He knew he should stop, stop it now. But he couldn’t. It was too late. If she answered the door tomorrow night when he knocked, he would have her again. And he’d keep coming back until she finally told him no.
Tearing his gaze from her, he went to the bathroom and washed his face with cool water, then climbed back in Piper’s bed, pulling her close and staring up at the ceiling. He wasn’t going back to sleep. Not tonight.
Shit. He needed to keep a lockdown on his feelings for her. It was his only option.
If he didn’t, he might not ever be able to let her go…
Fuck.
Chapter Fourteen
Cole had put in a few hours at work but made himself leave at five. It was Sunday for God’s sake, and he sure as hell had somewhere else he’d much rather be. Someone he’d much rather be with. Especially after how busy he’d been Saturday.
By the time he’d finished work last night it had been after midnight. Piper’s place had been dark, and as much as he’d wanted to go to her, he’d made himself go to his own place. Waking her again would’ve been an asshole move. The week had passed in a blur, a blur of working late, and hot nights spent with Piper.
One night they’d curled up on the couch together and watched TV. They talked, teased, and made out for hours. He’d loved every damn minute of it. Another they’d gone out, grabbed a movie, Piper’s choice this time. They’d held hands through the whole thing. He’d loved that just as much.
She’d given him a key, and he’d used it, too, without a second thought. He’d stripped and climbed under the covers with her, and she’d rolled toward him, pressing those lush, warm curves against him. Offering herself to him without hesitation or restraint, all sleep rumpled and smelling like strawberries, tasting like minty toothpaste. Addictive. The woman was all he thought about when he wasn’t with her, and all he could focus on when he was.
Not once had she asked for more. Which was both a relief and a knife to the gut.
That’s what you want. No strings. No risk. No emotions getting involved.
Climbing out of his car, he palmed his keys—and managed to fool himself as far as the foot of the stairs. Looking up to his empty apartment, he cursed under his breath, gave up, and headed across the parking lot to Piper’s cottage.
Who was he kidding? One night apart and he craved her like a starving man. What was he going to do? Sit in his apartment alone, wishing he was with her, wishing he could touch her, hear her voice.
Screw it. Why fight it when he could have all of those things?
She wouldn’t turn him away. He knew that much. She’d welcome him with that shy smile and give him everything he damn well needed. More.
His cock stirred as he took the stairs to the front door, the anticipation he always felt when he came to her intensifying. He didn’t bother knocking, that would just waste time, and right then he had no patience.
Using his key, he pushed the door open. “Baby, it’s just me.” He stepped through the door, but instead of Piper standing there to greet him, he came face to face with Reid Parker, Rusty’s man.
Fuck.
The guy crossed his tattooed arms, head tilting to the side—and fucking grinned. “Sorry, it’s just little old me. Pipe’s out back.”
He’d been so desperate to get to Piper, so caught up in his own thoughts, he hadn’t even noticed their cars out front. There was no use denying it. It was obvious why he was here. Why the hell else would he be calling her baby after using a key to get into her house? “I’d appreciate it if you’d keep this to yourself. What Piper and I do is no one else’s business.”
“Ah, you haven’t told big brother yet?”
Cole stared him down. “No.”
His grin got wider. “Good luck with that.” Then he tilted his chin toward the backyard. “Speaking of your good buddy, he was just about to head over and get you. Grub’s up.”
“What’s going on?”
Reid shrugged. “Girls wanted to fire up the grill, have a get-together. You were on the guest list.”
Jesus Christ. He didn’t want his and Piper’s relationship to be exposed like this. “Look, Reid…”
The guy shook his head. “As fun as it would be to break the news, you have my word, no one’s gonna hear it from me. Not my business.” Then he headed out the back door.
Cole let out a relieved breath. Breaking bread with his best friend, pretending nothing was going on between him and Piper—deceiving everyone—wasn’t his idea of a good night. He didn’t belong here, playing happy families, especially now. He turned, about to make his escape, maybe go back to work, say something came up, but Deke walked through the back door before he could leave.
“Reid said you were here.” He went to the fridge and pulled out a couple beers, handing him one. “You’ve been working?”
Cole twisted off the lid and took a deep pull. Looked like he was staying. “Yeah. I have quotes going out thick and fast.”
Deke smiled. “You’ve singlehandedly turned that business around. You’re a good manager, and I appreciate everything you’ve done, but make sure you get some downtime as well.”
Cole smiled back, couldn’t help it, his friend’s happiness was infectious. The man was in love, a newlywed, finally with the woman of his dreams. Cole had had a little taste of what that feels like. He got it. Only it wasn’t the same, and it never would be for him and Piper.
Shit, before the accident, he’d thought many times about the conversation he’d have with his best friend after he got his promotion, after he moved back to Miami. He’d tell him how he felt about his youngest sister, how he’d planned to make her his.
He’d imagined nights like this in his future. All of them together.
He cleared his throat. “Christ, man. Don’t go getting all girly on me.” Surprisingly, he liked his job. A lot. He liked that he’d made a success out of West Security, that he could do that for Deke. It gave him something to be proud of, something to channel his energy into.
