Caramel Apple Cupcake by Reana Malori

Harper
All I’ve ever wanted to be was wanted just for me. My brother was my parents golden child while I was the oops baby. People who I thought were my friends only hung around me to get to my brother. Ex-boyfriends wanted an in with my dad. You get the idea…I hate being used but I also despise being alone. Which is how I found myself sitting at his bar night after night. I didn’t go to drink or talk to others, but to simply be in a room with others. Anders though, he didn’t know who I was and saw me for me. We started out as strangers but ended up as lovers. I can’t help but wonder though, will he leave me too when he realizes who I am?

Anders
I knew as soon as she walked into my bar who she was. I’ve seen her photo in the newspaper standing next to her family more times than I can count. Still, just because she’s the daughter of one of our towns founding families doesn’t mean I’m going to treat her any differently than I do anyone else. I had a lot of assumptions about who she would be but Harper blew them all out of the water. I mean, who goes to a bar to read? She does, that’s who. Over time I wore her down and became her friend. Somehow I found myself wanting her, so when one night I see my chance, I take it. Only she didn’t realize I was playing for keeps.