Eyota had said Bradley hadn’t cried since the funeral. Wouldn’t speak about what had happened to anyone. She’d been worried and wanted Tai to talk to the boy today.
But Bradley had found his own confidant.
Piper opened her eyes. He saw the surprise and her tears.
His heart swelled.
Not wanting to interrupt the moment, he put a finger over his lips and moved away. He would wait until they came out, wait until Bradley had finished crying and talking, and then he would show himself.
In the meantime he had to get his heart under control. He walked along the shore, noting that Rayen had begun to swim back. He shouldn’t be thinking about children and Piper in the same sentence. Sure, their relationship had progressed quickly, but they weren’t at that stage. They could never be at that stage.
It was just that she’d had Bradley in her lap and it was such a nurturing image that of course he’d seen her as a mother figure.
But only temporarily.
Piper might have become a part of his day and he enjoyed the anticipation of seeing her, but that was normal in a new relationship. But it was still casual. He barely knew anything about her family or her childhood, and they had only touched on her reasons behind becoming a journalist.
Sure, there was the way his body reacted to her.
Last night was the first time he’d seen her in a skirt and stilettos. He smiled as he remembered how his blood pressure had skyrocketed, and how he’d dragged her off to ravage her.
He’d never felt that level of intensity for anyone before. He wanted to know everything about her.
No. That wasn’t what their relationship was about.
It couldn’t be.
Water splashing behind him made him turn around. Rayen was walking out of the lake. “Hi, Tai. Is it lunch already?”
“Yeah.” She had bruises on her wrists from where the bastard had held her back, but aside from that, she appeared fine. “Did you enjoy your swim?”
“Very much,” she said. “I feel fabulous.”
It was her way of telling him she was fine. “Good.”
Piper and Bradley came out of the forest holding hands. “Did I hear lunch mentioned?” she asked.
Bradley’s eyes were bloodshot but otherwise Tai wouldn’t have been able to tell he’d been crying.
“Yeah. I saved you all a plate.” Bradley had left in the middle of the class and Tai had put food aside for him.
“Are you hungry?” Piper asked Bradley.
He nodded.
“All right. Lead the way,” she said to Tai. He smiled at her and headed back toward the school. He wanted to find out what Bradley had said to her, but it would have to wait until later. Right now, he’d just enjoy being with his family.
At the school others were hanging around, chatting and swapping news. Tai took the plates out of the oven where they were being kept warm and gave them to Piper, Rayen and Bradley.
They went outside and sat together, Bradley choosing to sit next to Piper. Something she’d said had obviously resonated with him.
Adahy joined them at the table. “Have a good swim?” he asked Rayen.
“Yeah. Did you take a cooking lesson?”
His eyes widened in mock outrage and Tai chuckled. His younger brother didn’t like to cook. “No, I caught up with a couple of friends.”
Eyota gestured to him so Tai excused himself and went over.
“I noticed Bradley walked in with Piper,” Eyota said.
Tai nodded. “I found them both in that spot by the lake. Bradley was crying and Piper was comforting him.”
“Oh, good. I’ve been so worried about him. Hopefully they were able to help each other.”
“Each other?” Tai asked.
“Piper blames herself for what happened last night,” Eyota told him.
He frowned. “What do you mean?” What had Rayen told their grandmother?
“Rayen told me about the attack.”
“Then you know there’s nothing for Piper to feel guilty about.” She’d helped Rayen, not hurt her.
“Our emotions are not always sensible,” Eyota said. She changed the subject. “Rayen is going to organize self-defense lessons at the school.”
He should have thought of it, should have made sure his cousin could protect herself. He was glad Piper had been there with her.
“Both girls look happier now, but keep an eye on them for me,” Eyota said. “It would have been a traumatic experience.”
It hadn’t occurred to him that Piper might be affected as well. He would watch out for her.
“Are you going to stay for dinner?” Eyota asked.
“No. We’ve got to leave a little earlier today. I’m going to Piper’s parents’ place for dinner.”
“She’s a lovely girl.” Eyota wouldn’t pry.
He shrugged. “I like her.” His grandmother knew it couldn’t be more than that.
Eyota smiled at him. “I’m glad you’re happy.” She glanced over her shoulder. “I need to talk with Stan.” She left him.
Tai looked around the gathering. People of all different ages had come together to share food and stories. They were a community who helped each other. Which reminded him: he needed to introduce Piper to a few people who would be able to provide information for the cookbook.
He was so pleased he’d decided to go ahead with it and that Piper understood exactly what he was going for. He wanted to have tribal stories about hunting, gathering, ceremonies and celebrations at the beginning of each section, and he trusted she would be able to get the information she needed from the people here. The elders loved to share their stories.
By doing this, he would teach others about his culture, help them understand the tribe’s perspective. And the profits would bring income into the tribe.
Wandering over to the table where she sat, Tai said, “Can I steal Piper for a minute?”
Bradley frowned.
“I need to introduce her to a few people. You can help me, if you like.”
Bradley brightened and stood up. “Come on, Piper.”
Piper smiled at Bradley. “I’m a bit nervous – can I hold your hand?”
“Sure. They’re not scary.”
