Page 46 of Fallen Hearts

“Is that the real problem, though? I mean, it’s just the two of you here, really. This isn’t a corporate America job where you guys have to look over your shoulder because the big boss might be offended. Consenting adults and all of that.”

He sounded just like Beck.

“Yeah,” I insisted, leaning against the kitchen counter, “that’s the problem.”

“Not the pact?”

“I don’t give a fuck about losing a few hundred dollars.”

“But you do believe in the reason we made the pact in the first place.”

I couldn’t argue with that. No way I would go through what my dad endured. “True.” I added, “Who knows if I’m even staying.”

“You’re staying. No way I’m moving back into that apartment with Beck. I like not being able to hear his nighttime antics.”

I rolled my eyes. “You could get your own place, you know.”

“I could try. But Beck is like the little brother I never asked for. He’d be pissed. I’ve never met anyone who hates to be alone so much.”

I thought of Beck’s family situation. “There’s a reason for it, as you know.”

“True. But back to Pia…”

“I thought my ears were ringing.”

Lord have mercy. She wore sweats and a tee, her hair up in a messy bun. No makeup. Not a stitch. Pia looked like she’d just rolled out of bed. Sexy as fuck. Unfortunately, it hadn’t been my bed.

“Morning,” I grumbled, aware of a tone I hadn’t intended.

“Is he always so happy in the morning?” Pia asked Parker.

“Time of day doesn’t matter much, or haven’t you noticed?”

“Oh I’ve noticed.”

“I’m standing right here,” I said, not taking my eyes off Pia.

“Oh look, you are,” she teased. “Two things,” she said, all work efficiency now. “I found the bathroom but it doesn’t seem to have any towels. And I popped my head into the second kitchen and Esther’s preparing breakfast already. Does she always start so early?”

Second kitchen was what we called the inn’s kitchen that my dad had added on years ago, though it had never been utilized for anything more than breakfast.

“Yeah, why?”

“I think she may be underpaid. The woman works seven days a week and for more hours than I realized if she’s already in there prepping.”

“Let’s talk about it,” I said, more than open to the idea of increasing Esther’s pay, since it was something I’d already considered. “And I’ll grab some towels for you.”

“Coffee?” Parker asked Pia.

She smiled and nodded. “Yes please.”

“Cream and sugar are there.” He pointed to the counter after hopping off his stool to grab her a mug. “Did you guys have a good time last night?”

After painting into the night and grabbing some takeout with Parker, I’d passed by Pia’s room. The sound of muffled voices told me she and her sister were inside, which made for a mostly restless night, Pia so close to my bedroom. At least three times my eyes popped open as I wondered if Sophia was still in there. Or if Pia was already asleep.

Or was she lying awake, thinking of me?

Unlikely.

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