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like?”
    Harper shrugged. “I don’t know. I like an older house that has electrical updates. I like the idea of being close to a river. I like the lake, don’t get me wrong, but a river is more fun and gives you a more rural feeling. I want a big yard and garden. I just want something … homey.”
    “I think that’s a good dream,” Jared said, killing the engine of his truck and reaching over to snag Harper’s hand. “Are you ready for this?”
    “I’ll be fine,” Harper said. “I’m sorry I was so nervous before. I feel a little silly about it now, but … I don’t want to embarrass you.”
    “Harper, you could never embarrass me,” Jared said. “I like you just the way you are. That’s why I couldn’t stay away from you, if you remember correctly. People here are going to see exactly what I see: A beautiful woman they want to get close to. If someone tries to hit on you, though, I’m going to pop them. That includes Josh. They may want to get close to you, but I’m the only one allowed to get close to you.”
    Harper giggled. “Is Josh a ladies’ man?”
    “I think we all fancied ourselves ladies’ men back in the day,” Jared replied. “I’m not sure we realized how ridiculous we were, but he’s a good guy. He’ll hit on you to irritate me, however. Trust me. I wouldn’t worry too much about it, though. It’s all an act.”
    “Well, let’s do this,” Harper said, slapping her hands against her knees to motivate herself. “We’re going to a murder mystery event and I have new clothes. This has disaster written all over it.”
    “You’re so stinking cute,” Jared said, cupping the back of Harper’s head and pressing a soft kiss to her lips. “Stick with me,” he whispered. “I’m going to give you the time of your life.”

    “ J ARED !”
    Harper snapped her head to the top of the circular stairway and smiled when she saw the handsome man descending. His face was flushed with excitement as he approached Jared, and Harper took a step back to let the men greet each other on their own terms.
    “I can’t believe you’re actually here,” Josh said, giving Jared a one-armed man hug and grinning. “I never thought I would see the day. I missed you, man.”
    “I can’t believe you live in this place,” Jared said. “I thought you were exaggerating when you described it. Apparently not.”
    “I don’t exaggerate,” Josh said. “You’re the one who exaggerates.”
    “That is such crap,” Jared chuckled, smiling fondly at his friend. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I missed you, too.”
    Josh Stokes was pretty much what Harper envisioned. He was tall like Jared, although his hair was blond instead of dark. He was well built and muscular, his jeans hugging his hips as he amiably chatted with his friend. Unlike the staff at the hotel, who were dressed in uniforms and stiff when greeting guests, Josh was friendly and welcoming. Harper instantly liked him.
    “And who is this?” Josh asked, shifting his attention to Harper. “This can’t be the girlfriend you were going on and on about over the phone, could it?”
    “No,” Jared deadpanned. “I picked her up on the street during the drive.”
    “Always the comedian,” Josh said, shaking his head. “I’m Josh Stokes. You must be the famous Harper Harlow.”
    “I’m not sure I’m famous,” Harper hedged, extending her hand in greeting. “The Harper Harlow part is correct, though.”
    “You are … freaking hot,” Josh said, grinning as he looked Harper up and down. “Jared always did like them beautiful.”
    “Um … okay,” Harper said, her cheeks burning.
    “Leave her alone,” Jared instructed, slipping his arm around Harper’s waist. “She’s mine. Keep your filthy hands to yourself.”
    “I can see why you’re claiming her like a Neanderthal,” Josh teased, beaming at Harper. “I can’t believe you managed to get him to settle down. I thought for sure he would be a bachelor for