Chapter Ten

Birthday Infatuation

 

 

“Tell me about your heart tattoo,” Jake said at dinner Friday night.

It’d been less than a week since I’d started using the Hyde kitchen, and it was awesome. My work got done quicker, I saw Jake loads more, and we got to fool around during the day.

It totally kicked ass.

Which was why it was unfortunate that he’d pissed me off.

“I’m not talking to you.”

“Why?”

“You know what you did,” I huffed.

“It’s your birthday dinner, we gotta celebrate.”

“It’s not even my birthday yet. I thought we were going out to dinner tomorrow?”

“We are.” He smiled wide. “This is a pre-birthday dinner.”

“So you lied to make people sing to me.”

“All I did was mention it was your birthday, which it basically is. Don’t control how the restaurant operates, Piper.”

“They put a candle in my baked potato. That poor candle was probably looking forward to one day being in a delicious cake. Instead, it ended up in a spud.”

“Sweets,” Jake said through his laughter. Putting his forearms on the table, he leaned closer. “Tattoo?”

“What about it?”

“What’s the deal?”

“Just a tattoo I liked.”

“Liar.”

I shrugged.

He was right, there was a lot more to my tattoo. I’d always wanted all of my ink to have meaning. Sometimes, though, the meaning conveyed more about me than I was comfortable sharing.

“It’s interestin’, a heart and an anarchy symbol intertwined. Why?”

Drop the walls, Piper.

Inhaling deeply, I avoided his eyes as I focused on cutting my steak. “Love’s anarchy. There are no rules, no rhyme or reason. You can’t control it. You can fight to keep it and lose. Or fight to keep it away and lose. Or win, depending. Love’s chaos. It’s mayhem.”

Jake’s lip quirked up.

“So, yup, that’s it.”

“When’d you get it?”

“On my eighteenth birthday.”

“Most chicks get a butterfly or some Chinese symbol that they think means ‘peace and love’ but really means ‘parkin’ in the rear’. Why’d you pick that?”

“My mom grew up on the wrong side of town. Her parents weren’t shining members of society and she suffered the consequences. When she was old enough to realize how that life was, she swore she’d have better. And eventually she did. But before that happened, she hooked up with my dad. Nine months later, I was born.”

“Were they married?”

“Nope. He wanted to marry her, but she always turned him down. Eventually, he stopped even bringing it up. And when I was seven, he left her.”

“He left?”

“Yeah. It was heartbreakingly romantic.” At Jake’s inquisitive and sexy as hell eyebrow raise, I elaborated. “She wanted more. Dad is fantastic. I can’t wait for you to meet him when he comes up next month. But, as kickass as he is, he wasn’t the image in her head. She loved him but not the way either of them deserved. Though she would’ve stayed, he told her he couldn’t be selfish and let her settle.”

“Is she happier now?”

“She’s with Thomas. She loves him in her own way, which is pretty much the opposite of how she loved my dad. There’s no worrying about the bills or people looking down on her. But there’s no passion.”

“What about your dad?”

“That’s the funny thing. My dad’s loaded. He lives out in California, shacked up with his longtime girlfriend, Natalie. He owns a bar that’s insanely popular since he’s a skilled chef. Even in a biker bar, his stuff is gourmet.”

“So, if your mom would’ve waited…”

I shook my head. “I don’t think it would have worked out the same way. Years ago, Dad took off on a cross-country bike trip. He stopped in a town in California that he said felt like home. So he moved and opened the bar. He wouldn’t have taken the trip, made the move, or followed his dream if he and my mom were together.”

“Him movin’ must’ve sucked for you.”

“They knew I’d have more stability here. It was hard, but it made the times I visited him better. I still saw him a ton. Once the bar was up and running, he flew out for everything. Graduation, prom, stuff like that. Even little things. Like when I did a few baking competitions, he’d come watch. They weren’t any of the major ones, but he was always there, cheering me on like I was in the Olympics.”

As I spoke, I saw an expression I couldn’t figure out cross Jake’s face. Before I could ask about it, he continued, stating, “So it worked out.”

“Yeah. Mom and Dad might’ve lasted a while longer, but I think they still would’ve split eventually. And by then they may have missed out on Thomas and Nat. Timing can change your life like that.”

“Don’t I fuckin’ know it.”

“How so?”

Jake’s gaze heated as he looked at me. “Wasn’t supposed to work but had shit to do.”

My brows lowered in confusion. “What?”

“Planned on just stayin’ in the office but couldn’t find some papers. Went out to the lobby and saw this woman. Fuckin’ gorgeous. Fuckin’ classy. Fuckin’ perfect. If I’d stuck with the plan? Even an hour later, and my life would be completely different.”

That he felt that and told me? I didn’t just love it.

I freakin’ loved it.

I closed my eyes and let the warmth seep in. Opening them, I reached across the table and grabbed his hand. My lips tipped up. “Glad something awesome came out of your crappy organization system.”

“And thank fuck for that. Excited about tomorrow?”

