The hardwood floors creak beneath my feet. More pictures line the stairs.
“What’s this picture?” I pull Piper to a stop.
It’s her dad holding the Super Bowl trophy and a small baby.
“That was the night I was born.” She rests her chin on my shoulder. “It’s my favorite picture.”
“You were born the night of the Super Bowl?” I ask, turning to look at her.
Piper nods. “Mom went into labor just before halftime. Dad made it just in time.”
“Wow. That’s quite the story.”
There’s another picture next to it. One of all of them together in matching T-shirts, with the trophy front and center. Piper and Noah are both screaming but I don’t think I’ve ever seen two parents look happier.
Piper tugs my arm, moving me farther up the stairs. Everything about this place explains Piper. She grew up with more love than I ever experienced. It’s a wonder some man hasn’t snatched her up already.
Thank God they haven’t because she’s mine now.
For however long she’ll have me.
The room Piper pulls me into has soft gray walls and a dark purple bedspread. Prints of flowers and mountains hang on the walls. It’s Piper through and through.
“This is my room. You can change in here.” She flops back onto the bed, eyes roving over me.
“Uh-uh. Don’t look at me like that.” I kick the door shut behind me. “No funny business, Princess.”
“I’m not getting any ideas, Cash.”
The way she says my name tells me she has all the ideas.
“Your parents are downstairs,” I whisper. Grabbing the neck of my shirt, I pull it over my head and drop it next to her.
Piper’s eyes trail over the bruise. It’s gone down some, yellowing at the edges.
“It looks better.”
“Feels better too.”
“Good.” Piper stands, resting her hands on my sides before pushing up on her tiptoes. “Do you have time for one kiss?”
“I can always spare a kiss for you, Princess.”
Wrapping an arm around her waist, I dip her low. Shock covers her face as I smile right before laying one on her.
I love the way her fingers dig into my shoulders, holding on. I lick my way into her mouth, wanting more. No, demanding more.
We both get swept away in the heat of the kiss. I know I shouldn’t, but I do. Until someone is calling out for us.
“Piper! Cash! Dinner is on the table!” a voice from downstairs calls out.
I pull back, staring down at Piper’s wet lips. “Better get going.”
“Don’t forget to put your sweater on.” She grins at me.
Piper helps me tug it over my head. “How do I look?”
She throws her head back in laughter. “You look way too hot to be wearing this.”
