“You know,this screams that you are trying to cover something up.” Spencer grabs a piece of fruit from my bowl.
Scanning all the dishes I just prepared, I guess he has a point. A simple breakfast somehow turned into waffles, fruit salad, eggs, bacon, and I even have donuts in the oven that I’ll roll in cinnamon sugar later.
In truth, I’m a little nervous. Mostly because I know it’s obvious to Piper what must have happened last night, and I don’t want Hadley to think something is different.
“I guess I should have stuck to coffee and your protein shake laced with superpowers, but I got distracted,” I admit.
Spencer runs his hand up my spine, and my body shivers in delight.
I enjoy a few seconds before I shake him off. “Down, boy, I need to recover, and besides, I think daylight may be highlighting my wrong life choices.” I give him a stern eye.
“Your body says something else.” His eyes dip down to my nipples that are peaked under my t-shirt. I’m quick to fold my arms over my chest for cover.
The sound of the door opening catches our attention. A mixture of paws on wood, a baby cooing, and Hadley running in.
“Yoo-hoo, I come bearing gifts,” Piper announces as she walks into the kitchen holding up a box from Jolly Joe’s in one hand, and she’s balancing Gracie on her other hip. Pickles pads along beside Hadley. Piper’s smile drops to confusion when she sees the buffet laid out on the kitchen island. “Oh. Clearly someone needed to be occupied this morning.” She flashes me an overdone smile.
Spencer gives me knowing eyes as he walks to his daughter who just hopped up on a stool. “I’m not hungry,” Hadley declares.
“There are donuts in the oven,” Spencer informs her.
“Still not hungry.”
He grabs her a plate and dishes up some fruit anyways. “Well, I’m sure you’ll change your mind.” He turns to Piper. “Thanks for watching her, I owe you one.”
“It’s all good. I let her play dress-up and she helped me with the bambino. You two look absolutely tired,” Piper points out, sneaking in a smirk as she sips from her to-go cup.
“It was a late night. I mean, the charity thing.” My fingers fumble in the air.
Her chortle causes Spencer and me to glance at one another, as Piper is onto us.
Snapping, I bite the bullet. “Piper, a word in the other room, please.” I smile tightly.
She looks giddy. Without even asking, she hands her baby over to Spencer.
He is quick to protest. “I don’t do babies.”
“Sure, you do. You’re a pro. Thanks, you’re a doll.” She ignores him and nearly skips to the end of the hall.
When I arrive at the door near the garage, she has a golden smile, with her arms crossed over her chest.
“Just tell me you didn’t make another video,” she requests.
I shake my head.
“The 'I had a good time last night' look does great things for your complexion,” she comments.
I roll my eyes, and as much as I pretend to be annoyed, I erupt in a joyful sound and grin. “Can we forget this?”
“No, because I want you to wake up and accept that your shitty dating life lately might be solved with a guy who knows how to throw a fastball.”
Quickly I interject, “It’s nothing more than physical.”
“Sure, it is.” She’s certain. “Listen, just don’t get hurt, and also be open. I honestly don’t know what to make of this situation other than wow, you look like you’re enjoying life for the first time in a long time. He’s a good distraction.” She affectionately touches my arm. Quickly, she gives me a hug. “Okay, we're not going to overstay our welcome.”
She begins to walk away, and I call out her name. “Have you not seen the kitchen counter? Please stay.”
Piper waves me off. “Nah, I’m sure Spencer worked up a big enough appetite.” She winks before continuing her path.
