Page 101 of Hyde and Seek

I sat outside at a table with some people from my accounting class, including my friends Melanie and Gia.

In the middle of talking about her weekend, Gia stopped and looked past me. “Oh, wow. Who’s that? He doesn’t look like a student.” She pushed up out of her seat to see better.

“Oh, please tell me he’s a professor. I’ll go sign up for his class right now, even if that means switching majors,” Melanie said, dramatically fanning her face.

“Unless they teach a course on badass, I doubt he’s a professor.”

Without turning around, I knew who she was talking about. A wide smile spread across my face.

“Oh God,” she frantically whispered. “He’s heading over here.”

When I turned around with a grin, it was Jake’s turn to smile as he continued toward me.

And if you listen carefully, you can hear the subtle whoosh of panties droppingandbras unhooking themselves.

I couldn’t blame any of the women craning their necks to do a double take. Wearing black jeans, a black t-shirt with the Hyde logo on it, a very worn leather jacket, and his scuffed up motorcycle boots, my man lookedgood. His hair was pulled back, but I knew he must have come on his bike because the front had come loose.

“Hey, sweets,” he greeted, dipping down to kiss me.

“Hi, what’s up?”

“Nothin’. Just brought you lunch.” He placed a bag from my favorite sandwich shop in front of me. It was where we’d gone on our unofficial and very awkward first date.

Is there something more than love?

I mega love him.

“Thanks. Do you wanna sit?”

“No, I gotta get back to the shop. Plus, I might not have left the bike in a ‘parkin’ spot’.” He lifted his hands to make air quotes. “Miss you.”

“Miss you, too.”

He fisted his hand into my hair and kissed me. “Love you.”

“Love you, too. Have a good day.”

Jake chuckled, deep and low. “I’ll be done with work early tonight. Want takeout?”

“Nah, I’ve gotta go to the store. I’ll pick up something to cook.”

“Sounds good. Let me know if you change your mind.”

Jake dipped his chin to the girls before walking away. I stared at his ass as he went and knew I wasn’t the only one. I also knew I’d be the only one with my hands on it tonight.

“Hellllooooooo! Earth to Piper!” Gia yelled.

“Sorry, what?” I reached into the bag and pulled out my favorite turkey, Swiss, and cranberry mayo sandwich, a drink, and a triple chocolate chunk cookie.

“Seriously, girl, spill.”

“About?”

“About? About? Sorry, did I fall, hit my head, and hallucinate a god delivering tasty sandwiches?”

“Oh, that.” I flipped my hand, sandwich crumbs flying. “That’s my boyfriend.”

“What’s his name? How long have you been together? How is he in bed?” Melanie grilled.

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