Ghostly Issues (A Harper Harlow Mystery Book 2) by Lily Harper Hart

her.”
    “I don’t think she wants to see you,” Eric said.
    “Shh,” Zander commanded, moving closer to Jared and lifting the bouquet so he could study it. “This is an interesting choice. What made you go with purple roses?”
    “I didn’t like the red ones because they looked like they were about to die,” Jared replied, never moving his eyes from Harper’s face. “They had pink ones, but I was told those mean friendship and I’m not feeling very friendly.”
    “Good choice,” Zander said. “Harper’s not a fan of pink unless it’s really bright and on shoes. What’s in that box you’re carrying?” Zander zeroed in on Jared’s other hand, where he clutched a velvet heart-shaped box.
    Jared handed the candy over. “It’s caramel. Make sure you save some of that for Harper.”
    “No promises,” Zander said, tearing open the box. “Okay, Harp, I approve of his gifts. You may go outside and speak to him, but don’t forget what I told you about the proper bribe for me when you’re out there.”
    Jared wrenched his eyes away from Harper and watched Zander pop a chocolate heart into his mouth. “Why am I bribing you? I’m here to bribe her.”
    “I’m the way to her heart.”
    “Whatever,” Jared muttered, turning back to Harper. “Can we talk outside?”
    “I don’t think that’s a good idea,” Eric answered for Harper, causing her to make a face. “She’s decided that you’re out of her life.”
    “No one asked you,” Jared shot back. “I’m here to talk to Harper and I’m not leaving until I do. Now, if I have to do it in front of all of you, I will. It’s going to be unpleasant, though, and if any of you say one thing I don’t like I’m going to arrest you.”
    “On what charge?” Zander challenged.
    “Annoying me,” Jared replied, not missing a beat.
    Harper sighed. “Fine. We can go outside to talk. I don’t think this is going to end how you think it’s going to end, though.”
    “Way to be strong, Harp,” Zander said. “Do not give in until he cooks us both dinner and buys an expensive bottle of wine to make up for his gross negligence in the boyfriend department.”
    Harper’s cheeks colored as she got to her feet, causing her to avert her eyes. “He wasn’t my boyfriend.”
    Jared studied her a moment, frustrated. He didn’t know what annoyed him more: having to grovel in front of people, having to pretend he didn’t notice the way Eric’s predatory eyes moved up and down Harper’s lithe body, or the way Harper refused to refer to him as her boyfriend. Actually, all three of those things bothered him.
    “No, I am her boyfriend,” Jared said, taking himself by surprise with his fortitude. “We’re just having a … misunderstanding.”
    Harper scowled and moved toward the front door, grumbling as she walked. “Misunderstanding my ass,” she muttered. “Ten days without one call is not a misunderstanding. A misunderstanding is accidentally forgetting to call at lunchtime when you say you’re going to and not remembering until it’s almost time for dinner. It’s not forgetting a person existed for ten days straight.”
    Jared followed her, the inclination to shake her and kiss her warring for supremacy. He’d almost forgotten how cute she was. He wouldn’t make that mistake again. He cast a look over his shoulder and focused on Zander as he reached to shut the door behind them. “I’ll be taking her home after this,” he said. “Whatever dinner thing you have planned, I’ll handle when this Derek Thompson case is solved.”
    “I want steak and red-skinned potatoes.”
    “Fine,” Jared said. “You’d better be on my side when she starts complaining about me. I have a feeling this isn’t going to be over as fast as I would like.”
    “I’m always on your side,” Zander replied.
    “Don’t eat all of that candy,” Jared warned. “It was expensive and she should get at least once piece.”
    “Oh, she’s been mainlining candy since