Chapter Two

Party Hardly

 

 

When I got to Rye, I was relieved that I wasn’t late. I was usually pretty efficient when I got ready, but for some reason it had taken me forever. Not to impress anyone, of course.

Noooo, not at all.

After leaving the shop earlier in the day, I’d decided to blow off the rest of my plans. It was definitely the right decision.

Since my hair reached the middle of my back, I was used to it taking for-freakin’-ever to blow dry and style. What I wasn’t used to was doing, wiping off, and then redoing my makeup multiple times because my nerves were making my hands shake. My usual straight eyeliner looked more like I’d tried to apply it with my left hand while driving on a road covered with potholes in the dark. I still wasn’t able to get it precise, so I went heavier on my eye shadow to blend it. Fortunately, rocker glam worked for the night out and made my violet eyes pop.

Now let’s hope I don’t look like a raccoon by the end of the night.

I’d taken more time than I had available to decide on an outfit. I changed my mind a handful of times before settling on black skinny jeans and a super soft black halter top with hot pink lace trim. Grabbing a matching shrug and black three-inch peep toe heels, I’d run barefoot out the door.

Despite running way behind, I was still able to find some sweet parking at the bar. I texted Jake to let him know where I was. My phone buzzed a second later.

Jake: Be there in a few, babe. Don’t get out ‘til we get there.

Even on text, Jake was bossy. And, even on text, it turned me on more than I thought was normal.

After a quick double-check to make sure my deodorant was doing its job, my hottie sense started tingling. I looked up to see Jake heading towards me.

Long, purposeful strides while somehow still looking bored… Even his walk is intimidating and undeniably sexy.

During my makeup mini-crises, I’d tried to convince myself that Jake wasn’t really that good-looking. My memory, imagination, and libido just built him up as the hottest man I’d ever seen.

However, as I watched him walk towards my car, I knew I was way wrong. Because, in jeans and a dark colored Henley with the sleeves pushed up his tan and tatted arms, he was somehow even more gorgeous.

I dragged my eyes from Jake and saw that, short of Z, the other guys from Hyde were with him. This included one I didn’t recognize, but would be more than happy to meet. My brain, and other parts of my anatomy, were pretty set on Jake but that didn’t mean I was totally blind.

Seeing the six of them, I was glad I had a second to do a real headshake to lift the fog. Unfortunately, it didn’t work.

Sigh. It never does.

When they got close enough that it’d be rude to just sit and perv on them from inside my car, I got out. I barely stood all the way up when Kase grabbed me around the waist. He lifted me so we were face to face and my feet were about seven inches off the ground.

“Piper, I swear, don’t know whether to kiss you or that car. Whose is it?” He carefully set me back down.

I shrugged. “I dunno, hot-wired it.” At the guys’ looks of uncertainty, I started laughing. “It’s mine! Bo’s beautiful, right?” My baby was a gorgeous, teal 1969 Dodge Charger and my pride and joy.

“Babe.”

I immediately turned my attention to Jake.

It’s like my brain goes on vacation as soon as he says that word. I’m a total Babe Zombie, mindlessly following the hot guy. Goodbye braaains.

Jake chuckled. “You named your car?”

“Yeah, doesn’t everyone?”

“Bo?” he asked. “As in Duke?”

“Yeah. I mean, she doesn’t look like a Daisy. And I always liked Bo better than Luke.” When I got Bo I knew she needed a Dukes of Hazzard name, but she was definitely not a General Lee.

“Right, of course. What was I thinking?” His voice was teasing but amused. “Anyway, this is Rhys.” He gestured to Mystery Hot Dude. “He owns Rye.”

I extended my hand. “Hey, thanks for letting me come.”

Rhys took my outstretched hand and lifted it to his mouth, lightly kissing my knuckles before lowering it but not letting go. Normally a move like that would’ve had me rolling my eyes and trying not to laugh. Instead, I could feel the heat in my cheeks.

“My pleasure. Once Kase told me about the hot chick who smelled like cake, acted sweeter, and looked even sweeter still, how could I say no?”

I could feel my blush deepen. Nervously, I blurted out, “I have something for you.” Rhys released my hand as I turned away and bent back into my open car door, reaching across to the passenger side.

“Gotta fuckin’ be kidding me,” I heard growled, followed by laughter from multiple people.

I grabbed the container and stood back up, unsure of what I’d missed. I tried not to feel self-conscious as I handed the cookies to Rhys. “Chocolate chip, as a thank you.”

“Well, darlin’, you’ve given me more than a few sweet things tonight. So, thank you,” he said with a chuckle, deep dimples appearing on his cheeks.

His dimples, while incredibly hot, weren’t the only thing he had going for him. Over six feet tall with a muscular build, he looked exactly like the kind of guy that’d own a rocker bar, right down to the kickass beard. His eyes were dark blue with hints of green and little crinkles near them said that he smiled a lot.

His rich brown hair was overgrown and unruly like he spent the day in bed. With someone. And that someone had their hands in his hair, a lot. Based on his boots, I was guessing he owned a hog, which only added further to his appeal.

“Babe,” Jake said, his voice impatient. “Where’s the dent?”

“It’s over here.” I pointed out the damage on the passenger door. Even in the dark it was deep and obvious.

“Cryin’ shame on this car, for sure, but it looks like an easy fix. We’ll get it in soon, yeah?”

“Thanks, Jake.”

“Ready to rock, Piper?” Kase asked, throwing the horns.

“Hell yeah.”

*******

Rye was the shit.

It was a nice joint that looked like a dive. There was a raw grittiness to it that appealed to a lot of popular bands that wanted to get back to their roots. The smaller venue held more intimate and laid back shows, but that didn’t diminish the adrenaline flowing through the air. The place was already alive and buzzing, anticipation running high.

I knew between school and cakes I’d been working a lot. What I hadn’t fully realized was that even my rare downtime was consumed with thoughts of school and cake. A night out was definitely what I needed.

Jake took off as soon we got in while the rest of us went to the bar. Rhys, who noticed my not very subtle gawking, offered me a tour of the place after I’d gotten my drink.

The walls were covered with framed pictures of all of the bands that had played shows there. Rhys pointed out where they’d signed a hanging picture, the wall, or various signs. Basically anything they could write on.

