Chapter Five

Creeper on a Creeper

 

 

I woke up the next morning with clarity.

Unfortunately, that clarity was that I really freakin’ needed coffee.

Other than that, I was still confused.

It was a safe bet that Jake wasn’t just worried about there being drama. No one waited on someone’s porch in the middle of the night on the off chance of awkwardness.

That didn’t necessarily mean I wanted to pick back up where we’d left off. There was a big difference between things evolving naturally and making the conscious decision to explore whatever it was that we had.

It was a risk, and one I wasn’t sure I was willing to take.

I knew I wanted to at least talk, otherwise the ‘what ifs’ would drive me crazy.

After I did my bathroom stuff, I put on white shorts and a pink flowing tank top. I grabbed my pink wedge sandals before heading to find my phone.

I was startled when I turned the corner into the living room and saw Jake.

Sleeping shirtless, his arms were under his head, making the definition of his chest and abs more pronounced. His height and muscular build dwarfed what I’d considered to be my massive couch, his feet even hanging off the end. The button on his jeans was undone, and a trail of light hair disappeared into what I could only assume was heaven.

I should go get the cereal and milk, and eat breakfast out of the vee of his pelvic muscles.

The sun’s rays came in through the big window behind the couch, streaming directly to him as if Mother Nature herself wanted a touch. If a heavenly chorus suddenly rang out, I don’t think I’d be surprised.

His tanned skin glowed in the light, making him look like a god.

A tattooed sex god, but still.

I tiptoed quietly into the kitchen to start coffee, wondering about the presence of the half-naked sex god in my living room. I’d woken at some point in the very early morning alone in bed. I’d assumed Jake had taken off.

I hadn’t guessed that my couch was as far as he’d gone.

Zoned out in my thoughts, I jumped when Jake wrapped his arms around me from behind. “Jake, sheesh!”

“First, Jacoby. Second, I wasn’t even being quiet.”

“Uh huh. Want some coffee?” I stretched up to grab a mug.

“Yeah, but not that cup. The other, bigger one further back.”

I stood on my toes to reach into the cupboard. “This one?” I turned my head when there was no answer and saw his eyes on my ass. “Ha ha. Very funny.”

Jake raised his gaze to mine but his smile was gone as he pulled me closer. “I thought so, too. Now I’m not laughin’. How’re you?”

“Good.”

“Hangover?”

“Nope, never.”

“Must be nice. Do you have work to do right away?”

I shook my head. “I rearranged things when I knew I was going out with the girls last night. I just have to start stuff this afternoon to stay on schedule.”

“Do you want breakfast? I could run out for something or we could go out.”

“Breakfast here would be fine.”

“Anythin’ you don’t like?” he asked as we walked through the living room.

“No, not really.”

Jake opened the door and turned back to me. Bringing his hand up to cup my face, his thumb stroked my cheek. His eyes followed the movement, a thoughtful expression on his face.

“Jake,” I began before his mouth opened. “Jacoby, what’s wrong?”

“Nothin’.”

Before I could call him on his lie, he kissed my nose and then my mouth. He turned and headed down to his bike without giving me the chance to react.

I stood in the open doorway after he’d gone, thinking about everything and nothing at once. The kiss had been a surprise, but not an unpleasant one.

“It was barely a peck,” I whispered to myself. “Totally didn’t even affect me.”

It wasn’t until I turned to go back inside that I realized I was holding my fingertips to my smiling lips.

I sighed as I closed the door, unsure of what to think. I didn’t get how someone could go from not talking to me to… whatever this was. A kiss goodbye before he left to get us breakfast didn’t seem like a peace offering.

Seems like an offering of something much better.

I shook my head to clear my thoughts, an exercise in futility. I fixed my coffee and sat down to try and compose my thoughts without overthinking.

It wasn’t going well.

Jake seemed to be trying hard. Until I knew what he was working for, though, I couldn’t decide if the effort was going to pay off.

When I heard the rumble of Jake’s Harley, I went to let him in. Before I got there, he came in without knocking, lightly kicking the door closed behind him.

“Hey,” he said, quickly kissing me before heading into the kitchen.

I stood frozen, watching him move through my house.

The whole scene felt intimate in a casual and natural way, as if it was a daily occurrence. Like he had free rein of my house, coming and going as he pleased.

It was disconcerting, but only because it wasn’t.

I liked it.

I’d been on my own for a long time. Even before I had my house, I’d spent most of my time by myself. Truth be told, even when I wasn’t alone growing up, I often felt like I was.

I liked my own company. I laughed at my own jokes, I was a good listener, and I never had to compromise about what to have for dinner or what to watch on TV. I could have ice cream at eleven in the morning or coffee at nine at night without judgment.

