Page 34 of His Virgin Angel

He kissed her neck.

For Piper it was starting to feel like a fairytale. “You make me forget everything. My mom, the past, the future. All I see is you.”

“It’s all you need to see. I’ll protect you, and keep you safe. Don’t think about your mom. She only reminds you of the bad, and I don’t want that for you.”

She rested her head against his shoulder feeling like the luckiest woman in the whole world.

He took her to a local park. He spread the blanket out on the ground and presented her with a beautiful, romantic picnic. To her, it was perfection.

“I figured after a long day slaving away, the last thing you want to do is sit in a restaurant.”

“You’ve got that right.”

“So, I brought the restaurant outside so we can look at the stars.”

“It’s perfect.”

“Good. I always aim to please, and I can guarantee that tonight will be exactly how I want it to be.” He poured out some fresh juice. “First, let me propose a toast. To new beginnings, and the start of something new.”

She clinked her glass to his, taking a sip of the fruity liquid. “That’s good.”

“I know you don’t like alcohol.”

“You remember so much. I always feel like I’m out of the loop.”

“Never. I’ve been paying attention.”

“I know you like your coffee black with three sugars. No other sweetener, it has to be sugar.”

He nodded. “What else?”

“You love your steak medium rare, your potatoes nice and crisp. You love classic music more than pop. You’ll cope with country but not too much.”

“I’m impressed.”

“It’s not a lot. I don’t know what you actually do. I know you have a lot of investment in local businesses.”

“Including the restaurant.”

“Exquisite?”

“Yep. I’m a silent partner. Mark needed some help.”

“Wow, I never knew that. You must think I’m so stupid.”

“Not at all. I don’t expect you to know everything.” He offered her a red pepper crostini, and she took a bite, moaning at the flavors on her tongue.

“I love that.”

Jack finished it off, taking a bite himself. “Perfect.”

They ate the food, drank some juice, and she was charmed by the fact he didn’t seem to mind she didn’t drink alcohol.

All too soon the food was gone, and they were heading back to Drake, who was reading a book.

“I’m going home?”

“Yes, and I’m coming with you. We’re not going to do anything. You’re not ready, and I’m not going to rush you.”

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