SUMMER RAIN SHOWED up half way into our five-hour ride to Ohio. That wouldn’t have been too bad if we hadn’t ended up in vacation traffic that had us idling for a long time as we moved bumper to bumper along the highway. When it started pouring, we all got off on the next exit. After securing the bikes, we all piled into the caravan where Fiona passed out towels for us to dry off and sandwiches that she’d made for our lunch. We ate in the caravan while listening to Arlo Guthrie singing “City of New Orleans.” It hit me then. I was riding in the middle of God only knows where, with a few people I just met, and a new lover, going across country. I got caught up in the excitement and began enthusiastically singing along with the music.
They all covered their ears. Tough audience.
“Singing’s not your thing, Sprite,” Brody said grinning broadly at me.
I grinned back and climbed on his lap. We started kissing. I inhaled his sweat, and even that didn’t put me off. I never had a sex brain before, so I didn’t know how to handle it. Damn, I was hot for him again, and didn’t even stop him when he started groping me in front of everyone.
“We should probably get moving,” Doc said polishing off his sandwich.
“I’ll drive and give you a break,” Brody volunteered, to the chagrin of Doc, who reluctantly agreed. I hadn’t really thought about all the driving Doc did for the group. And it was another thing I added to the many things I already liked about Brody. However, I hadn’t realized I had been pouting and pretty much tuned out whatever else was going on around me. Well, that was until Brody sucked my protruding lip, much to the delight of everyone looking on.
He released my lip with a pop and gave me a wolfish grin. “I’ll make up for it.”
I hid my face in his shoulder to hide from the group.
“New lust, gotta love it,” Zack said dreamily. “I miss those days.”
“Ha ha,” Riley said. “Just for that, you can go without for a few days.”
Zack pulled her close, “I was joking.”
“Good stuff,” Jay chuckled, and Zack pushed his shoulder.
“I’m tired,” Seren declared causing all of us to take a look at her. “Cool your jets. I stayed up late watching television.”
“I’m tired too,” Riley said. “I’ll take a nap with you.” They headed to the back of the caravan.
“Cards?” Zack asked settling in at the dinette table.
Doc took the seat across from him and rubbed his hands together. “I’m in. What are we playing?”
“Gin or strip poker eh, Piper?” Jay said and winked at me.
“No,” I said at the same time as Brody. He tugged my ponytail and went to the driver’s seat. I was about to sit up there with him when Fiona tapped my arm.
“Can I look through the hot air balloon photos? Maybe you can help me pick out some to send to my friends and family?” she asked.
“I’d be happy to,” I said and followed her back to the bunk beds. We sat down and looked at about a hundred photos, each one better than the next. I looked sad in some and Brody was turned my way in most. When I reached the end, it surprised me to find one of me in bed sleeping with a smile on my face. Brody.
How had I missed this picture this morning? Not that I’d ever give it to Royce.
“He didn’t even tell me,” I said softly.
“Brody’s a good man. A keeper. Just like Doc. I don’t know what I’d do without him. You know, Doc has a thriving general practice in Madison. You wouldn’t think it from the outside, eh?” Fiona admired. Doc did look like a conventional biker, with his handlebar “stash” and leathers. We both looked over at him, and he must have felt her gaze. He blew a kiss.
“It was the only last five years or so that we decided to live like we wanted to. Well, when the cancer came, and I went for second, third, and fourth opinions. Doc was right there with me. Through everything. Brody was the same. He stayed right by Seren’s side through all her surgeries, chemotherapy, everything. His friend Cole is lucky to have a friend like him. He needs a good woman too. I would have tried to fix him up if he hadn’t been so set on being Seren’s, but well, I’d say he was looking for the right woman.” Fiona said, glancing at me.
“I really don’t think . . . Brody and I have two different lives. I doubt we’ll see much of each other after the bucket list,” I said, and there was that weirdness going through my chest again.
