Hyde and Seek

by Layla Frost

  “Thank you, Thomas. How’re you? Mother driving you crazy yet?”

  “Yet? You mean still, correct?”

  I laughed at the rare joke. “Yes, exactly.”

  “So, your mother told me you’re involved with Jake Hyde.”

  “Yup.”

  “At your mother’s request, I looked into him. His company is extremely successful. So much so that he could have multiple shops. Word is he chooses to stick with just one so he can be as hands-on as possible.”

  And he is very hands-on at work, indeed.

  “Yes, he does great work,” I said, trying not to think pervy thoughts.

  Trying, but failing.

  “He’s known for his skill and work ethic. His mother is a well-respected attorney and his father is an ADA. Good choice, Piper.”

  It’s a mother friggin’ birthday miracle.

  “Thanks, Thomas. Make sure you tell my mother that.”

  “Already done. Here she is.”

  “As you can imagine, I was very reassured to hear things checked out well. You’ll still have to stop making excuses and bring him over.”

  “Yes, Mother.”

  “Did he get you anything special for your birthday?”

  “A beautiful watch.”

  “A watch?” Obviously, the appeal of a watch was lost on my mother.

  “From Tiffany.”

  “Oh. That is special then.”

  “Yeah. I have to go get ready. We’re having dinner in a few hours.”

  “Enjoy your birthday. I love you.”

  “I love you, too. Goodbye.”

  As I hung up, I realized just how far behind I was. I cranked some music up and went to plug in my hot rollers.

  While I waited for them to warm up, I crouched by the bed in my room and began pulling things out from underneath. Finding what I was looking for, I pushed everything else back and set up my surprise for Jake.

  Well, mostly for me. After all, it’s my birthday.

  When I got back into the bathroom, my phone was lit up with a new message.

  Jake: Did you start gettin’ ready?

  Me: Just did.

  Jake: There’s another present in the spare room closet.

  Me: When did you put a present in there?

  Jake: Couple days ago. I figured even if you looked, you wouldn’t see it. That closet is worse than your wallet.

  Me: Hey! Actually, you know what? I’ve got no come back. You’re totally right.

  Jake: I was hopin’ to be home already, but things are taking longer than planned.

  Me: That’s okay, I can wait.

  Maybe. Possibly.

  Unless I go in there for something else. Then I might trip and have to grab the knob to stop my fall. That might accidentally open the closet door.

  Oops.

  Jake: Go look, yeah?

  Woo hoo!

  Walking into the room, I turned on the light and opened the closet door. “Oh, Jake,” I whispered to myself.

  In front of me was a gorgeous green dress with a bag from Ella’s looped around the hanger.

  I jumped when my phone started ringing. Checking the screen, I answered immediately. “Jake.”

  “Like it?”

  “I love it, but the watch was enough. Actually, I was happy just waking up in your bed.”

  “I’d give you the fuckin’ moon, Piper. Honest to God, lay the whole fuckin’ world at your feet,” Jake said, his voice low and gravelly. Before I could respond, someone called his name. “I gotta go. Love you.”

  “Love you, too.”

  After hanging up, I grabbed the dress and bag from the closet and brought them to my room. I peeked into the bag to see a pair of black pumps, a glitter clutch, and the world’s tiniest thong.

  Returning to my hot rollers, I put them in and started on my makeup. Because the dress was so bold, I used a neutral cream colored shimmer shadow, black liner, and dramatic mascara to do my eyes. I went light on the blush and skipped the lip gloss altogether.

  When I got changed, I knew I’d made the right decision.

  The soft, jersey dress was completely off my shoulders. Black lace detailing around the edges gave glimpses of more skin, but also made it a softer, more feminine look. The material was clingy, which explained the miniscule thong.

  No matter how extensive my underwear collection was, I didn’t have any that wouldn’t leave visible panty lines.

  I pulled a shoe out and set it on the bed carefully before picking up my phone to text Jake.

  Me: These shoes are Jimmy Choo.

  Jake: The purse thing is, too. I still have no clue what that means. Alicia picked them out. I just agreed they looked hot.

