Tory was barely awake when Pierce was already in the shower, having said something about needing to get an early start. Stretching out under the warm covers, she rubbed her eyes, listening to the sound of water splashing on tile on the other side of the apartment.

In her mind, the events of the previous night started playing on a loop. Had all of that really happened? Her and Pierce’s clothes on the floor seemed to indicate it had. Doubt tried to creep in – was this a one-night stand for him? had she made a mistake? – but she couldn’t muster any real suspicion.

She was too happy for that.

There was already a soft spot in her heart for him, and there was no way she could deny that. He was genuine and sincere, always knew the right thing to say and never failed to make her laugh.

Not to mention he had blown her mind with his bedroom skills.

Was it insane to think she knew him after spending so little time with Pierce?

Yet that was how she felt, like she knew the core of him and what he was about. She couldn’t remember the last time she had been this excited about a guy, and all she could do was hope it didn’t end in disappointment.

I have to take the risk, either way. No what-ifs.

The buzz of a phone caught her attention, making her sit up in bed. She could spot the light of a screen shining through the pocket of Pierce’s pants, so she tossed the covers aside, swinging her bare feet down on the cold floor.

“Pierce!” she called out. “Your phone.”

There was no response. He probably couldn’t hear her over the running water.

“Pierce?” she tried again.

Finally, she decided to just take the phone to him. Maybe even join him in the shower… A grin spread over her lips at that thought, and she fished his phone out of the pants pocket. An unsaved number flashed across the screen.

Probably work-related, she thought, making her way to the bathroom.

When the phone stopped ringing, she stopped in her tracks, hesitating. Maybe she should fix some breakfast instead of surprising Pierce in the shower? From what he had said before, it seemed like he might be in a hurry to get somewhere.

Feeling a bit silly, standing in the middle of her living room stark naked, she stared at the phone, as if the thing would somehow tell her what to do. A text popped up on the screen, almost making her jump.

Need to talk to you. Please, it read, making her frown.

It was the please that made her alarm bells go off. That sounded more personal than professional. It was at that moment that she heard the water shut off, and Pierce move around her bathroom.

Not even really knowing why, she ran back into the bedroom, and put the phone back where she had found it. She wanted to ask him about the text, but didn’t want him to think she had been spying on him. And what if there was someone else in his life? It wasn’t like they had talked about being exclusive or anything.

I don’t want there to be anyone else, the thought flitted through her mind.

But she wasn’t ready to say it aloud. What if he didn’t feel the same? She didn’t think she could take knowing that. And just like that, her blissful morning had turned into one of her feeling insecure and uneasy.

Sitting down on the edge of her bed, she tried to push all the negative thoughts out of her head, when Pierce came padding into the room. A towel wrapped around his narrow waist, drops of water falling down his wet hair and rolling down to his carved abs, he was a sight to see.

Tory gulped, her skin humming at the thought of that impressive body pressed against hers. He grinned, as if reading her mind.

“Good morning,” he said, letting his gaze trail up and down her naked body.

She couldn’t help but smile back, her reservations disappearing as soon as he bent down to plant a kiss on her cheek. He really had her wrapped around his finger, didn’t he? A part of her feared that, while another part couldn’t have cared less.

“Good morning,” she replied. “You in a hurry?”

Scooping up his clothes, Pierce ran a hand through his hair, slicking it back.

“We’re breaking ground on a new project, and I want to be there,” he said. “I know some of the crew still has their doubts about me being in charge, so I want to arrive before anyone else, show them I take this seriously.”

“Ah, show them the new responsible Pierce,” Tory grinned. “I get it.”

“Trust me, I’d much rather stay here, have coffee, walk you to work…” he trailed off, dropping his towel to pull on his pants. “Or maybe make you late to work,” he added, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Within a second, he was sitting down next to her, pulling her into his lap. Giggling, she let him wrap his arms around her and dip her back, planting a quick but passionate kiss on her lips. He smelled like his signature musky scent, mixed with her soap.

“Sadly, I’m also trying to make a good impression at work,” she sighed. “You’re going to do great, by the way.”

“Thanks,” he smiled. “I want to do my dad proud.”

With that, he released her and put on his shirt, while she grabbed a robe from the closet. She walked him to the door, and he kissed her again, more deeply this time.

“I’ll see you later,” he said, and she nodded.

After he left and she closed the door after him, she stood in the hallway for a while, her apartment suddenly feeling empty.

* * *

Tory’s day flew past. With all the group classes, and the private lesson for Will and Joanne, she didn’t even have time to take a breather. She had enjoyed spending more time with Will and Joanne, though. They were too cute together, and she liked Joanne more each time she saw her.

Before she knew it, it was time for her last group of the day, and it was one she had been dreading the most – a bunch of little girls wanting to learn ballet. Having never worked with kids before, Tory didn’t really know what to expect.

But, as the class was starting to wind to an end and parents were gathering outside the room, she realized her fears had been baseless. Sure, the girls got distracted easily, and needed a lot of personal attention, but it was a challenge she enjoyed.

And when they all ran to hug her at the end of class, she couldn’t help but break out into a wide, sappy grin. Her knee ached a little after the long day, but she barely even noticed it. A nice warm, relaxing shower would help her unwind, and she had a day off coming up.

“All right, your parents are waiting,” she laughed, as a gaggle of little girls swarmed around her.

“Goodbye, Ms. Jones,” different voices called out at the same time, as moms and dads waved their kids over.

One man stood out among the rest, though, looking at her rather than the children, and her heart skipped a beat.

Pierce.

When he had said he would see her later, he had apparently meant it. Resisting the urge to run to him, she waited until the kids and parents cleared out. He stepped inside the room, his hair mussed and dirt on his boots, and didn’t even say hello before sweeping her into his arms.

Tory let out a sigh when he kissed her, all her concerns from earlier in the morning fading away. It was hard to be anything but gleefully happy when Pierce had his arms around her. She just hoped she wouldn’t come to regret her trust in him.