“Eh. It’s just a day. Birthdays have never really been a big thing for me.”

“But tomorrow you’ll be twenty-one. You gonna wanna be with me now that you won’t need me to get you booze?”

“Are you gonna wanna be with me now that I’ll be so old?” I shot back.

“Oh, good point.” Jake made an exaggerated thoughtful face as he stroked his jaw.

I threw the rest of my dinner roll at him, laughing as he caught it easily and popped it into his mouth. “You know I’m crazy about you, right?”

“Makes me the luckiest man in the fuckin’ world. Do you wanna do anythin’ tonight?”

“Today was insanely long. I kinda just wanna chill. Are you cool with going home and watching a movie?”

“Let’s go.” Jake stood and dropped cash on the table before guiding me to his bike.

*******

“Couch or bedroom?” Jake asked as he punched in the code for his security system.

“Bedroom.”

“Okay. Pick a movie. I’m gonna grab a shower real quick, yeah?”

I started browsing through his collection, pulling some DVDs out to look at the descriptions on the backs. As I went to return one, I noticed a few other movies hidden behind the rest. I pulled out his small stash of porn and looked them over.

Good to know my man likes it wild but not too crazy. I like kink, but it would’ve seriously sucked to find a stash of leather unicorn fetish videos.

Or worse.

I felt my body heat up as I imagined watching one with Jake. Taking the one that looked best, plus a regular movie, I hurried into the bedroom.

Listening to the shower going, my stomach flipped with giddy nervousness as I got the DVD started.

Stripping down to my bra and panties, I stretched out on top of the covers. I lowered the volume of the movie so I could hear when the water turned off.

As I waited for Jake, I started watching the people who were very fond of each other.

“I wanna come home to this every night,” Jake said from the doorway, startling me. “You look fuckin’ hot.”

Oops. Distracted much?

Already overheated, the look on his face as his gaze travelled across my body turned me into an inferno. “Thanks,” I rasped.

Jake moved into the room. “Beer?”

Before I could answer, a loud, moaning scream came from the TV.

Jake’s eyes went wide as he turned and saw what was on before snapping back to me.

“What? You told me to pick a movie.”

“Yeah, I did. Just wasn’t expectin’ this.” His eyes stayed on me as he approached the side of the bed. The towel around his waist did nothing to hide his reaction.

Getting up on my knees, I moved towards him and rubbed my palms over his chest. “You want me to put in the real DVD?”

“Hmm. Dunno. Lemme check, yeah?” Sliding his hand into my panties, his finger glided easily through my wetness.

“Oh God.” My hands shot up to clutch his shoulders.

“Nah, I’d say we’re good with this one.” He pressed his thumb against my clit, pleasure shooting through me as my hips jerked up and my nails dug into his skin. “On your back, baby, but keep your ass on the edge of the bed and your legs hanging off it. Yeah?”

Releasing my grip on him, I laid down. I lifted my pelvis so he could pull my panties off.

“Pull your tits out. I wanna watch you play while I taste sweetness.” Dropping to his knees on the floor, Jake grabbed my hips and pulled me closer to the edge. Putting my legs over his shoulders, his mouth covered me.

“Yes!” I cried out, tugging at my nipples.

Jake’s growl of approval vibrated through me. His mouth worked me relentlessly, but still I wanted more.

Digging the heels of my feet into his back, I ground myself against him as I moaned through my orgasm.

I’d barely finished when Jake stood. “Flip over onto your knees.”

When I rolled over, he held my hips and kept me at the side of the bed while he stayed standing.

I cried out, my head shooting back and my hair flying wildly, as he entered me forcefully.

“Sorry.” Slowing down, his fingers dug into my ass with the effort.

“No. Harder. Now.” I didn’t just love him unrestrained, I craved it.

I needed it.

“Piper.” Jake’s voice was surprisingly soft and warm. “Love you.”

“Love you, too. Now harder,” I demanded, pushing back into him roughly.

“Yes,” he said, thrusting so hard it took me off my knees. “Dear.”

*******

After sleeping in the next morning, I woke up to an empty bed and the smell of fresh coffee. I tried to enter the kitchen but was banished to the bedroom.

“Happy Birthday.” Jake grinned as he brought me breakfast in bed.

“Pancakes?” I questioned, bouncing on the mattress with excitement.

“Maybe.”

“My favorite!” I squealed, hopping up on my knees to hug him.

Jake chuckled, lifting the plate up before I knocked it over. “Are you talkin’ to me or the pancakes?”

“The pancakes, of course.”

“Smartass. I dunno. I don’t like being jealous of food.” He brought the plate closer to his chest. “Maybe I should eat them myself.”

“You can’t do that, it’s my birthday.”

“So?”

“So, hand them over!”

“Fine.” Sighing dramatically, he handed me the plate with a napkin, fork, and knife before leaving the room. He returned a minute later with a mug of coffee and set it on the bedside table next to me.

Taking a bite of the buttery, fluffy pancake, the sweetness of the maple syrup hit my tongue. I closed my eyes. “Mmm, these are so good.”