“This place is awesome!” I looked closer at some of the framed pictures.

I wonder if I could sneak some of these out. How obvious would it look if my back was perfectly rectangular and I rattled?

“Thanks, darlin’.”

“I can’t believe how many bands you’ve had here.” I pointed to a picture of an older group. “I saw them when I was eleven. First show I ever saw.”

“Eleven and hittin’ up the scene?”

“What can I say? Some girls play dress up in their tutus and tiaras while dreaming of being ballerinas and princesses. I had scarves hanging from my princess microphone and for three months straight I wore my Axl Rose bandanas on my head. Then there was the time I used my markers to color my face like Ace Frehley.”

Rhys’ deep laughter filled the air. “No shit. Really?”

“Yup. The night before picture day in first grade. My mother was not pleased. My dad, however, had the picture blown up to poster size.”

“I’m gonna need to see that.”

“I’ll see what I can do,” I promised before switching topics. “So, did you open Rye?”

“Yeah, about fifteen years ago.”

“Wow, you were young.”

I didn’t know his exact age, but guessed Rhys was somewhere in his mid-to-late thirties. He was definitely one of those lucky people that you just knew got better and better looking as they aged.

“Don’t forget wild, stupid, and reckless. I sank every last penny I had into getting this place up and running. I was sick of paying crazy money to drink shitty beer ‘cause the joint was wannabe hip. I just wanted to sit in a shitty place and drink shitty beer.”

“Sorry.” I looked around. “It’s obviously not a shitty place.”

He leaned against the wall and smiled down at me. “Yeah, fucked that up, too, huh?”

I shrugged. “Little bit.”

“So Kase said you run your own business.”

“Yeah, it’s still in the fledgling stage.”

“You like it?”

I nodded, but did it grinning. “It was a hobby that snowballed. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it to do what I love.”

“Yeah, I get you. It’s the best fuckin’ thing in the world. Some days, swear to Christ, I don’t even wanna know what fresh hell awaits me. Always some bullshit happening, some fuckin’ paperwork to do. But doing what you love? Having the control to do whatever the fuck you want? Wouldn’t trade it.”

I’d heard all of the horror stories about starting a business so it was nice to hear something positive. “What’s your favorite thing about it?”

“Unless you make really fuckin’ depressing cakes, you’ll meet people on the good days. I get to meet them at the high, the low, and everything in between. The ones that come in to drink after they get the pink slip, the divorce papers, the bad news from the doctor. The ones out to celebrate, to party ‘cause life’s fuckin’ awesome. That’s what I love, meeting different people.”

I jerked my head towards the bar. “Is that how you know the Hyde guys?”

“Kinda. Jake and I go back about ten years. The rest eventually came with him. They’re a close group.”

“Yeah, I’ve noticed.”

When there was no response, I looked up at Rhys to find him watching me with assessing eyes. I had nothing to hide, but I still fought the urge to fidget. I worked hard at not letting people’s opinions matter, but no one wanted to be disliked.

I barely held in a victory dance when his dimples reappeared as he smiled at me.

“I called Jake earlier to find out about you,” Rhys admitted.

I tilted my head. “Oh?” I tried to sound indifferent. What I really wanted was a word for word transcript of the conversation.

“Kase… Well, he’s got a type, and it isn’t sweet, albeit sinful looking, bakers,” he said with a wicked smile. “I wanted to make sure Kase hadn’t hooked up with another psycho. There are a lot of users and hangers-on. You need loyal people to have your back. When Jake said you were a good chick without hesitation, well, that’s like hitting the lotto of approval.”

As much as that made me want to bust out the ultimate victory dance, I was more than a little surprised.

Mixed signals much?

“Jake doesn’t like anyone, especially women. I mean, he likes them, he just doesn’t wanna be around them unless he’s getting something, you know what I mean?” He didn’t give me a chance to think about what he meant, let alone respond, before he continued. “Anyway, when they were talking, it got me curious. Jake got your text and said he was going to take a look at a dent. When all the men jumped up to go with, I figured I’d come along and take a look for myself. Glad I did, darlin’.”

I nudged him with my shoulder. “Aren’t you sweet?”

“Actually, no. Not at all. I’m pretty much the opposite. Running this place is more than a full-time job, which means I’m busy. I’ve gotta make decisions on the fly and trust my instincts. What I don’t do is fuck around saying shit I don’t mean, especially when I want something. I already asked and know you don’t have a man, at least not one anyone knows about.”

As my brain was trying to catch-up, I belatedly realized Rhys was waiting for my confirmation. “Nope, no man.”

“I want the chance to spend some time together, get to know you better, and see just how sweet you really are. And darlin’? From what I see tonight, I’m betting your sweet comes with a whole hell of a lot of mischievous. Now I’m wondering which one comes out more. Think on it.”

I stared up at Rhys, unsure of how to respond. Part of me wanted to ask if he was out of his mind. Who talked like that?

I mean, I got it, I wasn’t the best judge of normal. Most of my life had been spent in what I liked to call Repressed Land, a dull as hell place where emotions weren’t discussed and faces were so botoxed you couldn’t tell how anyone felt.

However, even I knew this was taking blunt to a whole new level.

Which was why another part of me wanted to take Rhys up on his offer. I might not be used to straight talk, but that didn’t mean I didn’t appreciate it. I’d take blush-inducing honesty over game playing any day. Not to mention, his confidence majorly upped his sexy vibe.

Afraid of what I’d say, I kept my mouth closed and nodded up at him.

Unlike Rhys, I wasn’t one to make decisions on the fly. I dug him as a person so far and could see myself spending time with him. However, there was something about Jake that pulled me in. I didn’t fully understand it but that didn’t matter. I knew it’d be wrong to start something with him when I was lusting after his friend the way I was.

Thankfully, Jake had good timing, walking up to us and saving me from saying something stupid. “Bike has a couple loose wires. Bring it in to Z.”

Rhys gave him a chin lift. “Thanks, Brother.” He looked back to me. “Alright, darlin’, I got shit to take care of. Think about what I said. Alright?” He ran his knuckles across my cheek before leaning in to brush his lips across it. “Fuck, he wasn’t kiddin’. She smells like cake,” he said quietly, before turning and disappearing into the crowd.

