He held her gaze for long seconds, his eyes filled with questions. Finally, he leaned back on the bench with a sigh. “Okay. I won’t press you. We can make this work.” He squeezed her hand. “I want to make this work.”
She released the breath she’d been holding, her heart swelling with relief that he understood. “So do I.”
A smile tugged at his lips. She fixated on his mouth, glancing around to make sure they were still alone before she leaned forward to kiss him. Her heart stuttered as he gently twirled a strand of her hair around his fingers before reaching behind her neck, drawing her closer to deepen the kiss. Fire stirred low in Piper’s belly as his mouth moved on hers. His kiss was slow and coaxing, and then driven and demanding, enlivening her senses with dizzying rapture. The musky scent of his cologne was intoxicating as his firm chest pressed against her. She couldn’t get her fill of Drew, every cell in her body craving more.
After a minute she reluctantly pulled back, her face flushed and her breathing uneven. It was almost time for her to leave for the Silvermine, and the thought of saying good bye was painful. Drew’s eyes smoldered as he held her gaze.
“What are you doing to me, Piper?” he asked, his voice husky.
She bit her lip, unsure what he meant.
He reached out and touched her hair, his brown eyes filled with wonder. “You’ve turned my world upside down. I can’t think straight anymore. Or sleep.” He shook his head. “You’re constantly in my thoughts.” He took both of her hands and stared into her eyes, his expression turning serious. “I’m falling in love with you.”
Piper’s breath caught. The world around them stilled, blurring everything else until it was just her and Drew. Her heart hammered at the look in his eyes. She could see it there—his love for her. She’d never said those words to anyone, not even her parents, and worried she never would. But now they rushed to her chest, filling her to bursting. Then to her throat, flowing all too easily from her lips.
“I love you, too.”
Drew released a slow exhale. His Adam’s apple bobbed once and his eyes ignited. It was as if her declaration had lit a fuse inside him, kindling in his gaze and feeding her soul with its warmth. He wrapped her in his arms, capturing her mouth with his in renewed hunger.
Piper melted into him, matching his intensity with her own. Her heart was light and free as she basked in the feeling of Drew’s strong arms around her. His love enveloped her like a protective blanket, and for the first time in her life, she felt completely secure.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Piper stepped out of the shower, stifling a yawn. She’d hoped the warm water would help revive her, but instead it made her want to crawl back into her pajamas and straight back to bed. She lightly slapped her cheeks a few times, hoping that would do the trick. It was Saturday, and her first day off since she’d started working both jobs. This morning she was going to Briarwood with Drew to meet Margaret, and she could tell he was anxious about it. The last thing she wanted to do was disappoint him by showing up looking like a droopy-eyed zombie.
She wrapped a towel around herself and swiped the steam off the mirror to get a look at her face. There were dark circles forming under her eyes. She sighed and reached for the concealer that was becoming her new best friend, gently dabbing it into place.
“Thank goodness for makeup,” she muttered, going for her favorite foundation next. Her phone buzzed and she swiped the text, smiling as she read Drew’s words.
Sorry I slipped out without saying good bye last night. I didn’t want to wake you. Pick you up at ten?
She tapped a reply. I’m sorry I fell asleep during the movie. One of these nights I’ll make it through. See you at ten.
They’d been squeezing in time together between her jobs or meeting up at her place or his for a late movie, like last night. She’d barely kept her eyes open for the first five minutes before dozing off. A new record on the scale of pathetic. She glanced at her phone again, her heart warming at his reply.
It’s worth being next to you, even if it’s while you sleep. See you in a bit.
She checked the time and hurried through the rest of her makeup routine. She’d slept in this morning, which meant she’d need to rush if she didn’t want to meet Margaret with wet hair.
After her makeup was in place and her long auburn hair was blow-dried and tamed with a flat iron, she dashed to her closet to get dressed. Maybe she was trying a little too hard, but she opted for her favorite outfit: a knee length navy dress with an elbow-length cardigan, and a red necklace and red heels to add a pop of color. It was sophisticated, but casual enough for brunch. She was just adding a spritz of perfume when there was a short knock on her bedroom door. Piper knew the sound well.
