18. Piper
Chapter 18
Piper
I t was time.
Fake date night at the gala.
We’d made the rules and set the boundaries, but we’d broken them all over the last week. I saw him every morning and evening on my porch where we’d rock on my swing and kiss until we reached the point where he either had to go home or inside with me. So far, he always went home. He respected that I wasn’t ready, and it made me want him even more.
I took a deep breath, attempting to steady my nerves. The significance of the evening weighed heavily on my mind.
With my heart pounding in my chest, I glanced in the mirror, trying to convince myself I could do this. We were supposed to put on a show, but obviously, we’d moved past the illusion.
With her hands on my shoulders, Paige turned me around, studying my face with a critical eye as she set the lip gloss down on my vanity.
“My work is flawless as always. You’re gorgeous. Shower her with compliments, my lovelies. Take it all in.”
“You look pretty, Auntie Piper,” my niece, thirteen-year-old Briar, confirmed.
“This feels like prom night,” sixteen-year-old Lark agreed. “Mom did the same look on me. Totally classic. You look stunning. And I covet that dress. Can I borrow it for the Spring Fling Dance coming up?”
“It’s Violet’s,” I told her. “But I’m sure she would let you. One doesn’t have a need for formal wear that often around these parts. I’ll ask her when I give it back.”
“Nice! Thank you.”
“My winged eyeliner skills are unparalleled.” Paige nodded as she tipped my head side to side to catch the light. “Beautiful. No one question me. I am the queen. It has been declared.”
Turning away from the mirror, I grinned at Paige. “I never went to prom, remember? Justin Bradley dumped me for Jackie Douglas the week before, so I stayed home. Fun times. Story of my life, right?”
Paige tilted her head toward mine. “I remember. Who do you think egged their houses when you were moping around in your room and crying into your pillow?” Her eyes shot guiltily to Lark and Briar, who were sitting on my bed, and I burst out laughing. “It wasn’t me,” she squeaked. “I would never do such a thing. Egging houses is probably some kind of crime. Plus, it’s a waste of food.”
“Really, Mom.” Lark rolled her eyes. “We have met you, you know. You would totally egg someone if they crossed you. Please.”
“Okay, fine. They never knew what hit them. No one messes with family.”
“Someone had to stand up for my honor,” I teased her. “Right, girls?”
“Tonight is a prom redo,” Paige insisted. “You look fab, you have an amazing dress, and Ren won’t know what to say when he sees you. Plus, there will be no awkward attempts at slow dancing or questionable bad punch to worry about.”
“Prom redo? I wouldn’t go that far,” I protested.
“We need to get some pictures before you leave,” she said, brandishing her phone. “Girls, get into position!”
We gathered together, posing and laughing as the camera clicked away. Briar and Lark made funny faces, and Paige insisted on capturing every single moment.
Just as Paige was about to take another picture, my phone rang. I picked it up and saw Ren’s name flashing on the screen, and my heart did a little flip.
Fake? Yeah, right. My reaction to him was more than real.
“It’s him,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
“Well, answer it!” Lark urged. Her eyes wide with excitement.
I swiped to answer with trembling fingers. “Hey, Ren,” I attempted to be cool but failed.
“I hope I’m not calling at a bad time.”
“No, not at all. I was just getting ready.”
“Great, I wanted to let you know that I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
“See you soon.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but knew I failed.
As I hung up, Paige swooped in to give me a final once-over.
“Okay, girls, it’s time to clear out of here.”
They hugged me goodbye and headed downstairs to wait for Paige.
“You got this,” she reassured me, with a quick hug. “So, this is day—wait, how many days has it been since I suggested the two of you fake date each other?” Her eyes were sharp, and her grin was full of mischief. “Anyway, it’s day, whatever, of me waiting for you two idiots to fall in love.”
“What?” I shook my head, hiding my smile because little did she know I may already be halfway there. “I can’t believe you sometimes. What did you do?”
She burst into laughter. “Nothing. I did nothing but make a small suggestion.” She popped up an eyebrow. “Don’t you worry about it. Time heals all wounds, and Ren will be there when you’re ready. Am I right?”
I grabbed my handbag and a dressy jacket. Then we went downstairs. The girls were on the couch with Smog and Nimbus.
“Right? Paige, you’re unbelievable, that’s what you are. This isn’t prom or anything like it. I only asked for your help because it’s fancy, and I didn’t want to embarrass myself with my basic makeup and hair styling skills. This is not a big deal.”
“Gah! Don’t be boring. It is a big freaking deal! It’s huge! What happened to romanticizing your life? Casual or not, real, pretend, who cares? You look pretty, go have some fun. Am I right, girls?”