“Sweets, they’re pancakes.”

“Exactly. Cake that’s acceptable to eat for breakfast. What’s better than that?”

“Of course. What was I thinkin’?”

As I ate, we planned what time we needed to leave for dinner.

“Wanna finish this?” I held out the half eaten plate of pancakes.

“You sure?”

“Definitely. I’m gonna go shower.”

*******

“You missed a spot.”

“I did?” I looked over my shoulder at Jake standing near the sink. “Is it here?” I used my shower loofa to rub my ass cheek. “Or maybe here?” I turned to the side and began rubbing my chest. “Oh, I bet I know. It’s here, isn’t it?” I spread my legs slightly and bent at the waist to scrub my foot.

Before I could stand back up, Jake was in the shower with me, his hand on my spine.

“Tease. You, Piper, are a damn tease.”

“You’re fully clothed! Get out of here!” I tried to straighten, but his hand on my back held firm.

“Not fully. No socks. Now stay bent over.” His index and middle finger eased into my wetness while his thumb worked my clit.

I rocked my body against his hold to get more.

His zipper slid down before he pushed into me. “Can’t resist you.”

“Thank God for that,” I moaned, as he continued not resisting me.

*******

After his pleasant interruption, I finished up and got dressed.

When I went into the room, Jake was sitting on the bed with his back against the headboard and his legs stretched out in front of him. There was a present on his lap.

Biting my lip, I smiled at him. “I’d make a joke about the placement of that gift, baby, but the box is way too small.”

Jake threw his head back and laughed as he moved the present onto the bed.

Watching him, hearing that laughter, feeling it, my heart felt like it was going to explode in the best possible way.

This man, my man, was so damn sexy. Gorgeous. Hell, even beautiful. His blond hair was down and slightly wavy, thanks to the impromptu shower. He was all angles and edges, including his personality, but he was soft for me.

Sweet.

Romantic.

Loving.

I ran across the room and jumped, landing with a bounce next to him on the bed. I threw my leg across his thighs to straddle him and weaved my hands into his hair. Pulling his lips to mine, I put everything I was feeling into the kiss.

“I love you, Jake,” I whispered against his lips.

“Love you, too, Piper. So damn much,” he whispered back. Leaning over, he snatched the present up. “Happy Birthday.”

“Oh, Jake,” I murmured while opening the light blue Tiffany’s box. “It’s…” I tried to take a calming breath, but it still shook. “Baby, it’s perfect.”

Inside the box was a beautiful charm watch. Dangling from the chained band was my birthstone, a coffee cup, a music note, a high heel, a cupcake, a car, a baseball, and a heart. Each charm was special to me. To us.

“I love it. Thank you.”

“I know you don’t wear jewelry often. So if you don’t—”

“You’re kidding, right? First of all, it’s gorgeous. Second, I’d wear anything from you.”

“Good to know. Next time I’ll make sure it’s somethin’ wild and sexy.”

When Jake went to get ready, I grabbed my bag and set up my laptop on the island in the kitchen. Opening and booting it up, I began sorting emails when I felt his lips behind my ear.

“What the fuck is that?” he snarled, standing up quickly.

“Prank emails. I just delete them.”

Because my email address was on my website and social media, it wasn’t unusual for me to get fake requests from assholes messing around. I’d even gotten the occasional dick picture or dirty message.

Lately, though, the frequency of junk messages had increased. They weren’t always outright vulgar or harassing. They were more…

Skeevy.

Instead of generic messages, they’d become more complimentary of my appearance. Since there were a few pictures of me on my site, plus the ones that had been in the paper, it wasn’t surprising that someone would know what I looked like.

It was still creepy as hell, though.

I always blocked the addresses, but it was easy for the pranksters to get new ones.

“That’s far from a fuckin’ prank, Piper. That shit is sick. Why haven’t you said anythin’?”

“It happens all the time. It’s probably some kids pretending they’ve got giant balls behind a computer screen.”

“Piper, there are a lot of these.”

“I know,” I admitted, crinkling my nose. “I think maybe from all the publicity after the Tools for Teens event. Increased publicity has meant more orders coming in, but also more of this crap. It’s nothing.”

“It’s somethin’. That shit is fucked up. You should’ve told me.” With his clenched jaw and rigged body, Jake looked mad. But behind his anger was fear.

“Baby, my work email is public. I get offers for hot and horny local ladies, instant money transfers from Nigerian princes, and tips to make millions from the comfort of my own living room. I even get emails for penis enlargement, which would come in handy if I decided to look up those local ladies. These things happen and it’s harmless. But I’ll make sure I tell you now. And I’ll be extra cautious, okay?”

“I’m gonna talk to my dad, see what he thinks.”

“If it’ll make you feel better.”

“It’s a start. I’ve gotta go to Hyde for a few hours. Wanna stay here or go to your place?”

“Mine.” I wanted to finish up some work and then get ready for tonight with enough time that I wasn’t rushing around.

