Spencer: Book 2 of The Bachelor Collective

Chapter Five

I counted to ten before I followed her outside. She stood in the driveway, her shoes still in one hand while the other typed into her phone.

"Harper," I said, ensuring my tone was even.

"What?" she asked, exasperated.

"I mean–" I pointed with my thumb over my shoulder at the house behind me. "What happened?"

She sighed. "Spencer, I tried, okay? I tried to be your friend, but I really think you need to distance yourself from me."

"I don't understand."

"Your friend."

"Adam?"

She nodded. "All of them, really. They looked at us like we were on a date, and I tried to ignore it, but after Adam, I couldn't." She licked her lips. "I don't do relationships."

I put my hands in my pockets. "I know."

"And you don't want one with me," she continued.

I chuckled. "Harper."

We both knew that wasn't true. We both knew I wanted everything with her.

"You're a really good guy, and I don't want to lead you on. You shouldn't get mixed up with someone like me," she said.

I had to back down. It wasn't fair for me to keep fighting, to try and force her to do something she didn't want.

"At least let me give you a ride home." I was still a gentleman.

"It's okay." She held her phone up. "I've got a ride coming."

"Can I wait with you?"

"No. Please. Go inside and celebrate. I never should've said yes to this, and I'm sorry I did."

I didn't move. I couldn't. I didn't want to leave her out here by herself.

"Seriously," Harper insisted. "I'm fine. I'll see you for breakfast after your next shift."

She waved and then walked down the driveway. I still didn't move. I would let her be, but I didn't go back into the party until I was sure she was gone.