Deke shook his head. “Fine, I’ll butt out. I’m sure as hell not complaining.” He tilted his head to the door. “Come on out. Food’s almost done.”
Guilt rushed through him, but somehow he managed to force it down and walk out the back door behind him.
Alex, Rusty, and Reid were sitting around a table. Salads and bread in the center. Music played from speakers that had been dragged onto the small back porch. Deke headed over to take the seat by his wife, laughing at something she said.
He’d loved this once. Hanging with the Wests. When they were old enough, a beer out here on a hot summer afternoon, shooting the shit, had been his idea of heaven. That felt like a million years ago now.
The smell of meat on the grill, the sizzle, hit him, and he turned to find Piper standing behind it.
Stunning.
Shit, the woman took his breath away. Her blond hair was down around her bare shoulders. The dress she wore was pink with big red roses all over it, kind of like the ink on her hip. It was floaty and hit her just above her knees, and paired with the pink flip-flops she wore, she looked sweet and sexy, utterly irresistible.
What he wouldn’t give to be able to walk up to her, wrap his arms around her waist, and kiss her. To have her turn in his arms and welcome him home, pressing her soft body against his now achingly hard one, and show him how happy she was to see him.
As if she could hear his thoughts, she lifted her head, gaze locking on him. And then she smiled, big and open, giving him the kind of welcome he’d only ever fantasized about.
She lifted an arm, shielding her eyes from the afternoon sun. “Hey. You’re here.”
He took a sip of his beer, hoping the icy liquid would help cool his blood, slow his racing pulse. Not happening. He was moving toward her before he knew what he was doing. Didn’t stop until he was nearly on top of her. “Want some help, sh
ort-stuff?”
The big welcome smile changed to his other favorite, the sweet, teasing grin, the one that made his stomach clench and his cock ache to be inside her, to make her his.
“Sure. And for future reference, I prefer vertically challenged.”
“I prefer you naked,” he murmured. Her lips parted, and he actually saw the tremor move through her body at his words. He needed to shut up, but he couldn’t help himself around her.
She licked her lips. “Do you now?” She didn’t look at him and concentrated on loading burgers onto a platter.
“I’m hard for you already, even with all your family here.” He brushed his fingers along her bare arm. “What have you done to me, sweet girl? I have no control around you.”
She turned to him, smiling innocently, tits brushing against his arm as she did. “Well, don’t blame me. I’m just standing here flipping burgers.”
He snorted. “You are so full of it. The Miss Innocent act doesn’t work with me.” He grinned and held her beautiful blue eyes. “Not anymore, not now that I know the truth.”
Her cheeks darkened prettily, and he watched her lips twitch, fighting her smile. “I have no idea what you’re talking about. Now how about you watch the grill while I take these to the table?”
He made sure she felt his erection against her thigh. “Sure.” She sucked in a breath, and he raised his eyebrows and shrugged. “What?”
Piper rolled her eyes at him, picked up the plate of burgers, and, instead of going around him, squeezed between him and the grill, dragging her round ass over his aching dick, then threw a wicked grin at him over her shoulder as she headed to the table, swinging that delectable ass the whole way.
He watched as she joined her family, picking up a beer and taking a sip. She laughed and joked with everyone for a few minutes before heading back. He hadn’t taken his eyes off her the whole time; he couldn’t. Everything about her was perfect. Perfect for him.
“Steak ready?” she asked when she reached his side.
Shit. He quickly flipped them over. “Everyone likes their steak well done, right?”
She laughed, brushing the loose strands of hair back from her face, making her breasts jiggle under the thin fabric of her dress. “You still seem a little distracted, Mr. Black.”
He groaned under his breath. How the hell was he going to get through this? “More than a little. I missed you last night.” The words were out of his mouth before he could censor them.
Her gaze lifted to his. “I missed you, too. Why didn’t you come?”
“Didn’t want to wake you again.”
She shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep anyway.”
She didn’t need to elaborate. It was all there, written on her beautiful face. She’d wanted him. Was disappointed that he hadn’t gone to her. “Neither could I.”
He darted a glance at the table. No one was paying them any mind, so he moved closer. “I plan on making it up to you later.”
“Oh, yes?” Her voice was breathy, slightly husky.
“As soon as everyone leaves, I’m going to bend you over that table, drag up that skimpy sundress, and play with you until you’re so wet, so desperate for my cock, your thighs are slick with need.” She moaned softly, and he got closer still. “Then I’m going to fuck you until you scream my name.”
Her fingers slid around his forearm, and she squeezed lightly. She was only touching his arm, but the way his blood sizzled in his veins you’d think she’d reached down and grabbed his cock. “Maybe I’ll make you scream my name,” she whispered.
He sucked in a ragged breath. “Baby…”
“Those steaks ready yet?” Reid called from across the yard, shattering the moment, and along with it the bubble he existed in when he was with Piper. Without thought, he tugged his arm out of her hand and took a step back.
Subtle. Not.
Cole glanced over at Piper, but she wasn’t looking at him, she had her head down, busy loading the steaks onto a plate. “Piper?”
