“You just getting out of bed, old man,” I ask jokingly. Sterling is only a year and a half older than I am. I still love to give him shit about it.
“Shut up, asshole,” he says a little louder. The tone of his voice lets me know he isn’t as serious as he could be.
“Meg had a rough night, we were up late. I finally got her calmed down and asleep at around 4 this morning,” he explains. I can hear the concern in his voice.
“Shit, of course she is still having a hard time. That’s actually why I was calling. Has Meg talked to Piper lately,” I ask.
“I think the question you should be asking is when haven’t they talked. Those two are constantly texting and calling each other,” I hear Sterling starting the coffee in the background as he answers.
“Well, Piper seems jumpy and I’m sure she hasn’t said anything to Meg. I think she is having a bit of a hard time too. Maybe they should get together and talk about it,” I suggest in a laid back way. I’m hoping Sterling will take the bait. He is overprotective of Meg— I can’t say that I blame him.
“It couldn’t hurt. I’ll see what I can do. Don’t think I’m not going to give you shit about Piper,” he hangs up before I can respond.
I suppose I would deserve it. It’s not like I didn’t do it to him. I totally understand why Meg has him wrapped around her little finger. They fit together and she is adorable. I shake my head as I pull on my helmet.I need to get a fucking grip.
Pulling out of the parking lot, I make note of another spot for Carter to hang a camera. It is probably for nothing, but better safe than sorry. I turn back in the direction of Doe’s. I need a refill on my coffee, and want to see how Piper is doing after the morning rush.
Chapter 3
Piper
I take Mrs. Landry’s card and swipe it, numbly. The rush is almost over. Then I can sit down for a while before the early lunch crowd. I hear the bell ding as the door opens, and internally groan.Another customer.I thought I was in the clear. Most of my customers need to be in their offices by now. I look up and see Holt, sauntering in.What is he doing back here?
Mrs. Landry follows my gaze and chuckles. She shakes her head. Grabbing her paper bag, she looks at me.
“Don’t let that hunk get away, dearie. You won’t find another one like him anywhere, take it from me. I have been on this earth for over 70 years,” she nods at me sagely.
I choke a little. It isn’t like Holt is hard of hearing, and he was about 10 feet behind her. I gulp and look at him. His trademark smirk is firmly in place. His drool worthy arms are folded across his chest. I know that under the sleeves of that jacket are intricate tattoos. All swirly andlickable. I shake my head.Focus.
“Have a good day, Mrs. Landry,” I say. When in doubt, it is better to ignore an awkward situation. I find if I just bulldoze my way through to the other side, it is easy to pretend something didn’t happen.
She clucks her tongue at me, but walks out. I’m sure she will be back tomorrow morning— where I will receive more unsolicited advice about my nonexistent love life. I roll my eyes and watch as Holt reaches the counter. I clear my throat. Not sure what to say. Of course, he saves me.
“Hey Piper, I needed another coffee. I’m dragging today,” he explains. I nod quickly. Again, happy to have something to do.
“Did you want the same roast you had this morning,” I asked him. I’m turning around grabbing a cup.
“Surprise me,” I hear the amused tone in his voice. He thinks I’m crazy. I know he does. Heck, he is probably right. I prove that to myself daily. I consider his request and decide to give him a red eye—a Colombian roast with a shot of espresso. I planned on making one for myself anyway.
I busy myself behind the counter. I feel the weight of Holt’s gaze on my back. I know he is looking for cracks in my armor, weaknesses that I don’t want to show him.I’m fine.Nothing happened.
“So, how has the morning been,” he asks casually. My back is still turned to him as I make our coffees.Small talk. I can do that.
“Busy, but that is pretty standard. I’m glad to have a break between the rush,” I explain as I turn around to hand him his cup. He has the same concerned look on his face that he had earlier this morning. I volley the conversation back to him.
“How was your morning,” I ask curiously. I know that he does a variety of things all in relation to the private security business he owns, but he is always a bit vague. I guess he has to be.
“Uneventful,” he states in one word, effectively ending my inquiry. He takes a small sip of the coffee. I watch his throat contract as he does it. I swallow hard.Stop it now.I mentally slap myself.
“This is good, thanks,” he compliments me. I look up into his blue eyes, quickly and then avert my gaze.
“No problem, I was making one for myself,” I pull a stool over to the register and sit down for a few minutes. Sighing. My feet are thankful for the break.
“Carter will be here in a bit, we are going to work a little. We will be in the back corner over there,” he explains.
I nod, as if he needs my permission. Before I can think of anything else, he smirks and heads to the back area of the cafe. The bell rings on the door and I look up. My best friend, Meg, is walking in. Trailing behind her is her brooding but totally hot boyfriend, Sterling. Also known as Holt’s brother. Their genetic make-up should be studied. It’s completely unfair that both brothers are so attractive.
“Meg, are you here for your coffee fix,” I ask her light heartedly. I’m so happy to see her. It has been a couple of days. Normally we don’t go more than one day without seeing each other. It has been that way for years.