“I’ll drop you off on my way, yeah?”

*******

After an intense goodbye kiss, I plopped down onto my couch with my laptop. Tucking my legs under me, I dealt with emails, stopping throughout to answer birthday calls and texts.

When my phone rang again, I picked it up without looking. “What’s up?”

“Piper, is that any way to answer the phone?”

Gah. Caller ID was invented for a reason, dingus. Use it!

“Sorry, Mom. I wasn’t expecting a call from you.”

“Well, why in heaven wouldn’t I call my daughter on her birthday?”

“I just meant I wasn’t expecting it right now. How are you?”

“As fine as one can be when they’re continually blown off by their only child.”

“Sorry. I’ve been busy with school and the business.”

“And your young man? Are you still seeing him?”

“Yes, Jake and I are still together. So, how’s Thomas?”

“Piper Skye, don’t try to change the subject. However, he is right here and wishes to speak to you.”

“Happy Birthday, Piper,” Thomas greeted me.

“Thank you, Thomas. How’re you? Mother driving you crazy yet?”

“Yet? You mean still, correct?”

I laughed at the rare joke. “Yes, exactly.”

“So, your mother told me you’re involved with Jake Hyde.”

“Yup.”

“At your mother’s request, I looked into him. His company is extremely successful. So much so that he could have multiple shops. Word is he chooses to stick with just one so he can be as hands-on as possible.”

And he is very hands-on at work, indeed.

“Yes, he does great work,” I said, trying not to think pervy thoughts.

Trying, but failing.

“He’s known for his skill and work ethic. His mother is a well-respected attorney and his father is an ADA. Good choice, Piper.”

It’s a mother friggin’ birthday miracle.

“Thanks, Thomas. Make sure you tell my mother that.”

“Already done. Here she is.”

“As you can imagine, I was very reassured to hear things checked out well. You’ll still have to stop making excuses and bring him over.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Did he get you anything special for your birthday?”

“A beautiful watch.”

“A watch?” Obviously, the appeal of a watch was lost on my mother.

“From Tiffany.”

“Oh. That is special then.”

“Yeah. I have to go get ready. We’re having dinner in a few hours.”

“Enjoy your birthday. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Goodbye.”

As I hung up, I realized just how far behind I was. I cranked some music up and went to plug in my hot rollers.

While I waited for them to warm up, I crouched by the bed in my room and began pulling things out from underneath. Finding what I was looking for, I pushed everything else back and set up my surprise for Jake.

Well, mostly for me. After all, it’s my birthday.

When I got back into the bathroom, my phone was lit up with a new message.

Jake: Did you start gettin’ ready?

Me: Just did.

Jake: There’s another present in the spare room closet.

Me: When did you put a present in there?

Jake: Couple days ago. I figured even if you looked, you wouldn’t see it. That closet is worse than your wallet.

Me: Hey! Actually, you know what? I’ve got no come back. You’re totally right.

Jake: I was hopin’ to be home already, but things are taking longer than planned.

Me: That’s okay, I can wait.

Maybe. Possibly.

Unless I go in there for something else. Then I might trip and have to grab the knob to stop my fall. That might accidentally open the closet door.

Oops.

Jake: Go look, yeah?

Woo hoo!

Walking into the room, I turned on the light and opened the closet door. “Oh, Jake,” I whispered to myself.

In front of me was a gorgeous green dress with a bag from Ella’s looped around the hanger.

I jumped when my phone started ringing. Checking the screen, I answered immediately. “Jake.”

“Like it?”

“I love it, but the watch was enough. Actually, I was happy just waking up in your bed.”

“I’d give you the fuckin’ moon, Piper. Honest to God, lay the whole fuckin’ world at your feet,” Jake said, his voice low and gravelly. Before I could respond, someone called his name. “I gotta go. Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

After hanging up, I grabbed the dress and bag from the closet and brought them to my room. I peeked into the bag to see a pair of black pumps, a glitter clutch, and the world’s tiniest thong.

Returning to my hot rollers, I put them in and started on my makeup. Because the dress was so bold, I used a neutral cream colored shimmer shadow, black liner, and dramatic mascara to do my eyes. I went light on the blush and skipped the lip gloss altogether.

When I got changed, I knew I’d made the right decision.

The soft, jersey dress was completely off my shoulders. Black lace detailing around the edges gave glimpses of more skin, but also made it a softer, more feminine look. The material was clingy, which explained the miniscule thong.

No matter how extensive my underwear collection was, I didn’t have any that wouldn’t leave visible panty lines.

I pulled a shoe out and set it on the bed carefully before picking up my phone to text Jake.

Me: These shoes are Jimmy Choo.

Jake: The purse thing is, too. I still have no clue what that means. Alicia picked them out. I just agreed they looked hot.

Me: Alicia?

Jake: Went into Ella’s and she was fuckin’ ecstatic to help me out. Mostly ‘cause that means I’m still with you. She likes you, sweets.

Me: I like her, too. But you don’t have to do this stuff.

