m balancing a coffee mug in one hand and my sketchpad in the other. I almost ignore it, but the Chicago area code catches my eye. It’s the Whitney Gallery. I set everything down and grab my phone just before the call rolls to voicemail. “Hello?”“Hi, is this Harper Ward?”“This is she.”“This is Stephanie from the Whitney Gallery in Chicago. I’m calling with some incredible news.”I blink, my heart leaping into my throat. “Go on,” I squeak out, annoyed by how amateur I sound. “We sold your piece,” she says, her voice bubbling with excitement. “It went for considerably more than the asking price. You’ll be receiving a huge check from us.”“Oh, my God,” I breathe, my knees weakening until I have to lean against the counter. “That’s… wow. That’s amazing.”“It’s well deserved,” Stephanie says warmly. “We’d love to have more of your work if you’re interested.”“I’m definitely interested,” I manage, my mind spinning.We wrap up the call, and when I hang up, I j
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-04A Sketch Away From Perfect The Second-String Quarterback
*Harper*Flying with Damien never stops feeling opulent. The jet is sleek and perfect, just like everything he owns. The leather seats are softer than my actual bed, and the flight attendant knows my drink order before I even ask.Damien’s beside me, dressed too well for travel, effortlessly handsome in that “I own the world” way that still leaves me slightly breathless.I sip my champagne, curling my legs under me as the clouds drift past the window. “So, just out of curiosity, what do you think regular people do when they want to visit their boyfriend in another state?”Damien grins, stretching an arm across the back of my seat. “I have no idea.”I laugh, leaning into him, the bubbles already fizzing pleasantly in my bloodstream.Before long, we’ve landed and made our way through town to Levi’s Stadium. The place is loud and alive, fans decked out in red and gold, chanting and waving banners. Damien’s private box is, as always, the best seat in the house.Rafe looks incredible on th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-07
Bab terbaru
A Sketch Away From Perfect She Has to Chose
*Harper*The studio is packed, with dozens of people filtering in and out, drinking champagne, admiring the work, and talking in hushed tones. McKenzy stands beside me, her eyes wide as she watches a well-dressed couple argue over who gets to buy one of her handmade pieces. Across the room, a small cluster of critics and collectors linger in front of one of my paintings, nodding thoughtfully. I feel like I might burst into a thousand bright, brilliant colors all over one of my canvases. After weeks of planning and stressing, we’re watching our dreams come true in real time.Damien, true to his word, has invited half the city… the important half, at that, the art world elite, the socialites, the people with bottomless bank accounts and a thirst for status are walking around our space, bidding for our work. I exhale, trying to ground myself, but McKenzy grabs my arm, squeezing hard.“Harper,” she whispers, “Michael Fucking Vernon is here.”I blink at her, confused for half a second bef
A Sketch Away From Perfect A Swift Kick to the Nuts
*Harper*I tell myself I’m being dramatic, but even as I try to talk myself down, my hands tremble where they rest on my lap. The air in the private box feels too still, like the whole stadium is holding its breath right along with me.I hate that my brain goes right to Jeff McNaught. I know he’s not supposed to be here. He’s suspended, kicked off the premises, and if he so much as buys a hot dog from a vendor outside the stadium, someone will recognize him.But logic doesn’t help. Maybe it’s just PTSD, but I’d clocked Jeff as a sleaze the second I met him, and he’s done nothing to help that. Our last encounter really left me shaken, and I’m genuinely terrified of facing him again.As long as the door stays closed, I tell myself I’m safe, even though the game has just ended. Thankfully, the 49ers won. I should go down to greet Rafe, but I decide to stay here and wait for Damien so I’m not navigating the stadium on my own.More than anything, I’m pissed at Damien for leaving me when he
A Sketch Away From Perfect Old Anxiety
*Damien*Harper sits across from me on the jet, barefoot, her legs tucked up under her like we’re on her beat-up couch instead of a leather seat that probably cost more than her apartment. She fits in my world about as well as a paint-splattered easel in a corporate boardroom, yet I still find her absolutely irresistible. I love the way she cracks me open, lets in sunlight where there used to be nothing but polished surface and empty space.She catches me staring and grins, her hair a messy halo around her face. “What? Did I spill soy sauce on my shirt again?”“No.” I sip my scotch, savoring the burn, the way it sharpens my focus. “I’m just admiring the view.”She rolls her eyes, but there’s a blush rising to her cheeks, and it kills me how easily I can get under her skin. No one else blushes for me. Not the models, not the debutantes, not the socialites who’d sell their souls to spend a night in my bed. Only her.San Francisco glows under a soft sunset by the time we land, and inste
A Sketch Away From Perfect Future Expectations
