Chapter 25
Piper
This was unbelievable. I felt like I was in some kind of haze. I was overwhelmed and just trying to fix what I could when Holt hugged me. I couldn’t pretend anymore, his embrace made me want to cry. I tried to keep the tears back, but a few escaped.
When Holt pulled back a bit to look down at me, I couldn’t hide them. His thumb reached up to brush them away.
“This asshole won’t get away with this,” Holt says to me. I can hear the quiet anger in his voice. His tone is deadly. My stomach flips. I shouldn’t find this moment a turn on but apparently my body didn’t get the memo.
“Dustin will come out today to board up the rest of the windows. I also called the Sheriff he is on the way to take photos and add this to his report,” Carter says as he comes back inside. His phone is in his hand.
“I’m more concerned with the fact that the fucking alarm in this place didn’t go off,” Holt grinds out to Carter.
“Yeah, I thought of that—we will look into it,” Carter states. I look around at my business. It is a disaster area.
“I’m also going to put a few cameras up. It was a rookie move on my part not to do that yesterday,” his voice is filled with frustration.
“Damn it, I was so focused on securing her house that I figured we would do this later,” Holt responded.
I’m starting to get pissed off. They are talking as if I am not here. This is MY place of business and MY life for that matter. Carter must see the look on my face because the next time he speaks it is directed at me.
“Sorry Piper, we are in work mode. Hard habit to break,” he shrugs his shoulders. I sigh. It is a stupid thing to get worked up over. I decide to change the subject, but my phone vibrates.
Meg: When are you getting here?
I try to figure out what I should say. Holt must see my distress because he gently takes the phone from my hand and starts responding.
“You know, that is my phone,” I say sarcastically. Rolling my eyes. Honestly, I’m a bit relieved. He hands the phone back to me and arches his eyebrow. I look down at his response and roll my eyes again.
Piper: Hey, it’s Holt. We hit a complication but will be by in a bit.
I am waiting for Meg’s response. She will definitely be asking more questions. Oddly, she says nothing. I look up at him in shock and he is smirking. He reaches up and cups my cheek in his large hand— like he has done a few times before. The gesture still does that thing to my stomach.
He leans down and places a quick kiss on my forehead. I shiver. Maybe I just need to enjoy this while it lasts? My mind whispers. I know it is a recipe for disaster, but when will I ever get a chance like this again? Maybe the memories of this will keep me company on those lonely nights.
“Why don’t we head over to Sterling’s? Carter— you should join us,” Holt raises his voice inviting the brooding male to come along.
“I’ll meet you over there, let me button this place up and deal with the Sheriff, it shouldn’t take long,” Carter says. Holt nods in response and grabs my hand leading me to the boarded up door.
He opens the door to his SUV and helps me in. Leaning over me, be buckles me in again. I’m almost getting used to him in my space. Almost.
I watch him stride in front of the vehicle to the driver’s side and sigh. I am losing my mind. My business is in shambles and I’m lusting after my best friend’s boyfriend’s brother. I roll my eyes at myself.
Holt hops in smoothly. Yet again I find myself slightly jealous of his confidence and grace.
He turns the key and puts the car in reverse.
Looking over his shoulder he backs out and maneuvers us to the intersection.
Sterling’s loft is only about 15 minutes away.
After about 5 minutes of silence, Holt reaches over the console and threads his fingers through mine.
“Look—I know you don’t want to hear this,” he begins gruffly and pauses taking a deep breath.
“But you cannot be alone at all—until we figure out who the fuck this is and put an end to it,” he says quietly. I think he is expecting me to put up a fight, but I am relieved. This last incident has been enough to show me that I am in real danger.