Chapter Five
L ate the next afternoon, Piper sat in Stef’s office, pleased with the rough sketch of her new logo and the fact the brilliant woman had helped to nail the long elusive name for her gallery.
The Artery.
It was perfect.
Over the years, Piper tossed around names, but none had ever seemed to fit. She wanted something that represented not only art in general and her work, but also the pieces she intended to include by local artists.
The Artery embodied it all.
“And for your tagline,” Stef said, “how about something like: We are the pulse of creativity?”
She inhaled. “Oh, wow. I love that, Stef.”
“Yeah?” Her friend smiled and satisfaction lit her eyes. “Okay then, I’ll work on several mock-ups and email them to you when I’m done. Once you choose the one you like, I’ll create your stationery and business cards.”
Excitement raced through Piper’s veins. This was becoming real. “Super. I can’t wait.”
“Same,” Stef said. “I’ve already got several more ideas brewing.”
She loved choices. “And I look forward to seeing them all.”
Her friend tipped her head and regarded Piper with a curious gaze. “Speaking of seeing…anything interesting happen lately?”
Piper shifted in her chair, her pulse hiccupping as her thoughts turned to the amazing kisses she’d shared with Ty last night.
Trying to play it cool, she responded with a casual tone, “Yeah, I got to see some of Ty’s photos. They were pretty amazing. The way he captured light off surfaces and the angles he uses…” She trailed off as a knowing grin spread across Stef’s face. “What? Why the look?”
Her friend leaned back in her chair and shrugged. “I've heard whispers about a certain neighborly rendezvous. Anything you want to share?”
“What?” Piper choked out, her heart slamming into her ribs.
Stef grinned. “I've got insider information about you and your handsome neighbor, and a doorstep kiss.”
Her mind reeled. She hadn’t seen anyone else around last night. How had Stef known?
“Mac told me,” Stef said as if reading her mind.
Wait…
“Mac? But how had he known?”
Ty definitely didn’t seem like the gossiping type.
“Don’t freak out. Everything is fine, but—”
“How am I not supposed to freak out when you start a sentence like that?” she asked, cutting her friend off while alarm tightened her chest.
“Ty thought he saw something after you went inside, so he had Carter check the feed this morning, and Mac reviewed it with Ty, and well, they saw you two kissing. Sorry.”
She didn’t care so much about that as she did this feed. “What feed were they checking? Where did it come from?”
“Oh, that.” Stef blinked. “Ty’s cottage is owned by ESI, and loaded with state-of-the-art surveillance and stuff. I’m sure some of the camera footage captures your yard.”
She exhaled, and some of her anxiety started to ebb. “I see.”
Piper wasn’t sure how she felt about all that, but it explained how Stef had known about the kiss.
The kiss…
Just thinking about the kisses they’d shared sent a rush of warmth straight to her toes. The same thing had happened the instant she’d brushed her lips to his, and the fact the sweet man had given her control only magnified her need to taste him.
It was all new and intense and amazing. She could sense the same need going through him, but he didn’t push her for more, he just let her take what she wanted.
She’d never met a guy like him. He made her want things. He made her want to do things, and she was just in a kind of stupor over what to do. It was a big step. One she wanted to take and yet, one she was afraid to take.
“So, how was the kiss?”
As Stef probed for details, Piper worked to control the subtle nervousness lingering beneath the surface. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat and attempted to downplay the significance of the kiss.
“It was good.”
Stef raised an eyebrow and laughed. “Just good? Come on, Piper. Spill it. I can practically see the butterflies in your stomach from here. What's really going on?"
She sighed. The woman was too astute. Besides, she really needed someone to talk to about the truth she had been grappling with.
“It was freakin’ amazing,” she replied, unable to hold back her grin. “There's something about him, Stef. I can't deny that I felt a spark. A big one, but he makes me feel things, and I’m not sure if I should let it go any further.”
Stef’s expression softened as she leaned forward in her chair. “Hey, it's okay. Sometimes unexpected things happen, and feelings catch us off guard. What are you afraid of, though? Are you worried about things getting complicated with a neighbor, or is there more to it?”
Piper bit her lip, struggling to articulate her thoughts. “A bit of everything. What if it doesn't work out, and we have to see each other every day?”
