Chapter 24
Twenty-Four
Callie
“I’ve got good news.” Peter announces as he comes into the bedroom.
“What are you still doing here? You’re always gone by the time we leave for school and work.” I’m putting my shirt on and I’m certain the words are muffled. Hopefully he gets the gist of what I’m saying.
“True, but I’m going in late today.” He rushes to me and wraps his arms around my waist. It feels like a bear hug the way he envelopes me. “Can I get the key to your house?”
“Why?” I catch his eyes in the mirror.
“Because the good news is the plumber called me as I was about to head out the door. He’s on his way over there.” He smiles as if he’s just delivered the best news.
It is, but I’m going to miss this. Being in the same space as him and knowing I’m wanted here.
“Do I need to take off work?” I nibble on my bottom lip. Taking off my first week on the job probably isn’t a great decision, but this is a good reason. It’s not like I’m blowing off work.
“Nope. That’s why I’m going in late. I’m one of the bosses and as long as I get what I need to done before the weekend rush, everything will be gravy.” He kisses my cheek before taking a step back. “And I already sent Eric a text. He can bring Lexi home today if I can’t leave the winery.”
He really is too good to me. Conrad would never have taken the initiative. One of these days I’ll stop comparing the two. But it’s still early for us. Not even a week. I may be open to us seeing where this goes, but I still need to protect my heart…and Lexi’s.
“I was going to have Parker pick her up, but she hasn’t even met him yet. Hopefully that’ll change soon.”
“You’re telling your family?”
“Absolutely. You already know my siblings love you. They have since we were kids. And they’re going to adore Lexi. Especially Piper. They’ve invited us to game night if you’re up for it.”
“Sure. I don’t think Lexi has any plans. At least, not that she’s told me about.”
He gives me another hug before backing out of the room. “I’ll let you get ready. If I stay in here there’s a chance, you’ll be late for work.”
I roll my eyes and toss a pillow at him. “You’re ridiculous.” Not going to lie, I love it. He shows me he wants me, and I know it’s not because he gets something out of it.
A quick glance at the clock tells me I need to get my butt in gear. I finish applying my makeup and settle for a braid over my shoulder. It’s the one day a week we can dress casually and I’m taking advantage of it.
I grab my purse from the dresser and dig around for my keys, pulling the one to my house off it.
Making copies of it is next on my list of things to do.
Lexi needs one, and at least Miles. Though, if I’m being honest, I’ll probably have one made for Peter as well.
He’s the closest should anything happen.
“Lexi, are you ready?” I call down the hall as I leave the room.
“Almost. Give me two minutes.” She’s already pushing the time crunch. She gets to school early now because of my job. But soon she’ll be able to drive herself. Well, as soon as I get the course information.
“Here you go.” I hold the key out for Peter. “Crap, I don’t have time to take Alice out.”
“Don’t worry about it, I’ve got her.”
“Thank you.” He sweeps me into his arms and kisses me.
“Get a room,” Lexi says as she moves to the kitchen.
“She woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning,” Peter whispers in my ear before letting me go.
“That’s how it is with her. I never know how the day’s going to be until our first interaction.” I glance in the direction she went. “I guess she stayed up too late reading.”
“Hopefully it was a good book.” He pats my ass as I walk away from him. “Get going before you’re late to work. I’ll let you know what the plumber says.”
Callie
Any updates?
We’ve been slammed with calls today. I’ve got appointments booked for the firm for the next month.
People will be lucky if we can get them in before the tax deadline at this rate.
This is the first chance I’ve had to look at my phone all day, and I don’t see anything from Peter.
Maybe there were more issues and he didn’t want to tell me until I get home.
Peter
Everything is fixed. You can go to my house or yours after work. Just let me know. We have game night at Piper’s tonight. I just need to know where to scoop you up from.
Callie
That was fast. Tell the plumber to call me so I can pay him. And we’ll go to your house, it’s easier since you’re on the same property.
Peter
It’s taken care of. I’ll see you at home.
Callie
You didn’t have to do that.
I swear he’s going to be the death of me. He can’t just swoop in and take care of all my problems. We’ll have to talk about this sooner or later. I’ve been living on my own for well over a year.
Peter
I wanted to. Besides he gave me a discount because I’ll be using him in the future.
I’m almost scared to ask him why. The phone on my desk rings and stops me from texting him back. He’s lucky.
“Hernandez Accounting Firm, how can I help you?”
The person on the other end of the line is panicking that we won’t have any appointments for her, and I do my best to assuage her fears.
Within a few minutes we have an appointment booked and I just know the rest of my day is going to be more of the same.
The only bright spot is the note I find inside my lunchbox.