Tai took her around and introduced her. He explained about the cookbook and told them Piper was going to help research it. Most people were enthusiastic but he overheard one person say, “He could have hired one of us. What would a white girl know?”
He ignored it. He’d chosen the best person to do the work, he was certain. He’d seen how good her research and writing skills were.
When he was finished he checked the time. “We’d better go if we’re going to be on time to your parents,” he said to Piper.
Bradley’s face fell. “Do you have to?”
Piper walked over to the table where she’d left her bag and took out a piece of paper and pen. “Here’s my number,” she said writing on the paper and then handing it to Bradley. “You call me any time. And I’ll be back during the week to do the research for Tai’s cookbook, so we can catch up then.”
Tai’s respect for Piper grew. That would mean so much to the boy.
Bradley took the paper, read it and tucked it into his pocket. “Any time?”
“Sure.”
He hugged her. “Thank you.”
“Thank you for helping me.”
They shared a smile.
Tai’s heart warmed.
After saying their goodbyes, they piled into Adahy’s car.
“Bradley sure took a liking to you,” Rayen commented to Piper as they drove out of the reservation.
“He’s so sweet. He’s feeling lost and alone right now, and blames himself for Jerry’s death. We talked about how it wasn’t his fault.”
“Just like the attack last night wasn’t your fault. If you hadn’t been there that guy would have raped me.” Rayen said it so matter-of-factly that Tai gripped the steering wheel tighter. They hadn’t mentioned the “r” wo
rd.
“You saved me and I will always appreciate it. I don’t blame you at all. I told you not to come with me. I should have been more aware of my surroundings. But I won’t be the victim again. I’ve spoken with the school principal and he’s agreed to let us use the school grounds for the self-defense classes. I just need to find an instructor.”
Piper was quiet. Tai glanced at her and her forehead was rumpled.
“It’s difficult. I ignored my instincts. I won’t do it again.” She paused. “I might still have the name of the self-defense instructor I went to. I’ll send it to you.”
“That would be great.”
They chatted for the rest of the journey home.
Piper fit in with Adahy and Rayen easily and they both liked her. The conversation was casual and flowed as they spoke about Rayen’s study, Adahy’s music and the restaurant.
He hoped his introduction to her family would be as smooth.
He wiped his suddenly sweaty palms on his shorts. It was no wonder he was nervous. He generally wasn’t the best at meeting new people; he couldn’t help thinking they were judging him. So many times it had been true that it was a hard thing to shake.
But Piper’s brother was bringing a new partner so not all the attention would be on him. He was glad. He never relaxed until he got to know people a little more. But maybe the dessert he was bringing would help to sweeten them up.
***
After dropping off Adahy and Rayen at his house, and grabbing his things, he followed Piper to her place, where they showered and got ready.
“Tell me again, who is going to be there?” he asked as they got into Piper’s car.
“My brother, Tom, and his boyfriend, Casey. I haven’t met him yet. Then there’s just Mom and Dad.”
“What do your parents do?”
“Dad’s the senior vice president of environment and sustainability at an oil and gas company. He makes sure the company is upholding its environmental responsibilities and explores ways to reduce its impact. Mom’s a personal assistant to the owner of a chain of sportswear shops.”
So both were high-paid individuals with a lot of business know-how. How would they feel about their daughter dating a chef?
He owned his own business, though, and it was doing well. He was branching out too.
It was the first time he’d been worried about what people thought of him in a long time. Their opinion mattered because Piper mattered.
Guilt prodded him. He really needed to tell Piper about the tribal law.
He tapped the doorframe of the car as Piper pulled up in front of a large two-story house in an affluent suburb. The gardens were neat and the house was in good repair.
It was a far larger place than he’d grown up in.
He ran his hand through his hair. Perhaps he should have braided it, to keep it off his face. Would Piper’s mother believe men with long hair should have it cut?
He shook his head at himself and got out of the car, grabbing the bowl of chocolate mousse he’d made the day before.
Piper took his hand, squeezing it. “Ready?” she asked, as if she sensed his nerves.
He nodded.
Piper knocked on the door and then entered. “We’re here,” she called.
The hallway was immense; stairs led to the next floor and there was a huge wooden hallstand that held shoes, umbrellas and a mirror.
An older version of Piper walked down the hallway, smiling. “Hi, sweetheart. It’s so long since I’ve seen you.” She hugged Piper and turned to smile at Tai.
“Mom, this is Tai. Tai, my mother, Ashlin.”
“Lovely to meet you,” she said and kissed his cheek.
Taken by surprise at the genuine greeting, he said, “Likewise.”
“What have you brought with you?” she asked.
“Chocolate mousse. For dessert. I’m a chef.” God, he felt like he was sixteen again.
“Oh, you didn’t need to do that,” Ashlin said, taking the bowl from him. “I’ll put it in the fridge.”
“Tai owns the Wooden Spoon,” Piper said.
Her mother stopped and turned to him, then looked at the bowl in her hand. “Is this your triple chocolate mousse with Kahlua?” she asked.
Surprised, he nodded. “Yes.”
