Page 16 of Worth the Risk

I motion to Drew that I’ll be right back in a minute or two and quickly head in the direction of the hall.

“No, it’s okay. My son is getting married today, and we’re just waiting for the big event.”

“Oh, not a good time then—”

I cut in. “It’s perfect timing, actually.” I lean against the wall and focus on the sound of her voice and breath. A long exhale escapes me. “In truth, I could use a calming voice or more specifically the sound ofyourvoice right about now.”

“Why is that?” I can hear her smile.

“Being the father of the groom is a bit more daunting than I thought.”

“I can only imagine.”

“The bride’s family I think have already used all the tissues in a five-mile radius, and I think I may be looking for one too,” I admit.

She laughs. “Aw, you’re a big softy.”

“Whoa, I’m not saying that. It just seems like the bachelor party I arranged was a piece of cake compared to today.” I adjust the phone against my ear.

She chortles a laugh. “I’ve never heard of the dad arranging a bachelor party.”

I shrug a shoulder. “We have a different dynamic, Drew and me. I wanted to. His friends are the bride’s brothers, so whoever arranged the party, it was going to be awkward. Besides, get your dirty mind out of the gutter, Piper. I kept it completely innocent with only one stripper instead of two.” I’m joking about the last part, and I know by the sound of her laugh that she gets my sense of humor.

“You are something, Hudson Arrows.” My name dances off her tongue, and it will keep me smiling for the next few minutes.

“Something good or something bad?”

It sounds like she is walking slowly. I can envision her playing with a plant or the pencils that she uses to design that lingerie of hers that I loved touching and peeling off with my teeth.

“As we now know, I know nothing about sports other than your coaching outfit from this one article I read looks kind of cozy, and the photos I’ve seen of you with models were not exactly encouraging, but you seem to have been flying solo for the last year, and I kind of have a problem…”

“Oh?” Something about her tone doesn’t have me worried.

A sound escapes her lips. “The thing is, there is this guy who made this crazy offer, and it hasn’t really left my mind. I can’t even focus on work. But other than the lines of his body or the arrow tattooed on his skin, I think I should know more about him. He wants me to go up to his lake house, and he could be a crazy murderer for all I know.”

Now I have to grin. “Something tells me that you had that theory once, then had an amazing night and still came out alive.”

“I did, and as much as it was fun, I’m not sure sliding directly back into bed with you is smart. Besides the obvious complication, which is also a saving grace, because if April trusts you then I do, but I need to know more about you.”

I think for a moment. “I still need to unravel all your secrets, Piper Dapper. I took a page from your book and looked online. You hide behind a cartoon vector as your profile pic and only post about fabrics and coffee on social media. I’m way too curious about you. You’re different, and you have me laying my cards on the table. And as much as I would say my bed is your bed, I have guest rooms. It would be your choice if you use one or not.”

She giggles. She actually giggles at what I thought was a gentlemanly offer.

“You’re not giving me many reasons to run away, and I need to focus again. Your offer of visiting your lake house…” She’s keeping me in suspense. “Will you send me the address?” It’s her confirmation.

I’m thankful she can’t see my confident smirk of satisfaction because I’ve been hoping for this.

“Yeah. I’ll be there from tomorrow morning.”

“Then I will see you sometime in the afternoon and maybe stay for a few days if, well… if it feels right.”

I scoff a sound.If it feels right. She knows that answer. “Good… this was already going to be a great day, but it just got better.”

We both hold on for a moment, just listening to our silence.

“I’m going to run so you can get back to your special day.”

“Thanks. And Piper… why did you wait a week to call?” I propel myself off the wall to head back into Drew’s groom suite.

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