You’re hot. Let’s make out.
He’s so unserious. I’m happy I bring out this side of him, though.
Peter isn’t at the house when I get there. But I remember him saying Friday nights begin their busy time. Lexi is in her room listening to music. I hope my brother knows he now has competition over that space. She’s already added a few of her decorations to the wall and staked her claim.
I knock on the door so I don’t scare her. She hates it when she doesn’t hear or see me. “How was school?”
She takes off her headphones and sets them on the bed beside her. “It was good. I’m finally fitting into my place and making friends.”
“That’s good.” I pat her hand. “Are you up for game night at Peter’s sister’s house tonight?”
“What kind of games?”
“Honestly, there’s no telling with this family. But expect it to be competitive.”
Lexi rubs her hands together with a grin. “Then I’m totally in.”
“Oh, before I forget. We can go home tomorrow. The plumber fixed all the problems today.”
I expect her to be happy. She’ll be back in her own space. But her face falls. “Cool. We’ll still come over here a lot, right?”
“I’m sure we will. It’d be kind of hard to date someone without going to their house.”
“Good. I like it here. I like our house, too. But the aesthetic Peter has is immaculate.” Her eyes wander over the room with all its rustic vibes. “And I don’t want Miles to make this room gross again.”
“Well, you can let him know he has to clean up after himself.”
“Good.” She stands and moves to the dresser in the corner of the room. “I’ll get ready for game night.”
As I’m closing her door, Peter comes through the hallway. “Sorry I’m late. We got a huge shipment of bottles. I had to find a place to store them.”
“It’s okay. I just got home.” I point to the door behind me. “Lexi’s getting ready to head to Piper’s.”
He gives me a quick kiss before heading to the bedroom. “I’m going to change really quick.”
“I should probably do the same. I don’t want to go in jeans.” Spending a second longer in work attire is too much.
“Need some help getting into your leggings?” Peter winks at me. “Or out of them?”
“We’ll never make it if you help me. Besides, Lexi is literally right there.” I point at her door.
“Fine,” he grumbles. He’s adorable when he pouts.
I grab my leggings and a sweatshirt from the room and head to the bathroom. I know if I’m in there with him, all bets are off. We don’t want to scar my poor child for life.
“Is everyone ready?” Peter calls out as I’m opening the bathroom door.
“Yep.” Lexi comes out of her room with headphones in one hand and a book in the other.
“The point of game night is to play games and enjoy each other’s company, right?” Peter glances from her to me.
“If I can’t take my book, I’m not going.” Lexi sticks out her tongue, knowing full well the argument won’t stick.
“Fine. Take your book.” He motions for her to walk down the hallway first. “But humor my siblings, please. I don’t know that they could take being scorned by a teenager.”
“I make no promises.” She grins and heads down the hallway.
I follow her, and I can feel Peter’s eyes on my butt as he walks behind me. The soft whistle might be another sign.
We’re pulling up to Piper’s house a couple of minutes later. I guess that’s a perk of living on the same property. You can have someone at your house in minutes if things go awry.
“We’re here.” Peter calls out as he opens the door.
“We’re in the living room. Foods in the kitchen,” Piper yells back.
“This is going to be a loud night, isn’t it?” Lexi whispers beside me.
“Most likely.”
We trail behind Peter to the living room. All the Summers kids are here except for Pierce. Thinking about it now, maybe that’s why he’s so grumpy. He never gets invited to the fun activities. I’ll bring it up to Peter later. It has to be isolating.
Everybody looks the same, just older. Time hasn’t changed any of them. They don’t realize how lucky they are for that.
“Y’all remember Callie.” Everyone waves and Piper comes in for a hug. “And this is Alexandra, her daughter. Lexi, this is Piper, her boyfriend Beau, Paula, Parker, and Phillip.”
“Hey,” she gives a quick wave before Piper sweeps her up into a hug.
“It’s so nice to properly meet you. How are you liking Asheville? I’m sure it’s different form your last school.”
“Asheville is smaller, but I’ve made a few friends.”
“That’s great.” Piper claps and moves to the table. “Okay, so we have a couple of different games we can play tonight. But I have like five card decks so I think we should play cards.”
“I’m cool with whatever.” Lexi announces, already making herself a part of the group. I wish I had that confidence when I was her age. She’s her own person and commands a room like nobody I’ve ever seen. It’s no wonder she’s already making friends.
“Cards it is.” Piper scoops up the decks of cards to cut and shuffle them. “Alexandra has spoken.”
“You can call me Lexi.” She grins. Just like that they’ve earned a special place in my daughter’s heart.
This has always been something I’ve loved about this family. They take you in as one of their own, no questions asked. We’re now part of the fold.