12. Piper
Chapter 12
Piper
T wenty minutes. Yeah right. If I were already wearing makeup, then maybe.
I shuffled rapidly from Ren’s house to mine, not wanting to run and end up falling on my ass like he had just done.
I made it to my porch, threw open the door, and holy hell, now I only had about nineteen minutes.
“Not now. You have plenty of food,” I tossed over my shoulder to Smog and Nimbus as I dashed up the stairs, refusing to think about why my heart was racing so fast and I couldn’t seem to catch my breath.
“Eighteen minutes!” I mumbled as I made it to my bedroom, then jolted to a sudden stop by my bed.
“This is all for show.” He had a run-in with Richard. This was part of our deal, nothing but a fake date so word would get back to Richard, damn it. He wasn’t even part of my life anymore, but he was still freaking ruining it, the jerkface loser. No, not ruining. He could try, but I would always be great. Fuck him. No one could ruin my life except myself, and I always managed to come out on top. This time would be no exception.
A glance at the clock on my nightstand told me I had sixteen and a half minutes. I wrinkled my nose. I wouldn’t need it.
After a brief rummage through my closet, I tossed a pair of jeans and a sweater on my bed along with a pair of winter boots. Cute and casual would be fine. More than that would be overkill.
In the bathroom, I ran a brush through my hair and quickly applied mascara and a slick of soft red lip gloss. “Pow!” I grinned at my reflection. “You got this.” Laughing at my positive affirmations, I quickly dressed, grabbed my purse, and made it back downstairs in time to hear Ren knock on the door. “Perfect.”
He greeted me with a wide grin. His messy hair and relaxed demeanor made my heart flutter, despite my resolve to keep tonight strictly business. This wasn’t about him; it was about proving to everyone that I could move on from losers like Richard, and Ren was going to help me do it.
“You look great,” he said, his eyes sparkling with genuine admiration.
“Thanks,” I replied, trying to match his enthusiasm. “Ready to get this over with?”
“Get it over with? Ouch.” Ren laughed, a warm sound that eased my anxiety. “Let’s make this fun instead.” He held his fist out for a bump.
I bumped it back with a smile. “I can do that.”
We walked to his car, chatting about inconsequential things, the banter light and easy. The drive to the Pennywhistle was short, and the town was beautiful under the rain-drenched, misty moonlight.
The Pennywhistle Pantry was a charming relic of a bygone era. As Ren and I walked through the door, the bell above jingled, announcing our arrival. The warm glow of vintage neon lights bathed the room in a nostalgic hue, casting soft shadows on the polished chrome stools and the checkered black-and-white floor. Booths lined the walls, their red leather seats inviting us to sink into their squeaky comfort.
The air was filled with the aroma of frying bacon, fresh coffee, and the sweet hints of milkshakes being blended behind the counter. A jukebox stood in the corner, softly playing tunes from the 50s, adding to the ambiance.
Servers in classic uniforms, complete with aprons and jaunty caps, bustled around, serving plates piled high with pancakes, burgers, and golden fries. The place was lively but cozy, filled with the hum of conversations and the clatter of dishes.
Ren gestured towards a booth near the window, and we settled in, the worn leather creaking slightly beneath us. I took a moment to absorb the surroundings, feeling a wave of comfort wash over me. This diner, with its timeless charm, was the perfect escape from the drama and tension that had plagued my thoughts earlier. And I was going to have fun if it killed me, damn it.
I’d been here with Richard a million times, but it felt different tonight—time to exorcise some more freaking demons.
Ren caught my eye and smiled. “Feels like stepping back in time, doesn't it?”
I laughed because his meaning and mine were totally different. I was remembering being here with Richard, and he was probably thinking of a 1950s TV show or something like that. “Yeah, it's nice. I’ve always loved it here.”
He picked up the menu. “What’s your favorite?”
“I don’t know yet. I’m choosing a new favorite tonight,” I looked up at him, my lips tilting at the corner. “Moving on to new things.” His eyes were so gorgeous, warm and sparkling as he looked at me. “Better things,” I added in a soft whisper.
“I like that. You deserve some peace.”
Our server came by with coffee, tilting her head to the cups already on the table, and eyeing us curiously as she poured. I guess we were being seen. Score one point for Piper and Ren and the fake dating plan . We told her we needed a few more minutes to order, and she headed back to the kitchen.
Our hands brushed against each other as we both reached for the cream at the same time. “You go first,” I offered.
“Thanks,” he poured a scant amount of cream in his coffee, then added a spoonful of sugar. “How do you feel about chicken fried steak?” he asked.
“I love it. But you should let me make it for you sometime and get something else here. I have my grandma’s recipe, and it’s untouchable.”
“Ahh, I’ll take you up on that. It’s one of my perennial favorites. I order it whenever it’s on a menu.”
