Not the reaction he’d been hoping for. “Piper?
“I’m sorry. It’s just so perfect, and you’re so perfect, and I’m not.”
“For fuck’s sake, are you being stupid again?”
She surprised him by laughing. “Shut up, Grant. I just wanted to say I appreciate this—and you—so much. I’m having a good time. Ignore the tears. It’s a girl thing.”
“Whatever. I just want to make sure you’re having fun.”
“I am, really.”
“Then can we keep dance-skating? I like that.”
“We can. Just as soon as I’ve had more of this mint cocoa.”
“My favorite. And yours too.”
“I know,” they both said at the same time.
“One more thing we have in common, I guess,” Piper said.
Grant just smiled.
By Tuesday, Piper was ready to come out of her skin. She’d received a little present yesterday, starting a Twelve Days of Christmas for Piper celebration, apparently. Jenna thought it a hoot that Grant kept surprising her with gifts. Mistletoe kept popping up all over the place. In the house, at her work, in public. And each time, he kissed her.
She couldn’t bring herself to do more than kiss him back and smile.
Piper took a lunch at home, working away from the office while also planning on her final gifts for family. With Jenna’s help, she’d nailed down what to give her nieces and Simon and Simon’s family. But Jenna had given her no hints about what Grant might like. Other than his cologne, Piper had nothing more to give him.
Whereas she had received an expensive candle she’d been thinking about buying for herself, and this morning had received a lovely set of bubble bath and liquid soap she normally asked for Christmas.
Piper sat across from Grant at the kitchen island and watched him prepare them lunch. A meat and potato homemade pot pie.
“Okay, Grant, look. I appreciate all the presents and thoughtful gifts, but you don’t have to buy me.”
He huffed. “Like I could afford you.”
“Well, that’s true. I’m pricey.” She had to laugh. “But seriously. I just like spending time with you.”
He put down a serving spoon and gave her a deep kiss. “Honestly, that’s the nicest thing you could have said to me. Thanks, baby.”
She sighed. “You’re killing me, you know that?”
“You want to give me something special?”
“I do.”
“Then tell me what I need to do to convince you I’m not Sam.”
She hadn’t expected a deep discussion about her inadequacies and froze.
“Share with me, Piper. Heck, I’ll go first and share with you.”
“A-all right.” She did want to hear about his dad.
“My father left our family when I was twelve. It hurt like hell, but then, he was rarely around when they were married.” He put a serving of potpie on her plate. “Eat while I talk.”
“I’m not super hungry.” She took a bite and moaned. “This is amazing. Wow.”
