Hyde and Seek
Page 22
It totally kicked ass.
Which was why it was unfortunate that he’d pissed me off.
“I’m not talking to you.”
“Why?”
“You know what you did,” I huffed.
“It’s your birthday dinner, we gotta celebrate.”
“It’s not even my birthday yet. I thought we were going out to dinner tomorrow?”
“We are.” He smiled wide. “This is a pre-birthday dinner.”
“So you lied to make people sing to me.”
“All I did was mention it was your birthday, which it basically is. Don’t control how the restaurant operates, Piper.”
“They put a candle in my baked potato. That poor candle was probably looking forward to one day being in a delicious cake. Instead, it ended up in a spud.”
“Sweets,” Jake said through his laughter. Putting his forearms on the table, he leaned closer. “Tattoo?”
“What about it?”
“What’s the deal?”
“Just a tattoo I liked.”
“Liar.”
I shrugged.
He was right, there was a lot more to my tattoo. I’d always wanted all of my ink to have meaning. Sometimes, though, the meaning conveyed more about me than I was comfortable sharing.
“It’s interestin’, a heart and an anarchy symbol intertwined. Why?”
Drop the walls, Piper.
Inhaling deeply, I avoided his eyes as I focused on cutting my steak. “Love’s anarchy. There are no rules, no rhyme or reason. You can’t control it. You can fight to keep it and lose. Or fight to keep it away and lose. Or win, depending. Love’s chaos. It’s mayhem.”
Jake’s lip quirked up.
“So, yup, that’s it.”
“When’d you get it?”
“On my eighteenth birthday.”
“Most chicks get a butterfly or some Chinese symbol that they think means ‘peace and love’ but really means ‘parkin’ in the rear’. Why’d you pick that?”
“My mom grew up on the wrong side of town. Her parents weren’t shining members of society and she suffered the consequences. When she was old enough to realize how that life was, she swore she’d have better. And eventually she did. But before that happened, she hooked up with my dad. Nine months later, I was born.”
“Were they married?”
“Nope. He wanted to marry her, but she always turned him down. Eventually, he stopped even bringing it up. And when I was seven, he left her.”
“He left?”
“Yeah. It was heartbreakingly romantic.” At Jake’s inquisitive and sexy as hell eyebrow raise, I elaborated. “She wanted more. Dad is fantastic. I can’t wait for you to meet him when he comes up next month. But, as kickass as he is, he wasn’t the image in her head. She loved him but not the way either of them deserved. Though she would’ve stayed, he told her he couldn’t be selfish and let her settle.”
“Is she happier now?”
“She’s with Thomas. She loves him in her own way, which is pretty much the opposite of how she loved my dad. There’s no worrying about the bills or people looking down on her. But there’s no passion.”
“What about your dad?”
“That’s the funny thing. My dad’s loaded. He lives out in California, shacked up with his longtime girlfriend, Natalie. He owns a bar that’s insanely popular since he’s a skilled chef. Even in a biker bar, his stuff is gourmet.”
“So, if your mom would’ve waited…”
I shook my head. “I don’t think it would have worked out the same way. Years ago, Dad took off on a cross-country bike trip. He stopped in a town in California that he said felt like home. So he moved and opened the bar. He wouldn’t have taken the trip, made the move, or followed his dream if he and my mom were together.”
“Him movin’ must’ve sucked for you.”
“They knew I’d have more stability here. It was hard, but it made the times I visited him better. I still saw him a ton. Once the bar was up and running, he flew out for everything. Graduation, prom, stuff like that. Even little things. Like when I did a few baking competitions, he’d come watch. They weren’t any of the major ones, but he was always there, cheering me on like I was in the Olympics.”
As I spoke, I saw an expression I couldn’t figure out cross Jake’s face. Before I could ask about it, he continued, stating, “So it worked out.”