“What’re you supposed to think about?” Jake asked.

I looked around to avoid his all-knowing green eyes. “Oh, nothing really.”

“Yeah, ‘cause you look like someone who just had a ‘nothing really’ kinda discussion.”

“He, uh, wants to spend some time together,” I mumbled, pretending to be very interested in the drunk chick dancing to a beat only she was hearing.

“He wants to spend time together,” Jake repeated.

“Yeah.”

“He said that?”

“Yup.” I wasn’t sure if I should be insulted that he found it so hard to believe.

“He said those words?” Jake asked. Controlled. Quiet. And scary as fuck for some reason.

“Yeah. Why?”

“No reason.”

Before I could push for an answer, an arm was slung around my shoulder. An arm that just so happened to be wearing a very nice dress shirt.

I knew he wore GQ.

“Hey.” I smiled up at Z.

His pompadour was fully pomped, his black slacks and gray dress shirt nicely pressed. He didn’t fit in at a rock concert in a dive bar, but it was totally working for him.

“Doll Face. Everything good?”

“Awesome.”

He dipped his head to my soda. “Want something stronger?”

I glanced back at the unusual gyrating of Drunky McDrunkerson and shook my head. “No, I’m good.”

“Damn, it’s hot as balls in here,” Xavier said, coming up as Z headed to the bar.

Even though my short-sleeve shrug was thin, I was starting to get uncomfortable. I knew my deodorant was doing its job, but I wasn’t looking to push it to its limits.

My gaze slid down the bar and caught Rhys’ stare. “I’ll be right back.”

“Make your decision already, darlin’? Or just need a drink?” Rhys teased.

“Refill and a small favor.”

“Name it.”

“Could you tuck my sweater somewhere safe back there? As Xavier says, it’s hot as balls in here.”

“Sure thing, darlin’.”

I felt someone move in close behind me. Without looking, I knew it was Jake.

His fingers grazed down my arms as he slid my shrug off.

Try as I might, I couldn’t hold back a shiver. It would’ve been impossible for him to miss, but when I glanced back at him, his face showed nothing. I didn’t know if it was more embarrassing that he felt my reaction to him, or that he was indifferent to it.

What are you expecting? You’re the perv that’s getting off on him touching your shoulders. Get it together!

“Thanks,” I said to Rhys, grabbing my refill.

He looked down at my wrist tattoo. “Nice tat, darlin’. Got anymore?”

“Not. Fuckin’. Again,” Jake muttered.

I ignored him and talked to Rhys. “Yup. Not all visible with clothes on, though.”

Rhys’ smile turned even wickeder. “Now that just makes me wanna see them more.”

Careful not to brush against Jake, I turned around and pulled my hair to the side so he could see the swallows on my shoulders. When I turned back, I lifted my tank top a little so he could see part of the shooting stars on my hip bones. My low rise pants weren’t quite low enough to see it all, but I doubted any pants were. Thankfully, my tattoo artist Ray, short for Rayna, was also my best friend.

“There are a few more that common decency and state laws prevent me from sharing.”

Rhys put his elbows on the bar and leaned forward. “Darlin’, remember what I said to think about?”

I nodded.

“Yeah, I mean that tenfold now. Keep that in mind.” He smiled big, his dimples emphasized more.

I could eat cereal out of those dimples.

I felt a strong arm around my waist and fingers digging into my hip. “Time to get back so we can see.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” I sighed, though I was a big fan of his arm around me.

“Rhys,” Jake bit out with a slight nod.

“Jake,” Rhys responded with a chuckle.

“Rhys,” I bit out mockingly. If Jake was going to be a jerk to everyone, I was going to have fun with it.

“Enjoy the show, darlin’.”

Jake moved us effortlessly through the crowd as people hustled out of his way. It took him less than a minute to get us from the back of the room to up near the stage where the guys were.

I’m obviously not the only one that finds him imposing and scary as fuck.

The lights started to go down as they did a quick sound check. When Harington appeared, the small venue roared to life like a packed arena. They jumped into the music and did it hard. Everyone got lost in the sounds. The energy. The whole vibe.

It was amazing.

I danced with all of the guys except Jake. This, surprisingly, included Z. He was stiff and seemed a bit uncomfortable, but he tried.

When I took a break, Jake came up behind me. “Babe, wanna beer or something?”

“No, thanks. I’m gonna grab a water.”

“Don’t drink?”

“Not here.”

“Why, you a mean drunk? Gettin’ wild and startin’ fights?” Jake teased, a smirk changing his face from badass hot to unbelievably badass hot.

“You caught me.” I raised my fists. “I’ve got a crazy right hook.”

“I’m thinkin’ that’s not how you do your damage. So, why?”

“I’m only twenty. I shouldn’t be here at all, let alone drinking.”

“Christ. Seriously?”

I nodded.

Jake looked towards the bar then back at me. “Rhys know your real age?”

“Kase told him when he asked if I could come tonight. Why?”

Jake, of course, ignored my question. “And he said he wanted the chance to spend time with you?”

“Yeah. Why’s that so hard to believe?”

“You know he’s pushin’ forty, yeah?”

“Okay… and?”

Jake shook his head, all traces of his sexy smirk gone as he looked ahead at the band. He didn’t say anything further, and I wasn’t going to waste my time trying to read between his hot and cold lines.

There were times, like when he’d held my hand earlier or was being playful, that I thought maybe he was into me. Or at the very least, that we were cool with each other. However, the majority of his responses ran along the lines of disapproval or indifference.

I was way over it.

Without a word, I turned and headed to the bar. I gulped down the water the bartender gave me, happy to break away from the crush of people for a minute.

When I got back to the group, Kase grabbed my hand pulled me next to him. Using his empty cup as a mic, he lip-synced along with the song, his dreads moving wildly.

“I’m gonna get a beer, need anything?” he asked, pretty much yelling in my ear to be heard.

I looked up at him and shook my head, knowing there was no way he’d be able to hear me.

Xavier waved me over to introduce me to some women. I couldn’t hear one thing he said, so I just nodded and smiled.

Their response was similar.

The girls moved away from the men to dance, pulling me with.