She hugged the bowl to her chest and sighed. “I might not tell anyone you brought it and keep it for myself. I had it when I went there for work and I wanted to lick the bowl.” She grinned at him. “Thank you.”
Her grin was so much like Piper’s, so warm and mischievous, Tai found himself grinning back. “You’re welcome.”
Ashlin walked down the hallway and they followed. Piper glanced over her shoulder at him. “Told you,” she mouthed and grinned.
They walked into a large open-plan living space. There was a kitchen with dining table next to it, a set of sofas in another section and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the manicured garden.
Three men sat on the sofas drinking beer.
One of the men stood up. He had the same blond hair as Piper, but was a couple of inches taller.
“Hey, Pippy,” he said. He wiped his hands on his jeans and then said, “I’d like you to meet my boyfriend, Casey.”
Piper gave her brother a quick hug and then stepped forward and shook Casey’s hand. “Nice to meet you.” She turned back to Tai. “This is my boyfriend, Tai.” She gestured to each person in turn. “My father, Michael; my brother, Tom, and Casey.”
Tai shook their hands, waiting for any indication they were judging him. He found nothing but genuine friendliness.
“Can I get you a drink?” Ashlin asked. “Beer, wine?”
“A glass of water would be great,” he said.
“Are you sure?”
“Tai doesn’t drink alcohol, Mom,” Piper said. She sat down on the sofa across from Tom and Casey and Tai sat next to her.
“Oh, all right.”
He was used to people considering him weird for not drinking alcohol and it didn’t bother him.
“So what have you been up to?” Piper asked her brother.
“Mostly work. Casey and I are planning a vacation in October. Thought we might check out New York.”
“Sounds great. Have you been to New York before, Casey?” she asked.
He shook his head. “No, it will be our first time.” He exchanged a glance with Tom and they smiled.
There was a lot of love in that look. Did Piper see it as well?
“What about you, Pippy? They still burning you out at the Age?” Tom asked.
Piper sat back. “Ah, well. No, I was laid off on Monday.”
“What?” Piper’s mother, father and brother said it in unison.
“My position was no longer needed so they gave me two weeks in lieu and sent me on my way.”
“Why didn’t you tell us?” her mother said.
“I’ve been busy.”
“Doing what?” her father asked.
“I’m helping Tai with a project for the next month or so, and figuring out what I want to do next.”
Ashlin handed Tai a glass of water and sat down on one of the chairs. “You don’t want to do journalism any more?”
“I’m not sure.”
“But you always wanted to be a journalist,” Tom said. He turned to Tai. “She used to write stories about us when we were kids.”
Tai smiled. He could imagine Piper doing that. She would have been an enthusiastic kid, interested in everything.
“I realized recently it’s not quite what I thought it would be,” she said. “So I’ll use the extra time that working on this project will bring, and decide if I want to go in a different direction.”
“What’s the project?” her father asked.
Piper glanced at Tai. He answered for her. “It’s a cookbook. I’ve wanted to do one for a while. Piper’s going to do some research for me and I’ll do the recipes.”
“Will the chocolate mousse recipe be in there?” Ashlin asked.
“Maybe. I haven’t decided yet.” His focus was on his tribe, but he supposed he could add some of his restaurant’s other recipes.
“It’s going to explore the Queche tribe’s history and traditional food,” Piper said.
“That will be fascinating.” Michael said.
He was genuinely interested. Perhaps Piper was right and people would be intrigued.
A timer in the kitchen went off. “That will be dinner. Why don’t you all sit up to the table?” Ashlin said, heading to the kitchen.
Tai followed Piper to the table and sat between her and Michael and across from Casey.
“It’s shrimp bake,” Piper’s mother said as she placed it on the table. “I’m sure it’s not as good as you’d make,” she said to Tai, scrunching up the dish towel she used to carry it to the table.
He’d never had someone nervous about his opinion before. It was sweet. “I’m sure it will be delicious.” And if he wasn’t he’d still clear his plate and say it was. People often overcooked shrimp so he didn’t have high expectations – one of the reasons he cooked so regularly at home was to ensure he ate something edible.
They dished up and conversation turned to the day to day.
Tai tasted the shrimp bake. It was actually pretty good. There was a flavor in it he couldn’t quite place, but which added a lift to the whole dish. He had to ask. “Ashlin, this is great. What did you put in it?”
She waved him away and flushed at the compliment. “A bit of this and that.”
“There’s a spice I can’t pick.”
“Oh, that’s my secret ingredient,” she said.
“Mom doesn’t tell anyone her secret ingredient,” Piper told him.
He really wanted to know. He tried another mouthful. “Maybe we can do a trade. Your secret ingredient for my mousse recipe.”
She beamed at him. “Sold.”
Piper put down her fork and stared at her mother. “I’ve been asking you for this recipe for years,” she said.
“But you don’t cook,” Tai said, amused at her reaction.
“Doesn’t mean I can’t,” she said.
“Sometimes mousse is thicker than blood,” her mother joked.
Tai smiled. He liked her. She reminded him of Piper.
Piper leaned over to him. “You need to pass that recipe on to me,” she whispered.
The Texan Quartet (Books 1-4) Omnibus Page 97
