Free Breeze of Life by Kirsty Dallas Page A

to come out and play though. And why the hell shouldn’t it? I had lived in a dark cave of sorrow for so long I deserved some fun in my life.  Turning, I strolled back towards Harper adding a little swing to my hips. Once in front of him, Marz rolled his chair back a little to give me enough room to nudge my way between his knees.  With as much grace as I could muster, I placed my hands on the back of Harper’s chair, caging him in with my arms. My eyes dropped to his lips which he in turn licked with eager anticipation. The playfulness in Harper’s eyes was gone, anticipation and a little surprise left in its wake.  Slowly, I leant forward and just as I noticed his eyes flutter shut I moved ever so slightly to one side, pressing a quick chaste kiss to the spot beside his lips.
    “I’ll see you in a bit!” I tried not to breathe hard and heavy, betraying the calamity I felt in my heart.
    “Don’t worry, Somerville,” I heard Yoshi call out as I walked away, leaving Harper apparently speechless. “As soon as Marz’s gun hits your skin, your hard-on will disappear faster than a virgin on prom night.” The tattoo shop burst into laughter and I couldn’t help the satisfied grin that fell easily on my face. Smiling had seemed so difficult only a few days ago. Now, it felt easy and right. Gradually, some resemblance to the old Bree was finding its way back. My soul was being repaired, my sorrow fading and the darkness gradually becoming lighter.

 
    Chapter 7
    Epic Camp Adventure
     
    Spending the night in a tent; usually involves wind, rain, leaking tents and general discomfort
     
    Lacey and I wandered with lazy intent from one shop to another; Lacey oohing and ahhing over jewelry, me gushing over handmade clothes. I brought an ankle-length wrap skirt, a pair of fisherman pants and a t-shirt with a tree of life motif on the front, fitting considering the tattoo Harper was currently getting back at the studio.  I couldn’t help but buy two leather friendship bands. One beaded with amber, the other onyx.  I wondered if Harper would think it was a lame gesture, then I wondered why I cared. I never had in the past and, believe me when I say, I have done plenty of lame stuff with Harper. Spending an entire day at a second-hand book sale at the convention center - lame. Dragging him to see The Smurfs in 3D—lame. Sneaking out at three in the morning to egg Sean’s Honda Civic parked outside his house—lame. Though he never once complained. In fact, he seemed genuinely happy to be there with me each and every time I insisted on doing something lame.
    Finally, Lacey and I sat on the balcony of a pub overlooking the parkland and beach before us. It was a bustle of activity with people laughing and relaxing under the bright summer sun. It was then I noticed my absent sorrow. There was no weight on my shoulders, no sorrow eating at my soul. I had no doubt it would be back, but I enjoyed this carefree moment.
    “I’m glad I finally got a chance to meet you. Harper always talks about you when he comes in. I was beginning to think he had made you up.” I laughed at Lacey as she took a sip from her glass of wine.
    “I’m surprised he talked about me. I always assumed I was his dirty little secret.”
    “No, you are far from that. I always got the impression he was protecting you from something, his crazy life maybe, but he is definitely very fond of you.” I shrugged. Of course he was, we’d been best friends for thirteen years. “He looks at you like he wants to eat you,” Lacey added with a sly grin.
    “Good lord, Lacey, Harper does not want to eat me.” My laugh was nervous.
    “Oh sweetheart, Harper wants to do many things with you, and eat you is up there high on his list.” I was blushing furiously. I couldn’t believe Martha Stewart was being so…so dirty! “Question is, do you want that too?”
    “Lacey, Harper and I have been friends forever, but that’s all there is, friendship. Nothing more,