After a few minutes of dancing and laughing, a hand gripped my hip. I turned to see Jake. He didn’t even look at me as he shifted us away from the group. I tried to step away from him but hardly gained any distance before his arm wrapped the rest of the way around my waist.

As much as I wanted to pretend he didn’t exist, it was impossible to with his arm around me.

“Uhh, what’s up?” I asked when it became obvious he wasn’t going to say anything.

Shifting my hair off my neck and onto my shoulder, Jake leaned close to my ear. “The way you were movin’? You want that kinda attention, get it some other time.”

It was the shorts thing all over. At his work? Alright, I got that.

At a rock concert in a bar, though?

Yeah, I didn’t get it.

I didn’t get it so much that I wasn’t just upset.

I was pissed.

Quickly twisting my body, I hoped to jerk out of his grasp.

I half succeeded.

I managed to turn around to face Jake, but his arm stayed tight around me.

If he weren’t such a giant asshole, I might have enjoyed having his body pressed against mine. Right now, though, a well-aimed punch to the junk seems like a better idea…

“What the hell are you talking about?” I yelled, both because the music was loud and I was losing my temper.

“You were attractin’ attention.”

“What kind of attention, exactly?”

“The kind that involves every guy gettin’ a hard dick watchin’ you move. Thinkin’ about you movin’ like that with them. Naked. You’re a fuckin’ wet dream.”

It wasn’t the most flowery compliment I’d received, but it stole some of the wind from my bitch sails until I remembered what an ass he was.

“That’s on them, not me. Why should I let what people think bother me? I was just having a good time and dancing.”

“You wanna dance, have at it. Just do it back here, yeah?”

“No, I’m good,” I snapped, tired of him telling me what to do.

I’d worked hard to not let people’s opinions get me down like they used to. Normally, I would keep doing what I wanted. However, it was his friend’s bar and, technically, I wasn’t even supposed to be there. It wasn’t worth ruining my night by getting upset.

Yet, at least.

I spun around to get free, but Jake wrapped his other arm around my chest.

I was torn. Half of me wanted to follow through with the junk punch. I was pretty sure I could position myself correctly to get a good hit.

The other half of me, though, was thinking maybe a kick to the junk with my heel would be more effective.

Unable to decide, I went with verbal insults.

“You’re kind of an ass.”

“No kinda about it, babe,” he said, close to my ear.

What good are insults if he just agrees with me?

Instead, I went back to ignoring him, which was hard to do with his arms around me. I focused on the music and people watching, my anger slowly fading.

He was looking out for me in his own bossy as fuck way. He wanted me to be safe. It was kinda sweet, minus him being a jerk.

I wasn’t booking us any BFF getaways, but at least he didn’t seem to hate me.

I shifted a little and his arm tightened around me again. Moving my head to the side, my cheek slid against his chest as I looked up at him.

“Jake?”

“Yeah?”

“Don’t feel like you have to watch over me all night. I’m fine, really. Go have some fun.”

Jake looked down at me for a few seconds before looking back at the stage without saying anything. When his arms stayed around me, I sighed dramatically before turning back to the show.

Oh no. Woe is me. I have to watch an awesome show in the arms of a hot guy. How will I ever survive?

When the music ended, the lights came up and brought me back to reality. I pulled away from Jake, his fingers trailing my skin as he dropped his arms. I turned to say goodbye when he unexpectedly grabbed my hand and began walking. I focused on maneuvering through the crowd, but Jake didn’t seem to have that problem. He moved with confidence and everyone got the hell out of his way.

I saw the other guys, except Z, with some women at the bar. As we approached, the men were trying not to look at Jake’s hand holding mine.

They were also failing.

“Pipe, what’d you think?” Kase asked when we reached them.

I pulled my hand from Jake’s and threw up the horns. “That was definitely in my top five shows.”

I heard a deep chuckle next to me. “Hey, darlin’.”

“Rhys! Your place is the freakin’ best!”

“Good to hear,” he said, handing me my shrug.

As I took it, I got on my toes and leaned over the bar. I grabbed the front of Rhys’ shirt and pulled him closer. I saw a look of surprise in his eyes a second before I pressed my lips to his cheek. “Thank you for letting me come. It was one of the best nights of my life.” Releasing his shirt, I lowered myself back down.

Rhys looked down at me, his expression shooting from warmth to pure heat. “I had a few of those cookies, darlin’. I’m definitely looking forward to experiencing more sweet from you in the future.” He walked towards the other end of the bar and signaled Jake to follow him.

God, Rhys was sexy. His eyes were such an amazing color, and I was right about his smile coming easy and often. And those dimples? As a woman, I appreciated the view. I liked it even more knowing that his looks weren’t the only appealing thing about him.

I just needed to work on transferring some feelings, finding time and energy, and having the nerve to go for it.

That’s all? No biggie.

Turning to Kase, I stood back on my toes as he dipped down a bit. I moved his surprisingly soft dreads and kissed his cheek, too. “Thanks for inviting me and setting this whole night up, Kase. It was awesome.”

Kase looked down at me and grinned. “Music’s to be shared with good friends, hot chicks, and hot chicks who you know are gonna turn into good friends. You leaving?”

“Yeah, I gotta head out. Lots of cakes tomorrow. Let Jake know I said thanks.”

“I just experienced how you say thanks, Piper. I don’t know if my delivery will be as good as yours. My beard probably tickles.”

I laughed. “Good point.”

“I’ll walk you to your car,” he offered, throwing his arm around my shoulders.

“Cool, thanks. See ya guys!” I waved to the rest of the group before Kase and I headed towards the exit.

When we were almost to the door, I heard a deep voice rumble, “I got this.”

Looking over my shoulder, I saw Jake had caught up with us.

“Nah, boss, it’s cool,” Kase said.

“Kase—”

“Fine, fine,” Kase interrupted, dipping to kiss my cheek. “See ya, Pipe.” He turned and began walking back to the bar.

“Bye,” I called to him.

He lifted his hand in a slight wave, bringing it down to rub the back of his neck as he sauntered off, chuckling and shaking his head.

Yum.

Wait.

What just happened?

“Let’s go,” Jake said, drawing my attention back to him.

