Page 11 of Below the Surface

“Sounds like exactly what you need.”

Yeah. It does.

“How did you discover this place?” I ask Piper.

“Dr. Davidson’s brother-in-law opened it last year.”

“I seriously think this is the best Mexican food I’ve ever had.”

Piper beams. “I hoped you’d like it.”

“The food is amazing. The company is even better,” I tell her. I could be wrong, but I think I see the hint of a blush to her cheeks.

“I feel the same way,” Piper says. She takes a deep breath and exhales slowly. “So? What’s new at work?”

“Nothing,” I reply.

“Nothing? Cam, you have an amazing portfolio of clients.”

True. I do. “Sometimes, Piper, it gets old. I loved building the business. It was a constant challenge. I don’t know. Lately, I feel like I need to stretch a little. Maybe look into something new.”

“Do you mean like investing in a new company?”

“I’veinvestedin plenty of companies,” I tell her. “Financially. I don’t know what I want to do. There’s always interest in my company—people who want to acquire it or who are determined to convince me to accept a merger.”

“But?”

“My team is like family. I worry about them. Speaking of my team.”

Piper lifts her brow.

“Sheila was singing your praises earlier.”

“Well, now that’s an accomplishment.”

“What do you mean?” I ask.

“I managed to get your assistant singing my praises before her boss.”

I stare at her. Piper winks, and I laugh. “You know what they say about songwriting, Piper.”

“No.”

“The best melodies require collaboration.”

It’s Piper’s turn to stare at me. It only takes a second before her laughter fills the restaurant.

“Do you know what I think, Cam?”

“No. What do you think, Piper?”

Piper leans in close. "I think it’s time to pay the bill so we can move to the dessert portion of our evening.”

My heart races as I contemplate her plans for us. Our relationship has been a slow burn, filled with playful banter over texts and late-night conversations, sneaking kisses and snuggles. But tonight will be different—we both know it. Every moment we spend together makes it harder to leave without feeling her touch or holding her close. I have already opened up to Piper in ways I never thought possible. I sip my sangria, trying to quell the excitement bubbling inside me. She grins knowingly, her eyes shining mischievously, tempting me to push aside my drink and call for the check. Piper beats me to the punch.

"Check, please," she tells our waitress.

I guess it's time for dessert.

---