“Come in, Savannah,” she called.
Savannah poked her head around the door. “Excuse me, miss. I’m looking for my long-lost friend Piper Robinson. Have you seen her?”
Piper smiled as she clasped an earring. “Haha, very funny.” She gestured her head to the side. “Come on in. Drew will be here in a minute, but I want to chat. Tell me how work is going. How was the wedding with Bridezilla yesterday?”
Savannah collapsed onto her bed with a groan. “About a ten on the Bridezilla scale.”
Piper’s eyes widened. “Wow. You don’t give those out lightly. I’m impressed you’re still functioning today. Normally after a ten you spend the next day on the couch with a little love from Ben & Jerry.”
Savannah laughed. “The day is young. I’ll probably make a run to the store later to call on my two favorite guys.” She winked and propped her head on her elbow.
Piper pursed her lips as she clasped her other earring. Grant used to be Savannah’s favorite guy—until he’d left her at the alter two years ago. It was a devastating thing to watch her friend go through. Piper quickly banished those thoughts, keeping the mood light. “How you stay so slim is an anatomical wonder,” she teased.
Savannah shrugged. “Any person who hates exercise as much as I do has to have a high metabolism.”
Piper finished with her earring and placed her hands on her hips. “I’m going to get you on a hike one of these days. You’d like it. It hardly feels like exercise.”
Savannah inspected her nails. She wasn’t the outdoorsy type, which Piper considered a crime when you lived in a place like Pine Ridge. “We’ll see.” She glanced at Piper, changing the subject. “When I got in last night, you were asleep snuggled up to Drew on the couch. How long did you last this time?”
Piper gave an embarrassed shrug. “Five minutes.”
Savannah shook her head, her blue eyes clouding with concern. “Did you tell him yet?”
Piper turned to the mirror, avoiding her friend’s probing gaze. “Not yet.”
“Piper!”
She spun around, feeling the guilty flush at her neck. “I know, I know. I’m working up to it. I just don’t want to do anything to ruin this.” She sucked in a breath, finally lifting her eyes to meet Savannah’s. “What if he treats me differently after knowing about my family?”
Savannah’s face softened. She got up from the bed and gave Piper a hug. “If he loves you, it won’t matter.” She pulled back, pinning Piper with a look. “And he definitely loves you.”
Piper bit her lip. “He loves the Piper he knows now. What about the one with alcoholic parents and trust issues?”
Savannah shook her head. “Believe me, I’m in the business. I know when a guy is head-over-heels in love with a girl, and Drew is a goner for you. Besides, it’s not like you’re the alcoholic. And trust issues can be worked through.”
Piper pursed her lips, letting Savannah’s words settle. Maybe she could tell Drew—but not today. She didn’t want anything to jeopardize the meeting with Margaret. The doorbell rang and Savannah stepped back, giving Piper’s hand an encouraging squeeze.
“Tell him.”
Piper nodded, taking one final glance in the mirror before grabbing her silver clutch from the dr
esser. She opened the front door and watched as Drew’s eyes widened.
“Hey there, gorgeous.” He stepped forward, taking her in his arms for a quick kiss.
Piper smiled and pulled away, motioning to her outfit. “Is this alright?”
He met her eyes and shook his head once. “’Alright’ doesn’t cut it—not even close. You’re stunning. And Margaret is going to love you.” He kissed her knuckles. “Ready?”
She nodded and he gestured for her to go first.
Savannah poked her head out from the other end of the hallway. “Tell Margaret how much we appreciate her letting us use Briarwood for the weddings,” she called.
“I will,” Drew answered.
They gave Savannah a parting wave before closing the door and making their way toward his car. Nervous knots twisted Piper’s stomach as they drove toward Copper Heights.
“You’re quiet. Everything okay?” Drew asked, glancing away from the road long enough to meet her eyes.
She smiled. “Just nervous. I’m still not sure why she wants to meet me.”
He shifted his hands on the steering wheel. “Margaret takes an avid interest in Olivia and me. She’s known us since we were young. Once she knew I was dating someone—and that I’m crazy about her—” his eyes flicked to hers, his mouth forming a slow smile, “she insisted on meeting you.”