I had awesome friends who were always there for me. Work and school kept me busy in a rewarding way.

I was honestly happy.

That, however, didn’t negate the fact that I was also lonely.

Not the heartbreaking loneliness of a little girl that just wanted time with her mom and dad.

Or the confused loneliness of someone trying to figure out who they were when everything about them went against their surroundings.

Or even the exhausting loneliness that came from pretending to be someone they weren’t, in order to fit in with a room full of people they didn’t even like.

I was the kind of lonely where I was just… alone.

I wasn’t going to be with someone just for the company. But as I watched Jake, I knew I wanted someone to walk casually through my house more often.

Even if it wasn’t him.

In order to have that, I needed to drop the walls I’d built around myself. It wouldn’t be easy to juggle school, work, and any semblance of a personal life, but it was possible.

As long as I quit making excuses, at least.

“I wasn’t sure what you wanted.” Jake lifted the overstuffed bag and pulled me from my thoughts.

“Well, I’m sure it’s in that bag.”

Or holding it.

God, how could he look so good all the time? If I slept on the couch, my hair would be one giant snarl and I’d have fabric indents all over my face.

Jake set the bag on the counter and began pulling out pastries, spreads, and juice.

I fixed a bagel with cream cheese and grabbed a juice before going to sit on the couch. I almost sighed in relief when Jake sat down and launched right in.

“I gotta tell you where my head was at. Yeah?”

“Okay.”

“When you came into Hyde that first day, you looked so fuckin’ good. When you finally looked me in the eyes, you were all innocent and wide-eyed like you didn’t know how fuckin’ sexy you were when your tongue licked across your lips. Then you started talkin’ and you were sweet. But when you started talkin’ about tattoos and music, I was sure you were an act.”

I frowned, experiencing a weird mix of turned on and pissed. “I’ve always been me.”

“I didn’t know that. I thought you were just out to get with one of us. You had the men eatin’ out of your hand. No way could any chick, let alone one that looked like you, be so perfect. Not without fakin’ it to try to get somethin’.”

Pissed off began to take the lead. “That’s not what I was doing.”

“Exactly. You just kept bein’ you. You weren’t tryin’ to get with me ‘cause of who I was. Hell, you didn’t even know me or that I owned Hyde. You’re so far from connivin’ and schemin’, it’d be funny if it weren’t so fuckin’ appealin’. You make a man face the internal battle of whether he’d rather protect you so you never lose that sweetness or corrupt you so he could enjoy your wild side unleashed.”

I looked down at my shorts, picking at an imaginary thread. “Which do you want?”

Jake curved his hand around the side of my neck. Using his thumb on my jaw, he tilted my head up so I was looking at him. “I wanna bring you down low to my level. I get off picturin’ makin’ you so dirty, so wild, so fuckin’ bad that it has to be good,” he rumbled.

Holy.

Fuck.

I want that.

Badly.

“I see your lips part, and I know you like what I’m sayin’.” Lowering his hand, he sat back. “Which just makes me want to go further. To show you every fucked up thought I have, the ones that make my dick go hard picturin’ doin’ it all with you. To keep pushin’ and pushin’ and pushin’ until you want nothin’ to do with me.”

“Why?” I breathed. It was safe to say I was a bit freaked out. I was also more than a little turned on.

As in a lot more.

“Fuck, Piper, I’m thirty-four and you’re twenty. Every time I think about you, I feel like a dirty old man. I’ve never made excuses for the life I’ve lived—”

“I’ve never asked you to. There isn’t anything wrong with it.”

“Fuck yeah there is. I’m dirty, baby. If you knew what was in my head you wouldn’t look at me the way you do. You wouldn’t believe how much longer I’m spendin’ on the creeper under a car, feelin’ like a fuckin’ creeper, ‘cause I have a hard dick from thinkin’ about you. Or how many cold showers I’m takin’. Or when the cold showers aren’t workin’…” His voice trailed off with a shoulder lift.

It’s a good thing I’m not a dude or I’d need a car to hide under right now.

“Let’s just say you wouldn’t want me on your couch, in your house, hell, in your life. That’s why I thought you should be with a guy your own age who’s good. But when I think about you respondin’ to someone else the way you did with me, of them tastin’ that sweetness and gettin’ your wild it feels like I’m losin’ my goddamned mind. When Kase came into my office yesterday and I bit his fuckin’ head off about some stupid shit, he started yellin’ back.”

“What’d he say?”

“He knew what was in my head. He told me someone else would get you soon and I’d regret it. After I fucked up, Gage and Jet would’ve been all over you but they’re on tour. Rhys goes for what he wants and he isn’t gonna back down. I knew I had to do some—”

“Is that the only reason you’re here?”

