Page 13 of His Big Pipe

She’s right. I need to get myself under control. But it’s these feelings I need to tamp down. Because Talia doesn’t want me. She might think she does. But I know who I am. I’m a hermit. A grump who likes his peace and quiet. I’d just dim her light.

As everyone digs in, the conversation turns to the Inn. Gavin’s wife, Kat, feeds him a dumpling, then turns to Talia. “So, how’s the renovation going?”

Talia takes a deep breath, her expression turning serious. “Honestly, it’s been a lot tougher than I expected. There’s so much to fix—leaky roofs, faulty wiring, not to mention the plumbing. Sully’s been a lifesaver with that.”

All eyes turn to me for a moment, but I just nod, keeping my focus on my plate.

Talia continues, “There’s a lot of projects I can’t handle on my own. It’s going to take time for me to be able to get the Inn as I’d like it. But at least now I can have guests, thanks to Sully.”

Eyes are back on me, and it’s killing me. “She’s a hell of a cook,” I finally say, my voice gruff. “You’re lucky to have her feeding you tonight.”

Everyone laughs and nods in agreement, showering Talia with more praise. She smiles, but there’s a hint of vulnerability in her eyes that tugs at something deep inside me.

“Seriously, this food is incredible,” Paige says, her eyes wide. “I can’t remember the last time I had Chinese food this good. And I appreciate you making some vegetarian dishes for me and Maddie.”

“Of course, I love finding new ways to make a recipe work for those with special diets and preferences.”

“Well, you’ve outdone yourself,” Logan says, resting a palm on his gut.

“Sully helped,” Talia offers. “He’s actually pretty good at making dumplings.”

Dash chuckles and slaps me on the shoulder. “And I’ve never seen him use chopsticks with such skill. Who knew you had so many talents, Sully?”

I roll my eyes at him and he gives me a wink.

As my friends chat around me, I find myself stealing glances at Talia, marveling at how effortlessly she fits in with this group. It’s as if she’s always been a part of it, and the thought fills me with a strange sense of contentment.

But beneath it all, she’s still so different from me. I could never be good enough for her.

“How about a game?” Willa says, after we’ve finished dinner, and are seated around the main living room. “Trivial Pursuit, anyone?

I raise an eyebrow, feeling a flicker of interest. “You know I can’t say no to that, Willa. It’s my favorite.” I throw a look at her husband, Dash, who I guarantee put her up to it.

Talia’s eyes light up. “That’s a wonderful idea!”

There’s a round of enthusiastic agreements, and soon enough, we’re all gathered around the coffee table with the game board spread out. Talia sits next to me, our shoulders brushing. I try to ignore the heat that spreads through me at the simple contact.

“Alright, teams?” Gavin suggests, waggling his eyebrows at his wife.

“Couples,” Talia says with a grin. “And since Sully and I are the odd ones out, we’ll pair up.”

There are playful groans and teasing comments, but everyone seems to agree. Talia and I exchange a competitive look, and I feel a surge of determination.

The game starts off with a question about ancient history, and Talia answers it with ease, her knowledge impressive.

As the game progresses, we fall into an easy rhythm. Talia’s extroverted energy balances out my more reserved nature, and we complement each other perfectly.

“Stop showing off, you two. You’re making the rest of us look bad,” Nick teases, when we get another colored pie piece added to our wheel.

“Talia’s got to be a ringer,” Reece adds, with a smirk. “This is one big ruse that Sully orchestrated to get us back for all those poker nights we cleaned him out.”

I chuckle and stroke my jaw in thought. “Not a bad scheme.

Talia laughs, a sound that’s quickly becoming one of my favorites. Our eyes meet and for once I’m able to hold her gaze, captivated by her sweet smile.

By the time we reach the final round, it’s clear that Talia and I are the team to beat. The last question falls to us, and it’s a tough one about classical literature. I rack my brain, but it’s Talia who comes through, her eyes lighting up with recognition.

“It’s Jane Austen,” she says confidently, and I nod, trusting her judgment.

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