I have cleared the dining area, and am about to start towards the back with the kitchen when Carter arrives. He approaches pulling his own gun and nods at me. I nod back.
“Stay out here with her,” I say lowly. Carter nods and steps right next to Piper. Piper opens her mouth to refuse but thinks better of it when I give her a look.
It takes me 3 minutes to check the back, and confirm that we are alone. I come out to see Piper inspecting the smashed bakery cases and the trashed dining area. Whoever was in here had a lot of frustration to work out.
I raise my eyebrow at Carter who is watching Piper like a bomb that he may need to disarm. No doubt, something he is experienced in.
“We are all clear,” I state unnecessarily. Hoping that Piper will respond. She is mechanically sweeping up some broken glass. I see her nod her head jerkily.
“I’m going to make a few calls,” Carter tells me and tilts his head in Piper’s direction. Signaling that I should go to her. I approach her like I would a wounded animal.
“Piper,” I say softly hoping to not startle her. She whips around and looks at me blankly. The stress around her eyes is evident.
“I have to clean this up— I don’t know how I can open tomorrow with the place like this,” she says. She is bulldozing her way through this situation. In the short time that I have known her, I realize this is her way of coping.
“Piper, I don’t think you will be able to open tomorrow. There is a lot to take care of between now and then,” I try to say gently. She hasn’t seen the kitchen yet, but her equipment was trashed too. Piper’s shoulders drop in defeat.
“Who would do this,” she whispers. I’m not sure if the question is directed to me, but I step forward and wrap my arms around her.
“I will fix this Piper,” Piper nods into my chest once. I keep my arms around her for a few more minutes.
Chapter 25
Piper
This was unbelievable. I felt like I was in some kind of haze. I was overwhelmed and just trying to fix what I could when Holt hugged me. I couldn’t pretend anymore, his embrace made me want to cry. I tried to keep the tears back, but a few escaped.
When Holt pulled back a bit to look down at me, I couldn’t hide them. His thumb reached up to brush them away.
“This asshole won’t get away with this,” Holt says to me. I can hear the quiet anger in his voice. His tone is deadly. My stomach flips. I shouldn’t find this moment a turn on but apparently my body didn’t get the memo.
“Dustin will come out today to board up the rest of the windows. I also called the Sheriff he is on the way to take photos and add this to his report,” Carter says as he comes back inside. His phone is in his hand.
“I’m more concerned with the fact that the fucking alarm in this place didn’t go off,” Holt grinds out to Carter.
“Yeah, I thought of that—we will look into it,” Carter states. I look around at my business. It is a disaster area.
“I’m also going to put a few cameras up. It was a rookie move on my part not to do that yesterday,” his voice is filled with frustration.
“Damn it, I was so focused on securing her house that I figured we would do this later,” Holt responded.
I’m starting to get pissed off. They are talking as if I am not here. This is MY place of business and MY life for that matter. Carter must see the look on my face because the next time he speaks it is directed at me.
“Sorry Piper, we are in work mode. Hard habit to break,” he shrugs his shoulders. I sigh. It is a stupid thing to get worked up over. I decide to change the subject, but my phone vibrates.
Meg: When are you getting here?
I try to figure out what I should say. Holt must see my distress because he gently takes the phone from my hand and starts responding.
“You know, that is my phone,” I say sarcastically. Rolling my eyes. Honestly, I’m a bit relieved. He hands the phone back to me and arches his eyebrow. I look down at his response and roll my eyes again.
Piper: Hey, it’s Holt. We hit a complication but will be by in a bit.
I am waiting for Meg’s response. She will definitely be asking more questions. Oddly, she says nothing. I look up at him in shock and he is smirking. He reaches up and cups my cheek in his large hand— like he has done a few times before. The gesture still does that thing to my stomach.
He leans down and places a quick kiss on my forehead. I shiver.Maybe I just need to enjoy this while it lasts?My mind whispers. I know it is a recipe for disaster, but when will I ever get a chance like this again? Maybe the memories of this will keep me company on those lonely nights.
“Why don’t we head over to Sterling’s? Carter— you should join us,” Holt raises his voice inviting the brooding male to come along.