Piper swallowed, her stomach doing crazy things at his smile. “Well, let’s hope I don’t blow it.”
He chuckled and took her hand. “Trust me. You won’t.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Drew pulled up in the circle drive at Briarwood, his insides feeling quivery. He’d never been so nervous to introduce Gran to anyone. He’d sent several texts this morning, reminding her to play her part as a family friend. It was more than wanting to qualify for his inheritance—even went beyond wanting to find someone to share his life with. More than anything, he worried that once Piper knew who he really was, she would look at him differently. Treat him differently. And Drew wasn’t sure he could handle that.
He wanted things to stay just as they were—with him being Drew Carson and her being Piper Robinson—two ordinary people who’d found each other without social introduction or any of the other crap he’d grown up with. He’d found her on his own. Fell in love with her on his own, and she loved him for who he was—not how much he was worth. That meant more to him than any amount he stood to inherit.
Once he had the car in park, he turned to Piper, wanting to kiss away the crease of worry between her perfect brows. He smiled and squeezed her hand. “Don’t stress. Sometimes she comes off a little stiff and proper, but underneath it all she’s a cuddly teddy bear.”
Piper smiled weakly. “Teddy bears are nice.”
“Yes. They are.” He grinned, using all his willpower not to grab her for one more kiss. He knew Gran was probably watching from the window. And once he started kissing Piper, he had a hard time stopping. “Wait there.” He climbed out of the car and circled to her side, opening the door for her. She took his hand and he gave it another squeeze before tucking it into his arm.
“I never told you how nice you look,” she said, nudging him.
“Thanks.” He glanced down at the navy sportscoat he’d thrown over a grey Yankee’s T-shirt, adding his nicest pair of jeans. Gran would roll her eyes at the jeans and T-shirt, just like she always did. But maybe she’d give him points for the jacket.
They approached the massive doors and Drew rang the doorbell. Within moments, Agnes, Gran’s maid, answered the door wearing a bright smile. “Good morning. Mrs. Livingston is expecting you.”
Drew forced himself to keep a straight face, noting how hard Agnes tried not to meet his gaze. She’d known him since he was in diapers. He nodded. “Thank you.”
“Please, come this way.” She didn’t look at him, saving her biggest smile for Piper. “Mrs. Livingston is in the dining room.”
Piper smiled and followed behind her, keeping hold of Drew’s hand as she gazed up to the massive wooden beams along the ceiling.
He felt some pride in the fact that he’d arranged the updates to the place. Not that it needed much. The chalet was a perfect blend of rustic design and cotemporary comforts. The spacious windows made the house feel a part of the mountains while the interior had been redone to give it more of a homey feel than a lodge. Drew hoped Piper liked the changes. He knew Briarwood was special to her.
He placed his hand on the small of her back as they entered the dining room. Gran stood beside the wall-sized windows, her hands clasped and eyes shining. Tone it down, he begged, trying to catch her eye. Though he had to admit, he was just as happy to see her. It had been several months, and he didn’t realize until that moment just how much he’d missed her.
“Andy!” she exclaimed, rushing to give him a hug.
He stepped forward and met the petite woman, giving her a warm hug. “It’s good to see you again, Margaret,” he said, putting a little extra emphasis on the name, hoping she’d take the hint.
She pulled back, grasping his arms. “How wonderful of you to come visit an old friend.” Her eyes twinkled and he relaxed. “And you’ve brought your lovely girl with you.” She turned to Piper, her smile warm as she pulled her in for a hug. “Welcome, my dear. I’m so pleased you could join us.”
Drew’s heart skipped several beats seeing Piper hug Gran. She fit right in with the family.
Piper pulled back with a smile. “Thank you for having us, Mrs. Livingston. Drew has told me so much about you.”
Gran wagged a finger. “Margaret. You must call me Margaret, my dear. May I call you Piper?”
Piper smiled. “Of course.” She turned, gesturing to the space. “I love what you’ve done here. Briarwood has always held a special place in my heart.”