“It’s a tricky situation. I get it,” Stef said, offering her a reassuring smile. “But don't let fear hold you back, Piper. Life's too short to ignore the potential for something great. I think you know that better than anyone.”
She nodded. “Yeah.” The woman wasn’t telling her anything she hadn’t already told herself. “I just…would I be betraying my husband? I mean, I’ve been in a relationship since Zane passed, and after a few weeks, I didn’t feel guilty.”
“Did you feel guilty kissing Ty last night?”
“No, I didn’t even think of him,” she replied, realizing that was what bothered her.
“And you’re feeling guilty because of it,” Stef said.
“Yes.” She blew out a breath and nodded. “Yes, I guess I am.”
Her friend got up and came around the desk to squat down next to her. “Guilt is a part of life, and so is letting go. And it sounds like you’re ready.”
She nodded again, blinking back a tear. “I am, and I feel guilty about that too. Stupid, right?”
Stef patted her hand. “No, I think it’s very healthy. And I also think something else is bothering you about Ty.”
The woman rose to her feet and leaned back against her desk while regarding her closely. Was she a mind reader too?
Piper stood too and walked over to a photo of a fluffy orange cat. It was beautiful, and she was stalling. She turned around and blew out a breath, knowing her friend wouldn’t let her leave until she was honest with herself.
“I don’t want to be his rebound,” she blurted.
Stef’s chin raised. “I can see why that would worry you. Have you talked to Ty about her?”
“Yes.” She scratched her temple. “I told him he deserved better, and he said he was glad that she’d left him because then he wouldn’t have met me.”
And just like that, a rush of warmth chased away the chill that had settled.
“Wow, how sweet.” Stef smiled.
“He’s amazingly sweet.” Now Piper was smiling too.
“Look.” Her friend walked over to set a hand on her shoulder. “I understand your hesitation, but don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back. Life is all about taking chances, and who knows, this could be something beautiful. You felt a spark, right? That doesn't happen every day. Maybe it's worth exploring, even if it's a bit complicated."
Piper glanced down at her hiking boots, contemplating Stef’s words. The idea of pursuing something more with Ty despite the uncertainties started to feel less frightening. She shifted her gaze back to Stef’s. “I guess you're right. It's just… what if it doesn't work out, and things get awkward between us? I don't want to risk a budding friendship.”
Her friend nodded with an understanding gaze. “That’s valid. But what if it does work out? What if it turns into something amazing? I was in your shoes once, and had to take a chance, and God, I’m so glad I did, because I’m married to my soulmate, and we have a beautiful child. Trust me, it’s worth any chance you take.”
She definitely wanted what Stef and Mac had. Who knows? Maybe it was in the cards for her with Ty. But there were a lot of variables for them.
A mixture of apprehension and hope swirled in her chest. “You make it sound so simple, but emotions are complicated.”
Stef snorted. “They are, indeed. But isn't that what makes life interesting? Take your time, talk to him, and see how he feels. If you both want the same thing, great. If not, at least you won't wonder what if down the road.”
Her words brought a sense of comfort. Piper nodded. “You should add ‘giving advice’ to my bill. It’s well worth it,” she said, hugging her friend. “Thank you.”
“No problem,” Stef replied as they drew back. “I’m happy to help. Lord knows I needed it when I was first navigating unknown waters with Mac.”
“I’d love to hear it,” she said, glancing at the clock on the wall. “But I’m supposed to meet Brandi at the gallery in fifteen minutes.”
“You mean, The Artery,” Stef corrected with a grin.
She laughed. “Right. The Artery.”
Eleven minutes later, she was still smiling as she parked in front of her dream building that stood as a timeless testament to architectural elegance.
Its exterior was a blend of historic charm and refined detailing, and it exuded an aura of sophistication that transported onlookers to a bygone era. Exactly what she’d pictured in her head for years.
The intricate masonry work showcased the craftsmanship of an era that valued meticulous attention to detail. The building was an art piece itself. Warm, earthy hues accentuated the building’s stately presence. Piper loved the large, evenly spaced windows. They allowed natural light to spill into the building's interior, and she could already imagine the interior lighting casting a warm glow on the surrounding sidewalks at night.