“Yeah. Mom and Dad might’ve lasted a while longer, but I think they still would’ve split eventually. And by then they may have missed out on Thomas and Nat. Timing can change your life like that.”
“Don’t I fuckin’ know it.”
“How so?”
Jake’s gaze heated as he looked at me. “Wasn’t supposed to work but had shit to do.”
My brows lowered in confusion. “What?”
“Planned on just stayin’ in the office but couldn’t find some papers. Went out to the lobby and saw this woman. Fuckin’ gorgeous. Fuckin’ classy. Fuckin’ perfect. If I’d stuck with the plan? Even an hour later, and my life would be completely different.”
That he felt that and told me? I didn’t just love it.
I freakin’ loved it.
I closed my eyes and let the warmth seep in. Opening them, I reached across the table and grabbed his hand. My lips tipped up. “Glad something awesome came out of your crappy organization system.”
“And thank fuck for that. Excited about tomorrow?”
“Eh. It’s just a day. Birthdays have never really been a big thing for me.”
“But tomorrow you’ll be twenty-one. You gonna wanna be with me now that you won’t need me to get you booze?”
“Are you gonna wanna be with me now that I’ll be so old?” I shot back.
“Oh, good point.” Jake made an exaggerated thoughtful face as he stroked his jaw.
I threw the rest of my dinner roll at him, laughing as he caught it easily and popped it into his mouth. “You know I’m crazy about you, right?”
“Makes me the luckiest man in the fuckin’ world. Do you wanna do anythin’ tonight?”
“Today was insanely long. I kinda just wanna chill. Are you cool with going home and watching a movie?”
“Let’s go.” Jake stood and dropped cash on the table before guiding me to his bike.
*******
“Couch or bedroom?” Jake asked as he punched in the code for his security system.
“Bedroom.”
“Okay. Pick a movie. I’m gonna grab a shower real quick, yeah?”
I started browsing through his collection, pulling some DVDs out to look at the descriptions on the backs. As I went to return one, I noticed a few other movies hidden behind the rest. I pulled out his small stash of porn and looked them over.
Good to know my man likes it wild but not too crazy. I like kink, but it would’ve seriously sucked to find a stash of leather unicorn fetish videos.
Or worse.
I felt my body heat up as I imagined watching one with Jake. Taking the one that looked best, plus a regular movie, I hurried into the bedroom.
Listening to the shower going, my stomach flipped with giddy nervousness as I got the DVD started.
Stripping down to my bra and panties, I stretched out on top of the covers. I lowered the volume of the movie so I could hear when the water turned off.
As I waited for Jake, I started watching the people who were very fond of each other.
“I wanna come home to this every night,” Jake said from the doorway, startling me. “You look fuckin’ hot.”
Oops. Distracted much?
Already overheated, the look on his face as his gaze travelled across my body turned me into an inferno. “Thanks,” I rasped.
Jake moved into the room. “Beer?”
Before I could answer, a loud, moaning scream came from the TV.
Jake’s eyes went wide as he turned and saw what was on before snapping back to me.
“What? You told me to pick a movie.”
Getting up on my knees, I moved towards him and rubbed my palms over his chest. “You want me to put in the real DVD?”
“Hmm. Dunno. Lemme check, yeah?” Sliding his hand into my panties, his finger glided easily through my wetness.
“Oh God.” My hands shot up to clutch his shoulders.
“Nah, I’d say we’re good with this one.” He pressed his thumb against my clit, pleasure shooting through me as my hips jerked up and my nails dug into his skin. “On your back, baby, but keep your ass on the edge of the bed and your legs hanging off it. Yeah?”
Releasing my grip on him, I laid down. I lifted my pelvis so he could pull my panties off.
“Pull your tits out. I wanna watch you play while I taste sweetness.” Dropping to his knees on the floor, Jake grabbed my hips and pulled me closer to the edge. Putting my legs over his shoulders, his mouth covered me.
“Yes!” I cried out, tugging at my nipples.