“You don’t have to walk me. I was good with Kase.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you were,” he muttered with a slight sneer.

“What does that mean?” I walked as fast as my short legs would carry me.

Quick getaways would be much easier with long legs.

“Rhys and Kase in one night? Covering your bases?”

When we reached Bo, I opened the door but didn’t get in. I turned and looked at Jake. Gorgeous Jake who thought I dressed, and now acted, like a whore. I was hurt and embarrassed. I was also really freakin’ pissed.

Since anger was the easiest emotion to deal with, I rolled with that.

“Are you implying I’m a slut?” I gestured up and down my body. “I mean, you think I dress like one. And, apparently, I dance like one. I guess in your mind it’s a quick jump to ‘covering my bases’ with as many men as I can add to my waiting list.”

God, I’m so stupid.

“Babe—” Jake started.

“You don’t like me. And that’s fine ‘cause, honestly, I don’t much like you, either. I’ll stay out of the shop and out of your shit.” I quickly slid into my car and slammed the door. I paused and took some calming deep breaths after fumbling with my keys and turning the ignition.

Jake wasn’t the first person to be mean to me. He also wasn’t the first person to misinterpret my easygoing demeanor and assume I was easy in other ways. I knew the issue wasn’t with what he thought. It was that it was him thinking it.

I put Bo into drive. Turning to check for oncoming traffic, I saw Jake still standing on the sidewalk. His head was tilted, looking away from me. I held my breath as he took a step towards my car. Changing course suddenly, he headed back to Rye, shaking his head.

I released my breath in a loud sigh as I pulled out and drove home.

*******

Sleep wasn’t coming. No matter how many sheep I counted, or how exhausted my body was, I couldn’t relax. My brain had decided that the middle of the night was the perfect time to replay and analyze my argument with Jake. Only this time, I had all sorts of snappy and clever comebacks. The Jake in my head was shamed, but also impressed with my biting wit.

My eyes had just closed when I heard pounding on my front door. I jolted up, wondering if I’d imagined it.

It’s after two in the morning. Maybe the Sandman is finally here to put me out of my misery.

There was more knocking as I made my way through my small ranch style house. I looked through my peephole, sure I was delirious from sleep deprivation. I opened the door. “What’re you—”

Before I could finish my question, Jake’s mouth dropped to mine and his hands cupped my face.

He had a thing about interrupting. It irked me. Now? Yeah, not so much.

After the way we’d ended things at Rye I hadn’t planned on seeing Jake ever again. I definitely wasn’t planning on it being in the middle of the night for a sudden doorway kiss.

I also wasn’t questioning it.

Not yet, at least.

Instead, I wrapped my arms around his neck, letting myself enjoy his hot before his cold inevitably came back and pissed me off.

Jake’s tongue moved, teasing but persistent.

I opened wider for him, tasting beer, scotch, and something else. Something rich and masculine.

Something Jake.

He groaned, his hands moving behind my head and up into my hair. He fisted it, gently tugging my head back and kissing me harder. He controlled the kiss and me, using his hands in my hair to move me where he wanted. Jake dropped one hand down to cup my ass before easily lifting me.

I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, feeling him hard against me.

He carried me into the hallway before stopping.

When I realized he didn’t know where my room was, I tilted my head to the right, not wanting to break the kiss.

He walked into my room and I unhooked my legs from his waist, waiting for him to release his hold on my ass to let me down. His grip only tightened as he turned around and fell onto the bed on his back with me on top.

If we kept going, I knew what would happen. What I wanted to happen. What I’d spent an embarrassing amount of time daydreaming about happening. I should’ve stopped kissing him, but I moved my knees to straddle him, not ready to be done.

I figured a minute or two more couldn’t hurt.

Maybe ten more minutes. Thirty, at most.

Jake kept one hand in my hair, his other sliding down my back to my ass and then up again. Moving my head to the side, he brought his mouth to the curve of my neck. His facial hair rubbed against the sensitive skin of my throat, rough and arousing, as he kissed.

I moaned again, rubbing against his hardness, seeking something, anything, to ease the tension I was feeling. My heart started pounding in my chest even harder.

Is it possible to have a heart attack from kissing? Death by make out?

“Oh God, Piper, you taste so good. Fuck,” Jake groaned, grabbing my hips and flipping us over so that he was on top. He brought his mouth to mine again, one forearm propping him up, while his other hand trailed along the side of my curves.

Never mind, I’m not dying but I might kill him if he doesn’t move his hand to touch me more.

As if reading my mind, his hand moved up my rib cage, inching closer to my breast. I could feel the heat from his hand, my nipples already straining against my top.

My silent pleas for him to touch me turned to silent curses when he abruptly stopped. I was on the verge of a full-fledged tantrum when he lifted his upper body from mine.

“Shit, I didn’t mean for this to happen. I came here to explain about earlier. I shouldn’t have. I damn sure shouldn’t have kissed you.”

And there’s the cold after the hot.

I’ve never been kissed like this, ever, and he feels like he shouldn’t have done it.

I just want this night to be over.

“It’s okay, no worries. About, uh, kissing me or the stuff earlier.” I shifted to move out from under him, but his hand tightened in my hair.

“Shit. I’m not good with this stuff to begin with and I’ve been drinkin’ and well… about earlier. I was a dick. I went back to the bar, determined to let you leave and let that be it.” He shook his head. “But you were so wrong, I just couldn’t stop thinking about how wrong you were. And I couldn’t let that slide. So I caught a ride with Eli.”

“Wrong?” I asked, trying to decide if I should find the energy to be offended.

Jake rolled to the side and stretched out next to me. He kicked his shoes off before pulling me to him so I was on my side with my head resting on his shoulder.

I moved my hand from being trapped between us, unsure of where to put it. I started towards his stomach, then went up, letting it hover over his chest. When everywhere seemed too intimate, I began to pull it back.

Jake grabbed my hand and placed it on his upper abdomen. “Fuck, you’re cute,” he whispered, his voice soft and sweet. “There’s nothin’ wrong with you or how you look. You look… perfect. It’s why I didn’t want you in the waitin’ room at Hyde. Or dancin’ tonight. I don’t think you know what you do to a man. Still, I was an asshole and I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” I was used to being protected and sheltered. It was nothing new. At least his reason was sweet, as opposed to being told what to do so I wouldn’t make a mistake and embarrass anyone.