  Me: Alicia?

  Jake: Went into Ella’s and she was fuckin’ ecstatic to help me out. Mostly ‘cause that means I’m still with you. She likes you, sweets.

  Me: I like her, too. But you don’t have to do this stuff.

  Jake: I know I don’t have to. I like it.

  Me: How do I argue with that?

  Jake: You don’t. On my way in a few.

  From the first time I saw his sexy, broad back in the shop, I’d been way into Jake. There’d been a pull to him that had nothing to do with his status or what he could give me.

  Well, except for the orgasms I’d been sure he could supply. Thank the sex god himself I was right about that.

  It wasn’t what he was buying me that made me so happy.

  Okay, they were Jimmy Choo’s, so it wasn’t just that.

  It was him.

  I set the phone aside and picked up the pumps again. After I put them on, I walked to my dresser and added my watch. As I latched it, I noticed the time and knew Jake would be here soon.

  I quickly unraveled the cooled rollers from my hair and tossed them on my dresser. Bending over, I shook my head to loosen the curls.

  “Fuck.”

  “You scared me. How was the shop?” When I got no response, I straightened and looked over at Jake.

  I smiled when I saw his hair was down. Wearing dark jeans, a black fitted button down shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and gray converse, my man looked good.

  He also looked tense.

  “What’s wrong?” I began walking towards him.

  “Stop.”

  I did, my brows lowering in confusion. “What?”

  “We have to go. Like have to.”

  “I know, I’m ready.”

  “If you get any closer before we’re out of this house, we’re not goin’ anywhere.”

  “I wouldn’t mind that.” I smiled wickedly. “In fact, why don’t we order in and I’ll let you eat off of me?”

  “Tease. You’re a cock tease. Out.”

  “Fine, Mr. Bossy Pants.”

  Turning and walking away, Jake didn’t stop until he was on my porch.

  I locked up and followed him down to his car.

  Jake shifted the Camaro into reverse and turned to back out of the driveway when his phone started ringing. “Yeah? Uh huh. No, it’s cool. See ya.” Jake hung up and turned to me. “We gotta stop back at Hyde for a minute.”

  “Everything okay?”

  Though his organization and filing was better, they were slammed with customers. With the amount of work they were doing, it was inevitable that things would fall between the cracks.

  “Yeah, I’ve gotta log into the computer system to check something for Kase. How was your day?” Putting his hand on my leg, his thumb absently caressed my inner thigh, which made me mindless.

  “Huh?”

  “Your day?”

  “Oh. Good. I got a lot more done than I thought I would.”

  “Anymore emails?”

  “Nope. I told you it doesn’t happen much.”

  “Once is more than enough,” Jake grumbled.

  “If I thought it was something to be concerned about, I’d tell you.”

  “I’m still gonna talk to my dad.”

  “I figured as much, Mr. Bossy Pants.�
�

  A short while later, Jake pulled into the front parking lot of Hyde and cut the engine. Coming around, he offered his hand and helped me out.

  “Hold up.” Curving his hand around the side of my neck, his thumb stroked my jaw and tilted my face up. “You look fuckin’ gorgeous.”

  I pushed myself closer to him. “Thanks for the outfit.”

  “Love you, Piper.”

  “Love you, too. By the way, we have to stay at my place tonight.”

  “Why?”

  “So I can thank you properly.”

  “Christ. How’re you plannin’ on doin’ that?”

  “It’s a surprise. Ready?” I rubbed my fingertips across his stubble.

  “No. I wanna go back to your place.”

  “Hey, I offered to stay home and let you eat off me.”

  “I’d rather eat you off,” he growled. “Fuck.” His curse echoed around us as he pulled away and unlocked the entrance. The lobby was dark with only a glow coming from the garage. “I’ve gotta see if Kase is still back there.” He put his arm around me as we walked.

  Maybe this will be fast and I can still convince him to just take me home. At the very least, maybe we’ll have time for a desk quickie.

  “Surprise!” I heard several voices scream, scaring me as they pulled me from my incredibly inappropriate thoughts. I burst out laughing and my heart pounded as I looked around to see a lot of my favorite people.