Jake’s growl of approval vibrated through me. His mouth worked me relentlessly, but still I wanted more.
Digging the heels of my feet into his back, I ground myself against him as I moaned through my orgasm.
I’d barely finished when Jake stood. “Flip over onto your knees.”
When I rolled over, he held my hips and kept me at the side of the bed while he stayed standing.
I cried out, my head shooting back and my hair flying wildly, as he entered me forcefully.
“Sorry.” Slowing down, his fingers dug into my ass with the effort.
“No. Harder. Now.” I didn’t just love him unrestrained, I craved it.
I needed it.
“Piper.” Jake’s voice was surprisingly soft and warm. “Love you.”
“Love you, too. Now harder,” I demanded, pushing back into him roughly.
“Yes,” he said, thrusting so hard it took me off my knees. “Dear.”
*******
After sleeping in the next morning, I woke up to an empty bed and the smell of fresh coffee. I tried to enter the kitchen but was banished to the bedroom.
“Happy Birthday.” Jake grinned as he brought me breakfast in bed.
“Pancakes?” I questioned, bouncing on the mattress with excitement.
“Maybe.”
“My favorite!” I squealed, hopping up on my knees to hug him.
Jake chuckled, lifting the plate up before I knocked it over. “Are you talkin’ to me or the pancakes?”
“The pancakes, of course.”
“Smartass. I dunno. I don’t like being jealous of food.” He brought the plate closer to his chest. “Maybe I should eat them myself.”
“You can’t do that, it’s my birthday.”
“So?”
“So, hand them over!”
“Fine.” Sighing dramatically, he handed me the plate with a napkin, fork, and knife before leaving the room. He returned a minute later with a mug of coffee and set it on the bedside table next to me.
Taking a bite of the buttery, fluffy pancake, the sweetness of the maple syrup hit my tongue. I closed my eyes. “Mmm, these are so good.”
“Sweets, they’re pancakes.”
“Exactly. Cake that’s acceptable to eat for breakfast. What’s better than that?”
“Of course. What was I thinkin’?”
As I ate, we planned what time we needed to leave for dinner.
“Wanna finish this?” I held out the half eaten plate of pancakes.
“You sure?”
“Definitely. I’m gonna go shower.”
*******
“You missed a spot.”
“I did?” I looked over my shoulder at Jake standing near the sink. “Is it here?” I used my shower loofa to rub my ass cheek. “Or maybe here?” I turned to the side and began rubbing my chest. “Oh, I bet I know. It’s here, isn’t it?” I spread my legs slightly and bent at the waist to scrub my foot.
Before I could stand back up, Jake was in the shower with me, his hand on my spine.
“Tease. You, Piper, are a damn tease.”
“You’re fully clothed! Get out of here!” I tried to straighten, but his hand on my back held firm.
“Not fully. No socks. Now stay bent over.” His index and middle finger eased into my wetness while his thumb worked my clit.
I rocked my body against his hold to get more.
His zipper slid down before he pushed into me. “Can’t resist you.”
“Thank God for that,” I moaned, as he continued not resisting me.
*******
After his pleasant interruption, I finished up and got dressed.
When I went into the room, Jake was sitting on the bed with his back against the headboard and his legs stretched out in front of him. There was a present on his lap.
Biting my lip, I smiled at him. “I’d make a joke about the placement of that gift, baby, but the box is way too small.”
Jake threw his head back and laughed as he moved the present onto the bed.
Watching him, hearing that laughter, feeling it, my heart felt like it was going to explode in the best possible way.
This man, my man, was so damn sexy. Gorgeous. Hell, even beautiful. His blond hair was down and slightly wavy, thanks to the impromptu shower. He was all angles and edges, including his personality, but he was soft for me.
Sweet.
Romantic.
Loving.
I ran across the room and jumped, landing with a bounce next to him on the bed. I threw my leg across his thighs to straddle him and weaved my hands into his hair. Pulling his lips to mine, I put everything I was feeling into the kiss.
