All Chapters of A Sketch Away From Perfect: Chapter 21 - Chapter 30

HarperI’ve changed into jeans and a T-shirt for the ride back to my apartment. Damien bought some clothes just for me after our first date. Honestly, I’m afraid to wear anything with easy access. Damien kept me up all night, and then had me again this morning, into the afternoon. He has an insatiable appetite for every area of his life. He’s still giving me the most wolfish grin as we ride in the town car. I frown at him. “I hope you’re proud of yourself. I didn’t get a wink of sleep!”“I’m quite proud, actually. Thank you for asking.” He chuckles.I swat his shoulder, and he captures my hand and nibbles my fingertips. Now, I’m wishing I had worn something more accessible.“Too bad you’re not wearing a skirt today. Though I must say, your ass looks great in those jeans,” he says when he releases my hand.“Thanks.” I shake my head at him. “I can&rs

HarperI don’t think he’s serious. I really don’t. Until I see his eyes darken. “Oh shit.” I scramble over to the other side of the bed, putting it between me and Tomás.“Cariña, I’m not going to duct tape you to the bed,” he sighs.“Uh-huh. I don’t believe you,” I respond, still keeping the bed between us.Tomás rolls his eyes. “I would have used something far less abrasive.”“What?” I yell.“I’m kidding. But if me standing here will keep you from trying to leave the apartment, all the better,” he says.I narrow my eyes at him. “You’re on, Profe.”With a slight smile, he stands in front of the door with his arms crossed. “And just what do you think you can do?”He’s not Rafe, so he’s not built like a football player, but that doesn’t

Two hours earlier…  Scott“This isn’t right,” Damien says.I look at him in the rearview mirror. “What’s not right?”“She stopped in Hastings, but now she’s heading back to the city, as far as I can tell.” He leans back to show me his phone. “I can’t believe they didn’t catch her when she stopped. Technical difficulties. God, these boondock towns…”“You know Vermillion is a suburb of Hastings, right?” I remark dryly.“I stand by what I said.” He turns to Tomás. “We need to head toward West St. Paul.”I grab the oh-shit bar as Tomás makes a one-eighty on two wheels, causing a lot of honking. Then we’re speeding away from Hastings on Highway 55.“She’s on 494 West. Where on earth is she going?” Damien mutters.“That’s not the hig

RafeTomás promises to rejoin us after we shake the Steve Keller tree. McKenzy really needs to go home, poor thing. Jack Collins is getting the ass kicking of a lifetime once we find him.Norm knocks on Keller’s door while Damien stands patiently behind him. There are some bewildered police officers outside behind us. I suppose they aren’t used to having to put the pressure on one of their own.A second knock finally brings Keller to the door. He looks at the whole lot of us outside, especially at Norm, and frowns. “What?” he demands.Damien’s lips tighten. I understand. I don’t like his tone either.“Mr. Keller?” Damien asks coldly.“Yeah? Who’s asking?” Keller grumps.“Damien Blackwood. I think you’ve been a bit of an asshole, Mr. Keller,” Damien says.Norm finds his balls and talks over Damien. “We just want to know where Harper Ward is, Steve. I’m sure Jack lied to you. He kidnapped one girl and traded her for Miss Ward. He killed an impound attendant. He stole a truck from the im

HarperAfter my MRI, the doctors finally let me go see Rafe. I shuffle down to his room in hospital socks and a gown. Tomás has gone to pick up some pizza for us all. Damien is on his phone, leaning on the technicians and whoever else is involved to get my MRI reviewed. Scott stepped out to call someone to check on his animals since he’s been gone so long.I knock lightly on the door to Rafe’s room. When I hear Jen, Rafe’s mother, call “Come in!” I push open the door and go inside.Jen is sitting next to the bed, holding Rafe’s hand. His father, Skip, is leaning against the windowsill with his arms folded. When they look up, neither of them are particularly happy to see me.“Harper,” Jen says in a clipped tone.“Mrs. Maloney,” I reply respectfully. “Mr. Maloney.”Skip eyes me with deep-seated anger.“You could have ended his football career, you know?