Harry and Arianna - Chapter 7 - Bad Friend

Harry and Arianna - Chapter 7 - Bad Friend
"Are you still going to be able to join us for Thanksgiving? My grandmother is really looking forward to seeing you."

"Yeah, I'll be there," she confirmed. Arianna would've much preferred to spend Thanksgiving with Harry, but he would be on a "mission," leaving her to fend for herself. She begged Harry to take her with him. He laughed, said she must be smoking crack, and waltzed out of the bedroom.  

"Miss Carter, I've found the items you've requested in your size," the saleswoman interrupted, bringing over armfuls of lingerie, causing Jesse to give her a suspicious look.  

"Thank you. Can you hold those for me at the counter?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Jesse politely cleared his throat, and Arianna noticed the red tint to his face. He began scratching the back of his neck, and she braced herself for impact.  

"Since you're no longer seeing Mr. White, would you be willing to go on a date with me?"

"I'm sorry, Jesse, but you're just a friend, and I would like our relationship to remain friendly.

"Why?!" Jesse suddenly yelled, drawing the attention of the employees and shoppers.  

"Why what?"

Arianna hissed when Jesse grabbed her arm and dragged her out of the store, away from prying eyes.  

"Jesse, let go!" she screamed.

"Not until you answer my questions. I want to know why you're keeping me in the friend zone! Any woman would be lucky to be with me. I'm attractive. I have money, and I come from a good family. I could make you the happiest woman in the world if you let me!"

"Let go!" Arianna yelled, wrenching her arm out of Jesse's tight grasp. "This shit? This is the reason why I would never give you a chance. Your maturity is nonexistent, and you believe good looks and money are enough. I won't date you, and I will NOT be in attendance for Thanksgiving dinner. Take care, Jesse," Arianna declared before returning to the store to finish her purchases. Not only was she sexually frustrated, but she was now frustrated with Jesse's behavior.  

"This man better lick me from the front to the back. That's all I know," Arianna huffed once she returned to the counter.  

"I'm sure after seeing you in this, he will," the saleswoman chimed in. Arianna covered her face in embarrassment. That was not meant to be said out loud.  



Arianna returned home and loudly groaned as she parked her convertible in the driveway.  Harry was washing his car shirtless, and it made Arianna want to do bad things to him.  Harry was pushing 40, in tip-top shape, and he knew it. She was starting to believe he was walking around shirtless on purpose, and she was living for it.

"How was your shopping trip?" he asked, turning off the water hose.  

"It went well. I put a healthy dent in your credit card," she teased.  

"Trust me. I know. I've received all the alerts from the credit card company," he replied, placing a kiss on her jaw.

Arianna had to hold back a low growl. He was so close to her lips. He missed them by a mere inch.

"Let me grab your bags for you," Harry offered.

"No, that's okay. I'll get them myself," Arianna rushed out, hoping Harry wouldn't peek inside her lingerie bag.  

He nodded and was about to start rewashing his car when he noticed the bruises on Arianna's arm. He was about to question her about them when she ran into the house. He didn't follow her. He would have the answers to his questions soon enough.



"Let's see what you were up to today, Rose," Harry muttered as he hacked the mall's security feed. He combed through two hours of video footage when he heard Arianna knocking on the door. "What's up, Rose?" Harry called out, narrowing his eyes at the screen when he witnessed Jesse Vanderbilt dragging Arianna out of the store.

"May I enter?"

"You may."

"Dinner's ready," Arianna announced after popping her head through the door.  

"Come inside, my little Rosebud."

"Ugh, you know I hate it when you call me that," Arianna snarled as she fully entered the office.

"I know," Harry chuckled. "You changed your clothes. Why?" he asked, noticing she was now wearing a long-sleeved t-shirt.  

"I was cold."

"I see. Did you have any issues on your shopping trip today?"

"Ummmm, no? Issues like what?"

"I don't know. I just wanted to make sure you are safe when you're by yourself. There are some sick people in the world who may want to snatch you up. Did you carry your pepper spray and baton with you today?"

"I did carry my pepper spray and baton."

"And no one bothered you, right?"

"No one bothered me," Arianna lied.

Harry hated that Arianna lied to him; however, he understood why. She was protecting her friend and didn't want Jesse to have a gentleman's chat with him. Harry received a proper tongue-lashing from Arianna about the condition he left Pierce in. Harry ended the argument by telling Arianna he had no remorse and would do it again if Pierce stepped out of line. Harry now didn't feel comfortable leaving Arianna alone for an extended period of time.

"Pack a bag, Rose. You'll be accompanying me on my trip for Thanksgiving."

"Wait...are you serious?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Where are we going?"

"Mexico."

Arianna let out a squeal and ran towards Harry. She plopped down on his lap and began to pepper his face with kisses until her lips landed on his. She caressed them lightly and ended the kiss with a soft bite.

"Thanks for letting me tag along. I promise I won't be in the way."

"You're welcome. You should start packing. We leave in three days."

Harry watched Arianna sprint out of the office. "Well...that was different."