“What?”

“You’re just trying to stake your claim before someone beats you to it?”

“Fuck no. I just had to pull my head outta my ass.”

“And you were successful in your head-ass-ectomy?”

“About this at least. That’s why I came out last night. I missed you, and wanted to see you. When I saw you dancin’ with Rhys, I tried to remind myself you could do what you wanted. I know if you would’ve pulled up here with him or anyone else, though, it wouldn’t have mattered what I was tellin’ myself. I’d have thrown the fuck down. Someone touchin’ you? No. Rhys? I love him like a fuckin’ brother but fuck no.”

I was surprised by how vehemently opposed to the idea he was. “Just, you know, out of curiosity, why not Rhys?”

“I’m dirty but compared to him I’m clean as you, Piper. All I could think about was what it would be like seein’ you together. I’d either lose a brother, or I’d have to see you and know how shit was between you.”

“So,” I started slowly, my voice deceptively calm. “In the planning of my life, have you thought about what I want? Or who I’d want and how I’d like it? Just because I’m inexperienced doesn’t mean I don’t know things.” I gestured to my laptop. “One look at my internet history would clear that up.” I knew I was blushing but I didn’t care.

I’m a woman, damn it! I need to get rid of my innocence, in more ways than one.

“I grew up sheltered and didn’t go through the typical rebellion when I was young and stupid. Now I’m old enough to know better than to jump into bed with someone just to say I’ve done it. I know what I want. I wanted you and that was my choice to make not yours, Mister… Bossy Pants!”

Okay, so my smack talk needs work. Moving on.

“If you don’t want to go there with me, that’s your decision. But don’t try to take away my choice by telling me I can’t want you. Or what I should want.”

“You wanted me?” Jake asked quietly.

“Well, me and probably half the city of Boston, yeah.”

“You said wanted. Are those feelings in the past?”

“I wished they were, but no.”

“I really thought I was doin’ the right thing by lettin’ you go so you could be with someone better for you.”

I opened my mouth to argue but he interrupted.

Shocking.

“I was already feelin’ like I shouldn’t be havin’ these feelings about you. But when I discovered how innocent you really are—”

“You act like there’s something wrong with me, which, I gotta say, is killer for my ego.”

“I’m not—”

“My virginity isn’t something to be ashamed of.”

“I didn’t—”

“Yeah, I don’t have a ton of experience. And, thanks to you, what little I have now involves you being an asshole.”

“I’m s—”

“And, honestly, that whole situation was beyond fucked up. You didn’t want to have sex? Fine, but be cool about it. You wanted to slow down, talk, hammer out the details? Also fine. But what you did? Fucked up, Jake, seriously.” I slammed my juice down with enough force that some spilled. “I still don’t even know what your fuckin’ problem was!” I lifted my hands in exasperation, flinging the crumbs off my napkin.

“If you’d stop interruptin’—”

“Now you know how it feels,” I snapped, my eyes narrowing as I glared at him.

“And stop throwin’ your breakfast at me,” he continued as he used his napkin to wipe off. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have yelled that night and I’m a dick for that. Truth? I was pissed at myself, not you. There’s not a thing wrong with you bein’ a virgin. I just felt like it confirmed that I was a dirty old man who had no business makin’ you dirty too.”

“Sex isn’t dirty.”

I lost my breath as his eyes darkened with a new intensity and his rough voice deepened. “It is the way I do it.”

Holy hotness. I don’t care what that means exactly, I just know I want it. Now.

“Especially what I wanted to do to you,” he added, making me sure I was about to pass out.

“Wanted? Are those feelings in the past?” I asked breathily, using his words.

“No, that is actually a very current want.” Reaching over, his hands spanned my hips and he pulled me towards him.

With no other choice, not that I’d want one, I shifted my legs to straddle him. Facing him, I settled in on his lap and felt the current-ness of that want.

Jake’s fingertips dug into my hips for a moment before he loosened his grip. “Can we give this another shot, see where things go?”

“I meant it when I said I don’t play games. Are you gonna push me away again and say I deserve better?”

“No, I’m gonna be selfish as fuck.”

“While we’re talking about all this, I like calling you Jacoby. But you aren’t Jacoby, the owner of Hyde, to me. You’re just… Jake.” I reached out and ran my fingertips on his jaw. “Okay?”

“Yeah. We good?” he asked softly.

It wasn’t lost on me that there’d been no talk of hearts and flowers. He wasn’t promising a future and I wasn’t asking for one.

I hadn’t believed in fairy tales when I was a kid and I sure as hell didn’t now.