“I love you, Jake,” I whispered against his lips.
“Love you, too, Piper. So damn much,” he whispered back. Leaning over, he snatched the present up. “Happy Birthday.”
“Oh, Jake,” I murmured while opening the light blue Tiffany’s box. “It’s…” I tried to take a calming breath, but it still shook. “Baby, it’s perfect.”
Inside the box was a beautiful charm watch. Dangling from the chained band was my birthstone, a coffee cup, a music note, a high heel, a cupcake, a car, a baseball, and a heart. Each charm was special to me. To us.
“I love it. Thank you.”
“I know you don’t wear jewelry often. So if you don’t—”
“You’re kidding, right? First of all, it’s gorgeous. Second, I’d wear anything from you.”
“Good to know. Next time I’ll make sure it’s somethin’ wild and sexy.”
When Jake went to get ready, I grabbed my bag and set up my laptop on the island in the kitchen. Opening and booting it up, I began sorting emails when I felt his lips behind my ear.
“What the fuck is that?” he snarled, standing up quickly.
“Prank emails. I just delete them.”
Because my email address was on my website and social media, it wasn’t unusual for me to get fake requests from assholes messing around. I’d even gotten the occasional dick picture or dirty message.
Lately, though, the frequency of junk messages had increased. They weren’t always outright vulgar or harassing. They were more…
Skeevy.
Instead of generic messages, they’d become more complimentary of my appearance. Since there were a few pictures of me on my site, plus the ones that had been in the paper, it wasn’t surprising that someone would know what I looked like.
It was still creepy as hell, though.
I always blocked the addresses, but it was easy for the pranksters to get new ones.
“That’s far from a fuckin’ prank, Piper. That shit is sick. Why haven’t you said anythin’?”
“It happens all the time. It’s probably some kids pretending they’ve got giant balls behind a computer screen.”
“Piper, there are a lot of these.”
“I kno
w,” I admitted, crinkling my nose. “I think maybe from all the publicity after the Tools for Teens event. Increased publicity has meant more orders coming in, but also more of this crap. It’s nothing.”
“It’s somethin’. That shit is fucked up. You should’ve told me.” With his clenched jaw and rigged body, Jake looked mad. But behind his anger was fear.
“Baby, my work email is public. I get offers for hot and horny local ladies, instant money transfers from Nigerian princes, and tips to make millions from the comfort of my own living room. I even get emails for penis enlargement, which would come in handy if I decided to look up those local ladies. These things happen and it’s harmless. But I’ll make sure I tell you now. And I’ll be extra cautious, okay?”
“I’m gonna talk to my dad, see what he thinks.”
“If it’ll make you feel better.”
“It’s a start. I’ve gotta go to Hyde for a few hours. Wanna stay here or go to your place?”
“Mine.” I wanted to finish up some work and then get ready for tonight with enough time that I wasn’t rushing around.
“I’ll drop you off on my way, yeah?”
*******
After an intense goodbye kiss, I plopped down onto my couch with my laptop. Tucking my legs under me, I dealt with emails, stopping throughout to answer birthday calls and texts.
When my phone rang again, I picked it up without looking. “What’s up?”
“Piper, is that any way to answer the phone?”
Gah. Caller ID was invented for a reason, dingus. Use it!
“Sorry, Mom. I wasn’t expecting a call from you.”
“Well, why in heaven wouldn’t I call my daughter on her birthday?”
“I just meant I wasn’t expecting it right now. How are you?”
“As fine as one can be when they’re continually blown off by their only child.”
“Sorry. I’ve been busy with school and the business.”
“And your young man? Are you still seeing him?”
“Yes, Jake and I are still together. So, how’s Thomas?”
“Piper Skye, don’t try to change the subject. However, he is right here and wishes to speak to you.”
“Happy Birthday, Piper,” Thomas greeted me.