Page 28 of Love Beyond the Illusion
I glance over to the empty side of the closet that I saved for Piper. “Yeah, I know, especially during this time of year.”
“But you can always stay here at home too.”
“Thanks, but no thanks.”
“Well, you do what you want, but know that the downstairs room is there if you need it,” she offers again.
“I know, Mom. I’m going to go work out for a while. Then, I’ll head over for dinner. Can we spend some time on the operational stuff?” I like my space. I want to be able to come and go as I please, as I have done in the past.
“Yes, of course, honey. I’ll see you soon.”
It still makes my blood boil that Preston thinks he can do it. The audacity of him and his father, assuming they’re taking this from me. It’s one of the only things driving me right now. I need to get my ass to the gym.
After changing, I head down to the small on-site workout room to burn off the tension that’s been building inside me for some time. When I get down to the gym, a text comes through from Piper.
Piper: Hi, Jack, it’s your wife.
I smile at her charming wit.My wife.
Piper: I’m good to fly out next Thursday. Is six days enough for the first trip?
My heart flies from my chest.Shit. She is coming.This is happening. Of course, it’s happening. We’re going to be living together in less than five days.
Me: That sounds great. Email me your flight information so I know when to pick you up at the airport.
What if we hate each other? What if she leaves her products out all over the bathroom? How am I supposed to jack off in peace?What the fuck am I doing?
Piper: I’ll send it over right now. Should I book a room?
I knew this question would come up at some point. I don’t want her to get freaked out by the one-room situation. I’ll check with Faye about possible cancellations one more time before Piper flies in.
Me: I’m staying at a family friend’s inn while my house goes into escrow. You’ll be staying here with me if you don’t mind.
After I click send, my breath halts as I anticipate her backing out.
Piper: Okay, that’s fine. You don’t mind?
That’s a loaded question. Do I mind if a sexy woman who I’m obviously attracted to stays in the same villa as me? Yes—and no.
Jack: You’re coming out here for me. It’s the least I can do. And it would look strange if we were supposed to be dating and staying separately.
Piper: Yeah, for sure. We’ll be fine. You’re not messy, are you?
I crack an unwanted smile.
Jack: I don’t think so. Are you?
Piper: No.
Jack: Well, alright then. I guess I’ll see you next week.
Piper: See you then. Good night.
And with that, we make no plans to speak again before we prepare to spend all day and night with only each other and in extremely close quarters.
Chapter Twelve
Piper