  With everything hidden away and decorations in their place, it barely looked like a garage. The work benches were overflowing with food and a thrown together, though very well-stocked, bar was in the corner.

  “Happy Birthday, sweets,” Jake whispered, squeezing me to him.

  “Can I get a hug from the birthday girl?” a voice behind me asked.

  “Daddy?” I whipped around to see my dad and Nat.

  “Happy Birthday, Lil’ Rock,” Dad said, calling me by the nickname some bikers had given me when I was younger.

  I threw myself at him and hugged him. His arms wrapped around me just as tight.

  I pulled away and looked at Jake. “Jake, this is my dad, Floyd, and his girlfriend, Natalie. Dad and Nat, this is my boyfriend, Jake.” Without giving them the chance to say anything, I turned back to my dad. “What’re you doing here? I thought you weren’t coming until next month.”

  “When I got a call from Jake, how could I resist the chance to see my girl?”

  “So I guess those introductions weren’t needed,” I muttered up at Jake.

  He winked at me before looking to the side and giving someone I couldn’t see a chin lift.

  “Happy Birthday, Piper!” Nat said, her valley girl lilt more pronounced in her excitement. She grabbed me in a hug. “You look gorgeous. The wild hair is totally rocking.”

  “I’m so happy to see you!” I squealed, bouncing as I hugged her. “You look fabulous, as always.”

  At five foot eight, with gleaming, chocolate brown hair and hazel eyes, Nat was gorgeous. Dad introduced her to me when I was twelve and I’d been sure she was a model or actress. Almost ten years later, she still looked like she could be.

  He was my dad and all, but I knew he was good-looking. Even if I hadn’t noticed, enough of my friends had had the hots for him to clue me in. He was six feet tall and still fit from being on the go at work all day. There was a lot of gray growing into his black hair, but it worked.

  From the stories I’d heard, Nat had come into Dad’s restaurant on a date. Dad had taken one look at her before literally jumping over the bar to talk to her. Fifteen minutes later, the other guy was out the door and Nat’s ass was planted on a bar stool. That was the power of my dad’s looks and charm. A week after that, Dad moved Nat in with him. And now, almost a decade later, they were still going strong.

  “And, oh my God, those shoes!” Nat nudged my leg so I’d stick my foot out.

  I did, twisting it slightly so she could see the pumps better. “They’re Jimmy Choos. Jake’s surprise. Well, one of many, apparently. But he has no clue what a big deal that is.”

  “It’s killer. And, oh my goodness, look at that watch!”

  “I get the feeling now’s a good time to go grab a beer. They can talk for hours. You with?” my Dad asked Jake.

  “Yeah. Beer or mixed drink, sweets?”

  “Beer, please.”

  “Natalie?”

  “Beer sounds good, thank you.”

  Jake nodded before walking away with my Dad.

  “How’re—” I started.

  “Okay, they’re gone. You were way holding out on me, girly.”

  “I told you about Jake.”

  “Yeah, making it seem like he was no big deal. That conversation about him should’ve lasted like three times as long.”

  I looked over and caught Jake’s eyes on me. I smiled at him before turning back to Natalie. “Probably longer than that.”

  “How serious are things?”

  “Very.”

  “Since he hasn’t looked away from you yet, I was guessing that.”

  I looked over, wiggling my fingers in a wave and watched as his lips tipped up.

  “You owe me the full talk. But here comes your man.”

  Jake handed us our drinks.

  “I’m gonna go see what your dad is up to,” Nat said with a smile. After giving my hand an affectionate squeeze, she headed towards the bar.

  Jake slid his arm around me. “Surprised?”

  “That’s the understatement of the century.”

  “Hungry?”

  “Not right now. I wanna see everyone.”

  The next hour and a half passed in a blur of birthday hugs, wishes, drinks, and shots.

  While I’d never been big on my birthday or surprises, Jake had worked miracles. He was thorough and everyone I’d want invited was there. My boys, Ray and Edge, plus Rhys, Harlow, Gia, Melanie, Lily, and Marcy. Even Gage and Jet showed up, though they couldn’t stay long.