“Totally,” Lark agreed while Briar just watched us talk, her eyes bouncing to each of us as if she were taking notes for the future. “I saw him at Coffee Cabin talking to Auntie Eliza the other day. He’s hot for an old guy.”
“Old? Ouch.” Paige clutched at her chest dramatically and collapsed onto the couch with the girls. “Pretty sure we’re the same age.”
“Sorry.” Lark burst into laughter. “I just call it like I see it.”
“Ew, Lark.” Briar nudged her side. “What if they get married? You just called our potential future uncle hot.”
“Yeah, I said, hot for an old guy . That doesn’t count, it’s just being nice.”
“Stop digging the hole, honey. You’ll just make it worse,” Paige said with a laugh.
“Whatever.” She rolled her eyes. “This is what I get for trying to be nice in this family. I see how it is.”
Paige rolled her eyes right back and tickled her side. “Kids these days. No respect for their elders.”
“See?” Lark teased. “She just admitted she’s old.”
“Straight to jail!” Paige shouted in mock anger. “Okay.” She clapped her hands together. “Let’s go! Your Auntie Piper needs to be alone when her hot old-man date arrives.”
The girls ran to the car while Paige hung back to hug me again. “Have fun,” she whispered in my ear. “Don’t think of anything, no worries, no insecurities, just you, living your best life because you deserve it. Ren is not like the assholes you were with before. I only see good things for you. I love you.”
As Paige hugged me, a whirlwind of emotions swirled in my chest. Nervousness gnawed at me, making my heart race. This was the first time I'd be stepping into Ren's world, and the gravity of it all was just overwhelming. Our relationship had always felt topsy-turvy but tonight was important.
I had never been this deep into anyone’s life before, and the thought of seeing Ren in his element both thrilled and terrified me. Would I fit into his world the same way he had effortlessly woven himself into mine? Or would I feel out of place, like an impostor trying to play a role that wasn't written for me?
Paige's words echoed in my mind, calming some of my fears. I deserved this. I deserved to be happy, to let go of my insecurities, and let myself experience this fully. Ren was different—he wasn’t like the others who had only left bruises on my heart. He was kind, gentle, and unwaveringly supportive, someone who made me want to believe in love again.
With tears shimmering in my eyes, I pulled her in for one more hug. “I love you, too. Thank you for making this a special night. I had fun with you and the girls.”
She pulled back, smiling. “Call me tomorrow. Swear it. I have to know everything.”
“I swear.”
“Good. You will have fun. I demand it.”
As she turned to leave, the sound of Ren’s footsteps on the porch made me catch my breath. He was effortlessly stylish in a tailored suit. The fabric hugged his tall frame perfectly, emphasizing his strong build. The way he carried himself, coupled with the sharp cut of his suit, made him irresistibly sexy. I was halfway tempted to tug him inside and suggest we forget the dinner so I could strip it off him and see what he was hiding.
Paige looked back at me one last time, her face lighting up with a knowing smile. She walked past him, giving him a playful wave. “Take good care of her.”
He nodded, his gaze locking onto mine with an intensity that sent a shiver down my spine. “Always,” he replied softly, his voice full of promise.
“You two have fun tonight,” she called as she got into her car.
He waited a beat for Paige and the girls to pull out of the driveway, then his eyes were all over me. “You look stunning.” He moved closer, his eyes hot and filled with admiration. “Are you ready for tonight?”
“I think so. You look amazing, Ren.”
“Thank you.” He extended his hand toward me, and I placed mine in his, feeling reassured by the warmth and strength of his grip. “Shall we?”
We walked hand in hand to his car, then he opened the door for me with a flourish, his manners impeccable as usual. “Your chariot awaits,” he said with a playful grin.
I laughed softly, appreciating his effort to lighten the mood. He could always tell when I was getting nervous.
“Thank you,” I murmured, sliding into the passenger seat.
He joined me in the driver’s side, then leaned over me to fasten my seatbelt for me. “You’re welcome.” His dark gaze trained on me, sending shivers across my skin where he touched me.
“Still playing hero, I see,” I whispered.
“I can’t seem to stop it when you’re around.”
He started the engine and left Honeybrook Hollow. The rugged mountain terrain gradually gave way to pine trees and mist, then transformed into bright lights and tall buildings. The distant hum of the city grew louder, and the sky overhead transitioned from a blanket of stars to the electric illumination of Portland.
Ren’s hand rested lightly on my knee, sending tiny electric shocks of excitement through me. He glanced at me, his eyes filled with the same intense admiration.
