Page 65 of Definitely (Maybe) Dating
“I know what it’s like to be angry at the world. Your mom isn’t the only one who can be judgy and harsh. I don’t dislike her, Josh.” She met his gaze, hers soft with understanding. “In fact, I respect her. The way she is with you and your brothers kind of makes me like her.”
He chuckled. “Kind of?”
She studied the dish water. “My mom never protected me the way your mom protects you.”
Piper was such a caring person it hurt his gut that she hadn’t been cared for the way she deserved. It also made her all the more impressive. Josh was the man he was because of his dad. Piper had achieved everything she had and who she was all by herself.
“What would your mother have done?”
She looked up at him through her lashes. “Depends on the guy she was with.”
His heart broke for the girl she’d been, and his protective instincts wanted to hold and soothe the woman she was.
“Thanks for being here with me today,” she said.
“I don’t know if it helped.” It better have helped. If he found out his mom voted against the idea because of his relationship with Piper, there’d be words. Lots and lots of frustrated words.
“It helped me,” she admitted, and before he could answer, she moved away to finish the dishes. “You showed up, and that means a lot to me.”
“I’ll always show up,” he said, and she went silent.
He could have said more, but he gave her the out. Like he had the other night when, after a long and steamy night under tangled sheets, she’d all but kicked him out. Then gone radio silent, not even calling him about today. Best guess? She got scared. Hell, he’d left a little shaken. A relationship was the last thing he needed right now. With all the moving pieces clogging his life, his overall plan, it didn’t leave room for much else. Coming today hadn’t been a mistake, but it cost him a meeting with a potential donor. And if he wasn’t careful, it could cost him the election.
If he wanted to help people at the same level as Piper, then he needed to keep his eye on the target. But the minute he walked in, watched every emotion cross her face, all thought of his schedule faded.
Her expression started with surprise and quickly morphed into relief with a touch of gratitude thrown in. He’d been hoping for something a little closer to affection, but when she’d gripped his hand under the table, holding on to him as if there were no one else she’d rather have by her side, it made him both smile and ache.
“They’re going to say yes.”
“Then why can’t they tell me today? I keep telling myself that if they understood what I was saying, they’d come to a decision, vote to take a chance on me.”
Take a chance,as if believing in her was a risk. “You were amazing today.”
“But was I amazing enough?” She handed him a plate. “I mean, it’s a simple yes or no.”
“When it comes to my mom, nothing is simple.” Again he moved behind her, setting down the rag to hold her in his arms. “Believe in your work. I do.”
She looked at him over her shoulder, and he got that same punch to the gut he always did when touching her. He’d like to think she felt it too, but she kept her feelings locked up tight. “How did you know it was my work?”
He kissed her nose. “Cinderella’s a Lie. You took the photo.”
“But there were a handful of photographers represented in there.”
“Didn’t matter. I saw you the second you flicked to Rebecca’s slide,” he said. “The photo was strong, bold, edgy, and feminine. It was you.”
She turned in his arms, staring at him as if what he’d said didn’t compute. “That’s how you see me?”
“That’s just one layer,” he admitted. “I want to see all the layers, Boots. But you’ve got to let me in first.”
“I don’t know how,” she admitted softly.
“Maybe start with knowing I’ll show up for you when you need me.”
“I don’t do need so well. And trust?” She shook her head, loose strands of chocolate brown hair escaping its confines and falling around her shoulders. “That’s something I don’t think I’m capable of.”
From what he’d learned about her past, he didn’t blame her. “Then know that I am. I always come through for the people in my life.”
He could see the cautious disbelief in her eyes. “I’m in your life?”
