Strawberry Springs Neighborhood Watch
Kerry Winsor:Do you ever feel like something is going on and you’re missing it?
Comments:
Atticus Thompson:No. We have lives and jobs, Kerry.
Kerry Winsor:And yet I see you online all the time, Atticus!
Jade Clark:Is it just me or is Kerry getting spicier?
Kerry Winsor:Mess with the bull and you get the horns! No one can bully me.
Jade Clark:Hey, remember the time a deer ate your underwear?
Kerry Winsor:SHUT UP, JADE!
I wokeup pleasantly warm with a weight on my chest and the scent of vanilla in my nose. Slowly opening my eyes, I found Piper still lying on me, her hand holding my shirt with an iron grip.
Unable to stop myself, I pressed my lips to her hair. She let out a contented sigh, her hand tightening.
This was perfect. The kind of perfect that never lasted long.
I gave myself ten seconds before I pulled away. “Piper,” I murmured, “I need to get up.”
“No,” she muttered, snuggling in closer. My chest burned and I was tempted to stay forever.
“I need to get to the shop.”
She didn’t answer for so long that I thought she was plotting how to keep me trapped here, but then she let out a heavy sigh and moved away.
“Fine.”
“I’ll have coffee waiting for you.”
“That’ssohot.” Her voice was still sleepy and I couldn’t help but chuckle. “How are you not exhausted?”
“I’ve always been a morning person.”
“Fuck you.”
“Such language from someone so young.”
Piper reached for my skin and pinched.
“Ow! Hey! Rude!”
“You deserve it.”
A laugh escaped me. It had been far too long since I’d been like this with anyone. When I finally stopped, Piper stared at me.
“I’m guessing you’re awake now.”
“Mostly.”
I pressed a kiss to her cheek, resisting the urge to hold back. She didn’t flinch. She even leaned into it.
“Today’s a delivery day. Come downstairs for breakfast.”