I wasn’t walking into things wide-eyed in my rose colored glasses. There were no stars in my eyes as I tried to fuck a commitment out of him. That wasn’t him and, for all I knew, it wasn’t me either. I just wanted to spend time with someone I liked and have some fun without getting tripped up by unrealistic expectations.

Hanging out with a sweet, funny badass and having, hopefully, awesome sex for a while?

Yeah, there are worse ways to spend my time.

We were going to enjoy each other for however long it lasted. When one of us ended things, we’d move on and hopefully do so on civil terms. I wasn’t planning on inviting him over for a slumber party where we gossiped and braided each other’s hair, but I hoped that some amount of our friendship would remain.

Instead of answering, I closed the distance to kiss him. The little kiss, one that was supposed to let him know things were alright, quickly spiraled out of control.

Jake slouched down on the couch so his head was resting against the back of it and his long legs were spread in front of him. The position gave him better access to my mouth, neck, and chest.

Access that he took liberally.

His mouth was hot, his stubble scratchy, and his body so hard. Even being almost overwhelmed with the different sensations, I wanted more.

He gripped my hips and pulled me to him as he lifted his pelvis off the couch.

Feeling him so hard, pressed against where I wanted him most, I moaned into the kiss.

His hand slid under my shirt, my nipples tightening in anticipation as his rough skin trailed up my ribs. His other hand went into my hair and held me, as though I were about to jump off and run away.

Leaving was the furthest thing from my mind, especially since my brain was no longer functioning. I was focused on what I was feeling, and while it was amazing, I wanted more.

No, I needed it.

My hands went in between us, shaking as I worked at the button on his jeans. When I finally got it undone and was reaching for his zipper, a ringing filled the air.

Holy hell, do his pants have a security system?

Did I just trip his dick alarm?

Realizing it was his phone, I pulled back to get off of him.

“Ignore it,” Jake growled, grabbing my hands and moving them back to his zipper, before taking my mouth again.

I slid my fingertips into the waistband of his boxers when his phone stopped ringing just to start again.

I pushed back and fell to the side onto the couch.

He cursed, pulling his phone out and touching the screen to answer it. “This better be fuckin’ good. Yeah. Yeah. You’re fuckin’ kiddin’ me? It’s for a fuckin’ eighty year old car. Who the hell else would need that part? Alright, yeah, I’m on my way. No. No. Fuck no. Yeah, bye.” He touched the screen to disconnect before putting the phone, and other better things, away.

Boo.

Jake cursed under his breath as he stood. “I’m sorry, sweets, I gotta go.”

“Everything okay?”

“Some shit’s been goin’ missin’. Lots of little stuff mostly. But now a part I need to finish a job, that’s gotta get done like yesterday, is gone. Havin’ to stay on a creeper for ‘Inappropriate Hard-on Time’ is seriously makin’ me run behind schedule.”

“Oh no, woe is you. I’m so sorry, I’ll try to be less desirable,” I joked, trying to ease the stress I could see settling on his face.

“Somehow I don’t think you’ll be successful. Especially now with your lips so swollen. Fuck. Okay, I have to go. Right?”

“Oh, I dunno, it’s just your livelihood and your company. Who cares if it goes under.”

“Good point.”

I backed up against a wall as Jake stalked toward me. “Ah, I was kidding! Go, go, go. I hope it goes okay.”

“I’ll figure it out. Come in later and see your boys. See me. Consider that an order from Mr. Bossy Pants.” He pushed against me and kissed me hard, hot, but way too short.

Oh yeah, some risks were way worth taking.

*******

Two days later, I walked into Hyde through the garage. I was greeted with loud catcalls and whistles because of my outfit. These turned into proclamations of everlasting love when they saw the homemade cinnamon rolls I was carrying.

When I didn’t see Jake, I went into the break room to put the thick layer of cream cheese icing on the rolls. I was finishing up when I heard someone approaching. I glanced over anticipating one of the guys. Instead, I saw a woman looking just as surprised to see me.

Wearing a cropped tank top that strained across what I was fairly certain were fake boobs, a pair of almost indecently short jean cut-offs, and motorcycle boots, she was obviously a biker. In fact, if they ever made a Biker Barbie she could be the model it was based on.

Her blond hair had crazy volume, making me think she was responsible for a much larger ozone hole than I was. Her face was heavily made up and looked very rock ‘n’ roll night time.

I was all for rock ‘n’ roll at any time, and had been known to push the limits of acceptable glam, but even I knew this was not the best look.

Even still, she was a definite biker babe.

I had a meeting at the bank later that morning, so I was dressed almost the complete opposite of Biker Barbie. I was wearing a tailored black pinstripe skirt with a matching short vest and a fitted red button down tucked in underneath. I'd added some rocker flair with my favorite pair of back seam black stockings and a pair of shiny, black sling-back pumps. The front of my hair was up in victory rolls and the back was down in soft waves.