“I’m not pressuring you. I know what it feels like to be young with the world ahead of you. I lived a grown life early. I got married and had kids when I was only nineteen. I don’t regret it, but when the cancer came, and I went through treatment, my life changed. I guess I changed too. Our relationship changed.” Her hands trembled, and I took them in mine.
“You’re not getting a divorce?” I said not hiding the disappointment from my voice. “Sorry. You both seem so happy.”
Fiona’s eyes widened. “Oh no. We’re not getting a divorce. Doc said he’d never let me go. He plans to keep me for this life. When I die, he’ll be looking to marry me all over again. And I feel the same way. He’s my soul mate.”
My heart swelled. “That’s beautiful. My father used to call my mother his even after their divorce.”
“Where is he now?” Fiona asked.
“He’s gone, died,” I said quietly.
She hugged my shoulder. “I’m sorry. That must be hard. I can’t imagine it.”
“I’m okay,” I said. “I have my best friend, Jorge. He’s kind of like a dad.”
“How old is he?” She asked.
“My age,” I answered.
“I doubt he would agree with being thought of as a dad. You’re a pretty lady. No boyfriend? You got your eye on your career?” Fiona said, and I nodded. “Career can give you something to do, but I sure love my family and friends at the end of the day. That makes me happy. What makes you happy?”
I gave my standard answer about college, study, and friends. Now I was looking at my hands. Nothing I said touched the feelings I had for Brody and what we shared last night. Nothing was better than waking up in his arms or the smile on his face.
“You still have time,” she said patting my hand. We looked through the laptop for a while longer in silence.
Then she said, “There is something I need to discuss with you about the potluck.” Her tone was serious. “As I told you, Doc and I have never been with anyone else but each other. But I have been curious what it may be like to be with someone else. And would like for us to try it once. A couple will be there that we are both interested in. There will be time at the end when we may participate in group or swap sex. . . .” Her voice trailed off, and her face went red. I believe mine did as well. Truly, I was speechless.
“I’m not even sure if I will go through with it, but Doc agreed it could be something we’d experience together, once, as part of our bucket list.
“Okay. I’m not here judging you or Doc. I’m just surprised,” I explained. She eased some.
I bit my lip. “So what exactly do you want me to do?”
“There is no pressure,” Fiona said. “You are welcome to come in and participate at any level you feel comfortable with or not. There will be plenty of safe sex stuff to use around the place. Or you can watch or just enjoy Brody.”
“Brody and Seren know?” I asked.
“Yes. Anyway, that’s not for a couple of days. So you have some time to think,” she said.
I nodded though I had made up my mind. Definitely not. “How about we look at the pages some more?” We did, for the remainder of the drive to the hotel in Ohio.
“Will we be able to jump in the rain?” I asked Fiona.
“If it’s too wet, we’ll delay it for a day,” she said, rising. They were now gathering their things for the hotel. Before I joined them and closed my laptop, I checked my bank account. Sure enough, there was five thousand dollars deposited there by Royce. I didn’t know what frightened me more, the amount or what he would want in return. The latter. But there wasn’
t much I could do now, nor did I have a plan worked out to fix it. While I sat there thinking, Seren let out an excited scream and came dancing up from the back. “Cole’s calling tomorrow after our skydive!”
I PARKED THE caravan but stayed in the seat. My mind mulled over what to say to Cole when he called tomorrow. Even if I didn’t tell him something had changed since his last call, he would suspect it. And he would be right. Something had changed. I had changed. And it was all because of Piper.
The change wasn’t something to be blamed though I doubted Cole would see it that way. Seren and I had promised that we would use the trip to deepen our relationship. It would have made all our lives easier, and when we talked about it, back in the beginning, it seemed like a good idea. We’re all good friends and would always be a part of each other’s lives. If Seren and I became romantic, we would form our own family. She’d have the love and care she needs, and Cole would be at ease when he was out in the field. And I would have someone that loved me for me. And I believed Seren loved me. Seren loved everyone. She was light and brightened everyone around her. I loved her back, and I was committed to her care and wouldn’t leave her. That had been enough for me before Piper. My feelings for her were different from the start. The more time I spent with her, the deeper the feelings I had for her, and the more I noticed the difference. Seren and I weren’t in love, but I could be falling in love with Piper. Even saying it in my head I knew I couldn’t let it happen. I’d somehow have to stop my feelings. She would leave, and I may never see her again.
