Page 55 of Eleven of a Kind

“Just a thing.”

“You can tell me, Piper. I promise I won’t judge.”

“It’s just a thing. I don’t really know. I’m not a relationship type of girl. I prefer casual dating, and he wanted more. I’m going to presume you’re the same way since Riley told me you’re a man-whore.” A sly smile crossed my lips.

“She told me she told you that. I am not a man-whore, but you are correct. I prefer casual dating with no strings attached.”

“Looks like we have something in common.” I picked up my empty glass and looked at it. “Where’s Roy?”

“I have an idea. Forget another cosmopolitan, and let's go back to my house. It’s a Saturday night, and my family does a bonfire on the beach. We gather around, drink, play music, and have a good time.”

“Sounds fun.” I smiled.

“It is. We can spend some time there, and then I’ll drive you home.” He held up his finger to get Roy’s attention, who was standing by a table not too far from us.

After he paid the bill, we climbed into his car and headed to his house. I stared at the two-story, beautifully landscaped home when he pulled into the driveway.

“Wow. This is your house?” I asked as I glanced at him.

“Yeah.” He smiled. “Wait until you see the inside.”

He walked around, opened the car door for me, and helped me out—the feel of my hand in his sent shivers down my spine.

“Is Riley home?” I asked as he opened the door.

“I’m not sure. We’ll find out.”

“You don’t know where your fifteen-year-old daughter is?” I arched my brow.

“If she’s not here, she’s down at the beach with my family. She knows she’s not allowed to leave.”

His home was stunning. It was an open-plan concept with gray walls, white moldings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with a panoramic view of the ocean.

“Damn. This view is amazing. Oh, you have a pool?” I smiled.

“Feel free to use it any time you want.” A grin crossed his handsome face.

“I just might take you up on that, Dr. Kind.”

“I’ll be right back. I’m going to see if Riley is in her room.”

“Okay. I’ll just be here staring at this spectacular view.”

“She’s not up there. She must be down at the beach,” he said as he walked into the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and grabbed two beers.

“Beer or wine? Or I can make you a drink.”

“Beer is fine.” I smiled.

He handed me the bottle and opened the sliding door. I could hear the laughter and music down the beach.

“It sounds like one big party down there,” I said.

“It’s always a party when we’re together. Come on.”

We walked down to where his family was gathered, and everyone stopped talking and stared at us.

“Dad?” Riley walked over. “Hey, Piper.” She hugged me.

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