  “Where’d you meet these people?” Harlow asked as she pulled me aside. Since meeting officially at lunch, we’d become fast friends. “Everyone is flippin’ beautiful. Even your dad is a total D.I.L.F. Dad I’d like to—”

  I covered my ears. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Don’t go there. I don’t wanna hear it. La, la, la!” I yelled over her.

  Ick!

  She pulled my hands away. “What? I was just gonna say he was a dad I’d like to be friends with because he seems like a cool guy. Sheesh, perv!” she said as we erupted into giggles. “Seriously though, I feel like I crashed a flippin’ Hollywood party. Oh wait. Some of the X-ers are here. So, yeah, total Hollywood party!”

  “Hey, my life was boring a few months ago. You know me, half-robot and all,” I teased.

  “I need my own badass. Is Gage available? No, Jet. No, who’s the dude with the dreads? He gave me a chin lift earlier, which I took to mean he was declaring his undying love and inviting me to spend years getting lost in his eyes. Goodness, he’s gorgeous!”

  “That’s Kase. I’ll introduce you.”

  “Maybe later. Right now I’m thirsty, and wow, talk about coincidence; Gage and Jet are over there. I’ll just fangirl squeal in my head.” She lowered her voice into her version of a whisper. “If I pass out, promise to make one of them give me mouth-to-mouth.”

  “I promise,” I vowed, trying to keep a straight face.

  The night progressed with everyone talking, laughing, and drinking together like they’d all been friends for years. Nat and Harlow bonded over fashion and talked at speeds that only they seemed able to understand. My dad, my man, and my boys got into an in depth discussion about cars and bikes.

  The only dark cloud in my birthday brightness was Rhys’ date.

  At first I thought she was keeping to herself because she was shy. After trying to talk to her, though, it became obvious she was just a bitch.

  A big one.

  I liked Rhys a lot. We were still close and he was genuinely happy for Jake and me because that was
the kind of guy he was.

  I didn’t have the details, but I knew there was something dark he’d been through. The longer I’d been around him, the more I saw the shadows that lurked in his blue eyes and the pain he hid behind a dimpled smile.

  He definitely deserved better.

  “Happy birthday, darlin’,” he said with a hug.

  “Thanks. How’re things going?” I glanced meaningfully towards… whatever her name was. Something fussy and she’d spelled it out. I was honestly expecting a Batman symbol to be in the middle of it.

  “She pissed Damon and Tito off right before we were leaving. Went to grab my coat from my office, was gone all of two minutes. She said something, I have no fuckin’ clue what, but it pissed them right the fuck off.”

  “To upset them it’d have to have been awful.”

  Damon was six foot five, two hundred and fifty pounds of dark chocolate muscle. He was also one of the sweetest people I’d ever met. His boyfriend, Tito, was a DJ that worked at both Rye and Voodoo.

  Damon grew up in a rough area. He’d known he was gay his whole life and had a rough go of it. As in, he barely made it to adulthood.

  Tito hid the fact he was gay and ended up hating himself and those around him. He started injecting, smoking, popping, and chugging anything he could to get through the day. His addiction was so bad he’d started selling himself to anyone, including men. In a moment of lucidity, he realized he was doing the very thing he’d been afraid to do. Only now, he was doing it in order to almost kill himself with drugs. He got himself clean and eventually hooked up with Damon.

  After all they’d been through, they were both thick-skinned. No one who made it through all of that would bother to sweat the small stuff.

  “Yeah. As payback, Damon made sure to tell her that I had feelings for you. Deep ones. She started bitching in the car right away, demanding we skip your party. Like I take orders.” He shook his head slightly, an amused smile pulling at his lips.

  “What’d you say?”

  “I offered to drop her home. Volunteered to get her a taxi. I may have even said that one of the other guys might be willing to give her a ride, in whatever way she might want one. And yet she’s still here. Glaring. Yeah, ‘cause that’s gonna stop me from having fun.”

  “Did you tell her your feelings aren’t like that?”