Free Breeze of Life by Kirsty Dallas

difficult to concentrate. Harper had removed his shirt and now sat in all his eight pack muscled glory.
    “Thought you needed it. You looked like you were going to wig out and go all caveman,” I whispered. Marz grinned as he began sketching in freehand on Harper’s chest, right over his heart. I sighed loudly and Harper stared at me curiously. “You’re going to ink that pretty boy chest of yours?” I teased, silently wishing he wouldn’t. It’s not that I had a problem with tattoos, especially on Harper, I adored them, but his chest was so bronzed and hard. It was simply a masterpiece all on its own; it really didn’t need ink.
    “Pretty boy?” Marz chuckled. Soon enough the sketch, which was a little bigger than my hand splayed, began to take a familiar shape. Twisting limbs free of leaves extending from a thick trunk.
    “Tree of life,” I murmured. Harper winked as Marz began organizing the ink and tattoo gun. I rubbed my rumbling stomach. It was past lunch time and I was starving.
    “So, Somerville, you going to put on your big boy undies and take this like a man or are you going to be a pussy and hold my hand.” The men in the room erupted into laughter and Harper grinned at me.
    “Well, when you put it like that.” He rolled his eyes. I was so hungry I found myself eyeing Marz’s half eaten sandwich abandoned at the back of the shop. I was also eager to spend some of Harper’s hard-earned money. It had been many months since I had gone shopping and Harper’s generous gift of ten thousand dollars was burning a hole in my pocket.
    “Can I go shopping?” I finally asked, bouncing on the balls of my feet with childish enthusiasm.
    “What’s with women and shopping?” he teased as he pulled out his wallet and opened it.
    “Don’t insult me in front of your friends. I’m not one of your hoochie skanks.” Chantelle was back by now and still scowling like a spoilt princess who had lost her tiara. I looked her way to make sure she had heard my remark. Yep, the daggers shooting from her eyes confirmed she had heard every word. There was absolutely no need to mention Harper had already filled my account with his money.
    “Hell, Harper, I think I’m in love with your girl,” Marz said with longing in his voice.
    “Well, rein it in, Marz, she’s all mine,” Harper growled and it sent a shiver of satisfaction through my body. I knew I was playing with fire now. The comfortable banter and flirting that had been established was dangerous territory. Harper didn’t need encouragement and I didn’t need the possible heartache. I couldn’t allow our friendship to transcend the beautiful partnership it had become. I couldn’t afford to give my heart completely to Harper. It would only end up hurting one or both of us.
    “I’ll go with you,” Lacey called out from behind me. “I need some girl time. Hanging out here all day makes me feel like I’m drowning in testosterone.” 
    “Want me to pick you up something to eat?” I asked Harper, trying desperately to keep things casual.
    “You really have to ask?” he laughed. No, I didn’t. Harper was always hungry. As I turned to leave, his hand brushed my arm with gentle affection. His ocean blue eyes latched on to mine and I suddenly found myself trapped in their loving intensity. This is not casual Bree, I chastised myself. Not one little bit and my inner woman rattled the closed and locked door within me, demanding to be let out. Hell No!
    I somehow managed to tear my gaze from his and walk away. Lacey was already standing at the front door. “You’re going to totally emasculate me in front of the boys and leave without giving me a kiss?” Harper asked from behind me. He had tried to make the question casual, but I could hear the mischief in his voice, the teasing, and the hope. I could flip him off and walk away, the line of friendship would be uncrossed and intact. The playful side of me which had lain dormant for so long suddenly wanted