Jake: I know I don’t have to. I like it.

Me: How do I argue with that?

Jake: You don’t. On my way in a few.

From the first time I saw his sexy, broad back in the shop, I’d been way into Jake. There’d been a pull to him that had nothing to do with his status or what he could give me.

Well, except for the orgasms I’d been sure he could supply. Thank the sex god himself I was right about that.

It wasn’t what he was buying me that made me so happy.

Okay, they were Jimmy Choo’s, so it wasn’t just that.

It was him.

I set the phone aside and picked up the pumps again. After I put them on, I walked to my dresser and added my watch. As I latched it, I noticed the time and knew Jake would be here soon.

I quickly unraveled the cooled rollers from my hair and tossed them on my dresser. Bending over, I shook my head to loosen the curls.

“Fuck.”

“You scared me. How was the shop?” When I got no response, I straightened and looked over at Jake.

I smiled when I saw his hair was down. Wearing dark jeans, a black fitted button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and gray converse, my man looked good.

He also looked tense.

“What’s wrong?” I began walking towards him.

“Stop.”

I did, my brows lowering in confusion. “What?”

“We have to go. Like have to.”

“I know, I’m ready.”

“If you get any closer before we’re out of this house, we’re not goin’ anywhere.”

“I wouldn’t mind that.” I smiled wickedly. “In fact, why don’t we order in and I’ll let you eat off of me?”

“Tease. You’re a cock tease. Out.”

“Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

Turning and walking away, Jake didn’t stop until he was on my porch.

I locked up and followed him down to his car.

Jake shifted the Camaro into reverse and turned to back out of the driveway when his phone started ringing. “Yeah? Uh huh. No, it’s cool. See ya.” Jake hung up and turned to me. “We gotta stop back at Hyde for a minute.”

“Everything okay?”

Though his organization and filing was better, they were slammed with customers. With the amount of work they were doing, it was inevitable that things would fall between the cracks.

“Yeah, I’ve gotta log into the computer system to check something for Kase. How was your day?” Putting his hand on my leg, his thumb absently caressed my inner thigh, which made me mindless.

“Huh?”

“Your day?”

“Oh. Good. I got a lot more done than I thought I would.”

“Anymore emails?”

“Nope. I told you it doesn’t happen much.”

“Once is more than enough,” Jake grumbled.

“If I thought it was something to be concerned about, I’d tell you.”

“I’m still gonna talk to my dad.”

“I figured as much, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

A short while later, Jake pulled into the front parking lot of Hyde and cut the engine. Coming around, he offered his hand and helped me out.

“Hold up.” Curving his hand around the side of my neck, his thumb stroked my jaw and tilted my face up. “You look fuckin’ gorgeous.”

I pushed myself closer to him. “Thanks for the outfit.”

“Love you, Piper.”

“Love you, too. By the way, we have to stay at my place tonight.”

“Why?”

“So I can thank you properly.”

“Christ. How’re you plannin’ on doin’ that?”

“It’s a surprise. Ready?” I rubbed my fingertips across his stubble.

“No. I wanna go back to your place.”

“Hey, I offered to stay home and let you eat off me.”

“I’d rather eat you off,” he growled. “Fuck.” His curse echoed around us as he pulled away and unlocked the entrance. The lobby was dark with only a glow coming from the garage. “I’ve gotta see if Kase is still back there.” He put his arm around me as we walked.

Maybe this will be fast and I can still convince him to just take me home. At the very least, maybe we’ll have time for a desk quickie.

“Surprise!” I heard several voices scream, scaring me as they pulled me from my incredibly inappropriate thoughts. I burst out laughing and my heart pounded as I looked around to see a lot of my favorite people.

With everything hidden away and decorations in their place, it barely looked like a garage. The work benches were overflowing with food and a thrown together, though very well-stocked, bar was in the corner.

“Happy Birthday, sweets,” Jake whispered, squeezing me to him.

“Can I get a hug from the birthday girl?” a voice behind me asked.

“Daddy?” I whipped around to see my dad and Nat.

“Happy Birthday, Lil’ Rock,” Dad said, calling me by the nickname some bikers had given me when I was younger.

I threw myself at him and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me just as tight.

I pulled away and looked at Jake. “Jake, this is my dad, Floyd, and his girlfriend, Natalie. Dad and Nat, this is my boyfriend, Jake.” Without giving them the chance to say anything, I turned back to my dad. “What’re you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming until next month.”

“When I got a call from Jake, how could I resist the chance to see my girl?”

“So I guess those introductions weren’t needed,” I muttered up at Jake.

He winked at me before looking to the side and giving someone I couldn’t see a chin lift.

“Happy Birthday, Piper!” Nat said, her valley girl lilt more pronounced in her excitement. She grabbed me in a hug. “You look gorgeous. The wild hair is totally rocking.”

“I’m so happy to see you!” I squealed, bouncing as I hugged her. “You look fabulous, as always.”