What’re they gonna do, re-deny my loan?

My eye makeup was more subtle since I’d gone with a bold red lip stain. It was all a trade-off. Otherwise I’d end up looking less ‘rocker’ and more ‘Krusty the Clown’.

“Sorry, didn’t know anyone was back here. Jake," she said, drawing out his name while her eyes swept over me, "said I could come back and use the bathroom,”

“It’s down the hall to the left,” I said, going for polite.

“Oh, trust me, I know. I’ve been here a few times with Jake. After hours, of course…”

In addition to one’s hair always being worn up, my mother had other clear ideas on how a lady should act. Most of the time I tuned her out. Today I was grateful that something actually stuck.

Never let your emotions show.

“Okay then. Have a nice day.” I turned back to finish the cinnamon rolls.

“So, whose are you?” She moved into the room just enough to lean against the counter in the corner.

Because of the size of the room, there was still distance between us. Even so, when I caught the calculating look in her eyes, I had the overwhelming urge to step back.

Way back.

“Excuse me?”

“Well, you’re in here making breakfast for the guys. I assumed you were one of their current pieces.”

“I’m not anyone’s.”

“Who you after then? I’m just sayin’, I don’t think whatever this play is,” she said, flipping her hand out to gesture to me, “will work with any of them. Best bet, though? Focus in on Kase. It’s a long shot, but more likely than getting with Jake. He’d be more than you could handle anyway.”

Try as I might, some reaction must have shown.

“Oh, hon, really?” Her tone was condescending as she slowly shook her head. “Jake doesn’t date. I’ve known him a while and I’ve never seen him with a woman more than once. It’d be a few hours and then she’d be gone just like that.” She threw out her hip and her hand to snap with attitude. “He goes to great lengths to avoid commitment. Nothing happens at his place, no sleepovers, and he only uses condoms brought by him. I’m pretty sure he even got the big snip,” she added, making a scissor motion with her fingers.

Well, that was oddly specific. Guess if I ever wanted a definitive answer, I could ask Jake whether Biker Barbie’s boobs are fake. Pretty sure he’d know from experience.

“Jake’s the big leagues, baby. You gotta learn to handle a bat before you try stepping up to that plate. You wanna make breakfast and play house, you’re playing a whole different ballgame. Jake isn’t about wining and dining. He’s about fucking.”

“Thanks for the heads up.” I feigned boredom and indifference as I frosted the last roll.

“Plus, no offense hon, you’re cute, but that’s not his style. Some guys get off on teaching barely legal but Jake isn’t one of them. He likes a woman with enough experience that she’s gonna be down to get it exactly how he likes to give it.”

I was used to bitchiness. Biker bitches might be good but rich bitches were better. It was just that what she was saying was a little too spot on. I couldn’t help but wonder if that was part of why Jake had originally ended things.

Was he worried about me, or that I wouldn’t be able to do what he wanted?

I worked hard to not show the response she was looking for. As I cleared the clutter, a genuine yawn came over me.

Her eyes narrowed and her face got tight at my lack of reaction. I knew things weren’t over when her face smoothed out and her lips quirked up in a snide smirk.

She looks like something smells nasty.

Makes sense, I get the feeling there’s about to be some bullshit spewed.

“I’d just hate for you to be embarrassed if he came back here and saw you with your little baked goods. Why don’t you just hurry and scamper out with them? I’m sure you’ll have no problem eating them yourself.” She placed her hands on her tiny hips for emphasis.

“What the fuck did you just say, Rachel?” Kase snarled.

He moved towards the corner where Biker Barbie still stood, getting way in her space as he stared down at her. Anger radiated off of him, filling the room and making me tenser.

I’d never seen Kase mad and hoped to never see it again. He looked way scarier than I’d have thought possible.

When I’d asked, Kase had told me that his easygoing personality was courtesy of his Hawaiian heritage but his temper was 100% from his Colombian half. He’d said it was good he was so chill all the time since his pissed was off the charts.

I hadn’t believed him at the time.

I believed him now.

“Hon, I was just trying to warn her. Us girls gotta stick together,” she said with such a fake smile, I had to bite my lip to keep from laughing. “You know how Jake can be.”

“Yeah, I do. You don’t. You only know how he can be when it comes to you,” Kase spat out.

I opened my mouth to call him off when Jake came through the doorway. If Kase’s reaction was bad, I knew Jake’s would be explosive. I was hoping Biker Barbie was smart enough to haul ass, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away from Jake as he stalked towards me.

