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I nodded, blowing out a slow breath of relief. “Thank you.” I turned and started making my way back to the house. “Have fun,” I called out.
Once I was in the backyard, I closed the gate and clicked the lock into place.
Piper was still sitting on the ground, by the patio couch. Her gaze caught mine as I approached. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah.” I sat behind her, needing the feel of her beneath my hands.
“Did Brynlee go down okay?” I asked, figuring that was a safe question to ask, and massaged my fingers into the base of her neck.
Piper nodded. “She usually does. She likes sleep just like her mama.”
“Sleep is overrated.”
“It can be.” She sat up, turning her body toward me. “So, are we really going to go on a date? Like a normal couple?”
“Come here.” I patted my lap, instead of answering her question.
She stood and straddled my lap.
“What is it?” I asked, brushing a thumb over her collarbone.
“Can we be a normal couple?” she asked, voicing thoughts that were putting that frown on her beautiful face.
“Why can’t we?” But her question made sense. Our relationship wasn’t normal. I had never asked her out on a date like a decent guy would. No, instead, I followed her to another country and fucked her at my hotel, only for her to leave the next day. Couldn’t say I blamed her. I wasn’t an easy guy to get along with then and I sure as hell wasn’t easy to get along with now.
“We’re not doing things the right way. But I want to date you,” she quickly added before I could argue. “I want to be with you. I want what you said. I want to learn every little thing there is to know about you. I want us to work. I want us to be happy for Brynlee and also for us. I know a lot of couples stay together for their kids, but I can’t do that, Jaron. I need to be happy first because I know she’ll sense if I’m not. I also want to help you through your nightmares.”
“I’m fine,” I told her, the hackles raising on the back of my neck. I suddenly felt cornered and I didn’t like it. Not one fucking bit.
“That’s all you got from that?” She grabbed the collar of my jacket when I went to push her off my lap. “This is what I’m talking about. We open up, you demand for me to tell you what I want and then you push me away.”
“You push too, baby.” I shoved her off my lap that time, probably a little too hard when she bounced on the couch beside me. “Piper, I’m sorry.”
“No. It’s fine.” She stood, smoothing down her shirt. “I’m going to get ready for bed. But I want you to know something, Jaron.” Her gaze locked with mine. Hers was hard, determined and I could feel her soul reaching only for mine to cower away like the damn pussy I was. “You say you’re in this for the long run. You say you’re not going to leave me or your daughter, but I feel you keeping me at arm’s length.” She took a step toward me. “So I just want you to know that I am making a promise of my own. If you hurt me, if you break my heart like you keep telling me you’re not going to do,” she cupped me over my pants, “this dick won’t please anyone. Ever again.” She squeezed me hard, making me jump. She released me and with that she walked away. “You can join me,” she said from the patio door. “Sleep on the couch or leave. I don’t fucking care anymore.” She headed into the house; the patio door slamming shut behind her.
I stared after her. I shouldn’t want her more, but I did. Hearing her words, listening to her speak, and putting me in my place turned me on, but it also made me fall in love with her even more than I already had.
Slumping back onto the couch, I dropped my head in my hands. What the hell was wrong with me? I had a good thing. A very good thing. Piper had been the only woman to put up with my shit but also called me out when I fucked up.
My phone took that moment to vibrate in my pocket. Pulling it out, I didn’t bother checking the display and answered. “Yeah.”
When no answer came, I sat up straighter.
“Hello?” I stood and headed into the house.
No one answered. Instead, all I got was static. I heard what sounded like a car off in the distance.
When I went to demand who was there, the line went dead. Checking the phone, I saw that it was an unknown number.
“Jaron?”
My head snapped up.
Piper stood at the entrance to the kitchen. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah. Wrong number,” I told her, shoving the phone in my pocket. “I’ll lock up, but I think I’m going to check out that surprise.”
She nodded. “Okay. It’s all in the basement for you.”