“Tired?”

“No, I’m fine. Do you need a ride home?” I asked, yawning through most of it.

“Let’s try again. Tired?”

I nodded, my cheek rubbing against him. “Exhausted.”

Jake pulled the blanket over us, still holding me against him. “Night.”

Even if I wanted to, I didn’t have the energy to question him staying over. I snuggled in and was asleep within minutes.

*******

“Mornin’, babe.”

I jolted awake as I realized I was not alone in bed. “Mornin’,” I mumbled, my mind racing as I tried not to hyperventilate.

Memories of last night came crashing back, including falling asleep with Jake in my bed. I couldn’t believe I’d actually been able to sleep. At the same time, I couldn’t remember when I’d slept so well.

I was warm and cozy, curled on my side with Jake’s body curved against my back and his arm wrapped under my chest. I felt a light kiss behind my ear.

“Your alarm just went off. Gotta be up?”

“Yeah, cakes to do.”

“I gotta go, too.”

“Alright,” I said softly.

Jake slowly loosened his arm as I moved away. His fingertips trailed my skin as he released me.

I rolled off the bed, happy he couldn’t see the goose bumps that broke out across my body.

I went to start the coffee maker as I heard the tap running in the bathroom. I got my mug ready and brought out my calendar to plan my day in hopes of distracting myself.

“This is totally no big deal,” I muttered to myself. “People wake up with gorgeous men in their beds all the time. Not me, of course, but people. Normal, non-workaholic people. I could pretend to be a people, right?”

Uhh, just sayin’, I don’t think normal people sit and talk to themselves…

“Shh, quiet. It’s not my fault. He hates me, then he likes me, then he’s rude, and then he’s sweet. There are mixed signals, and then there are signals that are so mixed I’m picking up stations from the other side of the world. How am I supposed to have any clarity?”

“Am I interrupting something?” Jake asked from the doorway, his tone amused.

“Holy heck,” I squealed, jumping. “Don’t do that! You’re gonna give me a heart attack.”

“Didn’t want to eavesdrop on your conversation with…” Jake trailed off, his lips twitching.

“Sorry, just talking to myself about, uhh, my broken radio! Yeah, damn thing keeps going out. I hate that,” I babbled my flimsy excuse, hoping he hadn’t heard what I’d been saying. Being caught talking to myself was bad enough.

Luckily, he seemed to believe me. “Bring it to Z, he’s a fuckin’ magician with that shit.”

“I’ll probably just get a new one. This one is way old,” I lied. I had no clue how to break my brand new radio, but if he pushed this, I’d find a way. I’d rather risk electrocution than explain what I’d really been talking to myself about.

Looking around, he thankfully changed the subject. “Cute house.”

“Thanks.”

Cute was the perfect description of my house. I’d filled the small space with bright, cheerful colors and pictures. There was a plush couch in the living room in front of a big window that let in loads of sunlight. I wanted to live somewhere warm and welcoming, someplace that felt comfortable.

I’d used a huge chunk of my savings, but my dad still had to co-sign for me to buy it. It wasn’t a big house or in the best neighborhood. But it was mine and I loved it.

“Come here, babe.”

I went to him, running on autopilot and because of the whole Babe Zombie thing.

His eyes searched my face. “We good?”

“Totally.” He’d apologized and I wasn’t one to hold a grudge. “You need a ride?”

“Nah, I texted Eli. He’s already outside waiting for me. I’ll see ya, yeah?”

I nodded, walking him to the door and opening it.

I wasn’t sure if that was a blow off, and I wasn’t about to ask.

My mind’s muddled enough for one day, thank you very much.

Jake turned to face me in the doorway, opening his mouth to speak. He closed it again without saying anything. Reaching out instead, he touched my cheek briefly before dropping his hand.

With a small nod, he jogged to Eli’s waiting car.

I waved to Eli before closing the door and leaning against it. Taking a deep breath, I did the only thing I could.

I baked.

*******

I was working on frosting cake two of three for the day, when my phone beeped to indicate a text message.

Jake: Hey babe.

Me: Hey, what’s up?

Jake: You busy tonight?

Me: Yeah, why?

Jake: We’re all goin’ out. Thought you might come with.

My phone beeped again with a text from Kase.

Kase: Piper ya gotta come out with us.

Me: Sorry, got plans. Maybe next time?

Jake: What plans?

Me: Huh?

Jake: You told Kase you had plans. What’re they?

I chuckled. They were obviously together and talking to each other while they both texted me.

Kase: Next time for sure. Not maybe.

Me: Okay next time definitely. Have fun tonight.

Kase: You got it.

Jake: So what’re you doing?

Me: I’ve got a dinner thing. I told Kase I’m in next time. I gotta get back to work if I’m ever gonna make it out of the house. Have fun tonight!

When I didn’t get any response, I shrugged and went back to my cakes.

*******

When my bell rang at six, I opened the door to James.

Twenty-six and on the fast track at my stepfather’s company, my mother had been pushing him at me for a couple years. And that’s putting it mildly.

I wouldn’t have been surprised to find out she’d been meeting with a wedding planner on the sly.

Her efforts weren’t going to pay off though. It wasn’t that James wasn’t attractive. He looked handsome enough in slacks and a pressed shirt. There was just no edge. No badassness. No… anything.

James dipped to press a chaste kiss to my cheek. “Hello, Piper. You look lovely.”

I didn’t feel lovely. In my conservative black dress, I felt like I was playing the worst game of dress up. Long sleeves and a high neckline ensured my tattoos were covered. The knee length didn’t work with my already short legs, and the fit was far from flattering with my curves. My hair was my lone rebellion, worn loose and wild. My subtle makeup was in place producing the world’s most boring mask.

“Thank you, James. You look nice, too.” It had to be James, never Jim or Jimmy. I wanted to roll my eyes. “Ready?”

“Of course.”

After I locked the door, James grabbed my elbow and led me to his car. I wished I could’ve driven my own.

And kept on driving.

We made small talk until we arrived. Unlike my house, this one was large and in the very best neighborhood. I knew from experience it was neither warm nor comfortable.