When he reached me, I realized that not just had he not overheard anything, he hadn’t even noticed our audience in the corner of the room.

His hands cupped my ass, his fingertips digging into the cheeks, as he kissed me hard but quick. “Christ, I missed you, sweets. It’s been fuckin’ forever.”

“Baby, it’s been a few hours.”

“Well, it felt like forever.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, the tension leaving my body.

“So,” Jake whispered against my lips, “what’s under that hot outfit? Fuck, please tell me garters. The mental image will get me through the day until I can get home and see for myself.” His voice was husky as his grip on my ass tightened and he pulled me closer.

Before I could answer, Kase loudly cleared his throat and drew our attention. Jake turned slightly, though his hands stayed on my ass.

“A word,” Kase clipped, his face thunderous.

Biker Barbie, proving she had no sense, stood next to him as she avidly watched Jake and me.

“Yeah, gimme a minute,” Jake muttered, his brows lowered as he looked between them and tried to figure out the vibe of the room.

“Jacoby,” I interjected, purposefully using his full name.

So sometimes I stumble off the high road. Sue me.

“Did you get everything figured out?” I asked.

Jake’s organization system sucked and another part had gone missing. He’d been working late the past couple nights to try and get things in better order. They’d been finding parts that had rolled under things or been set down and forgotten about.

He left work well into the night, came to my place to crash, and then would wake up at dawn to start again.

“Not yet. I had to secure a replacement to get the car done. Now I’m dealin’ with tryin’ to sort shit.”

“I hope you figure it out.” I went up on my toes to kiss him. “I gotta go. I’m gonna be late.”

“Okay, babe,” he murmured. “Come back here when you’re done. Yeah?” He looked down, his face soft as I nodded up at him.

I didn’t want to be in the same county, let alone the same room, when Kase inevitably told Jake what he’d overheard. An angry Kase was bad enough. I’d been on the receiving end of Jake’s temper and, according to him, he hadn’t even been mad at me.

Even still, I forced myself to walk away calmly when all I wanted to do was run.

*******

I felt deflated when my meeting ended. It’d been like talking to a robot that was programmed to give predetermined, generic answers. I left with the promise that I’d hear soon regarding any other available options.

I wasn’t holding my breath.

Rehashing the meeting as I walked back to my car, my frustration grew the more I thought about it.

“You are a valued bank customer,” I said to myself in a robotic voice.

“That’s good, but what about my loan?”

“You are a valued bank customer,” I repeated in the robot voice.

“Cool, cool. But my loan?”

“Loan reviews are a lengthy process and can be denied for any number of reasons.”

“The reason for my denial was…”

“Any number of reasons.”

“But my specific reason was…”

“You are a valued bank customer. Bee boo bee bop bop.”

When my phone beeped in my purse, I laughed at the timing.

“Dude, I think that hot chick thinks she’s a robot and her phone just told her a joke,” a teenager in front of me said, drawing my attention to the fact I was talking out loud.

“Yeah, man, the hot ones are always fuckin’ nuts,” his friend put in.

I pulled out my phone to find a message from Jake.

Jake: What’re you doing?

Me: Definitely not talking to myself. Why?

Jake: You coming back? We gotta talk.

That’s never good.

Me: Yeah. Guys want anything for lunch?

Jake: No.

Yeah, this was not good.

Me: Okay. See you soon.

When I got to Hyde, I parked in the back and walked through the garage. My apprehension was cemented when the boys expressed their appreciation for the cinnamon rolls in a polite way, and not one filled with proclamations of everlasting love.

There wasn’t even any bickering about someone taking more than they were supposed to.

Wild stab in the dark says that Kase shared about the drama-rific morning.

Shit.

I’d spent the drive to the bank going over what had happened. As I thought about it, I just couldn’t believe the level of stupidity on Rachel’s part. She invited the wrath that was Kase, and most likely Jake, for no reason.

I’d bet dollars to my best homemade donuts that Rachel was just hoping I’d flip out on Jake. Even if I was going to, I would’ve refrained just to throw a wrench in her catty plans.

I had no intention of bugging out at him, though. It wasn’t like he could go back in time and undo anything… or anyone. I wasn’t a big fan of his past coming in and insulting me. Other than a lack of judgment on his part regarding the quality he hooked up with, though, that wasn’t really his fault either.

When I walked into the waiting room, I saw Jake in a conversation with an older man. Both of their frames were tight and Jake’s jaw was clenched.

As I moved to sit and wait, I wondered if it was regarding the missing car parts.

I didn’t even make it to Jake before he reached out and gently grabbed the back of my neck to pull me close.

The older man’s words trailed off as he watched the intimate gesture with undisguised shock.

