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It was nearly midnight when I slid into my bed. I was surprised to find Piper already there, her blond hair fanned out on my pillow. Her hands were tucked under her cheek and her lips were parted just enough for a snore to slip through them with each breath.
She probably wouldn’t appreciate knowing I’d watched her snore and chuckled with each one, but I couldn’t stop myself from studying her profile.
Despite her world being turned upside down, in sleep she was able to relax.
She was everything I’d ever wanted. And now that she was mine, what I wanted most was to make sure she always felt like this. Relaxed, peaceful, content to fall asleep in my bed, knowing it wouldn’t be long until I joined her there.
I carefully brushed her hair away from my pillow and slipped an arm around her waist. Right on cue, she rolled to her other side and her eyes fluttered open.
Her voice was thick with sleep when she said, “About time you came to bed.”
My lips twitched. “Shh…go back to sleep.”
Instead of her eyes closing, they opened more. “Everything okay?”
Yet another question I didn’t know if I had the answer to. “It will be.”
“Mmm…you’re too serious sometimes.” She used the pad of her thumb to smooth the worry line between my brows. “Remember, I was always yours. And now you’re mine. That means nothing can hurt us, as long as we’re together. I trust you.”
I captured her hand with my own and kissed her thumb. “Glad you know who you belong to.”
She laughed, a soft sound that was muffled by the pillow. “Don’t push your luck.”
She turned again and nestled her back against my chest. “Hold me?”
I didn’t hesitate as I wrapped both arms around her and pulled her close.
“Love you, Law. It’s all going to be okay.”
I didn’t get the chance to respond before I heard her soft snoring resume.
I wanted to believe this was all going to work out.
But I really wasn’t so sure.
41
Piper
“Shit. Shit. Shit,” I chanted, running to the sink with the flaming pan of eggs.
God. What a morning.
Lawson had been gone by the time I woke up, and when I’d tried calling him, he sent me to voicemail and then responded with a short text that said he would call me later.
I was annoyed I’d fallen asleep before he’d come to bed last night, losing my chance to grill him about what had gone down between him and his partner. I’d heard their voices through the door and while I couldn’t make out what was being said, I could tell they weren’t joking around or having a good time.
I’d just finished dragging myself from the bed when my phone chimed with a text.
Smith: Gooooooooood morning! Could you hear me singing that to you? My neck is so stiff lately. Do you know what I could do to make it feel better?
I tapped out a quick response as I shuffled down the hall. My nose was leading me to the coffee pot and I smiled to myself. At least Lawson had been thoughtful enough to turn it on before running out on me this morning.
Me: Take some anti-inflammatories and rest it. You could also try a heating pad.
His response was almost immediate, as though he’d already had it typed out.
Smith: Actually, I was thinking a massage would be better. And it just so happens, I have a spa day for two booked. You interested?
