Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 131

**Blueprint Chapter 131**

**Chapter 131**

**Harper**

The clock had just ticked past 5:30 PM, and the atmosphere was electric with laughter and splashes. My friends and I were reveling in the joy of a summer afternoon, our bikinis glistening under the golden sun as we playfully doused each other with water in the pool.

After a while, I felt the need for a break, sensing that I had spent too long immersed in the cool water. I climbed out, the tiles cold beneath my feet, and made my way to the lounge chair positioned perfectly in the center of the patio. As I settled into the chair, I reached for my juice, savoring the sweet, tangy flavor as I glanced over at Ella and Zoey, both of them with their own colorful drinks in hand. The memory of my wild night in Paris flashed through my mind—a night filled with too much alcohol and a failed plan to surprise my boyfriend by stripping for him. My friends had been eager to kick off the evening with a party atmosphere, but out of consideration for me, they had decided against it. It was moments like these that reinforced the bond we shared; we always adjusted our plans to ensure everyone felt comfortable.

Within minutes, Ella joined me on the side of the pool, but Zoey was still in her element, splashing and laughing, seemingly lost in her own world of fun.

“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that Dean is finally back,” Ella remarked, settling into her chair and casting a curious glance my way. “I’m just as anxious as you are to hear what he has to say.”

“Isn’t it painfully obvious?” Zoey chimed in from the water, wiping droplets from her eyes with the back of her hand. “He’s going to confess just how much he wants you, Harper.”

I rolled my eyes, my voice dripping with skepticism. “That’s never going to happen.”

Ella playfully smacked my wrist. “You always act like it’s a foregone conclusion. You might be surprised!”

With a resigned sigh, I replied, “Do you two really forget who my boyfriend is?”

They exchanged a knowing glance, a silent conversation passing between them before their eyes returned to me.

“Listen,” Zoey said, her tone earnest, “it’s not that we want Dean to spill his feelings so you two can jump into bed together. Ella and I have just always sensed that one day he’ll finally tell you how he truly feels. What’s not to love about you? You’re hilarious, intelligent, and let’s be honest, you look stunning in that bikini!”

“Hell yes!” Ella added, raising her glass in agreement. “At least we won’t have to wait too long for the fireworks. By the way, does Maddox know you’re meeting Dean?”

“I haven’t told him yet,” I admitted.

They both gasped in unison, eyes wide with disbelief.

“It’s not like I’m keeping it a secret forever. I will tell him, I promise! He’s just had a super busy day. Now that I think about it…” I trailed off, pulling out my phone to check the time. “He did mention he’d be free around now, and—oh, look at that! Perfect timing; he’s calling me.”

“Pick up!” they urged in chorus, excitement bubbling in their voices.

“We won’t say a word,” Zoey added, giving me an encouraging nod.

I hesitated, the urge to answer right away battling with my desire for a little privacy.

Rising from my chair, I announced, “I’m just going to step inside for a few moments.”

“Take your time,” Ella teased, her tone laced with mischief.

I shook my head, a smile creeping onto my lips as I hurried away. “You’re both so naughty.”

As I pushed open the back door, I anticipated that the call would end any second, so I answered just in time, stepping into the dimly lit hallway.

“Hey, hold on a sec,” I said, my voice a mix of excitement and nerves as I made my way towards the nearest bedroom.

I opened the door and flicked on the light, revealing my face to him.

When I glanced back at my phone screen, I caught sight of him in his green joggers, a glass of whiskey poised at his lips as he watched me intently.

“Hey,” I greeted him again, feeling the warmth of his gaze. “Looks like you’re enjoying a drink. Done with work for the day?”

He set his glass down and smiled, “You look incredibly sexy with your hair pulled back like that.”

“The girls and I are just chilling by the pool,” I replied, feeling a rush of confidence.

His eyes darkened with desire, his gaze drifting to my collarbone, the only visible skin on the screen. It was as if he were contemplating how much lower he could look without crossing a line.

“Now that I see your face and hair, I’m dying to see the rest of you,” he said, his voice thick with longing.

I let out a soft laugh, teasingly, “Wow, I was going to ask how your day was, but it seems you have other things on your mind.”

“Don’t keep me waiting, babygirl,” he urged, his tone commanding.

A shiver ran through me at the authority in his voice, causing me to instinctively press my thighs together. I couldn’t shake off the memory of that night in Paris—how I had been too intoxicated to fully embrace the moment, and now, thoughts of what could have happened haunted me daily.

I didn’t want to keep him waiting, and the idea of teasing him excited me. I knew he couldn’t reach through the screen to pull me closer, which made the anticipation even more thrilling.

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