Chapter Twenty
Piper waves at me as I pull to the curb at passenger pickup. She’s arrived back in town after being away for almost ten days. I’ve been anxious for her to return since I dropped her off at the airport. I didn’t sleep at all last night. I’ve missed her more than I expected I would. We spent every single day together for six days, and then simply not having her with me any longer felt strange.
When Piper boarded that plane a week and a half ago, I knew I no longer had a claim to her. She didn’t have to answer my calls or messages, and I tried to respect that space. But I missed her. We’ve had no contact during the day when I was working and she was flying, but every night since she asked me to stay on the phone while she fell asleep, we’ve continued to fall asleep on the phone together.
I’ve spent long days at the winery to keep my mind occupied with the other more pressing things in my already chaotic life. I’ve taken on more of a learning approach so far, spending time in every area of the business and getting to know the newer employees.
Our lawyer has tried many times to schedule a meeting with Steve, Preston, and their lawyers, but we’ve had no response. The lack of communication makes me suspicious, and I wonder if they’re planning something behind the scenes. It’s unsettling.
“Hello, Jack Bradley.” Piper pokes her head through the rolled-down passenger window. “Long time no see.”
When she landed home in Phoenix earlier this afternoon, she was finishing up from being in the air for the last three days. She had no time to go back to her apartment to change between landing and hopping on the flight out here. So, she’s still wearing her uniform. Piper’s tight navy blue dress and high heels make my dick jump faster than I can sprint around to the other side of the car.
“Hi. Nice to see you again,” I say, remaining dry and unfazed by her return, even though it takes every bit of self-control not to kiss her glossy lips and slide my hand up the front of her dress.
I grab both of her bags and set them into the trunk, then jog back over to the passenger side before she can get to the door. Squeezing between her and the car, I open the door for her.
She gives me a side-eye. “Thanks, but I’m already your fake girlfriend. No need to try to impress me.”
“I know you are. And I’m not.” I flash her an exaggerated grin. “How were your flights the past couple of days?”
“Uneventful, which was nice. But I’m exhausted.” Her voice is hollow as she yawns. “At least we won’t have to fall asleep on the phone together this time, because you’ll only be in the next room.”
I grin. “Yes, that’s true.”
She lays her head against the passenger side window, looking exhausted and worn out.
“I got us a larger villa this time. The property manager, Faye, said a guest canceled their seven-night stay and offered it to us for the week.” I glance over to her. Piper’s hair is pulled back into a tight bun, but a few loose strands fly in the wind. “Still only one bed, though.”
“That’s fine. More space will be nice,” she replies, her words not matching the tone in her voice or the look on her face.
She’s silent most of the ride back to town. I hoped things would be more casual with us this time, but it seems to be business as usual.
Walking into the new villa, I can tell right away that it’s more like a luxury suite than an extra-large townhome. The kitchen is better suited for cooking, there’s a small office area right off the front entryway, and the living room boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with a view of the private pool in the back.
Piper and I bring our luggage into the bedroom but stop abruptly in our tracks. Red rose petals are scattered in the shape of a heart covering the king-sized bed. A small card is placed directly in the middle. I rub my chin and then dare to peer into the bathroom. A heart-shaped jacuzzi tub with Mr. and Mrs. embroidered robes hanging from the hook on the wall. I reluctantly turn toward Piper. The color had drained from her face, and her eyes bore into the love nest we’d walked into.
I chuckle. “I forgot to tell you. This is the honeymoon suite.”
“Yes, you did forget to mention that important detail.” She zips her necklace back and forth.
“Honestly, I thought someone would have cleaned this up after the other couple canceled.”
“It’s fine. Everything is fine,” she repeats, unconvincingly and with a fake smile on her face. “It’s going to be just fine.”
Piper tries to avoid the romantic display at all costs. She starts to empty her suitcase, placing items in the dresser and hanging some in the closet. I noticed that she brought more clothes this time. I should probably be doing the same, but based on her body language, she wants some space.
As if the timing could not be better, my phone vibrates with a text alerting me that the grocery delivery has arrived and is waiting in the hotel lobby. Slipping my phone back into my pocket, I turn to Piper, buried in the closet, hanging up a semi-formal dress, presumably her choice for the Harvest Dinner this week. From what I can see, it’s navy, and I have no doubt she’ll look incredibly sexy in it.
