Julian winked. “I’ll tell them it’s an exception.” My brother seemed as relaxed as ever.
He clapped a hand on my shoulder. “Right, I’m going in the back to check how things are going. The others will probably be a bit late.”
“Who else is coming?” I asked.
“Everyone,” Julian said nonchalantly.
I cocked a brow. “All of them?”
“We figured the situation required it.”
And by situation, I knew he meant Charlotte. This was going to be interesting.
I turned to face Piper just as the busboy came back with our po’ boys.
“Thanks a lot,” I said, tipping him generously.
Piper immediately bit into her sandwich. “Wow. I didn’t even realize I was starving.”
“Did you have lunch or just the muffuletta?” I asked after swallowing a mouthful. I couldn’t even remember when I last ate. Sleep was the most important thing these days. Food was secondary.
“I might have skipped it,” Piper confessed.
“What else are you planning for tonight?” I wanted to keep her here and find out more about her. But I had plans with my brothers too.
“I’m dropping by my parents’ place.”
“You see them often?”
“At least once a week. Sometimes I bring them dinner too. It’s late, so they probably ate already. But I can always spoil them with something sweet. They both have a sweet tooth. And guess who inherited that trait? This girl right here.” Her smile was wide and authentic. That’s one thing I’d noticed about Piper: She was real—no facades. Even when it came to business.
“What are your favorite sweets?” I asked after taking a bite of my po’ boy.
“Pralines.” She didn’t even hesitate.
“Which ones?”
“I don’t differentiate.” She glanced at me. “What’s with that smile?” she asked.
“Nothing.”
Guess who made the best pralines in town? Xander’s fiancée, Bailey.
“No, you’re definitely thinking something. And you don’t want to share with me.”
“Fine, you caught me. You’ll find out eventually what I’m thinking about.”
“Oh, you’re mean for teasing me like that.”
She had no idea how muchmoreI wanted to tease her.
“I wouldn’t have pinned you as someone who’s like that,” she whispered.
“I might have a few surprises in store for you. I’m just not functioning at my usual speed lately.”
“I see. So, plenty of surprises coming my way, huh?”
“Fuck yes,” I said without thinking.
