Chapter 17
Chapter Seventeen
“There’s nothing to be nervous about,” Piper said aloud as she looked into the mirror. “Just because you’re about to meet a zillionaire and Sullivan’s best friend, it’s no big deal.”
She worried that Zane Wagner wouldn’t like her.
It really didn’t matter, though. It wasn’t as if she were marrying Sullivan and Zane would be the best man at the ceremony and in their lives until she took her last breath.
No, the Wagner exec and Sullivan’s best friend would only be in the Bay for a short while.
Piper would be around him a few times. Then Zane would return to New York—along with Sullivan.
Unless Sullivan went first. She had a feeling that was how things rolled.
No matter how many times she thought she could prepare herself, she knew Sullivan’s departure from Texas would gut her.
She swept her hair into a high ponytail.
She already wore a T-shirt and shorts, and Piper added a pair of sandals to the mix.
Tonight’s cookout was one she had been looking forward to as it was the first time Layne and Keaton had hosted a large gathering at their house since they returned from their honeymoon.
She and Sullivan had gone over for dinner, joined by Mila and Carson, but the cookout would have even more people present.
Kylie would be there, along with her older brother Danny and his wife, Denise.
Mila’s older brother would also be coming.
Michael Perry was a local firefighter, and he would be bringing Cecily, his wife, and Mila’s good friend.
Piper went downstairs, seeing all but one cookie had been claimed.
It took willpower not to eat it herself, but she knew there would be plenty of sweets to choose from at dinner this evening.
With it being a Saturday, all guests at the B&B were staying over, so she didn’t have to man the desk and wait for anyone who was checking in.
She went to the common room and picked up a magazine, leafing through it, waiting for the doorbell to sound. When it did, she came to her feet and went to answer it, taking a calming breath before she opened the door.
Standing on the porch were Sullivan and Zane, and she promptly asked them to come in. Once inside, Sullivan said, “Piper Roberts, I’d like you to meet Zane Wagner, my best friend.”
Zane’s hypnotic, amethyst eyes drew her in.
He was less than an inch shorter than Sullivan and had jet-black hair and cheekbones which could cut glass.
He possessed an easy grace, as if he wore his millions well.
Naturally, he was dressed in a Polo shirt and a pair of tailored shorts, looking as if he stepped from the pages of an ad in GQ.
“Nice to meet you, Piper,” Zane said, his voice low as he shook her hand.
“I’m happy to meet you, as well,” she replied, her mouth dry, nerves still zipping through her. This man was important to Sullivan, and she desperately wanted to make a good impression on him.
“I actually came to the Bay Breeze years ago,” Zane told her. “Probably when I was twelve or thirteen. Gran had a friend who was staying in the Bay, and she and I came over and picked up the woman.” He glanced around. “This is really nice.”
“My friend, Layne, inherited the inn from her parents and did a complete makeover from top to bottom. Would you like to see it?”
“I would,” Zane replied.
Piper led him around, showing him all the rooms downstairs and describing the renovations Layne had undertaken.
“She has a good eye,” Zane said. “The place has lost none of its charm.”
“Her husband helped her with the remodeling. Keaton used to be in construction before he became a painter.” She laughed nervously. “He transitioned from painting walls to painting on canvas.”
“I’m eager to see his work,” Zane said. “Sullivan has raved about his use of color.”
“Keaton has a few of his paintings on the walls of their house,” Sullivan said. “I’ll bet he’ll show you his studio if you ask.” He looked to her. “Any way we can see a few of the guestrooms?”
“The Porters said we could go into their suite. I told them Zane Wagner was coming by and wanted to see the inn. Mr. Porter is in finance and knew exactly who Zane was. Let’s go upstairs.”
Once they arrived, Piper unlocked the door and ushered them inside, saying, “This is the Bluebonnet Room. Those are flowers native to Texas.”
“I’m familiar with them,” Zane said, his eyes roaming the room. He stepped into the ensuite briefly and then appeared again.
“This is first-rate,” he complimented.
“Tell Layne and Keaton,” Piper encouraged. “She’ll be thrilled to hear that.”
“You ready?” Sullivan asked after she locked the room again.
“I need to grab the potato salad. Meet you in the foyer.”
