Page 52 of Whiskey & Honey

“Sounds good,” he says without ever taking his eyes from the paper.

“By the way, I’d like to have you all out to the place before the weather turns. Maybe next weekend?”

That seems to get his attention because he turns to me. “We’d really like that. Next weekend sounds good. But, let’s hold off telling the ladies. They may have you regretting the invitation by the end of the week.”

I laugh and shake my head. Again, my dad is a wise man.

It takes less than a minute for me to strip out of my clothes and land on my bed. Pulling my comforter up to my waist, I throw my arm over my head and suddenly this bed seems very empty. How did one night with Piper make falling asleep a different experience?

I’m jarred from a string of Piper-themed dreams by the sound of incessant knocking at my door. Okay, Piper’s boobs-themed dreams. I might be the nice guy, the perfect gentleman, but I’m a man, too.

Groaning, I hope if I ignore them they’ll go away. They do not. I know it’s Ashton by the whiney sound of my name being bellowed.

“What?!”

“Are you decent? Can I come in?”

I pull the covers up a little more and reluctantly admit her entrance.

“Hey, brother of mine. Eww why does it smell like boy feet in here?”

“Well, perhaps because I’m a guy and have feet? It doesn’t smell bad.”

“Whatever.” The typical eye roll follows her response. “Anyway, I have the night off since I was stuck at The Road last night until what was closer to today than yesterday and want to do something so take me to your new man palace so I can see it.”

“Whoa there, that was one heck of a sentence.”

“Shut it. Get up!”

“How much coffee have you had?”

“What is with everyone’s concern about my caffeine intake? I actually haven’t had any! I just slept like eight hours is all. I’m recharged and ready to do something. Piper is claiming a migraine but I don’t buy it, I think she’s hungover. Besides I need to know who you met last night that kept you out later than me.”

Her last statement catches my attention and, unfortunately for me, my reaction doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Ah, so there was someone. You can tell me in the truck! Get up, lazy ass!”

Before I can offer a retort, she’s gone and yelling to our mother that we won’t be home for dinner. I reach to my nightstand and grab my phone. Hoping for a text from Piper, I am disappointed when there is only one from Jameson. I guess his friend from last night is turning into a two-day friend.

Jameson: So this Sasha is pretty cool. We’re going to hang out again tonight. Want to grab a run and breakfast tomorrow?

Me: Oh a 2 nighter. Serious business. A run is good but not before 9.

Jameson: Fuck you. I don’t do serious. 9 at the trails.

I respond with a thumbs up and contemplate what to say to Piper. I want to see her and spend time with her but I am also a little worried about scaring her off. She’s like a timid cat at this point and the wrong move could send me right back to the real friend zone. I actually want to hear her voice but again there’s that skittish cat thing.

Me: Are you around?

If feels like an eternity, but is really only seconds, before my phone signals a response.

Piper: Yepper.

Yepper? Instead of responding I hit the phone icon. I’m almost worried she’s sending me to voicemail before she picks up.

“Hello?”

“Hey, baby.”

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