Page 55 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
“The guys joke that Josh is married to his job. And from what I’ve seen, he keeps it strictly casual with women.”
“Are you telling me I should be careful?” Piper wasn’t ready to walk away, but she had the distinct feeling Darcy was delivering a warning.
Darcy reached across the table and rested her hand on Piper’s arm. “He’s a great guy with a huge heart, and when he falls, I know he’ll fall hard. He’s an all in kind of guy. Look at his career. What kind of thirty-something runs for District Attorney?”
The kind of guy who went after what he wanted. And while he’d made it clear he wanted Piper, she wasn’t sure if it was more than physical. A terrifying realization.
She’d already shared far too much with him—secrets she’d never told another living soul. Not even Faith, who had been Piper’s best friend when she’d desperately needed one. He was so easy to talk to. When they were apart, all she could think about was Josh. When they were together, all she could think about was kissing him.
Warm tingles made themselves known in her belly. Stupid tingles.
“We’re just having fun,” she said, not feeling the fun at that moment.
The other two women exchanged another look, like there was an entire conversation happening at the table that Piper wasn’t privy too.
“It’s okay if it’s more,” Jillian said.
“It’s not. Now, can we talk about something else?” Unable to look at Darcy when asking such a huge favor, Piper closed her eyes. “Like how my permit fell through.”
Darcy’s eyes went as big as saucers. “How?”
“I didn’t meet the timeline and criteria for an emergency permit.”
“I am so sorry, Piper,” Jillian said. “I know how much this meant to you.”
“Thanks. And it does, which is why I’m going to ask the Ladies of Portland to merge their charity event with Urban Soul’s art showcase. But I need to get your support first, Darcy.”
“I think it’s a great idea.”
“Before you say yes, there’s more. I know you said I could use the grassy knoll, but I was hoping”—unable to look her friend, Piper closed her eyes— “to use the observatory.”
“If the LOP agrees, I don’t see why not,” Darcy said. And when she realized Darcy was dead serious, she opened one eye.
“Seriously? Because I can’t pay much.”
“Of course.” Darcy laughed. “Not only will it help a charity that means a lot to you, but you’re my friend.”
Piper swallowed past the emotion building in her throat. “I don’t know want to say and—can you two stop that whole convo through the ether thing you do?”
“Sorry. It’s a mom thing,” Jillian said. “We’ve had to get good at talking without actually talking when the kids are playing.”
“We used to spell things out, but preschool ruined that. And mouthing to each other is a joke. The other night, Gage mouthed, “Lace or silk?” and Kylie turned and asked me what silk was. I told him he was in trouble, and his solution was for me to ditch the panties all together.”
“In my house, the word panty refers to cotton.” Jillian sighed dreamily. “Oh, to have someone to buy lace and silk for.”
Piper felt her face heat. She’d bought some silk and lace just today—and decided to wear them tonight. After that kiss, she had a feeling she’d be showing them off soon.
“How did you get the Ladies of Portland to agree?” Darcy asked, referring to the society group Margo belonged to.
Piper grimaced. “I haven’t.”
“Oh boy. You do know that this event was started thirty years ago by Margo and, up until this year, she’s had full control.”
Piper let her head thunk against the table.
“I told Josh it would be a no go, and he assured me Margo would cave.”
“Josh, huh?” Jillian teased.