“I can’t believe I get to spend tonight with the most beautiful woman in the room.”
My cheeks warmed as I turned to him, catching the mischievous gleam in his eyes. “We’re not even there yet.”
“Doesn’t matter. You’ll always be the most beautiful woman in any room I’m in.”
“Thank you.” I placed my hands on my heated cheeks to cool them. “Can a person die from a blush?”
He chuckled, steering the car smoothly into the parking lot. “I don’t know, but your pink cheeks make you even more gorgeous. Don’t fight it.”
I knew he was being sincere, but rule number four flashed in my brain: Compliments . Despite my better judgment, it got to me.
Knock it off.
Like Paige said, I had to find a way to shut my brain off. I was about to spiral into a cloud of my insecurities and couldn’t let that happen.
“Wait here.” He pulled into the valet area and then stepped out of the vehicle. Moments later, he was at my side, opening the door with the same flourish as before. “After you, m’lady,” he said with a grin, extending a hand to help me out.
“Thank you,” I murmured, thankful for this deliberately dorky chivalrous side of him that had come out to play again. It was the only thing keeping my sudden surge of nerves at bay.
I took his hand, and our eyes met as he helped me stand. The world around us disappeared for a brief moment, leaving only the two of us bathed in the soft glow of the parking lot lights.
I felt a rush of warmth and steadied myself, determined to keep my emotions in check.
He led me up the stairs and into the lobby. I followed, our footsteps echoing softly against the polished floor as we crossed through the gorgeous space.
The lobby was a testament to luxury, every detail meticulously designed to exude opulence. Marble floors gleamed beneath the soft lighting, and towering columns framed the space with an air of majesty. Crystal chandeliers hung from the vaulted ceilings, casting a warm, shimmering glow across the room. Elegant arrangements of fresh flowers filled the air with a delicate fragrance, while plush seating areas invited guests to relax in comfort and style.
People were dressed to the nines, the men in tailored suits and the women in gowns that could only be described as masterpieces. Diamonds glittered at throats and wrists, catching the light and reflecting it in dazzling bursts. Designer dresses flowed gracefully as guests moved, each one a unique statement of fashion and elegance. The soft hum of conversation mingled with the gentle strains of classical music, creating an atmosphere both sophisticated and welcoming.
But I was just a girl from Honeybrook Hollow wearing a borrowed dress. Holy crap, how was I supposed to pull this off?
As Ren approached the check-in desk, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer grandeur of the surroundings. Despite my nerves, I knew I had to play my part, to blend in with this world of wealth and glamour. The weight of the deception we carried settled over me, but for now, I focused on the beauty around me and the reassuring presence of Ren by my side.
My mind drifted as Ren approached the check-in desk. I stood beside him, barely absorbing the gorgeous opulence of the lobby, the fancy decor, and the soothing hum of the soft music. Instead, I fixated on the feeling of our hands intertwined, the solid warmth of his big palm holding mine, grounding me while my thoughts threatened to scatter.
I let go of his hand and smoothed the fabric of my dress as we stepped into the grand ballroom. The soft hum of chatter and the clinking of glasses filled the air. The dinner was in full swing, with elegantly dressed guests mingling and laughing under the glittering chandeliers.
He offered me his arm, and I took it, feeling the weight of our deception settle over us like a cloak.
Reality faded away as I took it all in. We were under the guise of a date, and I was determined to play my part, no matter how real it felt.
Damn it, it was real. We were real, I knew that. But I also realized I was out of my depth. I’d never attended anything like this before. Charity galas were not my thing.
“You can relax, sweetheart. You’re doing great.” He whispered as he guided us to our table.
“Thanks,” I replied, my voice barely audible over the din.
Inside the ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. Tables adorned with crisp white linens and elaborate floral arrangements filled the space, while a string quartet played softly in the corner.
As we headed further inside, a pretty older woman in a shimmering gown approached Ren, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She emanated confidence and allure, clearly accustomed to being the center of attention. Ignoring me entirely, she leaned in close to Ren, her hand resting seductively on his arm as she spoke in a low, sultry voice.
I stood there, blinking rapidly, not quite sure I was seeing what I was seeing. I mean, what the hell? I’m standing right here.
“Ren, darling, it's been far too long,” she purred, her gaze fixed on him with an intensity that made my stomach tighten. “You must join me for a drink later. We have so much to catch up on.”
I tried to steady my breathing, feeling a wave of insecurity wash over me. Did she not see me, or did she simply not care? Before I could react, Ren gently but firmly removed her hand from his arm.