A wrought iron gate opened to a long driveway. When we pulled in front of the house, a valet was waiting to park James’ car. There was no holding back my eye roll this time.

My anxiety increased as we entered the house, even before an annoyed voice greeted me.

“Your hair. It’s down.”

I barely held in my sigh as I turned to the displeased woman. Her own shoulder length champagne blond hair was perfectly styled and pulled into a jeweled clasp. Unlike my outfit, her designer skirt and blouse set was flattering on her taller frame. While not my personal choice in fashion, she looked lovely.

“Why, hello, Mother, how are you?”

“Fine, fine. Come with me to double check things. James, please be seated. We’ll be eating shortly.”

James nodded obediently before walking away.

That’s your life if you don’t grow a backbone. Mother will keep pushing and you’ll keep giving in because it’s easier. Before you know it, you’ll be Mrs. James, the Obedient Nodder. It’ll be a lifetime of business dinners, polite conversation, and…

Oh, sorry, fell asleep just thinking about it.

“I’m so glad you accepted the date with James.”

“Mother, this isn’t a date. It’s dinner at my parents’ house. You were the one who insisted James pick me up. I know your address. I grew up here, remember?”

As much as one grew up in a show house.

“Piper, that attitude isn’t flattering. Though, with your hair down like that, it’s obvious you aren’t trying. Ladies wear their hair back.”

“So you’ve often said.”

“James is a good man,” she continued, pointedly ignoring me. “And you know Thomas trusts him. You should really be trying harder.”

I tuned my mother out, smiling wide and rolling my eyes at Anna, the housekeeper.

When Mother married Thomas, Anna had already been working for him for around twenty years. I knew she must be in her sixties, but she looked at least a decade younger and, if you asked, she’d tell you she was thirty-five and a lot of months. She was also one of my favorite people growing up and now.

Mother led me back to the table, still talking about my poor life choices. I kept my smile in place as I pretended to listen. I’d heard it often enough that I had it memorized.

She’d start with telling me how my little cakes weren’t going to be enough to support me and that I’d struggle. Then she’d throw in the double punch of my house being too small and in a dangerous neighborhood. She’d end with her finishing move of a guilt trip so extreme I was surprised it didn’t require a passport.

I went to the head of the table and kissed my stepfather, Thomas, by the cheek before settling into my seat next to James. I nodded politely at the other ten people at dinner other than myself, James, Mother, and Thomas.

Some people had family dinners.

My mother had family dinner parties.

Through the first two courses, the conversation flowed around me but I hardly paid attention. It wasn’t because I was rude.

Okay, it wasn’t just because I was rude.

I’d learned long ago that the quieter I was, the happier Mother was. I smiled and politely laughed when required, sipping frequently from my glass of wine.

While every place setting at Mother’s dinners had wine, my glass almost always went untouched. However, I had a feeling I’d need to numb myself a little to get through the night.

I was grateful I’d trusted my instincts.

About halfway through the third course, one of the women turned to me, asking, “Piper, what do you do?”

“She bakes dessert,” Mother answered. Her words said one thing but her disdainful tone definitely said another. She might as well have been telling them I cooked meth and sold it to school kids.

I’d long ago given up getting overly upset. It was easier to ignore her than to become the bad guy for getting emotional and embarrassing her. Instead, I’d zone out and think about new tattoos, cupcake and frosting combinations, or plan my schedule.

I was finding the wine was a pleasant distraction, too.

Tipping my head back so I didn’t miss a drop, I finished my third glass. It was refilled before I could even set it down. I glanced up at Alexander and gave him a small smile as he subtly squeezed my shoulder.

He’d been around for six years so he knew how this conversation would go. Alexander had been hired as chef when I was about fourteen, though he handled more than just cooking. He was in his fifties, a perfectionist, and, although not as coddling as Anna, he was still another of my favorite people.

When Alexander entered the room carrying desserts, I knew I was in the final stretch. I was to have a few bites but no more, which was hard because he made scrumptious desserts. As delicious as they were, it still wasn’t worth the lecture about my ample curves.

I might not be able to taste much, but at least I could taste freedom.

Alexander placed an individual Crème brûlée in front of me and I could’ve kissed him. It was heavenly but also very rich and sweet. He knew I’d only be able to eat a few bites even if I could have more. He winked when I grinned up at him before going back to serving the desserts.

I slowly drank the last of my wine, setting the glass far enough away that he’d know I was done. I savored my three bites, trying not to bounce as I awaited my opportunity to leave.

After the first couple left, I took my opening. Carefully standing, as three inch heels and four glasses of wine could be dangerous, I turned to James. “I’m rather tired.”

And rather bored outta my damn mind.

“Please, stay and enjoy,” I said, forcing a smile. “I’m going to call for a ride.”

“I’m ready to go, Piper.” He stood and turned to thank my parents.

I dutifully kissed the air near Thomas’ cheek before heading towards the door. Unfortunately, my smooth escape was foiled when my mother stopped me.

“Remember what I said about James. And, for goodness sake, hair back when you see him next,” she whispered in my ear as she hugged me.

I’d planned to call Ray to come get me but she lived over a half-hour away. As much as I didn’t want to spend more time with James, I was glad I didn’t have to wait for a ride. I’d have started walking.

Once I’d moved out, I didn’t necessarily like returning here but it had been tolerable. The past few visits, however, I’d begun to feel trapped and claustrophobic.

As I walked towards the door, I felt the familiar lack of air, as if the walls were closing in on me.

I need to get out before the house swallows me.

“Piper, are you okay?” James asked. “You look pale.”

“Yes, I’m fine. Just tired.”

When the valet pulled the car up, I got in, anxious to get home. It hadn’t even been three hours since I’d left my house, but it seemed like days.

James chatted as he drove, though I stayed quiet. I couldn’t seem to find the energy to pretend to care about his work. I felt rude, but he didn’t seem to mind filling the silence.

About two minutes from my house, his tone turned serious. “I know your mother has been pushing me at you. I don’t want you to feel like you have to see me but I’d love to take you out to dinner. One not at your parents’ house.”

Fuck.

“I think you’re great,” I started, and even I knew it sounded like a blow-off. Which was exactly what it was. “I just don’t think either of us is right for the other.”