*Scott*Harper’s been acting different all afternoon. It’s subtle enough that most people would miss it, but I know her too well. She’s smiling too tightly, laughing with a little too much energy, fidgeting in the way she only does when she’s trying to hide something. I could probably write a field guide to Harper Ward’s anxious ticks, and they’re all fully on display today.We’re hanging the last of her paintings in the studio, lining up each piece she’s created for her gallery showing. Harper’s perched on the step stool, holding a canvas while I measure and mark the wall. She’s so focused now, she’s barely breathing.“All right,” I say, stepping back. “That’s level.”“Great,” she says, but the smile doesn’t quite reach her eyes.I hand her the hammer, and she drives the nail into place with more force than necessary, her knuckles tight around the handle.“Okay, what’s going on?” I ask, leaning my shoulder against the wall. “Because if you hit that nail any harder, we’re gonna end up
A Sketch Away From Perfect Ex-Friends
*Harper*I stare at the dining table, wondering if I’ve overdone it. I’ve definitely overdone it. McKenzy, Melody, and I are the only three having dinner, but I’ve cooked enough for a small army. Roast chicken, garlic mashed potatoes, a side salad, and fresh bread with this fancy herb butter that McKenzy made sit on the table ready to be consumed. I even baked a peach cobbler because I remember Melody liking peaches when we were kids.I know it’s ridiculous since this is just a dinner to discuss baby shower plans, but my anxiety has forced me to create something that feels warm and welcoming, even if this entire situation is about as awkward as it gets. McKenzy peeks over my shoulder as I straighten a fork for the fourth time.“You want to tell me why you’re acting like you’re hosting the damn royal family?” she asks sarcastically.I snort. “Because I have no idea how this is going to go, and if it’s a disaster, at least I can feed her into a food coma,” I tell her honestly, laying
A Sketch Away From Perfect Pampered
*Tomas*I know Harper well enough by now to see when stress is eating her alive, even when she tries to hide it behind that bright, brave smile. Her art show has been consuming every spare second of her time, and on top of that, she still acts like Carmen is going to jump out at her every time we’re out together.That’s why today is all about her.She has no idea what I have planned, and the look of surprise when I show up at her door with a coffee in one hand and a bag of pastries in the other makes me feel like I already won the day.“Buenos días, preciosa.” I kiss her cheek as she opens the door, stepping inside before she can protest. “I’m stealing you for the day.”She blinks at me, still in her robe, hair a messy knot on top of her head. “Stealing me? What do you mean?”“I made an itinerary.” I wave a folded piece of paper in front of her face, then set it on the counter. “You deserve a ‘you day,’ Harper. No painting, no stress. Just you being pampered like the queen you are.”H
A Sketch Away From Perfect Chaos and Beauty Collide
*Harper*I’m practically vibrating with excitement when I burst into the apartment, nearly knocking poor McKenzy off the couch. She’s got paint in her hair, a bowl of popcorn balanced on her lap, and her laptop open to some DIY tutorial. The moment she sees my face, her eyes go wide.“Okay, what’s got you bouncing off the walls like a caffeinated squirrel?” she asks, grinning as she sets her popcorn aside.“We’re doing it!” I practically sing, spinning in a circle. “We’re having our art show. And it’s going to be huge.”McKenzy gasps and leaps off the couch to grab my hands. “Shut up. Are you serious? How did this happen?”“Damien,” I answer, breathless from my impromptu happy dance. “I mentioned it to him, and before I could even finish the sentence, he had this whole plan. He said he’s going to blast it all over social media and call in favors from every art critic, influencer, and high-society snob he knows.”McKenzy’s jaw drops. “Holy shit. You know what this means, right?”“That
A Sketch Away From Perfect Big Ideas
*Harper*McKenzy’s perched on top of a step stool, paintbrush clenched between her teeth, holding two wildly different knobs up to a half-finished dresser. One is sleek brass, the other shaped like a ceramic lemon.“I’m thinking weird fruit motif,” she says around the brush. “Or is that too quirky farm wife?”“Knowing you,” I say, smearing cobalt blue across my latest canvas, “it’s exactly the right amount of quirky farm wife.”She grins and tosses the lemon knob into her tool bag. “Perfect. If Scott hates it, I’ll tell him to take it up with my creative genius.”The studio feels especially bright today, sunlight spilling through the windows, illuminating the organized chaos we’ve turned it into. My corner smells like oil paint and turpentine. McKenzy’s side smells like sawdust and wood stain.McKenzy spins on her stool, eyeing my painting. “That’s new.”“Just started it last night,” I say. “It’s about Melody. Sort of.”She leans closer, frowning slightly. “It’s angry.”“It’s complica
A Sketch Away From Perfect A Sour Melody
*Harper*My third cup of coffee sits half-finished on the table, paint still clinging to the edges of my nails from a morning spent lost in my latest piece. McKenzy’s out running errands, the apartment is quiet, and I’m riding the kind of creative high that only comes when everything just clicks.I’m about to dip my brush into a streak of deep teal when my phone buzzes. I grab it without thinking, expecting McKenzy or Scott or maybe one of the guys.It’s the gallery in Chicago.My stomach flips.“Hello?” I answer, trying not to sound like someone who just inhaled a cinnamon roll while juggling a paintbrush between her teeth.“Harper! It’s Stephanie at the Whitney.” Her voice is bright, almost bubbly. That’s already a good sign.“Hi!” I tuck the phone between my ear and shoulder, scrambling for a notepad in case I need to write anything down.“I hope I’m not interrupting, but I wanted to call personally,” Stephanie says. “We’ve had some really wonderful interest in your work after that
