Page 10 of Great Pretender
She nods and gives me a little smile. “Okay, thanks… maybe I could stay for a few days.”
“Stay for as long as you like. Now, eat up. Indulge in sugar and forget the shit.”
Her smile widens, revealing perfect white teeth. Again, she nods, and I wish I could forget the shit in the same way too.
My stomach is twisted in knots thinking about tomorrow.
I hadn't realized how badly I wanted the team until it dawned on me that I could actually lose the chance to get it.
4
Piper
The aroma of fried bacon, eggs, and something sweet tickles my nose. The delicious scent pulls me from the deep slumber I managed to slip into, and I stir when the smell seems to get closer.
Opening one eye, then the other confirms the proximity of the scent as a shirtless Chad, who’s wearing nothing but a pair of boxers, walks into the room carrying a tray with the most delicious-looking breakfast I’ve seen in a while.
The sight of the food makes my stomach rumble. However, the sight of the man with his tousled black hair, fuller beard, and tatted muscles on show is another thing that makes areas of my body respond in ways I wish they didn't.
As he comes closer, I take in the sharp ridge of muscles lining his abs and the inky dragons embedded in each peak and valley.
I’m fully aware that we are long past the days when we used to have sleepovers and wear pj’s with feet. Okay, that was mostly me. He’s three years older than me, and thirty looks hot on my best friend.
Unlike Chad, who isn’t in the least bit swayed by my female parts, I’m not immune to his good looks or him.
And I should be.
I sit up as guilt sweeps through me. Then I feel worse at the realization that I fell asleep in his bed.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” he cajoles.
“Morning. I get breakfast in bed? Your bed. I’m so sorry. I can’t even remember falling asleep.”
A smile inches across his full lips. “Sugar coma and it could have been the effects of that dash of whiskey I put in your hot chocolate.”
I chuckle, shaking my head at him. The whiskey in my hot chocolate is classic Chad.
“I think it knocked me out.” It did. I actually had the best night’s sleep I’ve had in quite a while, even before I caught Heath cheating.
“Good, and I mean that in the best way. Sometimes a good night’s sleep is what you need. Check out the feast.” He looks over the contents on the tray with a proud smile and lowers it to my lap.
“Thanks so much for doing this for me.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m gonna head out now. Call me if you need me. There’s plenty of food here.”
“Thanks. I’m gonna go to the house later to get the rest of my stuff.”
I’ve decided to check on Dad first then head to the hospital and try to finish my work early enough so I can have most of the evening to get my things.
I’ve been checking on him every other day, like the therapists advised. It’s part of his aftercare program to have support, and it’s important to make him feel like he’s not a burden. He’s never been that to me, and I understand why he fell off the track and lost control. Dad got burned by love twice. Then I got burned by him.
“Are you sure you shouldn’t just take the day for some downtime?”
“Yeah. I’d feel better if I were doing something active toward fixing the situation. And I really don’t want a full day off.” I’ve been in a great routine for the last few weeks, and I’m helping Elodie with the upcoming fundraiser. I’d feel much better if I went to work. If I stay here, all I’ll end up doing is thinking about my problems.
“Alright. I’ll get some movers over to the house to get your things and bring them here.”
“Thanks. There won’t be much to bring over, though.” I frown.