“What makes you say that?”

“I’m not the same person away from my parents. My life isn’t just a rebellion against my mother. It’s who I am, and, though I can’t see the future, my best bet is that this is how I’ll always be. I’m not dinner-party-Piper. I’m rock ‘n’ roll-party-Piper.”

Don’t forget makeout-and-have-a-sleepover-with-a-badass-Piper.

James nodded. “Maybe I’d like that Piper, too. If you need to think about it, that’s fine. All I ask is you give me the chance to decide for myself.”

My romantic life wasn’t wild but there had always been a decent enough amount of interest. However, two men telling me they were into me in twenty-four hours was definitely a personal record.

On the downside, neither of them were the one that I wanted. Although, Rhys was a whole lot closer to my type than James.

“Okay, I’ll think about it,” I lied. I knew I wouldn’t be putting the thought into him that I would with Rhys. I had zero romantic feelings towards James, and there was no spark between us that hinted at anything developing.

I honestly doubted that his interest in me went much beyond how it would secure his career and future with Thomas’ company. My dilemma came from how to tell him without making it tense and weird whenever we saw each other.

Why is it not acceptable to run away from awkward situations, flailing my arms and screaming like a certain green frog puppet does?

I was trying not to giggle as I pictured that when James regained my attention.

“Piper, do you know that man?” James asked, guardedly.

I looked in my driveway to see a sweet hog next to my Charger. Though facing the other way, I definitely knew that man. I’d spent a lot of time trying not to think about him.

I’d also failed miserably at it.

“Yes, that’s Jake.”

“Are you in some sort of trouble? I know your mother said you were being stubborn about money, but if you’re in trouble—”

“No!” I interrupted. I’d have laughed at the obvious presumption and misperception of Jake, if it weren’t sad. It was also the perfect example of why James and I would never happen. “I’m definitely not in trouble.”

I didn’t think I was, at least. However, the look on Jake’s face as he watched us pull in made me think twice.

“Are you dating a biker?” James looked at me as if the idea was insane.

“No, James. Jake is a friend.”

One that is incredibly hot, makes me think some very un-friend like things, and kisses me until I forget my own name.

James put the car in park and opened his door. He got out and hurried to my side.

Jake beat him to it, though, throwing open my door and grabbing my hand to haul me out. He kept hold of me as he closed the door with a bit more force than was probably required.

I turned to face James, but felt Jake close behind me.

James was all soft and safe niceness. Tall enough at five foot eleven, he had plain, sandy colored hair and brown eyes, though his weren’t quite as warm as Eli’s.

He was safe.

Nice.

Boring.

My mother was out of her damned mind to think that James was who I’d choose. That safe and boring was all I wanted in life. I’d had more than enough of that.

I wanted wild.

“Uh, James, this is my friend Jake. Jake, this is James.”

The men gave chin lifts to each other.

Alright, moving on.

“Thank you for tonight, James,” I said, lifting just slightly to give him a polite kiss on the cheek. It ended up as an air one when Jake used his hold on my hand to pull me back.

“You’re welcome,” James said. Hesitantly, he glanced at Jake, then back at me. “Would you like me to stay for coffee?”

If you don’t leave soon, I will literally push you into your car. Don’t test me!

“That’s okay. Thanks.”

“If you’re sure. Let me know if you need anything. And, please, think about what we talked about, alright?”

“Have a nice night, James.”

Jake turned and walked us to my front door without giving me the chance to wave James off.

When I grabbed my keys from my clutch, Jake took them from me, opening the door and pulling me in.

“What’s he want you to think about?” he asked when we got inside.

“Hi, Jake. How are you? How’s your evening going?”

“Cute. What’s he want?”

“Uhh, about the same as Rhys last night.”

“He wants time with you?”

“He didn’t word it like that, but that was the gist of it. Where are the guys?” I attempted to switch topics.

“Out at The Noise. Why?”

The Noise was supposed to be the best biker bar in the area. One I hoped to visit in a few months when my ID would get me in.

“I thought you were going out with them. Everything alright?”

“Yeah, just makin’ sure you got home.”

I held my arms out. “Well, as you can see, I did. Go enjoy your night.”

“Babe?” I could hear amusement in his voice, and the corners of his lips were twitching, as if he were fighting a smile.

“What?”

“What the fuck are you wearin’?”

“A dress?”

“I got that. But it’s fuckin’ boring.”

“I’m boring.”

“No, you’re anythin’ but.”

“I am. I’m totally boring.” I opened the door. “Thank you for checking on me, Jake. It was very sweet of you. Have fun tonight.”

His arm looped around my waist as he suddenly pulled me to him. “Piper?”

“Hmm?” I mumbled, unable to form words with his body pressed to mine.

“Why don’t you kiss me like you do everyone else?”

“What do you mean?” I had no issue with kissing him. I’d totally do it.

A lot.

All over.

Do that now!

“Everyone else gets a kiss when you say thank you.”

Going up on my tiptoes, my body slid against his. I pulled him down slightly and pressed a kiss to his cheek, feeling his scruff against my lips.

I couldn’t help but wonder if maybe I was focused on the wrong thing. Sure, running my fingers over his scruff would probably feel awesome. Feeling my lips on it, though, was near orgasmic.

“Better?” I asked, happy to sound steady when I felt far from it.

“Not yet,” he answered as I yawned. “Tired?”

I nodded. “And tipsy.”

“You drank?”

“Yeah, a glass of wine. Or four.”

“That’d do it. Go get some sleep.”

I nodded, intending to do just that. Giving in to my drunken impulse, I went back up on my tiptoes. I lightly pressed my lips to his before sliding back down. “Thank you, Jake.”

His eyes went hooded, his voice huskier. “Now that? That I like.”

“Me, too.”

Jake brought his hand up to cup my cheek.

I held my breath, silently willing him to kiss me again.

“Sweet dreams, Piper,” he rumbled, before turning and walking to his bike.

I was drunk enough to call out to him. Drunk enough to ask him to stay the night with me again. To want him to kiss me, to touch me, to make me feel wild.

I was sober enough, though, to know better.

So I did the smart thing and stayed quiet as I watched him leave.

If only the smart thing was also the fun thing.