Did I just invite him to dinner? What the hell is wrong with me?
For someone determined not to get into another relationship, when it came to Ren, it felt like I was practically throwing myself at him. Whatever.
“I’m getting a BLT,” I declared. “I’ve never had one here, but I’ve had the bacon and it’s excellent. In fact, I sometimes come here just for the bacon. I’ll order breakfast with extra bacon and just eat that, then take the scrambled eggs home for Nimbus and Smog.” I grinned, looking up at him through my lashes. “Look at me revealing shameful secrets.”
“Next time, just get a plate of bacon.” His eyes were earnest, then he winked, and I swear my heart stopped beating for a second. “Never let anyone bacon shame you, Piper.”
“You’re right. But I’m starving and I want extra crispy tots, so I’m going for the whole shebang.”
“That sounds good. Sign me up.”
We ordered our food—both of us getting BLTs. He asked for extra bacon on the side and gave me half of it. Was he trying to make me fall in love with him? Because, hello? It was working.
We made small talk while we ate, chatting about Honeybrook Hollow, places he wanted to try and hadn’t yet, the events the town had listed on the marquee in the park, and oohed and ahhed over our new shared favorite: The Pennywhistle Pantry’s BLT.
But I hardly remembered any of it when all I could think about was that I was sitting with the sweetest, kindest, sexiest man I had ever met in my life.
I was in trouble—big fat trouble shaped like tall, dark, and handsome Ren.
“This is my new favorite place. Sorry to your grandparents and the Honeybrook, but I love it here. I might see if I can rent a booth and move in.”
“Told you.” I grinned at him. “It’s all about the bacon.”
“How is the dessert? Want something?”
“I have a better idea?—”
“Immediate yes,” he cut me off with a huge smile. “After the BLT, I trust you implicitly.”
As I laughed, I felt something change inside me. The sound of my own laughter—real and not forced or faked to make someone feel good—was like an old favorite song I hadn’t heard in far too long, and it was all Ren who was bringing it out of me. I glanced at him, and my heart fluttered with unmistakable attraction. His smile was infectious, his eyes twinkling with mischief as he talked about the bacon that had become our inside joke.
Every moment spent with him felt like discovering a new favorite song, each note sweeter than the last. I wanted more of it—more of him. My laughter wasn't just an expression of joy; it was a bridge to something deeper, a connection that was growing stronger with every shared smile and every playful tease.
I was beginning to like him more than I ever thought possible. His charm was undeniable, and the way he made me feel was something I couldn't ignore. Spending time with him was wonderful, and I found myself wanting to linger in his presence, soaking up every bit of this newfound happiness.
I was drawn to him, not just by his looks, but by the way he made me feel.
“Come to Something Sweet with me,” I invited. “I’ll show you around, and we can make cupcakes for dessert. Any kind you want.” Was it stupid to invite him deeper into my life like this? Probably, but I wanted to see how he would react.
Would he realize I was bringing him into my dream with me?
Would he grasp the importance?
Like a fool, I was testing someone who wasn’t even mine, but it felt right, so I brushed my fears aside and went with my gut.
“I would love that,” he said, his voice steady but betraying a hint of enthusiasm, like he didn’t want to appear overly eager.
“Okay then.” I nodded, trying not to be too eager as well.
We paid the check and then made the short drive to Something Sweet.
When Ren and I walked inside, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride as I saw his reaction. The bakery was decorated in pink and white, charming, and pretty in every corner.
The kitchen, my pride and joy, was immaculate. Gleaming countertops reflected the soft light from the pastel-painted walls, and everything was in its perfect place. The scent of sugar and spices lingered in the air, making the space feel warm and inviting. Ren's eyes widened slightly as he took in the surroundings, and I could tell he was impressed.
“This is amazing, Piper,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration.
“Thank you.” I smiled, feeling a flutter of happiness. “It turned out exactly as I envisioned. Let's get started on those cupcakes. What’s your favorite?”
“Chocolate. Always. I may or may not be a legit chocoholic.”
“Birds of a feather…”
“You too?”
“Yep.” I moved around the kitchen, gathering ingredients as I spoke. “We’re making my quadruple chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate cake, chocolate ganache filling, chocolate cream cheese frosting, then either curls, mini chips, or sprinkles. I’ll let you choose.
“Chips. Please let me know when I can help. You’re the pro I don’t want to get in your way.”
Ren watched as I measured out the cocoa powder, his gaze warm and intense. I could feel the electricity between us, a subtle but undeniable attraction, as I let him sift the dry ingredients together. We exchanged playful smiles and meaningful glances, the air around us buzzing with an unspoken chemistry. It took everything in me not to shove everything off the counter and have my way with him.
The cupcakes went into the oven, and I moved on to the ganache.