She lifted her eyes to his and smiled, but it seemed a little wobbly. “Come eat.” Then she called back to Reid, “On their way.” And walked back to the table.
Piper raced around, making sure everyone had drinks, then into the kitchen, getting sauces and dressings. Not once did she look at him. Something was wrong. He had no idea what. And there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about it with everyone here. Grabbing a plate, Piper smiled brightly as they all took their seats. “Dig in, everyone.”
They all loaded their plates, and the conversation died for a few minutes while they ate. Cole glanced at Deke and noticed he was looking at Piper intently. The guy frowned. “What’s that on your neck?”
Cole followed his gaze across the table. She was cutting into her steak, hair tucked behind her ear…
Shit.
His stomach bottomed out. He’d marked her skin. He hadn’t even realized he’d done it, but there it was, for all to see. A fucking hickey, just above her collarbone. It had faded, a slight yellowish tinge around the edges, but there was no way to mistake it.
He’d been so out of control that first night, so hot and hungry for her, he’d been desperate to taste her skin. He’d devoured her. How the hell hadn’t he noticed it all week?
Piper’s eyes widened, and she lifted her hand to her neck, covering it.
Alex swallowed her mouthful and pointed her fork at Piper. “She had an accident. Tripped and fell on someone’s lips.”
Deke narrowed his eyes at Alex. “You knew about this?”
“Calm down, babe. Pipe’s old enough to make out with boys if she wants to, and you know it.”
Deke spun back to his baby sister. “You’re seeing someone?”
“Nope.” That was all she said, then shoved a piece of steak in her mouth and started chewing.
Deacon frowned. “No?”
Piper shrugged and pointed to her mouth. Sorry. Eating. Can’t talk.
Leaving her to deal with her brother’s questions while he sat there with his mouth stapled shut did not sit well with him. Fuck this. Reid already knew. He needed to own up to what they were doing and deal with whatever consequences followed.
He put down his knife and fork and opened his mouth to confess, but Piper spoke up first, cutting him off.
“I went on a date. We made out a little. I decided he wasn’t my type. End of story.”
Deacon scowled at her. “Tell me you didn’t bring him back here?”
Piper’s silence and preoccupation with her roll said it all.
Deke’s fork clattered to the table. “Jesus, Piper…”
“Oh, lay off.” Rusty sat back in her seat. “She’s fine, and it’s not like she can get up to much trouble. Not now that you’ve assigned a surly ex-cop as her babysitter. Cut her some slack.” Rusty winked at him. “No offense, Cole.”
Cole shifted in his seat and forced a smile, but it felt more grimace than grin. Deke still looked pissed, and Piper hadn’t looked at him once. Fucking wonderful.
The rest of the night went further downhill from there. What with Piper seemingly ignoring him and Reid smirking his ass off every time he caught the other man’s gaze. He’d obviously picked up that Piper was avoiding him and was enjoying the hell out of it.
When it got dark, Piper lit candles and brought out a big tray of chocolate brownies. He watched her across the table, candlelight dancing across her lovely face, the way she laughed and joked with her family, the love that shone from her eyes when she focused on one of them—the people she cared about more than anything in this world.
Right then, he wished he was one of them.
Wished she could be his.
“How’s the new place?” Deke asked beside him.
Guilt instantly washed through him, and for the first time in his life, he couldn’t look his friend in the eye. “
Fine.”
“Thanks again for moving down here. It’s a relief knowing you’re around to watch out for Pipe.”
“Don’t mention it.” Please, don’t fucking mention it. He took a pull of his beer so he didn’t have to talk, but then the conversation turned to work, and Cole made sure he kept it that way—until Alex slid into her husband’s lap, interrupting by whispering something in his ear. Deke grinned, and after a quick farewell, the pair were up and gone a few minutes later.
Piper and Rusty were deep in conversation, and Reid leaned over to him. “I find groveling works best.” Then he stood, grabbed his woman around the waist, threw her over his shoulder, and with a chin lift, carried a giggling Rusty to his car and drove away.
Leaving him and Piper alone.
She stood, blew out the candles, and started clearing up the few empties left on the table.
He watched her, confused, frustrated. “You going to talk to me, or give me the silent treatment for the rest of my life?”
She kept her head down. “I’m going to give you the silent treatment for the rest of your life.”
“Fair enough. You want to tell me what I did wrong first?”
Her head came up, and her eyes drifted shut, just for a second. Then her shoulders slumped. “I’m sorry. I’m being silly. I just…I overreacted, and I’m taking it out on you. Please, forget it.”
“I can’t do that, not seeing how upset you are. Talk to me, Pipe.”
She crossed her arms, biting her lip. “One minute you were telling me how much you missed me, how much you wanted me…the next you were pulling your arm away like I had some highly contagious disease.” She shook her head. “See? I’m being silly.”
Shit. After what went down here tonight, he should back off, leave her alone. But he couldn’t. Not yet. Maybe that made him an asshole, but what’s new? He’d be here as long as Piper wanted him. There was no point denying that truth. Still, he had to make sure she understood. The last thing he wanted was for her to get hurt.
Wrecked (Axle Alley Vipers) Page 13