Chapter 24: Introducing the Caveman

“Whoa,” Glen said in amazement as his gaze roamed over Oliver’s shiftless form. Oliver’s icy blue eyes narrowed instantly at the way Glen’s gaze roamed appreciatively over his bare chest. The other man’s obvious appreciation only fueled the fire of jealousy burning in his gut. “Can I help you?” Oliver’s voice was dangerously calm as he stepped forward, positioning himself slightly in front of Harper protectively. His arm wrapped around her waist possessively. Glen’s brown eyes finally snapped up to meet Oliver’s face, taking in the icy blue glare directed at him. A slow smirk spread across his lips as he leaned against the doorframe casually. “Well hello there,” Glen purred appreciatively. “I am Glen, and you must be the lucky bastard who finally convinced my best girl to spend the night.”

Harper slipped past Oliver and took the blue sport bag from Glen. “Hey, thanks for the clothes, Glen. Sorry for the inconvenience,” she said quickly. “Whoa, doll what is the rush?” Glen asked playfully. “You have an appointment remember,” she said quickly. Glen sighed. “Right, I do,” he said slightly disappointed and turned to leave. Oliver’s jaw clenched as he watched Glen’s retreating figure, the casual way he addressed Harper as “Doll” making his blood boil, he did not like this guy, did not like the easy familiarity he had with Harper. “Appointment?” Oliver repeated it sharply as soon as the door was shut and locked. He turned back to face Harper, his expression stormy. “What kind of appointment does he have that is more important than bringing you clothes to my apartment?” his hands moved to her shoulders, gripping firmly as he searched her face. “And what the hell was that ‘darling’ and ‘doll’ shit? Since when does he call you that?” The possessive anger was palpable in his voice and posture. His chest was heaving slightly from the effort of controlling his temper, his icy blue eyes fixed on Harper with intense demand for an explanation.

“Okay, so I should probably mention that Glen is my gay roommate, with a dramatic personality. He does wardrobe design for fashion magazines.” Harper explained quickly, slightly embarrassed at the misunderstand she didn’t foresee. Oliver’s entire demeanor shifted instantly, the tension draining from his shoulders as understanding dawned on his face. The stormy anger melted away into relief mixed with sheepish embarrassment. “A gay roommate,” he repeated slowly, running a hand through his messy black hair. “Fuck. Of course he is. I should have seen that coming.” A dry laugh escaped him as he shook his head at his own idiocy. “Here I was ready to punch out your best friend who was calling you darling and doll, and who was staring at my chest like it was a damn artwork.” His hands moved from her shoulders to frame her face gently, thumbs stroking along her cheekbones. “I am sorry. I got jealous and acted like a complete caveman. You should have just told me he was gay from the beginning.” Oliver’s lips curved into a self-deprecating smirk.

“I should have. I didn’t think…” Harper started then paused. She took a deep breath before continuing. “I have never introduced Glen to a guy I was seeing so the whole him being gay thing slipped my mind… I feel a little stupid for not considering it,” she added nervously and feeling embarrassed. Oliver’s expression softened instantly at her admission, his thumbs brushing gently against her cheeks as he shook his head. “Do not dare feel stupid about this. It is my fault too for jumping to conclusions without asking questions.” He leaned in closer, his voice dripping to a more intimate murmur. “I am the one who should have asked who this guy was before I started acting like an overprotective caveman. You had no reason to think I would get that jealous over someone you have known since college.” His hands move from her face to hold the back of her neck, pulling her lightly against his chest. “I am sorry for making you feel bad about it. I should have trusted you.” His lips press against her forehead in a soft kiss. “From now on, I promise to ask questions first before assuming the worst about people in your life. Okay?” he pulled back just enough to look into her blue green eyes, his own expression serious but gentle.

“I guess we both still have a lot to learn when it comes to being in a relationship huh?” Harper said softly. Oliver’s lips curved into a small smile at her observation, his thumbs continuing to stroke along the sides of her neck gently. The vulnerability in her voice– admission that neither of them knew what they were doing in this department– sent a wave of affection through him. “We definitely do.” He agreed quietly. “But I am willing to learn if it means figuring out how to do this right with you.” Harper nods in agreement. “It is not entirely your fault. I should have corrected you quicker. I was just so thrown off balance by how possessive and jealous you were acting. I have never witness that before,” she admits with a mischievous flicker in my blue green eyes. Oliver’s lips curved into wry smile at her mischievous expression, his hands sliding down to rest on her hips. The admission that his possessiveness had thrown her off balance sent a flicker of satisfaction through him. “You liked it,” he states confidently, his thumbs digging slightly into the curve of her hip bones. “Even if you are too proud to admit it right now. You liked seeing me lose my cool over another guy looking at what is mine.” His voice dropped lower, becoming more intimate as he leaned in closer. “I have never been jealous in my life, not once. But apparently all it takes is one gorgeous secretary with long auburn hair and blue green eyes, to turn me into a complete idiot.” His fingers traced along the hem of the oversized black shirt she was wearing. “Caveman Oliver is kind of hot,” she admitted seductively.