11. Mack
MACK
“Go back to sleep,” I murmur, kissing Piper’s temple, while her naked body stretches against the sheets. She makes the cutest little noise, snuggling her face into the pillow as I have to force myself to leave the room.
I wish I could take the day off, but I have somewhere to be.
There’s always somewhere to be.
It’s probably too early to suggest to Piper that we go away for a few days, but maybe if I play my cards right, I can convince her to go after the adoption event.
I feel like I’m walking on sunshine as I quietly slip from her house, my truck roaring to life as I climb in and start it up. Yesterday was the best day of my life to date, the end making up for the restlessness I felt when I woke up.
And God, being with Piper was more than I could have imagined, and I can’t wipe the smile from my face as I drive down the road, the sun not yet creeping over the horizon. It’s peaceful and one of my favorite views of Hearts Bend.
Or it was before I had Piper naked and flushed and calling my name.
That will forever be my favorite view in this town.
And any other she wants to go to.
I waited until we got back to her house with takeout before asking why she seemed upset about my touch still making her feel good after she came. My brain had picked up that train of thought again immediately after we’d come to our tentative agreement about being together.
I needed the words—to know she was okay.
She assured me she was. She’d just dated losers who either couldn’t make her orgasm, didn’t care if she did, or in rare cases, if they did make her come, it was just the once and no desire to try for more.
But she’ll never have to worry about that again.
I’m more than willing to put in the work to make sure she’s sated and boneless every chance I get.
Stopping off at home to change, I’m back in my truck with a scalding cup of coffee in no time. I’m also hoping I set the timer right on the coffee maker in Piper’s kitchen before I left. If I did, it should be brewing right about now.
I hope it makes her morning a little easier.
I hope it makes her smile.
Fuck. It sounds ridiculous, but all I want is to take care of her.
Startling when my phone rings, I put my mug in the cupholder and accept the call.
“Hey Pop. I’m on my way over to Hayes Ranch now.”
“Your mother went to drop off some soup to your sister,” he says slowly.
“Yeah. I know she wasn’t feelin’ good; I was gonna check on her today.”
“Well, you know how your mother is. She made some extra, wanted to bring it by for you.” He pauses again and I lick my lips, fully engaged in this battle of wills.
“Real nice of her.”
“Uh-huh.” He sighs and I know that I’ve won this little piece. “Said you weren’t home when she stopped by.”
“She shouldn’t have been out in the storm, Pop.”
A loud harrumph comes down the line and I chuckle. “She’s gonna ask where you were is all I’m sayin’. Thinks she’s gotta better shot at you settling down over your sister.”
“Well, if I have it my way, she might not have to wait too long.”
“Piper finally agree to go out with you?”
The statement is so casual I almost swerve off the road, my tires squealing a little as I right the truck. “What?”
This time, my father is the one amused. “You’re not that subtle, son.”
Tell that to Piper.
“Yeah, well, she’s a little gun-shy on the whole commitment thing.” In an attempt to bolster my case, I add, “We’re taking things slow.”
“Uh-huh. Well, I’ll be sure not to tell your mother, but don’t think you’ll get away with it too much longer. I’ll be sleepin’ on the couch if she finds out I knew before her.”
“Thanks, Pop. And hey, Rory doesn’t know yet either.”
He doesn’t respond, but I can hear his deep belly laugh just before the line goes dead.
Awesome.
PIPER
My entire body is sore, every muscle groaning as I stretch against the sheets that smell like Mack and sex and a night that feels like it’s imprinted on every cell of my being.
I want to be mad that I’m already in over my head with him, but the delicious ache between my legs won’t allow me to wallow.
I feel too good.
Grabbing my phone from the nightstand, I swipe through the messages and smile.
MACK: I hated leaving you this morning
MACK: I’m already counting down the hours till I can see you again
PIPER: Who said I wanted to see you again?
Grinning, I hit send, my belly flipping in anticipation at getting to rile him up this early in the morning—to think I’ll be on his mind all day.
MACK: I’m not above putting you over my knee and spanking that attitude right out of you, Honey Girl
PIPER: You would not
MACK: Try me
PIPER: Awfully bossy for one day, Mack
MACK: And I licked every inch of you—possession is nine-tenths of the law
PIPER: You’re ridiculous
MACK: And fucking hard for you already
PIPER: Maybe I’ll get myself off before work
MACK: Do it. You deserve it.
I have no idea why that gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling, like he’s praising me for embracing my physical needs, but it does.
I don’t think anyone has ever been so in tune with my body before—me included.
But Mack flipped a switch in me last night, helping me to embrace my pleasure instead of minimizing it.
MACK: But just know that tonight your pussy is mine.
PIPER: I didn’t know you’d be so into this with me
MACK: You have no idea
MACK: I’m obsessed, Piper—no doubt about it.
Obsessed?
With me?
My lips part as I wait for him to respond again when another message pops up, killing the mood and forcing me to rejoin the real world.
RORY: I woke up just to remind you that you have to finalize the food and make sure all the social media posts are scheduled.
RORY: I can come in later if you need me
PIPER: No, just rest, I’ve got it
RORY: Did you call Mack?
PIPER: Yesterday. He helped me wrangle a dog on Main Street in the middle of that storm.
And he also fucked me senseless in our office and all over my house.
RORY: Good. I’m glad you guys are back to getting along
You have no idea…
PIPER: Get some sleep and I’ll text you later.
Dropping my phone onto the bed, I throw the sheets back and force myself not to think about Rory or Mack or the nine thousand things waiting for me at work. Right now, I need a shower and an orgasm before I can tackle my to-do list.
And I guess I’ll be thinking about Mack after all…