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I gasp at his audacity. “You seriously have no bounds, do you, Tyler?”
“No. I figure it’s best to tell it like it is. That way there will be no misunderstandings between us.”
“There’s definitely a misunderstanding between us. I don’t plan to get anywhere near a bed with you.”
“I never said it had to be on a bed, Olivia.”
“And how isn’t this sexual harassment?” I ask with a glare.
Tyler pauses as his lips turn up. Then he leans closer, his breath fanning the side of my face and neck. For once Piper’s silent, though I’d really like it if my friend would speak up and break this tension.
“Do you want to file a complaint? I know an excellent attorney.”
I’m not normally a violent person — lawyers have to be careful, after all — but I have to resist the urge to give some action to my fingernails.
Piper speaks up. “What exactly is Livie doing for you? I mean this in a work-related sense. The rest is obvious.” Tyler turns his attention to my best friend, and I let out the breath I haven’t realized I’ve been holding.
“I have several projects going on right now,” he says. “There’s plenty of work for Livie.” My breath hitches as he repeats my nickname. I don’t say anything. If I give him more power over me, I’ll never get out of this nightmare.
“That doesn’t tell me anything.” Piper isn’t one to mince words. I’m also eager to know what I’m doing for Tyler. Right now, he doesn’t seem to need my services — well, at least not my legal services.
“She’s offered her... let’s say... impressive skills to help me out,” Tyler responds.
His meaning’s loud and clear, and I feel my cheeks heat. I’m not his personal call girl and I’m not available for the services he’s insinuating I’m here for.
“Hmm. Don’t underestimate my best friend. She’s skilled in more ways than you know,” Piper says with a wink.
I’m so shocked I almost choke. What strange alternate universe have I fallen into? I understand this from Tyler. He’s a dog. But my best friend? Have aliens overtaken her body?
“Yes, I’m quite aware of her skills,” Tyler says. “We dated for a month... took a pause, and are now back at it, stronger than ever.”
“Shehasbeen gone a lot lately. And she’s been secretive. Are you the reason she’s so tired?”
Before Tyler can say anything, I jump in. “Sorry to say this, Piper, but Ihavebeen home. You’re the one who’s gone so much. Maybe you’ve been hiding some secrets of your own.” If I turn the tables, maybe this inquisition will stop. Please, please...
“Your life’s so much more interesting than mine,” Piper says, not falling for the bait. “I’ve been working at the library and helping my brother with his business because he’s short-staffed. Nothing interesting here.”
“How long have you been a librarian, Piper?” Tyler asks.
“Five years,” she says.
He pauses at this. “Well, you’re not like Mrs. Pokey, my old high school librarian,” he says with a laugh.
“And why is that, Tyler?”
I sit back. I want to see how Tyler digs himself out of this. Piper hates it when people put down her job. My best friend’s beautiful, but she’s also brilliant. The girl hates it when people assume she’s stupid because a person can’t have brainsandlooks.
“I picture librarians as little old ladies with big glasses and permanent scowls,” he says.
“Maybe that’s because you’re into stereotypes,” Piper tells him, “and don’t read all that much. I guess you pay people to look things up for you.”
“Not at all,” he says. “I might have to start reading for pleasure again if you’re the new example of librarians.”
Piper laughs, much to my dismay. “You’re quite smooth, Tyler. I think you’re far more bark than bite, though. Do you mean these things you say, or do you simply enjoy getting a reaction?”
“You say what you want, don’t you, Piper?”
“I’ve never found it productive to sneak around words. If you want answers, you’re far better off asking the right questions.”
