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"Thank you." Piper runs her hands down the dress, making me wish it were my hands caressing her body.
"Dance with me?" I ask, standing and closing the distance between us. It's more of a demand than a question, and she comes willingly into my arms.
"I’m so sorry," she starts, resting her head against my chest. "I didn't mean to overstep, I just—"
"I'm the one who should be sorry. I overreacted when you were only trying to help."
"But I shouldn't have taken it upon myself after you said you changed your mind."
Tilting her chin up so I can look into her eyes when I say this next part, I find myself getting lost. My thoughts drift to our future the way it has so many times this week.
Cooking together in the kitchen. Her walking down the aisle toward me. Her belly big and round with our child.
Will our children look like her?
I really hope so.
And I hope they're as kind and smart as she is.
"I didn't change my mind, that's why I was so upset. I want to go to culinary school; I'm just scared to fail. But I've also learned a lot this last week. And that's failure is inevitable. I failed you. Us. And as much as I hate it, it taught me to appreciate the things I do have in life. So it's okay if I don't get in as long as I have you because you're more than I ever dreamed of. Culinary school, baseball, working in a kitchen... None of it matters if I don't have you by my side to share it with."
"Good thing I opened the box, huh?"
That's it? I was hoping for a different response.
"Good thing."
"Wanna get out of here?" she asks, stepping out of my embrace and cupping my face with her hands. "We have a week to make up for, and all I want right now is to be alone with you."
"Uh..."
If we go now, all the hard work and planning I put into tonight will be for nothing.
On the flip side, I'll have Piper in my arms. From the look on her face, we'll both be naked, and by the end of the night, satisfied.
"I kind of planned this grand gesture to win you back in case the dress didn't work."
"Does it involve you taking off your costume?" She lifts her brow at me and waits for my answer.
"Maybe."
"Then I'd rather be alone with you when that happens. I'd like to be the one to remove your armor tonight, Julian. And every night from now on. If that's okay with you."
"Yup. Totally fine," I quickly agree as she takes my hand and gives it a gentle tug.
My girl wants to go, let's go. Screw the big hurrah.
Glancing over my shoulder, I find all our friends watching us with intense curiosity. Making eye contact with Brady, I give my head a little shake, and he smirks at me.
"Stand down, men." His voice is louder than necessary, probably so I can hear him taking charge. "Our man has won the battle. There will be no need to provide the entertainment this evening."
Someone groans amid the cheers. Their voices fade the closer to the house we get, the noise from the party and the volume from the music increasing.
"What exactly did you have planned?" Piper asks as we cross the threshold, the DJ calling everyone's attention over the mic.
"We have a special performance tonight," he begins, the music starting to thump to the beat I've been practicing all week. "From the Kappa house and their extended brotherhood, I'd like to call up to the stage Max, Julian, Finn, Declan, Micah, Kane, Colt, Craig, and Leo."
Cheers sound but die off quickly when nobody appears.
"Last call, guys. I'd hate for you to disappoint your fans. I've heard you have some moves." The DJ looks around the room, and I shield my eyes in hopes he doesn't spot me.
"What exactly were you up to, Julian?"
"I'll show you when we're alone. It'll be much more entertaining for both of us."
"Promise?"
