Page 78 of A Perfect Match
“Herman.”
“Oh, wow.I wasn’t expecting that.Now is your formal name Uncle Herman Lobster Krueger, then?”
“If you want.I’ll respond to whatever you call me.I happen to like the names you come up with, Pipesqueak.”
My entire body feels warm and buzzy now.I’m covering my mouth with the back of my hand, I’m smiling so hard.
“That’s a new one,” I tell him.
“Come over tonight,” he says again, his voice gritty.“So we can celebrate the Pipe Crew.And if it doesn’t happen tonight, then I’m absolutely getting my hands on you tomorrow.”
“That sounds like a threat,” I tease.
“A promise,” he clarifies.“Because I don’t break my promises to my girlfriend.”
The way he says it sends me into the clouds.I didn’t realize something so forbidden—prohibited—could feel so damn right.
CHAPTER TWENTY
PIPER
I wake up the next morning horny, confused, and extremely well-rested.The last thing I remember is lying in my bed, waiting for a text from Kru to hear how his night was going.
“Shit.”I fumble to grab my phone, which spent the whole night unplugged on the bedspread beside me.I swipe to see all my missed notifications.There’s one from Bella, who confirmed she and Jackson made it to LA from the Cleveland airport last night.All the rest are from Kru throughout the night.
KRU: Whatcha doin, girlfriend?
KRU: I don’t mean that in the sassy side character way.I mean that in the “I am your boyfriend” sort of way.
KRU: Last customer is almost out and I’m getting ready to come home.
KRU: Don’t tell me you’re ghosting me a second time.
KRU: You awake?I bet you fell asleep already…
KRU: Sleepy Pipesqueak?You there?
I hurry to tap out a message, my stomach sinking.This is not a great start to our brand-new relationship.
PIPER: OMG.Fell asleep at nine last night and just woke up.
It’s six a.m.I don’t expect a response this early.I roll out of bed and get my bearings on the day.After freshening up in the bathroom, I get dressed to open Cloud Nine—bright leggings, a fluffy sweater, and a wide pink headband to complement my high ponytail.Once I’m ready to head to the shop, I check my phone.Nothing from Kru.I need to make this up to him, and I think about how I might do it as I hop on my bike and head to work.
I get the shop turned on and humming.I start with a latte, of course, followed by arranging my early orders and getting things prepped for Jerrica to take over.She’s been helping out a lot more lately, and I have to say I like it.It’s been a huge relief to know I can hand the reins over to someone who is here frequently and can keep up with the tiny details.I’ve scheduled some downtime at the house today to get more meal prep done, this time for Mom for when she comes home, so it’ll be a lot easier than meal prepping for Griffin.My brothers and I spent a lot of time yesterday figuring out what would make the most sense once Mom is home, and I jumped on the chance to make the meals after so many years of having meals made for me by her.
Kru finally responds around nine.
KRU: Damn.Sure wish I’d woken up with you in my bed.
PIPER: Can you take a lunch break today?After your lunch rush is done, of course.I want to make it up to you.
KRU: What time?And where?
PIPER: I’m stuck in the kitchen at Griff’s house all day.Just go there whenever you’re done feeding the masses.
KRU: You sure it’s safe?
PIPER: Positive.There’s some team function he’s attending in Cleveland today so he won’t be back until at least five.