At five foot eight, with gleaming, chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes, Nat was gorgeous. Dad introduced her to me when I was twelve and I’d been sure she was a model or actress. Almost ten years later, she still looked like she could be.

He was my dad and all, but I knew he was good-looking. Even if I hadn’t noticed, enough of my friends had had the hots for him to clue me in. He was six feet tall and still fit from being on the go at work all day. There was a lot of gray growing into his black hair, but it worked.

From the stories I’d heard, Nat had come into Dad’s restaurant on a date. Dad had taken one look at her before literally jumping over the bar to talk to her. Fifteen minutes later, the other guy was out the door and Nat’s ass was planted on a bar stool. That was the power of my dad’s looks and charm. A week after that, Dad moved Nat in with him. And now, almost a decade later, they were still going strong.

“And, oh my God, those shoes!” Nat nudged my leg so I’d stick my foot out.

I did, twisting it slightly so she could see the pumps better. “They’re Jimmy Choos. Jake’s surprise. Well, one of many, apparently. But he has no clue what a big deal that is.”

“It’s killer. And, oh my goodness, look at that watch!”

“I get the feeling now’s a good time to go grab a beer. They can talk for hours. You with?” my Dad asked Jake.

“Yeah. Beer or mixed drink, sweets?”

“Beer, please.”

“Natalie?”

“Beer sounds good, thank you.”

Jake nodded before walking away with my Dad.

“How’re—” I started.

“Okay, they’re gone. You were way holding out on me, girly.”

“I told you about Jake.”

“Yeah, making it seem like he was no big deal. That conversation about him should’ve lasted like three times as long.”

I looked over and caught Jake’s eyes on me. I smiled at him before turning back to Natalie. “Probably longer than that.”

“How serious are things?”

“Very.”

“Since he hasn’t looked away from you yet, I was guessing that.”

I looked over, wiggling my fingers in a wave and watched as his lips tipped up.

“You owe me the full talk. But here comes your man.”

Jake handed us our drinks.

“I’m gonna go see what your dad is up to,” Nat said with a smile. After giving my hand an affectionate squeeze, she headed towards the bar.

Jake slid his arm around me. “Surprised?”

“That’s the understatement of the century.”

“Hungry?”

“Not right now. I wanna see everyone.”

The next hour and a half passed in a blur of birthday hugs, wishes, drinks, and shots.

While I’d never been big on my birthday or surprises, Jake had worked miracles. He was thorough and everyone I’d want invited was there. My boys, Ray and Edge, plus Rhys, Harlow, Gia, Melanie, Lily, and Marcy. Even Gage and Jet showed up, though they couldn’t stay long.

“Where’d you meet these people?” Harlow asked as she pulled me aside. Since meeting officially at lunch, we’d become fast friends. “Everyone is flippin’ beautiful. Even your dad is a total D.I.L.F. Dad I’d like to—”

I covered my ears. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t go there. I don’t wanna hear it. La, la, la!” I yelled over her.

Ick!

She pulled my hands away. “What? I was just gonna say he was a dad I’d like to be friends with because he seems like a cool guy. Sheesh, perv!” she said as we erupted into giggles. “Seriously though, I feel like I crashed a flippin’ Hollywood party. Oh wait. Some of the X-ers are here. So, yeah, total Hollywood party!”

“Hey, my life was boring a few months ago. You know me, half-robot and all,” I teased.

“I need my own badass. Is Gage available? No, Jet. No, who’s the dude with the dreads? He gave me a chin lift earlier, which I took to mean he was declaring his undying love and inviting me to spend years getting lost in his eyes. Goodness, he’s gorgeous!”

“That’s Kase. I’ll introduce you.”

“Maybe later. Right now I’m thirsty, and wow, talk about coincidence; Gage and Jet are over there. I’ll just fangirl squeal in my head.” She lowered her voice into her version of a whisper. “If I pass out, promise to make one of them give me mouth-to-mouth.”

“I promise,” I vowed, trying to keep a straight face.

The night progressed with everyone talking, laughing, and drinking together like they’d all been friends for years. Nat and Harlow bonded over fashion and talked at speeds that only they seemed able to understand. My dad, my man, and my boys got into an in depth discussion about cars and bikes.

The only dark cloud in my birthday brightness was Rhys’ date.

At first I thought she was keeping to herself because she was shy. After trying to talk to her, though, it became obvious she was just a bitch.

A big one.

I liked Rhys a lot. We were still close and he was genuinely happy for Jake and me because that was the kind of guy he was.

I didn’t have the details, but I knew there was something dark he’d been through. The longer I’d been around him, the more I saw the shadows that lurked in his blue eyes and the pain he hid behind a dimpled smile.

He definitely deserved better.

“Happy birthday, darlin’,” he said with a hug.

“Thanks. How’re things going?” I glanced meaningfully towards… whatever her name was. Something fussy and she’d spelled it out. I was honestly expecting a Batman symbol to be in the middle of it.

“She pissed Damon and Tito off right before we were leaving. Went to grab my coat from my office, was gone all of two minutes. She said something, I have no fuckin’ clue what, but it pissed them right the fuck off.”

