Page 35 of Captivated

“Infamous? You’ve been talking about me?” Piper teases as Cooper subtly laughs.

“Oh yeah, he’s talked about you. All good things, though.”

“Hey, man. If you wanna keep that best friend card, you’d better watch what you say.”

Cooper strides up closer to the tire to inspect the damage. “Fuck, that tire’s done. Call AAA to come get the truck and I can give you guys a lift back into town, man.”

“This fucking sucks. I had reservations at The Melting Pot.”

“Oh, that sounds interesting,” Piper interjects and then quickly sees the frustration on my face. “But hey, we can go another time. It’s okay, Cash, truly.” She’s trying to comfort me, but beneath the calm exterior I’m fighting to portray, I’m furious about our circumstances. Fighting every natural need I have to punch something right now, the least I can do is take a deep breath and be grateful that Piper is being so easy-going about the shitty situation we’ve found ourselves in. “I’ll make it up to you, I promise,” I state before reaching into my pocket and fetching my phone, dialing the number for AAA to come get my truck as I walk away from her, seething from my anger.

Once I’ve cooled down and rejoined Cooper and Piper next to my truck, we all make small talk until about fifteen minutes later when the tow truck arrives, the driver working quickly to get my car loaded and secured on the ramp. “I’ll take her to JJ’s Garage back in town. He’ll call you in the morning when it’s all ready to go.”

“Thanks,” I reach to shake the driver’s hand, then turn back to Piper, who has been waiting patiently the whole time. “You’re probably starving by now, huh? I’m so fucking sorry, Piper. Tonight was not supposed to go like this. You gave me a chance here, and I’m fucking blowing it.”

With a slight tip of her lips, her hand reaches for mine. “This isn’t your fault, Cash. This is just a little bump in the road,” she consoles me as her stomach growls and we both laugh. “Apparently, I could eat though. But listen, it doesn’t have to be fancy. I’m good with just a burger and fries, honestly.”

“Then I know just the place.” I lead her to Cooper’s cruiser, where we sit side by side in the backseat behind the metal barricade.

“Sure is weird being on this side of the cage,” I jokingly mumble as we drive back to Emerson Falls.

Cooper and Piper both laugh at me. “I bet. But hey, at least you have decent company,” Piper winks at me and instantly puts a smile on my face.

Leaning closer to her ear, I whisper in a low growl. “I feel like I’m back in high school, trying to sneak touches with a girl in the back seat while Birdie drove us somewhere.” Nuzzling her neck with my nose while inhaling her scent, my body reacts to her perfume that’s driving me wild. It’s fruity with just a hint of spice—sweet and hot, just like her. Seeking her hands, I lace our fingers together and then bring my other palm up to gently caress the smooth skin of her neck and jaw. Piper’s eyes flutter shut, her breathing heavy as I touch her, making blood rush south as I take in the reaction she has to me. “Even though this wasn’t part of the plan, being trapped back here with you gives me the perfect excuse to get closer to you while you can’t run away.”

“You’d better behave yourself then, Cash, especially since you’re already in the back of a cop car. Just because I can’t run away, doesn’t mean I won’t elbow you in the junk.”

I can’t help the deep rumble of my laugh that escapes my lips before pressing a light kiss to her cheek. The situation could definitely be shittier, but she’s right. At least she’s still by my side and keeping her elbows to herself, a detail I’m quickly becomingveryfond of.

Chapter 14

Piper

I can’t help it, but part of me is loving the fact that Cash’s date hasn’t gone according to his plan. I mean, a blown tire in the middle of a date where you’re trying to impress the girl remarkably? Priceless. Now the question is, will he let this ruin the night? Or will he prove that he can move past this little snafu?

But seriously, I didn’t need a fancy dinner, even though once Cash explained the dining experience we were missing out on, I was a little disappointed. But hey, maybe he’ll still blow me away tonight and we’ll get a chance for another date. Oh, who am I kidding? I know I’ll want to see him again. One night won’t be enough—everything in my body tells me I’ll need more of him.

“I can’t believe I haven’t been here yet,” I declare as I pop one of the freshly cut potato wedge fries in my mouth, smothered in ketchup.

“Would you like some fries with your ketchup?” Cash eyes me from across the booth, judging my affliction for the best condiment to grace the table.

“Uh, yes, actually. I’m sorry, but I have a strong love affair with ketchup. If you want to date me, you’re going to have to accept that you will always come second to it.”

Cash snorts. “Wow. Okay, noted. Don’t come between you and ketchup.”

“Yup. And if you want to see me break out into a full-fledged panic attack, all I have to know is that I don’t have any in my fridge or it’s almost gone.”

Cash stares blankly at me from across the table, his drink frozen in his movement to his mouth. “Wow.”

I shrug. “Hey, I’m just being honest.”

“Honesty is good.”

“Isn’t there some food that you have an unhealthy obsession with?” I ask, reaching for my drink.

“Cheez Its,” he answers.

His answer takes me by surprise. “Cheez Its?”

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