Chapter 36 Piper
Piper
“I’m so sorry, Piper.”
I touched Chance’s hand on the sheets. His voice was low and weak, but I heard the remorse. “All you need to focus on right now is resting and getting better.”
“I fucked up. And I dragged you into it.” He closed his eyes.
“You did. I was pretty terrified. For you, for me, for Mom and Gram.”’
He opened his eyes and nodded. The bruising on his face looked even worse than before but the swelling had started to go down. “I’m sorry. I know it isn’t enough, but I’m sorry.”
I looked away, wondering how to deal with the fact that I was glad he was okay, and still worried about what he’d do next. Conflicting emotions seemed to be the name of game when it came to how I felt about my brother.
“I called Mom, and told her and Gram what happened,” I said. “And that you’re okay. They’re worried, obviously. They’re waiting for you to call them when you feel up to it.” My phone pinged with a message. I ignored it. I’d deal with work later.
Chance grabbed my hand. “I promise, Piper, I’m going to make some changes. I…I need help.”
Hope flickered inside me. But it was hesitant hope colored by so much prior disappointment. I wanted to believe. I remembered what Everett had told me. All I could do was love and support Chance, the rest was up to him.
“Whatever you need, I’m here to help.”
He swallowed. “You’re not going to come up with some bullet point plan for me to follow? Shove a stack of rehab brochures at me?”
I sniffed. “No. Not unless you ask me to. It needs to be your plan, and whatever you decide.”
“Okay. Thanks, Pipe.” He settled against the pillows with a small wince. I knew he was feeling pain from his stab wounds. “Where’s your mountain-man protector? I’m surprised he let you out alone.”
“He’s at work. Like I told you before, your debt’s been cleared. You’re safe. I’m safe.”
Chance nodded. “I’m truly grateful. It’s more than I deserve.” Then he cocked his head. “So you and that guy are seeing each other?”
“Everett? No, we’re…” I shrugged. “We’re just friends.”
“Seemed like more than friends to me.”
My phone pinged again. “Sorry—”
“Take it. I know your work keeps you busy.”
I pulled it out and saw a message from Rich, the main contractor working on the pool and spa. I frowned. It wasn’t from his usual number. There was some emergency in the spa area and he needed my advice.
“I have an urgent message from my contractor…”
“Go,” Chance said with a small smile. “Maybe drop in later and bring me some real food? The stuff here is…” He pulled a face.
I stood and smiled. “That, I can do.” I touched his arm, then smoothed my hand over his hair. “I love you, Chance.”
Warmth moved over his face. “Love you too, Pipe.”
Feeling better than I had in a while when it came to my brother, I drove back to the hotel. Time would tell if he really got help and made a difference in his life. He’d disappointed me too many times before for me to trust this one hundred percent. But whatever happened, I’d deal.
My thoughts turned to Everett. A funny feeling squirmed through my stomach. It was strange not to have him close by.
He had no reason to stay with me tonight.
He wasn’t just with you to keep you safe, Piper. Tell him how you feel.
I gnawed on my lip. I wasn’t sure how I felt.
You’re a liar.
He’d signed on for temporary situation with benefits, not a high-maintenance city executive catching feelings for him. Oh, God. I pressed a hand to my stomach. I knew he needed some fresh-faced woman who could hike and bake and wear boots. That wasn’t me.
I wasn’t what he needed. Wasn’t what would make him happy.
Ignoring the opinionated voice in my head, I pulled into the hotel parking lot.
After parking the hotel SUV, I stepped out and pulled on my stylish, black, wrap-style winter coat with large belt.
After slinging my tote over my shoulder, I eyed the construction tent.
I didn’t see anyone around. I hoped this emergency wasn’t anything major.
Going inside to change into Tessa’s boots—I wrinkled my nose—would take too long. It wasn’t snowing and I wanted to deal with whatever the problem was fast.
Navigating the path to the construction site was a little trickier than I’d guessed in my stiletto heels.
Despite the sunshine, it was cold, and the path was icy.
I moved slowly. Okay, and fine, my booties were not designed for this.
I kept my hands out for balance. If I fell, Everett would not let me live it down.
I was probably going to designer shoe hell for wearing my Gucci Bombshell heels out here.
I made it to the tent door and stepped inside.
Some workers were on the far side of the tent by the pool.
Whatever equipment they were using was loud and they were all wearing hearing protection.
When I glanced at the spa area and saw some wooden framing for the walls was up, I smiled.
In my head, I was already picturing the color scheme I’d selected for the spa, the elegant furnishings.
I could already hear the relaxing music playing.
I dodged some slushy looking puddles on the concrete and wandered deeper into the construction. “Rich?”
Where the hell was he? I moved through a framed doorway that led to what would be the stylish changing rooms. I wanted some elegant lockers and plush seating in here.
“Rich?”
I heard a noise. He couldn’t be far away. I took another careful step.
Something slammed into the back of my head.
I went down, my handbag flying off my shoulder, my hands landing on the cold concrete.
My vision turned to black splotches. Another blow hit the back of my head, and then everything went black.