“To upset them it’d have to have been awful.”

Damon was six foot five, two hundred and fifty pounds of dark chocolate muscle. He was also one of the sweetest people I’d ever met. His boyfriend, Tito, was a DJ that worked at both Rye and Voodoo.

Damon grew up in a rough area. He’d known he was gay his whole life and had a rough go of it. As in, he barely made it to adulthood.

Tito hid the fact he was gay and ended up hating himself and those around him. He started injecting, smoking, popping, and chugging anything he could to get through the day. His addiction was so bad he’d started selling himself to anyone, including men. In a moment of lucidity, he realized he was doing the very thing he’d been afraid to do. Only now, he was doing it in order to almost kill himself with drugs. He got himself clean and eventually hooked up with Damon.

After all they’d been through, they were both thick-skinned. No one who made it through all of that would bother to sweat the small stuff.

“Yeah. As payback, Damon made sure to tell her that I had feelings for you. Deep ones. She started bitching in the car right away, demanding we skip your party. Like I take orders.” He shook his head slightly, an amused smile pulling at his lips.

“What’d you say?”

“I offered to drop her home. Volunteered to get her a taxi. I may have even said that one of the other guys might be willing to give her a ride, in whatever way she might want one. And yet she’s still here. Glaring. Yeah, ‘cause that’s gonna stop me from having fun.”

“Did you tell her your feelings aren’t like that?”

“Nope. As soon as Jake pulled his head out of his ass, it was clear he’s the one for you. He’s like a brother to me, so I was fuckin’ thrilled he found a good woman to give him what he needs. Never have I heard him laugh so much, or seen him smile so easy. Because of that, my feelings for you might not be romantic, but they’re still to the bone deep, darlin’.”

“Oh, Rhys,” I whispered, hugging him as I tried not to cry.

Hmm. Harlow’s single. Oh, so is Melanie. No, wait, maybe Lily?

“I better let you go before Jake throws a beer bottle at me. He might’ve won, but he still doesn’t look too happy.”

I pulled away and laughed up at him. “So you know, there’s a blond over there—”

“Lily?”

“Yeah.”

“Not happening, darlin’.”

“I think you two would have a ton in common.”

“We do. Which is why it’s not happening. Anyway, your dad said he doesn’t have your Ace Frehley picture, which is disappointing. He does, however, have one of you dressed as Freddie Mercury.”

“Oh God, I forgot about that. I was like eight or nine. That was a fun Halloween.”

“I’m gonna go see if I can get him to show it to me.” Rhys headed towards the bar, lifting his chin at Z as they passed each other.

“Happy birthday, Doll Face.” Z dipped to hug me and kiss my cheek.

“Thanks. Having fun?”

“Yeah. Watching Rhys’ date has been entertaining as fuck. Well, until she came over and hit on me.”

I burst out laughing. “You’ve gotta be kidding! That’s hilarious.”

“Yeah, it was a barrel of laughs. I’ve gotta head out soon. Enjoy your birthday, Doll Face.”

“Thanks for coming.” I went up on my toes to kiss his cheek.

“Anythin’ for you.”

“Sorry, brother, gotta steal my woman,” Jake said from behind me as he grabbed my hand.

“What else is new?” Z joked.

Still holding hands, Jake and I walked over to Ray.

“Hey, hot stuff,” she said, smiling huge at me.

“Yo. Having a good night?”

“Yup, and the best is yet to come.”

“What?”

Instead of answering, Ray jerked her head towards Jake.

“I still have one more present for you.” Jake’s hands shook slightly as he began unbuttoning his shirt.

“Uh, baby, I’m totally liking where this is going. But not in front of Ray.”

“Oh no, he promised I could watch,” Ray said.

“Kinky.” I wiggled my eyebrows at her. “At least let me do some stretches first so I can bust out my best moves.”

Jake’s shirt gaped open to reveal a bandage on his chest, sobering me instantly.

“What happened?”

“Lift it off,” he whispered.

Moving in front of him, I carefully peeled it away.

“Oh my God, that’s totally badass.”

Under the gauze and tape was a fresh tattoo. Similar in style to the one on his arm, it looked like the skin on his chest was tearing away to reveal a mechanical heart.

“Check out the center gear.”

“Oh, Jacoby,” I murmured, my eyes filling with tears.

In the middle of the tattoo was a gear that connected the other mechanisms. Interspersed with the regular square ones, were five block letters made to look like gear teeth.

“You’ve got my name on you.”

Cupping my neck, Jake’s thumb pushed my jaw up, though my eyes stayed locked where they are. “Sweets, look at me.”

I dragged my gaze up to meet his. “Why?”

“It’s only you.”

I carefully put my hand on his chest to the side of the ink and felt his heart pounding.

“I want your name on me.”

His brows lifted with surprise. “What?”

“Ray, I want his name,” I declared over my shoulder.