She went to the kitchen, calming herself. Zane Wagner was as scary as she’d built him up to be in her head. At the same time, he was Sullivan’s longtime friend. She needed to give him a chance.
Piper brought the covered bowl from the kitchen, and Sullivan took it—and then her hand. She knew that didn’t escape Zane’s notice.
As they approached the car, she said, “You sit in the front, Zane. There isn’t much leg room in the back of this sedan. I’ll be fine.”
She listened as Sullivan prepped Zane on who would be at the cookout tonight, explaining how everyone was connected.
“So, Sullivan tells me you and your friends were known as the Three Musketeers in school.”
“Yes. We’ve been friends for a long time, probably even longer than you and Sullivan.”
“I doubt it. My dad and Sullivan’s met in college and became best friends.
We played together since we were in diapers.
Went to the same private schools and then changed to boarding school when we were twelve,” Zane said.
“From the time we were young, Sullivan was as quiet as a dormouse and the smartest person I’ve met—and that includes my dad.
I was almost as smart and pretty wild. We’ve always balanced each other. ”
“Mila and Layne are like sisters to me,” Piper said. “I have an older brother. He went away to college when I was going into third grade, so we’ve never really been close. He’s a travel writer.”
“Has he ever stayed at a Wagner property?” Zane asked. “If not, give me his address. I’ll comp a week for him.”
“That’s very generous, Zane.”
He shrugged. Piper still didn’t have a good read on him, and she was used to figuring out people pretty quickly.
They arrived at Layne and Keaton’s, and Zane was introduced to who was already there and then others as they arrived.
Michael and Cecily came in, with Cecily saying that Bobby and Gina were spending the night at their neighbor’s house, so she was ready to enjoy the night.
Danny and Denise showed up next, Denise’s baby bump larger than Mila’s since she was due in August. Zane asked if they had any other children, and Danny whipped out his phone, showing pictures of Amber, their three-year-old.
Piper watched Zane’s face, but he smiled and seemed perfectly at ease looking at the pictures.
After they talked some, Zane remembered playing pickup basketball at the park with both Danny and Michael. They’d been the same age.
“I do remember that now,” Michael said. “You were here to spend some of the summer with your grandparents. You had a mean bank shot.”
Then Kylie was the last to arrive. Piper watched Zane eye Kylie with interest. She introduced her friend to him and then led her away.
“He’s filthy rich. Like millionaire—or even billionaire—rich, and he won’t be staying in the Bay long,” she warned. “He’s watching you now. I’d stay away if I were you.”
“Thanks for the heads up,” Kylie said. “I don’t see myself getting involved with him.
Right now, he’s the one who’ll be negotiating regarding the new ferry.
Just because he’s super-hot doesn’t mean I’ll fall at his feet and capitulate.
I’m the one who’ll be handling the business talks.
” Kylie grinned. “Zane Wagner has no idea who he’s up against.”
Not only had Kylie been her class valedictorian, she’d also been on the debate team with Layne and had smoked every opponent she’d ever gone up against. If Piper were a betting woman, every last dime she had would be placed on Kylie Mayfield.
Layne made certain everyone had drinks, while Keaton manned the grill. People began breaking off into smaller groups, and Piper found herself standing with Zane.
“You seem pretty close with Sullivan,” he said, holding a beer in his hand and taking a swig of it.
Her cheeks heated. “We’ve spent a fair amount of time together.”
“Playing it close to the vest, I see.”
“Not really,” she challenged. “Sullivan and I met through our mutual friends. We hit it off. We’ve enjoyed hanging out.”
“He seems to be reluctant to go back to New York.”
Her heart sped up hearing this, but she shook her head.
“We’ve grown on each other, but we’re from very different worlds.
Sullivan is creative and has an important job back in New York.
That’s home to him. He travels internationally and has an apartment overlooking Central Park.
I’m a homebody who never finished college, looking for a job.
We know there’s never going to be anything permanent between us.
We’re just having fun, Zane. I’m sure you can relate to that. ”
“I’ve never seen him this way. He cares for you, Piper.”
“I care for him, too,” she replied evenly.
Inside her, she was screaming at the top of her lungs, though.
I LOVE HIM!!!!
