Page 18 of Black Roses

I nod. “Yeah, me, too. But it happened more than a few times. It’s why she won’t come back. Some of the guys were famous. She didn’t ever want to risk seeing them or her mom, even on television. It’s easy enough to avoid American T.V. over there.”

“So you went with Charlie and have been traveling with her ever since?” he asks.

“She’s my best friend,” I respond, twisting my bracelet as my fingers often do when I’m nervous. “It’s what we do for each other.”

“You’re one hell of a friend, Piper.” He relaxes a bit, seemingly mollified that I’m not in any danger. His eyes shift to the anxious activity of my hands. “Is that who gave you the bracelet?”

“Mmm hmm.” I move my left hand, putting it down on the booth next to me and away from his prying eyes. “Hey, if you’re done with the interrogation, can I go now? I have a shift at the restaurant.”

He stands up, but doesn’t move out of the way. “Which restaurant?” he asks, waiting for me to answer before letting me out of the booth.

“Skylar’s. It’s where they need the most help.”

Mason purses his lips. He looks pissed. Then he lets me by. I start to walk away, but his voice pulls me back. “Speaking of Skylar. She was supposed to accompany me to a Giants charity function next weekend, but she bailed on me. Griffin has some epic photo shoot he wants her to tag along on. Can you help a guy out and go with me?”

I look at him like he’s grown another head. “I don’t date, Mason. And last I heard, neither do you.”

“That’s exactly why I need someone with me, you know, to keep the airheads away. Come on, Princess, it’ll be very low key.”

I sneer at him. “I thought we agreed you weren’t going to call me that anymore.”

He laughs. “I remember no such agreement. But I tell you what, if you go with me, I promise to use only your proper given name.”

I can’t believe I’m actually considering this. A date with Mason.

No, not a date. If Skylar was going with him first, it’s definitely not a date.

Because he doesn’t date.

And I don’t date.

Ever.

“What’s the charity?” I ask, trying to prolong my need to answer.

“I believe the proceeds will help fund adoptions for couples who can’t afford it.”

My heart pounds in my chest. I close my eyes and expand my lungs with a needed breath.

“Fine,” I say, walking out through the front doors of the gym, wondering what I’ve just gotten myself into.

chapter eight

mason

I pull up to the curb, double parking for a minute while I exit the car to go get her. When I close my door I have to hold onto the car for balance. There she is, waiting at the top of the porch stairs at Griffin’s townhouse. I stare at her while she fumbles with something in her purse. It’s not warm outside on this April evening, yet my palms instantly become sweaty and my breathing ragged.

On my two hands, I can count the times I’ve seen her. She’s always been pretty in her workout gear or bold shirts with belled sleeves paired with jeans. But this Piper—she takes my fucking breath away.

Her dress is pale blue, not a color I’d ever predict she’d wear. If I had to guess, I’d say the dress was borrowed—picked by one of her sisters, perhaps specifically to match the color of my eyes. It doesn’t cling to her every curve. No, this dress is much worse than that. This dress keeps you guessing at what’s underneath. The hem falls slightly above her knees, showing off her shapely calves, and the bust is just snug enough to reveal her modest cleavage. It’s enticing without being solicitous. It’s not her at all and I try to stifle a laugh as I watch the way she shifts around uncomfortably in the high heels she’s wearing.

I know for a fact she’ll be talked about at the benefit. She’ll stand out like a sore thumb. Not for the obvious reasons one might think, but because she’s so unlike most of the narcissistic women who will be there. It’s like she has a timeless beauty, young yet sophisticated and worldly at the same time, much as I might classify someone like Audrey Hepburn or Jackie Onassis.

I hope my attempt at getting to spend time with her doesn’t backfire on me. For a moment, I consider not attending; begging her to let me sweep her away to a secluded restaurant where I can get to know her better. Someplace where I know she might be more comfortable than a place fans or paparazzi might prey on our every move. If I know anything about Piper Mitchell, I know this—she doesn’t like attention. I’m not sure what I was thinking inviting her to this. I told her it was no big deal. But the truth is, it’s a Giants benefit and even as low-profile as this one is, it’ll still garner some press and unwanted attention.

She spots me as I walk across the sidewalk. Then she grabs the rail to help her navigate the stairs. I take two at a time in an attempt to reach her before those heels have her tumbling down to the unforgiving pavement below. I reach out for her, but am stopped by her biting words.

“I can manage a few steps, Mason. This isn’t a date, remember?”

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