“Thank you for the offer,” he replied, his tone polite but unmistakably clear. “But I'm taken.” As he spoke, he slid his arm around my waist, pulling me close. The warmth of his touch was reassuring, grounding me amidst the whirlwind of emotions.
The woman glanced at me briefly, her expression a mix of surprise and disdain, before she turned away with a huff, leaving us alone.
Ren's arm remained around me, a protective barrier against the world. “You okay?” he whispered, his voice low and filled with concern.
I nodded, a smile tugging at my lips. “Yes,” I murmured, feeling a surge of gratitude and affection. “Thank you. That was—that was something, all right.”
Ren found our table and guided me to it.
“Everyone, this is Piper.” He greeted the other guests and introduced me with the practiced ease of someone born to be in this world. He mentioned that I was opening Something Sweet and hinted we were together. His words were perfectly measured, giving just enough to pique interest without revealing too much.
We settled into our seats, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of his ability to navigate this with such grace. I watched him, struck by how natural he seemed, and wondered if he felt any of the same anxiety that was gnawing at me. I’d be lucky if I didn’t have to go to the restroom soon—that’s how nervous I felt.
“You are so beautiful tonight.” He leaned in, his voice low and intimate, as he slid his hand around the back of my neck and dropped a kiss on my temple. Rule number two: Be affectionate, AKA touchy-feely.
I turned, leaning into his touch with a flush creeping up my cheeks again. I wondered if his words were part of the performance, yet I was still unable to suppress the giddy feelings they brought.
“Thank you,” I replied, managing a genuine smile. “You clean up pretty well yourself.” Rule number three: Flirty Banter.
I decided that sticking to the rules would get me through this. I was determined to be here for him, and I could figure everything else out later.
As the meal progressed, I found myself relaxing into the role. The wine flowed freely, and the conversation at our table became more animated. Ren’s laughter was infectious, and I started to enjoy myself despite the undercurrent of tension still radiating through my body. I felt out of place and insecure, but realized it had nothing to do with Ren. It was all me.
The speeches began, and I listened with half an ear. Ren was so confident and charming, and it made me question everything. Was this the real him or just part of the roles we were playing?
“Dance with me?” He asked.
I nodded, needing to get away from the table.
Ren led me to the dance floor, and the string quartet began to play a delicate, romantic melody. He pulled me close, one hand resting on the small of my back, the other holding my hand. I could feel his warmth through the fabric of my dress, and it sent a shiver down my spine.
We swayed gently to the music, our movements in sync as if we had done this a hundred times before. I could feel the strength in his arms and the steady rhythm of his breathing. Being this close to him, I was acutely aware of every sensation—the pressure of his hand on my back, the brush of his cheek against mine, the scent of his cologne mingling with the evening air.
My heart raced, a mix of nerves and attraction making it hard to focus. Was this another part of our performance, or was there something real in the way he held me? I glanced up at him, searching for answers in his eyes, but they were tender and unreadable.
“You’re doing great,” he whispered in my ear, his voice sending a thrill through me.
“Thanks,” I murmured, trying to keep my voice steady. “You’re not so bad yourself.”
He smiled, and I felt my own tension ease a bit. Despite the nervous fluttering in my stomach, I found myself leaning into him, letting the music and the moment carry us. For now, I decided to let go of my doubts and just be present with him.
We continued to dance, lost in our own little world amidst the sea of other couples. I knew the night would eventually end, and with it, this fragile illusion of certainty. But for now, I was content to hold him close, swaying to the gentle strains of the string quartet, trying to let myself believe in the possibility of what we could be.
But I couldn’t help but feel like Cinderella at the ball. Out of place, like it was all going to end at midnight, and I’d end up back at home in my ratty old robe with green cheeks and a broken heart.
As the evening wore on, the air filled with laughter and applause. The room buzzed with conversation, and Ren’s deep and genuine laugh resonated through me. I realized he wasn’t grumpy. He had said he hated these dinners, but it didn’t seem that way at all tonight.
Dinner concluded, and as we mingled with the other guests, I was in awe of his ability to navigate the room with such charm. He was in his element, and I realized that I was not.
“You did amazing.” His words broke through my reverie. “Are you ready to go?”
“Yes.” I needed to think. Or maybe I shouldn’t think. We were in two realities—the reality where we were faking our way through social obligations, and the other where we were falling for each other. It wasn’t his fault that I was confusing the two of them tonight.
He approached the front desk to retrieve our coats and the car from the valet, and finally, we stepped out into the cool night air. His hand found mine, and we walked in silence toward his waiting car. My mind spun with emotions, all tangled up in the night’s events.