“You look like someone stole your puppy. Are you alright?” Seren asked calling me back from my head.
I pushed my hair back and let out a deep breath. “Yeah. What’s up?”
“We need to check into the room. I think this one has the two rooms,” she said.
“I’ll get a single one for Piper,” I said rising from my seat.
“You can’t do that to her,” Seren said shaking her head.
“What can I do, Seren? What are we going to tell Cole tomorrow?” I asked her.
“We’ll just tell Cole the truth,” she said.
“And that is?” I asked.
“That you are with Piper. I have already sent some emails about her recording stuff for us. Hey, we could introduce her on our call?” Seren said, her voice elevating.
“No. That’s a bad idea,” I replied.
“You underestimate Cole. He’ll love her. I’m sure of it,” Seren said.
I smiled at her innocence. “Piper is going to leave us.” Me. I cleared my throat. “After she’s done with getting enough for her program. She’s not permanent, so we don’t need to get Cole all worked up over her.”
“Maybe, but I think he needs to know the truth about the two of us. We’re friends, nothing more,” she said.
“I know, but remember he’s at war. We don’t upset him. I’ve known Cole all my life, and he’d say we didn’t give us enough of a chance,” I said and walked past her to collect my bags. “We’ll discuss this after the jump in the morning. Room service tonight and please don’t ask for the peach pancakes. I’m not riding around all night searching for a Cracker Barrel wannabe restaurant.” She smiled and agreed.
On exiting, I found a rain-washed Piper with a radiant smile on her face, waiting for me. Her eyes were twinkling. I could talk sense into myself while away from her, but the minute I saw her, I knew I wanted to stay with her. I was too old to get caught up and caught out and was poised to put some distance between us. But before I could move away, her arms circled my waist. She pressed her soft body against me and kissed my neck. Shit.
“I didn’t get a room. I was waiting to see if you wanted us to share again. I can chip in money too,” she offered.
“No. We have two bedrooms. You’re in with me.” The words had fallen out of my mouth before I knew it. She relaxed in my arms, and I exhaled. Deep down I knew it was what I wanted to do. I wanted her with me.
“We’re ordering in,” I said, putting my arm around her shoulders. And we walked together over to the office to check in. Zack and Riley were still there.
“We’re going out later. You all are welcome to join us,” Zack said.
I shook my head. And so did Piper and Seren. “We’re all staying in and watching movies.”
“Is that what they call sex now?” Riley snickered, and Zack laughed.
“We might have a ménage,” Seren deadpanned. The concierge eyed us curiously, and Seren upped the ante by kissing my cheek.
“Troublemaker,” I said, and she laughed. We all walked out and over to the room. Before I could follow Seren inside, Piper stopped me. She looked troubled.
“Can we talk outside for a minute?” she asked.
“One sec,” I said. I took our stuff into the bedroom and came back out. “Are you alright?”
“I did mean it when I said I want you, not just sex. I enjoy sex with you, but,” she huffed out. “I want to get to know you too.”
“Why? I don’t need a website,” I joked.
She peered at me through her long lashes. “I know. But when you really like someone you want to get to know them. I have a few questions.”
My insides warmed. “Okay. I’ll try to answer.”
A crease appeared on her cheek. “What’s your favorite color? I never chose one because I didn’t want the other colors to be left out. What group were you in high school? I was a late bloomer—but on the campus paper, so neutral. What makes you laugh? I like comedies. Favorite place in the USA? I don’t know yet this is my favorite trip and first one around the country. Now you.”
