** Harper **
"Jealous?" Eli's brow knitted. "That's … not what this is about. It's not right for anyone to bother you like that and disrespect your own choice. I'm only trying to help fix a situation that shouldn't have happened in the first place."
Harper smiled at the plain haste with which he defended himself. "I believe you, and I appreciate it." She held his gaze to let him know that she was serious. "But I also wonder … What would you have done if — say, hypothetically — I didn't mind the show of interest from this guy? In all honesty, if it weren't for the web novel situation, I might not have even considered his attention enough out of the ordinary to be wary of. What would you be thinking then, if you saw him carry my luggage around the airport or get coffee for me every day?"