Her favorite part of the exterior was the entrance marked by a gracefully arched doorway. Each time she stepped through it felt like a portal to a different time.
It was a grand wooden door, embellished with brass accents and intricate carvings, which needed restoration. Brandi reassured her it could be done. Piper was thrilled because to her, it was by far the best part of the building. It hinted at the opulence that awaited within. Too bad the inside had been stripped of such things over the decades. At least the decorative transom window above the entrance remained, and added a touch of vintage charm, allowing a glimpse of the building's historic allure.
“Thought I’d find you out here,” Brandi said, opening the door.
Piper had already given the designer a key so she and the construction crew would have complete access until the job was done.
She smiled. “Yep. I’m just envisioning this brought back to its glory.”
Brandi nodded. “Yes, the sea air wreaked some havoc, but my guy works wonders.”
“Super.”
She entered the building and stood in a hallway that would eventually lose the walls that had partitioned two separate businesses. The left had been a shoe store, and the right had been an accounting firm. Upstairs had been another accounting firm and a lawyer’s office.
“I got the call today that the permits will be ready for pick-up in the morning,” Brandi said, and Piper clapped.
It echoed through the building along with her “whoop”.
“That was fast,” she said, unable to stop grinning.
Brandi nodded. “Normally, it wouldn’t be, but Alex McCall, as you might know, is Cole and Connor’s father and Mac’s uncle. He’s also a big advocate for restoring this building and bringing arts to the community. It’s my guess that he pushed this to the top of the pile.”
“I’m so glad.” She sent a mental thank you to the man.
As they walked through the rooms and checked off approval boxes, Piper got an idea. She wanted to chronicle the building’s transformation, and what better way than through photographs? Amazing ones.
She confided her idea to Brandi.
“I love it, but you need to get started tonight because tomorrow, some of these walls are coming down,” the designer said, rolling up the blueprints they’d spread out on a boardroom table that had been left in the lawyer’s office, which would eventually be her painting area.
“Good point.” She nodded, pulling out her phone to text Ty.
Her finger hovered over the screen as she tried to figure out what to say, then gave her head a shake and kept it simple.
Hi. Are you busy now…or tonight?
That didn’t sound desperate or anything. Shesh, she forgot to tell him why, but before she could add to it, he texted her back.
No. What do you have in mind?
She smiled and could feel heat seeping into her cheeks. Thank God he couldn’t see her.
Can you meet me at the gallery now?
Sure. What’s the address?
Piper sent it to him, then added: And bring your camera.
Interesting. Don’t tell me why. My imagination is in heaven.
She laughed.
Okay. See you soon.
Will do.
“Care to share who’s putting the blush on your face and light in your eyes?” Brandi asked, walking closer.
Piper tried to stop her smile but failed. “Ty. He’s bringing his camera. He’s amazing. He takes great photos,” she stammered like a schoolgirl with a crush.
“He’s the fighter pilot, right?”
Surprise rose her brows. “Yes. And my neighbor.”
“Seems to me he’s more than a neighbor.” Brandi grinned. “Good for you. Kade said Ty was a stand-up guy.”
“I think so too.”
Brandi chuckled. “Well, have fun, but don’t forget to take your photos too. I’ll see myself out.”
“Okay, thanks for everything,” she said and began to wander through the rooms, her mind alight with ideas and images of how she was going to use the space.
Her apartment was going to be huge, with a large, open kitchen, dining room, and living room area. A nice guest bathroom. Two bedrooms, and a main suite with a walk-in closet and spa-like bathroom.
She could hardly wait, but it was the painting studio that held her heart. Piper roamed from room to room in what was now the lawyer’s office. Once all the inner walls came down, she would have the perfect space. Light would come in from the large windows on all three exterior walls. And with the high ceilings, she would have room for her creativity to soar.
And with luck, it would.
She’d already started sketching last night.
High cheekbones, a strong jaw…amazing lips.
The sound of a board smacking the floor downstairs sent her pulse racing.
Could that be Ty already?
Not unless he flew a jet to get here. Granted, the cottages weren’t far, but it should still take him ten minutes to get here.
“Hello?” she called out as she cautiously descended the stairs.