“I need to head down to the lobby to grab our grocery order.”
She pops her head out. “What grocery store delivery?”
“I put in an order earlier this morning, so we’d have some food around here this week. You know, in case one of us wants to cook.”
“You cook?”
“I know how to cook.”
“Hmm.” She tilts her head to the side. “Alright.”
I take the complimentary golf cart down the hill, eventually passing the same villa we stayed in the last time she was here. Once I get to the lobby, Faye greets me from behind the front desk with a bright yellow watering can in her hand.
“Hello, Jack!”
“Hi, Faye. Thanks again for giving us that great suite for the week.”
“Oh, don’t mention it. It’s no problem at all.” She moves from one plant to another, watering them as she goes. “I hope you and your girlfriend are settling in nicely.”
I nod, looping the bags in both hands while stacking them up my arms. “Yes, it’s beautiful,” I declare, walking toward the door.
“Oh, and did you like the nice surprise I left there for you?” She snickers. “I figured you two would enjoy it!”
I clamp my eyes shut and slowly turn to face her. “The rose petals were lovely.”
“Did she love them?”
“She was speechless. Thank you.” My shoulders bounce with internal laughter. The look on Piper’s face was worth the surprise. I don’t care at this point, and I like us acting as a couple. I don’t feel as uncomfortable about it as I did before.
“That’s so great to hear. Enjoy!”
Making my way back up the hill with the groceries in the back of the golf cart, I imagine what Piper could be thinking right now. I wonder if she’s upset that she had to come back because I am sure as hell not.
Seeing her this evening at the airport made my heart ache for her even more than it did when she was gone. And that short uniform skirt with legs for days. Fuck, I missed her legs. The urge to explore what’s between them grows stronger by the minute. I’ve convinced myself that some time away would lessen my agony, but if anything, it’s only made it worse.
Walking into the villa, I immediately feel her presence, bringing me so much relief. I’m not alone in the town I fled so many years ago. I have a partner, even if for a short time, I am learning to appreciate it.
I set the bags on the kitchen counter as Piper shuffles out of the bedroom in another pair of satin matching pajamas and fluffy white bunny slippers. How many pairs of these fancy pajamas does she own? And why do they look so fucking sexy on her? Are they meant to look like that?
But one of my white T-shirts would look even sexier on her.
“What did you get?” she asks, pulling the food out and setting it on the counter.
“I tried to get things I knew you’d like and some of the foods I saw you eat last time you were out here,” I say, placing a gallon of almond milk on the shelf in the fridge. “I also know you like fruit. As you can see, I ordered a lot of it.”
She holds up a bag filled with different types of apples with a wide grin. “Midnight snacks?”
“Yes.” I laugh. “And no green ones. I know you hate green apples.”
She slowly shakes her head and places the apples in a large bowl on the counter. “I can’t believe you remembered that.”
“How could I not? You were so dramatic about that fucking green apple martini,” I tease.
“I was a little over the top, wasn’t I?”
“You were very passionate about it.”
“I’m sure.”
Piper and I continue silently putting away the groceries for a few minutes. The interactions between us are more relaxed and comfortable this time.
“Thanks for doing this. I really appreciate it,” she says in a small voice.
“No problem. Next time we can go together. I thought I should at least get some things in the meantime.” I glance down at the empty counter now that all the items have been put away.
“I had a jam-packed few days of traveling, and I need to get some sleep.” Piper’s head is down while she plays with the drawstrings on her shorts. She always fidgets when she’s nervous.
“Of course. I’ll be on the couch if you need me.”
She nods but doesn’t walk away. A beat passes before she speaks, “I think you should sleep with me.”
My breath stops.
Laying in the bed, under the same blankets, knowing that her half-dressed smooth body was within inches of mine would be too much to handle. How would I keep myself from touching her? She’s trying to be considerate, but I don’t think I can do what she’s suggesting. Just imagining it, I can almost feel the sensation of her naturally tucked into my arm. I’d hold her close and sleep soundly, knowing she was safe. I would caress her face and her neck and eventually let my fingertips roam all over her body, claiming each part as my own. It would be impossible, and I’m not about to cross the line.
I can’t fucking do it.
