Page 30 of Beast

“Into each other?”I raised one brow.“We’re fond of each other, if that’s what you mean.”

Jewel shook her head and looked at Piper.“You can be fond of a cat.We want to know if you and Dad are more than just friends.”

“Are you okay with it if we’re more than friends?”Piper asked.

Both girls nodded enthusiastically.“Definitely.It would be so great if Dad had someone to concentrate on other than us.”

“You mean you think you could get away with more?”I tried to look stern.

Piper frowned at me before turning her attention back to the girls.“Good to hear.We’re exploring things right now.”

“Dad’s a good guy.”Jewel’s expression sobered.“He gave up a lot for us.He deserves someone to make him happy.”

Her sister nodded.“He does.”

My heart melted.“You two are worth everything to me.You give me so much more than you think I gave up.I can’t imagine life without you to keep me on my toes.”

Jasmine turned her head at a sound in the background.“That’s Mom calling us.We have to go.”

“Just finishing up, Mom.Be right there,” Jewel yelled at her mother, before turning back to wave at the screen.“Have fun, you two!”

“Have a great trip and send lots of pictures.”Piper waved back.

“We will.Look after Dad for us, Piper.”They blew kisses at the screen before the picture winked out.

I turned the screen off and slid the phone back in my pocket.“I think we can safely say they’re okay with you and I being together.”

Piper nodded.“They’re great kids.You’ve done an amazing job raising them.”

“Thanks.They are my world.”I glanced outside.“We should probably get moving.”I stood up and tossed a few bills on the table to cover our meal.I knew if I tried to pay for it, Ruth would get on her high horse and talk about friends and all that shit.Friendship didn’t pay the bills, and I wasn’t short on cash.This way, it saved her pride and my dignity.Henry?He was smart enough to stay out of it if Ruth got to arguing.

It was early afternoon.We still had lots of daylight left, and I was in no hurry for the ride to end.I took it easy, puttering along so slowly you could actually read the road signs.For a short time, we could forget about Drake and hit men and the rest of the world.It was just Piper and me and the open road.

Biker heaven.

Ruth had packed a snack for us to take, and we stopped at one of those roadside picnic areas to stretch our legs and sample it.Damn woman sure liked to feed people.No wonder Henry now sported a sizable beer belly, despite the fact he didn’t drink.

Piper glanced up at the sky.It wasn’t as bright as it had been earlier.Dark clouds had started to gather to the east.“You think it’s going to storm?”

I considered it.“Maybe, but we should be safely at our destination by then.The clouds aren’t moving very fast.”

She nodded, her attention turning back to the food.“These scones are amazing.You don’t suppose she’d be willing to share the recipe, do you?”

“You want a recipe?I’ve never seen you go near a kitchen, much less show any interest in cooking.”

“I can cook.Just haven’t had the chance lately.Cross-country bike rides, and then a concert tour?Doesn’t leave much time for domestic stuff.I’ll have you know people rave about my fried chicken.”

What were the chances she’d know that was my favorite food?“You’ll have to prove that to me the next time we’re near a kitchen for more than half an hour.”

She laughed.“You just want a free meal.”

I tried to look hurt.“Not me.I can resist liver and onions until the end of time, free or not.Can’t resist a meal that has grease dripping from it, though.”

Piper shook her head.“And here I thought the way to your heart was through your pants.Turns out it’s your stomach.”

“Oh, the pants thing works too,” I assured her.“Combine them and I will be your fucking slave for life.”

Piper rolled her eyes.“You are incorrigible!”

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