The Owner's Box

Chapter 36

Harlow POV

"So, y'all going on a family vacation and shit," Rai says over the phone as I wheel my luggage to the elevator.

I was taking Saint with me to meet up with my family in Colorado, where my parents owned a mountain estate. Since we're so busy throughout the year, we try to get together once a quarter to spend family time. This time, though, I was bringing Saint.

"Yeah, something like that," I replied to Rai, stepping into the elevator.

Rai laughed on the other end of the line. "You sure about that? I mean, family time is different. Especially your family. Last time things didn't go well."

"I know," I said, feeling a bit of nerves creep in. "But it feels right, you know?"

"I bet it does feel right, especially after you told me how Saint strapped your ass. Had you crying and shit," Rai teased.

My face flushed immediately, the heat rising up my neck. "Rai, I told you that in confidence," I said, lowering my voice as the elevator doors slid open. I stepped out, pushing my luggage toward the car waiting outside.

"My bad, bookie boo," Rai laughed. "I'm not gonna tell anyone else, promise."

I sighed, glancing out the glass doors of the lobby. "My car's here. I'll hit you up later," I said, spotting Saint as she stepped out of the backseat, a smile spreading across her face when she saw me. My heart pounded as I started thinking about the other night again.

"Alright, tell that strap slinger I said hey," Rai laughed, hanging up before I could respond. I shook my head, sliding my phone into my pocket.

"Wassup," Saint says as she grabbed my bag and placed it in the trunk of the car.

"Hey," I said quietly as I watched her walk around hold the door open for me to get in. I paused momentarily as our fingers brushed.

I felt my cheeks flush as I slid into the car. Saint hopped in beside me.

"You good?" she asked, looking over at me with that familiar smirk.

"Yeah, yeah," I mumbled, adjusting my seatbelt, trying to play it cool. "Just missed you. Ready to spend some time away with you."

She leaned back, her arm resting casually on the seat behind me. "You nervous about me being around your family?"

"A little," I admitted, glancing over at her. "They can be... a lot. You know that. But at least Hardin will be there."

Saint just chuckled, "I got this, it's going to be good. Only thing I'm nervous about it going skiing and freezing to death."

"Thanks for coming," I said softly, resting my hand on hers.

"Wouldn't miss it," she replied, giving my hand a squeeze. "Especially getting the chance to see you ski."

I smiled at her comment,"You're gonna love skiing, trust me. Plus, I'm a pro," I told her.

Saint raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? A pro, huh? Guess we'll see about that."

"I guess we will see about that," I said looking down at her lips before looking back at her eyes. Saint was still looking at my lips when I looked back up.

"C'mere," I said leaning over. "Wassup," Saint said not moving. I tilted my head to the side and frowned, and she begin to laugh.

"I'm playing, stop being a baby," Saint said as she reached out and pulled me closer by my chin. She bit my lower lip then sucked on it.

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A few hours later we had landed and was now in a car being driven to my parents' place in the mountains.