“I still don’t think that’s a good idea. I’m fine sleeping on the couch. You don’t have to feel bad about it.” I try to keep my tone firm, but she can hear the slight cracks of uncertainty.
Piper frowns. “Look, in the beginning, the thought of sleeping in the same bed with a man who’s a little more than a stranger was a little unnerving, but things are different now. We know each other better, and it’s not like we haven’t been sort of sleeping together every night on the phone since I left,” she points out.
I rub the back of my neck. “Thank you. Let’s see how I feel later, okay?”
I watch as her face falls, hearing me push back. “Okay.” Then, she turns around and heads into the bedroom.
Trying to pass the time, I turn on the TV and flip through a few channels. When that doesn’t work, I pop in my AirPods and play whatever was on my most recent playlist. Blink 182’s “I Miss You” immediately starts—nope. I have to go in there to get ready for bed. After what feels like a lifetime of sitting alone in the living room, I decide to face the internal conflict that ensues within me.
I carefully crack the door to the bedroom and feel my way around the dark space. Tapping the flashlight on my phone, I head for the dresser in the corner. I take care to remove my boxers and T-shirt. Then, I quietly creep across the room and into the bathroom.
A few minutes later, I find Piper tucked beneath the covers and curled into one side of the bed. Her hair is fanned out across two bright white pillows. I cautiously approach the edge to get a closer look at her. She’s gorgeous. Right now, she’s all mine. Listening to the faint sounds of her deep breathing lights me up and tugs at my insides. I stay for a moment, watching her sleep. She’s so blissfully unaware of how beautiful she is.
I bend to my knees and hang my head. Exhaling in frustration, I shouldn’t crawl in with her because the temptation to have her would be too powerful. My dick is already fighting with the inside of my boxers, and with one wrong move, I’d pop right out of the thin fabric.
I grit my teeth, then head back into the living room with every intention of making this sectional my bed for the night. But all that changes when my eyes find the pile of folded blankets and the empty space before me—Fuck this. I turn on my heels and confidently walk away.
I’ve spent almost two weeks missing Piper, craving to touch her once again, and now that she’s back, I won’t give up the chance to be close to her. Who knows, she might not mind me holding her while she sleeps.
I quietly walk over to the opposite side of the bed, carefully pull back the thick down comforter, and slip myself in. I get a quick look at her ass peeking out from where the sheets are pulled low. As always, her shorts are riding high, giving me a delicious view from the creases of her smooth cheeks.
My dick is already hard, and I have to adjust myself. Lying beside her, I’m aware of every movement she makes. My heart is hammering inside my chest. Afraid to move, even though she’ll realize by morning that I’ve slept next to her, I remain perfectly still focused on controlling my labored breathing. I’d rather she catch me after I’ve already sneaked into her bed than during. Would she mind if I pulled her into me? I’m not crossing any lines, right?
The desire to have her close is overpowering.
Bringing one arm up to bend under my head, I cautiously outstretch the other, resting it on the backside of one of her pillows. My body stills again as Piper stirs. She rolls toward me, her face less than a foot from mine. I make a bold move, knowing that this could end one of two ways, but the need is too strong. If I have a chance of getting any sleep tonight, I need to hold her.
I slowly lower my arm from the top of the pillow to directly above her head, placing my hand on her back. My skin tingles when it makes contact with her. I feel the hollow vibrations of her breath. They travel through my veins like we’re connected. With gentle pressure, I nudge her a little closer.
Piper’s eyes flicker open briefly to meet mine before they fall closed again. My muscles lock in place, my heart pounds, and my lungs swell as I watch in slow motion as she scoots herself into the space under my arm. Panic sets in when she rests her cheek on my chest for fear she’ll hear my thundering heartbeats.
“You changed your mind.” She curls into me, her body molding to mine. The scent of lavender from her hair enters my nose, and I instantly feel at ease.
“I did. Couches are never that comfortable anyway.” I take her cheeky comment as an opportunity to wrap my other arm around her and squeeze tight.
“I’m glad you did,” she mumbles through sleepy eyes.
“Besides, I’ve gotten used to hearing the sound of your breath while I sleep anyway.” I angle my head to the side, with my lips buried in her hair. I breathe her in before pressing a gentle kiss on her head. Letting my lips linger there for some time, I fall asleep.