Gran cast a loaded glance at Drew and he gave a quick shake of his head. Not so obvious, Gran. He cleared his throat. “Yes, have you been happy with it so far?” he asked Gran while glancing sideways at Piper to see if she’d noticed the exchange. His shoulders relaxed when he saw that she’d been looking around the room and just now returned her attention to Gran.
“Yes. Very much,” Gran said, her light blue eyes dancing. “I do hope the two of you will visit often.” She took Piper’s arm. “Especially now that I know you like the place so much.”
“We would love that,” Piper said, catching Drew’s eye to make sure it was alright.
He nodded. “Absolutely.”
Piper smiled, facing Margaret. “And I can’t thank you enough for being willing to help my friend by allowing the weddings that have been booked to go forward. She asked me to pass along her thanks.”
Gran waved a hand. “Certainly. They’ve already sent me fruit baskets, and flowers, and have arranged for my suite in a very nice hotel nearby.” A twinkle lit her eyes and she leaned closer to Piper. “Besides, it’s romantic to think about all of these weddings taking place here. I just love weddings, don’t you?”
Drew coughed and then cleared his throat. Loudly. “Is there anything we can do to help prepare the brunch?” he asked.
Gran turned to him, her expression full of mischief. “As a matter of fact, yes.” She patted Piper’s hand, releasing her arm. “Why don’t you have a seat, dear, while Andy gives me a hand in the kitchen?”
Piper looked between them. “I’d be happy to help too,” she offered.
“No, no, no. You just rest for a bit. I hear you’re working long hours and I insist you take it easy. We’ll only be a moment.”
Piper cast Drew a quick look that said she didn’t like that he’d tattled on her. He raised his hands, giving a guilty shrug before following Gran into the kitchen.
Agnes was there, helping the cook prepare the food for brunch. When she saw him without Piper, she toddled over and gave him a hug. “It’s good to see you, Andrew.”
He smiled, accepting the motherly hug as memories flooded him with the familiar scent of her lavender soap. “Good to see you t
oo, Agnes. You look younger each time I see you.”
“Aw.” She gave him a playful swat with an oven mitt. “Still the charmer.” She looked over his shoulder, lowering her voice. “She’s very pretty, and I like her smile. You can tell a lot about a girl by her smile.” She winked and then bustled back over to the massive marble island where the cook was plating tiny quiches. The entire kitchen was filled with aromas that made Drew’s stomach grumble.
Gran touched his arm. He turned to see her eyes swimming and his brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” She shook her head, pulling a handkerchief from her pocket and dabbing at her eyes. “It’s just so good to see you again.”
He smiled and gave her another hug. “It’s good to see you, too. I’ve missed you.”
“And it’s so good to see you happy.”
He pulled away, unable to keep the smile from his eyes. “I am happy, Gran. She’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”
She held the handkerchief to her mouth. “Oh, Andy!” She sniffed and then straightened, smoothing down her blouse. “Now, no more of this wishy-washy nonsense. I just wanted to give you another hug and tell you that I like her. Very much.” She held up a finger. “And you know my first impressions are always right.”
He chuckled. “It’s true. You’ve got a gift.”
She gave him a curt nod. “We need to get back in there. I want to know more about this girl if she’s going to be a part of the family.”
Drew froze, taking her by the arm. “Slow down, Gran. Remember how I said I don’t want you to scare her away?”
She crossed her arms. “Oh, fiddle-faddle. I’m not going to say anything about marriage.”
He raised both eyebrows. “You already did, less than ten minutes ago with that not-so-subtle question about weddings.”
She harrumphed, giving him a sideways look. “Well. Don’t you want to marry her?”
His heart pounded. Yes. The answer came so quickly it scared him. He’d only known her a few weeks. This was crazy. You couldn’t decide you wanted to marry someone after only a few weeks. But the logic didn’t seem to compute in his heart. For a moment he pictured himself standing with Piper, out in the gazebo, with him in a tux and her in a wedding dress. Her gorgeous face smiling up at him.
Lucky You (Pine Ridge Romance Book 1) Page 13