“Wasn’t expectin’ you gone so long. You okay?” Jake asked, his voice soft as he searched my face.

“Yeah, great. The meeting at the bank went longer than I’d expected.”

I hadn’t told him about the initial loan denial, only that I was still in the process of meetings and interviews. I wasn’t holding out hope that I’d be able to share better news anytime soon.

“Kase told me what Rachel said to you. Care to elaborate on that conversation?”

Looking off to the side, I shook my head. “Not particularly, no.”

“Babe, I talked to Rachel and let her know, straight up, she isn’t welcome here anymore.”

“Oh, Jake, this is your business—”

“Damn straight it is. That’s my name outside and that means I say who can and can’t be here. Even if I hadn’t, Kase filled the men in about what he overheard. I walked into the back and each of them said they wouldn’t touch her bike.”

“Jacoby Hyde, this is a business. How’re you supposed to run it if you’re banning customers? Huh, Mr. Bossy Pants?”

“She had no right to say any of what she said to you. Rachel and I—”

I held up my hand to stop him. “Trust me, I don’t need to know. Not just don’t need to, I don’t want to. You owe me no explanations. I’m not your keeper. Honestly.” I looked up at him, hoping he believed me and didn’t drag this out.

I might be cool with everything but there was a limit to that. Hearing any details about him and Bitchy Biker Barbie was well beyond that limit.

Jake opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by a low chuckle. I looked over at the other man who still looked serious, though there was some amusement in his eyes.

His sharp and intense green eyes.

I knew who he was even before Jake introduced us.

“Piper, this is my father, Gregory Hyde. Dad, this is Piper Skye.”

I extended my hand to meet Gregory’s outstretched one. He took mine in his big, soft hand.

You could tell a lot about someone by their hands. Jake’s were large and calloused. They were strong, hard worked hands. I didn’t need to see his dad’s expensive, tailored suit to know he didn’t work with his hands like his son.

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Hyde. Why don’t I go see the guys and leave you two to talk.” As I inched away, Jake’s hand released my neck in favor of this idea.

His father, however, held my hand tightly. “Please call me Gregory.” Not Greg. Gregory.

Don’t roll your eyes at Jake’s father!

“I just stopped by to take my son to lunch. I’d be honored if you’d join us.”

“Oh, Mr… Gregory, that is very kind of you. I couldn’t possibly—”

“Nonsense.” He guided me to the door. “Are you joining us, Jake?”

Jake grunted an unintelligible response, though he did follow.

*******

Lunch went well for the most part. Jake stayed quiet but it wasn’t his usual intimidating silence.

Key’s brooding could make a girl want to hold him and heal his wounded soul.

Jake’s brooding would make anyone run and hide.

Gregory was polite as we made small talk, but he watched me with a critical eye and it was hard not to fidget. He grilled me about my business, asking loads of unexpected and thoughtful questions. I wasn’t surprised when he told me he was an ADA.

As the lunch wore on he seemed to warm up and drop the interrogation. Unfortunately, he moved on to something worse.

For the second time that day, I was grateful for my mother’s lesson on not showing a reaction.

When Gregory began telling me about Jake’s time in law school before he’d dropped out, I easily hid my surprise. As he continued talking, though, I had to work hard to hide my anger. I’d heard the tone often enough to know that, much like mother, Gregory was disappointed in his son’s choice of career.

“I’m sure your parents are very proud of you.” Gregory smiled at me. “It sounds as though you’re doing quite well in such a lovely business.”

I didn’t get it at first. Hyde was a huge success. Jake had accomplished much more than I could ever realistically dream of.

It finally clicked that his dad was disappointed in the type of work he did.

“Actually my mom is dreadfully disappointed in me. My stepfather is Thomas Scalding, of Scalding, Inc.,” I revealed to the surprise of both Jake and Gregory. “My mom wants me to work a cushy job at Scalding until I find a husband and have children. She wants me to be happy, and, in her eyes, that means doing what she thinks would be best. If I did what she wanted, though, I’d be miserable.”

Gregory quietly looked at me for a minute, though it felt like much longer. His eyes, much like his son’s, seemed to be all-knowing.

Oh hell, he can see into my soul. He knows all the things I think about his son. He knows that in eighth grade I let David Ramber touch my boob to prove I didn’t stuff. He knows about that night when I told my mom I had the flu but I was really drunk and had held the thermometer near the light bulb.

Okay, he knows I’m lying and it was multiple nights.

He knows everything!

Abort lunch! Abort lunch!

“Hmm,” he interrupted my panic. “Well, Miss Skye, that’s an interesting point.”

Thankfully, we moved on and finished lunch on a lighter note. Gregory told endearing stories that gave me a glimpse into what Jake was like as a child. He told me about how he would try to fix anything and everything, even if that meant he had to break it first.