She’d never uttered the L-word to anyone, especially not Sullivan. He was so kind and gentlemanly, he’d probably say it right back, just so she wouldn’t feel so awkward.
And that would destroy her.
“Don’t worry, Zane,” she assured him. “Sullivan and I know we’ll be going our separate ways soon.
” She brightened, using every bit of the acting skills she possessed.
“But first, we’re going to kick up our heels next weekend and enjoy our stay at Tidewater.
I’m looking forward to dining on delicacies.
Taking advantage of the swim-up bar. Luxuriating in sheets with an obscenely high tread count. ”
Piper smiled. “I really appreciate you allowing me to accompany Sullivan to Tidewater. It’s not the kind of place I’ve ever stayed before.
I know I’ll enjoy it. Our friends, too.” She glanced around.
“Cecily is a nurse, and Michael is a firefighter. Mila and Carson teach at the high school. Danny runs the ferry, while Denise owns the local bakery. It’ll be nice for all of us to be spoiled by staying at Tidewater. ”
He shrugged. “Sullivan is the one who is in charge of the list. He’s added who he wants. What I will need is honest feedback.”
Now, she laughed. “After running the Bay Breeze and cooking and cleaning for guests, you can be sure I’ll be very frank in whatever feedback I provide.”
Zane smiled. “Being in the people business is tough.” He glanced up. “I think Keaton is taking things off the grill. Shall we grab something to eat?”
They headed back to the patio, and Sullivan joined them, slipping an arm about her waist.
“Enjoying yourself?” he asked. “Getting to know Zane some?”
She didn’t tell him that his friend had moderately grilled her over their relationship.
“Yes. He’s a really nice guy. Protective of you.”
“Yeah. That’s how brothers are. You’re like that with Layne and Mila.”
“I am,” she said softly, finding her two friends.
Mila had a glow about her these days, and she would make for a fantastic mother.
She already was to Lily. Layne had come back from Italy, showing all the pictures she had taken, and she had told Piper that she thought she wanted to pursue something to do with photography.
She loved these two women more than she could express.
And she would miss them terribly once she left the Bay.
They enjoyed eating burgers and chicken.
Baked beans and coleslaw. Her potato salad was a huge hit.
She had Sullivan and Zane sample the Texas caviar Kylie had brought.
Keaton had picked up several pies at the bakery, along with cartons of Blue Bell ice cream, and Denise had brought several dozen cookies.
“This has been so peaceful,” Cecily said, sipping on her wine. “And as much as we would love to stay and visit longer, our house has no kids right now. A rare occurrence.”
Michael’s eyes lit with mischief. “That’s my lovely wife’s way of saying I better get my rear in gear and politely tell all you people goodnight—because I’m getting some when we get home.” He kissed Cecily lightly. “Time’s a-wasting, babe. Let’s go.”
Everyone laughed and started to stand, offering to help clean up.
“There’s not much to do,” Layne protested. “Go home. Enjoy yourselves. Thanks for coming tonight.”
People did help bring plates and glasses to the kitchen, then Layne shooed everyone off.
Zane said, “I’ll get a ride from someone.”
“No,” Sullivan said. “It’ll be easy to drop you at your grandparents’ house. It’s on the way to the B&B.”
The three of them said their goodnights and returned to Sullivan’s car. They drove in silence to the Wagner house, and Zane got out, telling Piper to move to the front seat.
“I like the friends you’ve made,” he told Sullivan, eyeing her. “I’m glad you’ve enjoyed your time in the Bay.”
Zane closed the car door for her, and Sullivan drove to the inn.
“Can I stay tonight?” he asked huskily, leaning in and nuzzling her neck.
“I’m glad you want to.”
Once they were in her bedroom, he made tender love to her. Piper hadn’t bothered to close the blinds, and moonlight streamed in the window, making their bodies glow.
Holding her close, Sullivan said, “You told me to give you a heads up when it was time for me to leave.” He paused. “I booked a flight to New York for next Monday morning.”
Her throat grew thick as she mustered a smile. “At least we’ll go out with a bang, getting to spend time together at Tidewater.”
Piper buried her face against his chest, snuggling close.
She would make the most of every minute left—and deal with her broken heart after he was gone.