“Here,” I said, handing Ren a spoon coated in rich chocolate. “Taste this.”
He took the spoon from my hand, his fingers brushing against mine, sending a shiver up my spine. He closed his eyes as he tasted the ganache, a soft moan escaping his lips. “Delicious,” he murmured.
Unable to resist, I dipped my finger into the ganache and tasted it myself, savoring the smooth, decadent chocolate. Ren’s eyes met mine, and in that moment, I felt a magnetic pull drawing us closer. I leaned in, my lips brushing against his, tasting the sweetness of chocolate on his breath.
“You’re delicious,” I whispered.
Our kiss deepened, and his hand on my waist pulled me closer, backing me up until my back was against the wall and we didn’t have a single inch between us.
I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think. All I could feel was him. I lifted onto the balls of my feet and ran my hands into his hair so he couldn’t pull away. His tongue slid against mine in a soft swirl. He made my head spin until I was in a drunken state of anticipation, waiting to see what he’d do. He could do anything, as long as he didn’t stop kissing me.
His mouth dropped to my neck, tongue darting out to taste the hollow of my throat as he cupped my breast with his palm. He traced my nipple with his thumb, slowly, back and forth, then pressing gently.
“Is this okay?” he asked.
“Yes,” I moaned, eyes drifting closed as I leaned into his hand. “More.”
Arms around my waist became hands lifting the hem of my sweater as I raised my arms over my head, and his mouth replaced his fingers as he tugged the cup of my bra down.
“You’re so pretty, sweetheart. So soft.” He flattened his tongue, then grazed the peak of my nipple with his teeth. Waves of desire pooled inside me as he trailed his lips to the other breast and unhooked my bra.
“I want to touch you too.” I untucked his shirt and pulled. Smiling when he reached his hand behind his neck and took it off.
The muscular plane of his chest was irresistible. I ran my hands up and down, the light dusting of hair tickling my palms. “Kiss me again,” I murmured.
He slammed his mouth against mine, stealing my breath and sending shivers down my spine as I rose on my tiptoes again and flung my arms around his neck.
We went out of control, hands touching everywhere we could reach, tongues and teeth clashing. It was like this was our only chance to learn everything we could about each other before we ran out of time.
He pulled away, resting his forehead against mine. I could feel his panting breath against my mouth. “Piper?—”
I met his eyes with mine. His were dark with desire. A muscle ticked in his jaw, and I traced it with a fingertip.
“What’s wrong?” I asked. “Why did you stop?”
“Nothing’s wrong. Everything feels too right. Way too right.” He ran a hand down his face and looked away.
“Okay…” I took a step back, crossing my arms over my chest.
His hands balled into fists at his side as if he were holding himself back. “I don’t want to push you into something you aren’t ready for. We’re supposed to be pretending. Aren’t we?”
I looked away, then bent to pick up my sweater and bra. “That’s fair. I guess.”
“I—trust me when I say I would like nothing more than to bend you over this counter and finish what we just started.”
The timer went off for the cupcakes. But I was still focused on the thought of being bent over the counter by Ren.
“Crap.” I slipped into my sweater and grabbed the oven mitts to get the cupcakes.
“Are you okay?” He picked up his shirt and put it back on.
I took a deep breath and turned to face him. “I’m fine. Just needed to get these cupcakes out before they burned.”
He nodded, his eyes still smoldering. “Alright then. Let’s not let these cupcakes go to waste.”
“Yeah. I promised you dessert.” I felt awkward. But his smile, though hesitant and unsure, made me feel a bit better.
We both laughed, breaking the tension, though the heat between us still simmered just beneath the surface.
He helped me place the cupcakes on the cooling rack, then into the fridge so they’d cool faster. His hands brushed mine occasionally, sending little sparks of electricity through my fingertips.
I glanced up at him, and he was watching me, a mixture of desire and restraint written clearly on his face.
“Maybe we should clean up,” he suggested.
I nodded, feeling the awkwardness settle. We started cleaning up, moving around each other with a careful choreography. The space between us felt charged, like a taut wire ready to snap.
We stacked dishes, wiped counters, and exchanged glances that said more than words ever could. Ren’s presence was steady, grounding me as I tried to sort through my tangled emotions.
When the kitchen was spotless, he turned to me, his expression softening. “Do you want to talk about it?”
I nodded. The mood was broken. “Are we okay? I didn’t mean to lead you on?—”
“You didn’t lead me on. And I’m okay as long as you are.”
“Good. I want to be okay.”
“See? I know you’re going through some shit, Piper. What kind of an asshole would I be if I rushed you into more than you’re ready for?”
“You’re a good guy, Ren.”
It was for the best. Complicating my life when it was already in a precarious place wasn’t wise. I needed time before moving on, and that was okay.
He drove me home and walked me to my door, waiting outside until I was safely inside and had locked the door.