She looked so eager; I couldn’t help but try to answer her. “I was an audio visual nerd. Favorite place, Colorado Springs. I liked the terrain and easy pace. I’m not into comedy shows, but I laugh when something strikes me. My favorite color is the shade of blue that your eyes are.”
She threw her arms around my neck and kissed me hard on the lips. I liked that. God. There were so many things to like about her.
“Audio visual. You handled the films?” she asked.
“Yeah. Well, the school had the equipment to make our own movies. I was really into that. I wanted to be a director, but, well, I let go of that.”
“Why did you give it up?” she asked.
“Because I didn’t have a place to stay or money. I made a hard choice, but I don’t regret it. I love my shops, and they have given me some freedom out here,” I replied.
“Do you have any movies from back then? I’d love to see them,” Piper said smiling.
I shook my head. A little lie but necessary. She looked disappointed, but that couldn’t be helped. I didn’t want to waste my time on past dreams. Without another word, I moved her toward the door, and we walked inside the room.
“Slumber party!” Seren squealed.
“Nope. Early start. You want to do that tandem jump then you’ll eat two full meals and get eight hours of sleep,” I ordered.
Seren tried to frown, but she smiled. She liked being taken care of, and I liked caring. In a way, we were a fit.
They went to change in the second bedroom while I took off my shoes and looked over the menu. I knew what to order Seren, but I waited until they came out before asking Piper. She had changed into a tank top and shorts showing off enough skin to wake up my cock, and she gave me a shy smile. I was ready to forget food, but I knew Seren would too. So I sighed and said,
“Alright, you two. Take a look and order. Chicken salad for me.”
“Salad?” Piper asked surprised.
“Yeah. How do you think I keep this sexy? I don’t eat burgers all day,” I joked.
They guffawed and jumped on the bed next to me. Seren going a step further and hitting me with a pillow before turning on the TV. I grabbed Piper around the waist and pulled her between my legs and handed her the menu. She rocked back against my cock before I held her still. “No teasing.”
She giggled and stopped.
“Yeah, Piper, no teasing,�
� Seren said, giving me mocking support. She went back to the TV and the list of movies.
“Please action and no Notebook!” I grumbled. “It’s only sweet the first five times.”
“Hey, you ordered it the second time,” Seren said with a straight face. I didn’t, but Piper was looking at me as though I walked on water, that had me torn between the truth and correcting her. I glimpsed Seren working hard to cover her laugh. Shame on her for teasing, but hell I owed her one too. Piper kissed me on the cheek.
“I was going to get a burger and fries, but now,” Piper said her voice going high. Damn was she cute.
“Get whatever you want,” I replied.
“I’ll try a turkey salad,” she said. “And ice cream,” she added under her breath.
I grinned. “Alright. Blueberry pancakes for Seren.” She nodded, and I leaned over and picked up the phone for the food and ordered. She selected an action film.
“This will keep us awake,” I moved the bangs back from her pink hair and touched her forehead. She was warm.
“I’m fine, boss. I even took a nap on my own,” she pointed out.
I tousled the hair but settled back. We watched some brainless crap on television before room service knocked. I went to the door and paid. Piper took over wheeling in the cart and setting the small table. We all sat down. Seren stopped to say a silent prayer. I stopped with her, and Piper put her fork down too.
“I’m not super religious, but I think I have so much to be thankful for,” Seren said. “I want to make sure I do it every day.”
“My parents weren’t religious either,’ Piper said. “But I like that. I’d like to say thank you too.” She glanced over at me and beamed. I loved how sweet she was being with Seren. She didn’t have many friends growing up. The ones she had, changed when she got sick. Riley and Fiona were good when they were around. I hoped Piper would stay in contact with her when she left.
“Hey, what are you thinking about that’s making you look so gloomy?” Seren asked me. She was like a child, no censors.
“Nothing. Stop being so nosy and eat,” I replied.
Piper Dreams: Dream it, Seize it, Live it. (Dreams Series Book 1) Page 17