As we were settled in and ready to go, he turned to me, his eyes searching my face. “Are you okay?” he asked softly, and the genuine concern in his voice nearly undid me. “You’re quiet.”
I nodded, trying to smile. “Yeah, just a lot to take in.”
He squeezed my hand gently. “You were incredible tonight. Thank you for being there with me.”
I felt a rush of affection for him, but also a pang of uncertainty. “Can I ask you something?” Seeing a new side of someone I was dating was usually the beginning of the end, and I didn’t want that to happen with Ren. My past—my insecurities and old hurts wouldn’t stop creeping into my present tonight, and I wanted it to stop.
“Of course.” His gaze was steady, calming, and I felt silly for feeling this way.
“Do you really hate these dinners?”
He looked surprised by the question and then thoughtful. “Tonight was different. With you there, it felt… easier, like I could be myself. Like you were my beautiful buffer, like I was safe with you there. I appreciate you coming with me more than I can say. Sometimes being alone is too much.”
His words touched me deeply, and I realized that maybe both of us were in uncharted territory. When it was just the two of us it was easier; we only had our own expectations to meet. Being around others is where I started to question things.
As we drove home, the hum of the engine and soft music from the radio kept the silence between us comfortable.
I kept sneaking glances at him, wondering if he was as lost in thought as I was.
Finally, he pulled into my driveway and turned to me, his expression a mixture of weariness and warmth. I hesitated for a moment before speaking, unsure of what to say.
“Thank you for tonight,” I said softly, my voice carrying the weight of all the emotions I couldn’t quite articulate.
He reached out, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear. “You’re up next,” he murmured. “Something Sweet’s grand opening is coming up soon.”
“Yes, it is. I’m going to get through it, then celebrate for real once Jake gets Dana to let me buy her out. Like, have a grand re-opening once she’s gone. I let her take over for now. I emailed her to order whatever she wanted for decorations and food, and I’d pay for half. Which reminds me, I need to check in with Jake in the morning.”
“I’m so sorry. But I’ll be there with you for the first grand opening, no matter what. Don’t worry. I will be at your side the entire time. No one will hurt you. I won’t allow it.” He looked down at me with a devastating smile—it held promises and truth. He meant every word. The pang in my heart was undeniable.
I wanted to kiss him immediately, but instead, I invited him inside, as if our relationship or whatever we were doing wasn’t already complicated enough. “Come inside with me?”
“Absolutely.” Without hesitation, he opened his car door, stepped out, and rounded the vehicle to open mine.
As I got out, the light breeze made me shiver, and he wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
We walked up to the front door together. The porch light cast a warm glow over us as I fumbled with my keys, my hands trembling slightly. He noticed and gently took the keys from me, unlocking the door with ease.
I flipped on the light and spotted Nimbus and Smog asleep on the couch in the living room. “Shh,” I whispered. “If they wake up, they’ll expect to come up to bed with me.”
“Ahh, am I coming up to bed with you?” He eyed me carefully.
I felt the heat rise in my cheeks as I nodded, words failing me, as they often did whenever I was near him.
“Then let’s not wake them.”
We moved quietly through the house, his hand never leaving mine.
He paused at the top of the stairs, looking at me with a question in his eyes. I answered by gently pulling him along and leading him to my bedroom.
I turned to face him, my heart pounding hard in my chest. He reached out, cupping my cheek with his hand, his thumb brushing lightly against my skin.
“You are so beautiful.” His voice was thick with emotion. “I know I keep saying it, but I can’t help it. I feel it in my heart whenever I look at you. You take my breath away.”
“Ren…” I couldn’t help but smile and step closer to close the distance between us. “Do you want to stay the night with me again?” I whispered, trailing my hands up his chest.
He chuckled softly, pulling me into his arms. “Yes, and I find the fact that you asked me that hilarious. There is nowhere else I’d rather be than wherever you are.”
The warmth of his embrace made me feel safe, like nothing else could. His lips descended toward mine, and every fiber of my being seemed to come alive with anticipation.
When our mouths finally met, all the fears and worries from the evening dissolved into the background, and for a moment, I wondered why I’d had them in the first place.
He was gentle at first, a soft press that sent warmth flooding through me. Then he paused, allowing me to catch my breath before deepening the kiss. His fingers threaded through my hair, and I melted into him.
“Are you sure?” he whispered against my mouth as he pulled back.
I nodded, pulling back in for another kiss.
“Say it. Tell me what you want. Say the words.”
“I want you, Ren. I’m telling you yes.”