Sparks & Cabin Fever Read Online Free PDF Page B

decided to refrain from making a snotty comeback. At least she'd show him that she had some class.
    â€œThanks for meeting me, Stef. You can leave now if you want to.”
    So, that was it? Never before had Harper asked her to leave. But then, neither of them had ever before encountered a man like Deacon Travis. Stefani's face burned and she swallowed hard as bitter tears formed behind her eyes. She wasn't going to be used like this ever again by Harper. This was the final straw.
    Deacon handed Harper her drink. “I just love this song,” she squealed. She took a quick sip and then set her gin and tonic on the bar. She grabbed Deacon's arm. “Come on. Dance with me!”
    He shot Stefani a withering look. “I'm not much for dancing. I think I'll sit here and drink my beer.” He rubbed his jaw. “I'm sure you can find a better dance partner than me.”
    â€œCome on,” she insisted. “Just one dance.” She tugged on his arm.
    Deacon hesitated. “I don't want to intrude on your girls' night out.” He turned to Stefani.
    Stefani tried to read his expression. He obviously didn't want to dance, but she couldn't be certain if he wanted to be alone with Harper either. Or maybe he was just being polite to Stefani, but deep down hoping she'd leave so he could be alone with Harper. She was confused.
    Harper rested a hand on Stefani's arm. “You don't mind, do you, Stef? After all, you didn't really want to come out tonight. I shouldn't have forced you.” She puckered her lips into her usual pouty look. “I'm sorry.”
    Stefani gritted her teeth. “No, I don't mind. I have a splitting headache,” she lied. “Have fun.” She forced a smile.
    â€œOh, we will,” Harper said with a satisfied look on her face as she linked her arm through Deacon's and steered him in the direction of the dance floor.
    Deacon turned his head again and looked questionably at Stefani. She nodded and smiled weakly holding back the hot bitter tears. His eyes narrowed before he turned his attention back to Harper. Stefani watched them as they made their way onto the crowded dance floor. The song was a fast one, but Harper had her arms wrapped around Deacon's neck and her body pressed tightly against his. Stefani watched them for a few seconds, and then walked toward the exit. She was almost to the door when Harper hurried over to her and clutched her arm.
    â€œThank you for keeping Deacon occupied until I got here,” she said breathlessly. “I wasn't sure he'd be here or not. It's fate! I'll call you tomorrow, Stef, but not too early,” she said with a wicked grin. “If you get my meaning.”
    Stefani exhaled loudly. “I know exactly what you mean, Harper.”
    Harper giggled then rushed back to where Deacon waited for her on the dance floor.
    Tears stung Stefani's eyes as she hurried to her car. She kept her head down hoping no one would notice her. Stefani couldn't decide if she was more angry or hurt. Her emotions fluctuated back and forth between the two. She was hurt that Harper couldn't care less about her feelings and angry that Harper blew her off the minute a man entered the picture.
    She finally let the tears fall as she pulled into her driveway. Home. Her refuge. She'd grown up in this modest but comfortable house on a pleasant tree-lined street. She'd never lived anywhere else. Her parents had retired and moved to Florida a few years ago to get away from the bitterly cold winters. They returned every summer. It was still their house, but since it would have remained vacant for most of the year, it only made sense that Stefani should continue living in it until the day came she chose to leave.
    She let herself into the house, locking the door behind her. After grabbing a soda from the refrigerator, she plopped onto the sofa. She'd thought about polishing off the bottle of wine she'd purchased a week ago, but opted for a clear head as opposed