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I nodded in understanding.
Piper took that moment to come into the large room. When her gaze found mine, she smiled. “Cyrus is here.”
My skin flushed at the thought of seeing him again.
I gave Cheesy a wave and followed Piper out of the room.
She stopped before we could head out into the reception area.
I frowned, wondering what kind of warning she was about to give me.
“I like you for him,” she said softly. “He smiles more. Even Jaron noticed it.”
I like him,I signed slowly for her. She was learning ASL but hadn’t kept up on practicing it like a few others had. But she still knew a bit, so I appreciated her trying.
“I know you do.” She hesitated, chewing her bottom lip. “I’m going to be honest with you. I warned him against seeing you originally.”
My eyes widened a bit.
“I know.” She sighed. “Cyrus is a big boy and can handle his own shit, but I know you’ve been through a lot.” She shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. I don’t know your story, not all of it anyway, but I know you’ll tell Cyrus when you’re ready, if you haven’t yet. Anyway, I just want you to know that I think you’re good for him.” Before I could stop her, she pulled me into a hug. “I also know that you don’t like touching or hugs but I’m hugging you anyway.”
I returned the embrace, not used to having female friends.
Her body stiffened before she gave me a final squeeze. “Be good to each other and talk. Not like Jaron and me. We struggled in the beginning. I don’t want that for you.” She released me and hooked her arm in mine. “I heard you’re going on another date tonight. Outside of your apartment anyway.”
I nodded, a smile spreading on my face.
“Good because I’d kick his ass if it was with another woman.”
A laugh escaped me.
She gently nudged me in the shoulder. “He’s outside. He picked me up and dropped me off, so we didn’t have to pack up Brynlee. Jaron has a playdate with her and a couple of the other fathers we know. Is it weird that I find that hot as hell?”
The thought of Cyrus playing with children, warmed my heart, so I understood.
Piper stopped when we reached the door and unlinked her arm from mine. “Anyway, enough of my random rambling. I just wanted to let you know that I like you together.”I like you with him. A lot.
I smiled as her hands stumbled over the words but was still able to make out what she was trying to say.You’ve been practicing.
“I’m trying to.” She grinned, nodding.I’ve been teaching Jaron and Brynlee too. She started backing up. “Go see him before he comes in here and tears the walls down to get to you.” She waggled her eyebrows.
I laughed, shaking my head. Taking a deep breath, I headed outside only to be met by Cyrus leaning against his large black SUV. He was puffing on a smoke, a faraway look on his face. When he caught me standing there, he pulled the cigarette from between his lips, blew out a gray cloud, and dropped the cigarette on the ground before stepping on it with his Shit-Kicker.
My breath caught at the mere sight of him.
He was wearing a black hoodie, his leather cut, and ripped blue jeans. The scruff on his jaw had grown in some but God, he was beautiful.
He crooked a finger, indicating for me to go to him.
My feet took me forward, carrying me to him. My sudden safety.
When I stood less than a foot away, I smiled up at him.
“Hi.” He cupped my jaw, tilting my head back and placing a firm peck on my mouth.
I sighed, breathing him in. The menthol had a sweet lingering taste.
“How are you?” he asked against my lips.