“Already set aside a block of time on Monday afternoon,” Ray said, her voice thick. “I’m gonna go to the bar, knock back some shots, and pretend I’m not crying like a girl.”

“You don’t have to—” Jake started.

“I want to.”

“Think it over, yeah?”

“Yeah,” I agreed, though I didn’t need to.

It was crazy, reckless, and some people might think it was idiotic. It was a risk to ink something that might only be temporary on your body permanently.

Good thing I know risks with Jake are always worth taking.

*******

“What’d you wish for?” Jake’s voice rumbled in my ear after I’d blown out the candles.

“I can’t tell you, that’s against the rules.”

“The rules, huh?”

“Yeah. If I tell you, my wish won’t come true.”

“You’re wasting your breath,” Dad said to Jake. “Every year I’d try to get her to tell me, but she’d keep it to herself like it was a national secret.”

“It’s like the birthday law. Everyone knows that. Are you and Nat having fun?”

“Yeah, but we’re gonna head to the hotel and let you young folks enjoy the night.”

“I’m pretty sure you could out party anyone here.”

He chuckled. “Probably, but we’re still gonna go. Walk me out?” I nodded as my dad turned to Jake. “Good to see you, Jake.”

“You, too, Floyd.”

“Keep an eye out for Nat? She went back to use the bathroom.”

“Yeah.” Jake walked towards the doorway to the office.

“Guess I don’t have to ask if you’re happy,” Dad said when we got outside.

“Nope.”

“Don’t have to ask if he’s treating you right either. You’re at your own party, surrounded by friends, and he still watched to make sure you were having a good time. Can’t say I see that often.”

“That’s Jake.”

“I find myself wondering, though, are you in this as deep as he is?”

“I love him, Daddy.”

“It’s easy to see that. But there are levels to that. Your mom? Broke my heart. I thought she was it. Prissy.” A smile pulled at his lips. It wasn’t sad, just reminiscent. “Fuck, even back then she’d walk around, looking down her nose at everyone. I took one look at her and knew I wanted to spend a lifetime bringing chaos to that order. I was happy putting in the effort to break down those walls she’d built around herself. But she was determined to keep that distance, and I couldn’t get through.”

If I’d forced that distance with Jake and kept those walls up…

Holy shit, I’d almost turned into my mother.

“She loved me, but it was on a different level,” Dad continued, interrupting my panicked relief that I wasn’t as stubborn as my mom. “How I love Nat? Your mom broke my heart, but Nat would shatter it.”

“Nat wouldn’t leave.”

“Thank God. What I’m saying, Piper, is there’s nothing wrong with having fun. So if that’s all you’re doing, make sure you’re both on the same page. Now. ‘Cause it’s clear you love him. But it’s crystal fuckin’ clear you’re it for him.”

“It’s only him.”

“Yeah, that’s what I figured. You’ve worked hard and built a good life with good people. I’m proud of you, sweetheart.”

“Thank you, Daddy.”

When I heard the door open and close, I turned to see Jake and Nat heading our way.

“Brrr. It’s cold.” Nat rubbed her arms and bounced like it was negative digits and not the breezy sixty degrees that it was.

“Told you to grab a coat. Not in California, Valley Girl.”

“If I brought my own then I’d have no reason to steal yours. Which would mean you wouldn’t get that look I love when you see me in your coat.”

Aww. And ick. But totally aww.

“Thanks for coming out early,” I said before they continued sweetly skeeving me out.

“I’m so glad we could.” Nat pulled me close for a hug. “Go enjoy your night. Get wild.”

“I plan on it. Love you, guys.”

“Love you, girly.”

“Happy birthday, sweetheart,” my dad said, hugging me tight. “Best day of my life, twenty-one years ago. Always been the best kid a dad could ask for.”

“Daddy.” My voice trembled.

“No crying on your birthday. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

I gave Dad and Nat a tear-filled, wobbly smile. Nat returned it with one of her own before they walked towards the cab.

“Ready for another drink, birthday girl?” Jake’s deep voice rumbled in my ear as he wrapped his arms around my waist while I waved.

“Oh yeah.”

*******

“Why don’t we go to my place?” Jake asked, carrying me to the Camaro because my feet hurt.

“The surprise is at mine.”

“Maybe it would be better for tomorrow, yeah?”

“Why?”

“Sweets, you’re drunk.”

“Are you?”

“No. I only had one beer with your dad.” Jake lowered me to my feet and I got into the car.

I slid closer to him when he got in on his side. “Then we’re good. Trust me, baby. Me drunk is good. Especially for you.”

“Oh, really?” He smiled as he pulled me into his lap. “How so?”

“Well, I’m fun drunk. Happy drunk. Most importantly, horny drunk. Of course that’s not saying much since I’m always horny.”

“Always?” Jake’s voice was deep, his fingers sliding under my skirt.

I caught his hand, halting its journey. “Nope, you have to be patient.” Pressing a kiss to the underside of his jaw, I moved over to the passenger’s seat. “Now take me home, Jeeves.”

“Yes, dear.”