“I can’t really picture Jake as a kid. I just see this mini-badass trying to boss everyone around and caveman grunting.”

Gregory chuckled and nodded. “Yes, that is actually about right. Sarah, his mom, is going to be very relieved to hear about you. She’s been a bit worried about his ability to hold a conversation since he was little. From the time he was about seven and all the neighborhood girls would come flocking around, he’d ignore them or growl at them to leave.”

Well, nothing has changed there.

When we got back to Hyde, Gregory surprised me by pulling me into a hug as we said goodbye.

“Make sure Jake brings you to dinner soon.”

“It was nice to meet you,” I said noncommittally.

“Jake, can I have a moment?” he asked as they moved towards the door. They stood close and began talking again. Though, thankfully, this time Jake didn’t look like he was going to throw something.

Okay, he looked less like it.

Walking to the break room, I thought about how much Jake looked like his father. Jake’s build was bulkier with muscle and he was, in general, rougher, but their frame and body language was the exact same.

I’d anticipated Jake feeling the same sense of freedom that I felt when I left my mom’s. But when he walked into the room a few minutes later, he looked pissed.

“Hey, what’s up?”

Ignoring my question, he grabbed my hand and pulled me from the room into his office.

I opened my mouth to ask again, but the words and my brain flew out the window as he prowled towards me.

Pushing me against his desk, his hand went into my hair and fisted as he kissed me. His hips ground into me, the long, hard length of his cock pushing against me and making me ache for him.

Almost every kiss we shared was intense but something was different about this one.

I was breathlessly disoriented when he suddenly pulled back. I quickly got my head together when I saw the look on his face.

“What’s wrong?”

“This shit is what I was wantin’ to protect you from. You have your own stuff goin’ on and you come here and get shit. Here? Fuck that. I know you don’t wanna talk about it, but fuck what Rachel said. That was fucked up bullshit. But you just smiled up at me, so fuckin’ sweet. You didn’t even give me shit and I would’ve deserved it for dippin’ my dick in that.”

“Why would I give you shit about something you can’t change?”

“That’s just what’s happened before. I figured, at the very least, it’d be the silent treatment.”

“I’ve already told you I don’t play games. I’m still not getting why you look like someone scratched the Harley.”

“After that shit with Rachel, I figured you weren’t comin’ back. You shouldn’t have had to be in the same room as that bitch. Then my dad showed up and, I’m sure it didn’t escape your notice, I’m not his favorite person and he’s not mine. But you charmed him. You not only made him smile, you made him fuckin’ laugh.”

“I’m not gonna drag your past up and throw it in your face. And your dad obviously cares. He was nice and I see where you get your charm from when you want to,” I joked, wanting to ease some of his agitation.

“Kase said he only caught the last bit of your conversation with Rachel. Now that my dad isn’t watchin’, you wanna fill in the rest?”

“Once again, not particularly.”

“How about you do it anyway.”

I sighed. “He didn’t miss much. She was just asking who I was… seeing.”

“Yeah, I’m sure she phrased it so nicely. Anythin’ else?”

“Uhh.” I hesitated. Talking about anything to do with kids seemed a little too… relationshipy.

“Yeah?” he prompted when I didn’t continue.

“She also said you don’t want kids.”

“No, I don’t,” he affirmed with no hesitation.

“Did you get a vasectomy?”

“That what she said?”

“Yeah, and that you only use your own condoms.”

“That part is true. I didn’t have a vasectomy, though. But, Piper, I’d be lyin’ if I said I hadn’t given it serious thought and consideration. Or that I’m not still thinkin’ it over. I know I don’t want kids. Do you?”

“I hadn’t thought much about it.” In my mind, kids were just another step somewhere in the future. It wasn’t that I didn’t like kids, I loved them. Kids’ cakes were my favorite to do since they were more creative than most adults put together.

But did I want my own?

That I didn’t know.

As much as I wanted to ask Jake why he didn’t want kids, that question felt way too personal.

Cluck, cluck, chicken.

Instead, I grinned up at him. “I gotta get going, I’m behind schedule.”

“Alright, sweets. I wanna take you out tonight, just us. You gonna be done in time?”

“Definitely,” I breathed.

Jake and I are going out just us. Not a hanging out with everyone thing. Not a climbing into bed too exhausted to move thing.

Breathe, Piper, breathe. If you pass out you won’t have time to get ready.

“See ya at seven, yeah?”

“Yeah.”

Jake’s mouth dropped to mine. I moved away before things got too heated and my brain went to mush.

I tried not to skip with giddy excitement as I headed to my car, but there was a definite bounce in my step.