Page 52 of Eleven of a Kind

“I’m fifteen, Dad. I know all there is to know about sex.”

“Have you—”

“No. Mom always told me that when I meet someone and feel like it’s time to take that step, talk to her first. I haven’t met someone yet who is worthy of my virginity.”

I swallowed hard as the uncomfortable feeling inside me rose.

“I’m happy to hear that, sweetheart.” I looked at my watch. “I have to go and pick Piper up. I won’t be late.” I kissed the top of her head. “What are your plans for tonight?”

“I don’t know. Is there a bonfire tonight?”

“It’s Saturday. Of course, there is.” I smiled.

“Maybe I’ll hang out with my cousins. I don’t know.”

“Well, you’re not to leave the beach,” I said as I walked down the stairs, and she followed.

“I know. Have fun with Piper and tell her I said hi.”

“I will. Behave yourself.”

“Dad, stop,” she whined.

CHAPTER19

Gabriel

I stood there speechless when Piper opened the door.

“Hi.” She smiled.

“Hi. You look amazing.”

“Thanks. Come in for a minute while I grab my purse.”

I stepped inside and watched her walk away in her short, cream-colored dress and tall brown boots.

“I’m ready.” She grinned as she placed her purse over her shoulder.

I opened the car door for her, and she climbed inside. Climbing in next to her, I pulled out of the parking lot and drove us to 71Above.

“I love this place. I’ve only been here once,” she said as the hostess seated us.

“Good evening. My name is Roy, and I’ll be your server tonight. What can I get you to drink?”

“I’ll have a cosmopolitan.” Piper politely smiled.

“And for you, sir?”

“Scotch, 17 years, no ice.”

“Very good. I’ll bring those right over.”

“So, tell me about Piper Primrose.” The corners of my mouth curved upward as I picked up my menu.

“What exactly do you want to know?” she asked as she looked over the menu.

“Anything and everything.” I closed my menu and set it down.

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