Piper Dreams: Dream it, Seize it, Live it. (Dreams Series Book 1)

by Duncan, Amélie S.

  “You can leave the clothes on, but I expect you to send the picture in the next twenty minutes,” he insisted.

  A knock sounded on the bathroom door. “I’ve got to go.”

  “He needs to fuck you again doesn’t he? The bastard. Alright. I’ll let you go, but send that photo along now.”

  I closed my eyes. I didn’t know what to do; I couldn’t see my way out of it at the moment.

  “Okay,” I whispered.

  “Good girl. Bye.” He hung up. I let out a sob.

  The door opened, and Brody was there. “Piper, what’s wrong?”

  I shook my head but went into his embrace. “Nothing I can’t handle.” I let him go and moved my suitcase out, and quickly found a photo of my face and sent it to Royce without another thought.

  I was happy to hear the shower turn on and Brody, calling out. “Come and join me.” I went back in the bathroom and into the shower and let the water cover my face and tears that were falling from my eyes.

  “Something happened?” Brody stated.

  I nodded. I didn’t want to lie to him but really didn’t see how he could possibly help without making things bad for him. Therefore, I assured, “I’ll take care of it.”

  “If I can help, let me,” Brody said and kissed my cheek. He poured shampoo into my hair and washed it then continued to soap over my body. His touch, claiming every part of me, from head to toe. I let my mind entertain the thought of staying out here with him forever. And that didn’t actually scare me.

  “I’m ready,” he said, standing there unabashed in his nudity, with the shower gel in his hand. He wanted me to wash him too. I looked over his incredible chiseled form. He was powerful and beautiful. I soaped up my hands and moved over his broad shoulders down the tribal tattoos on his arms and muscular chest and abs. His firm ass. All the way down his legs and feet. I didn’t leave a piece of him without my hands on him. I left the velvet-encased steel of his swelling length, for last.

  “We need to get moving. We’re headed down to Ohio. You ready to skydive?” he asked rinsing out the shampoo from his hair.

  My eyes widened, and my mouth dropped open. “What? Really?!” I wasn’t afraid of heights, but jumping out of a plane was taking it up many notches. “It’s a tandem jump with experts, but you don’t have to do it,” Brody said.

  “Are you?” I asked.

  “Yeah. It was on my list,” he said and turned off the water. He surprised me by gathering my hair up and squeezing out the excess water. “Brody,” I said grinning. “I don’t want to slip on dripping hair,” he explained. I gave him a kiss on the lips and stepped out of the shower. We took out our toiletries and brushed our teeth. And I couldn’t get over how easy we were, being here together. I looked up at him when I was done and our eyes locked. His were filling with desire again. His hand cupped my mound possessively. My breath hitched.

  He grunted and stroked me more, making me wet and ready for him. “Is your pussy sore?”

  I nodded. I wasn’t too much, but after the call with Royce, I didn’t want to have sex right now. “Later, please.”

  “Later,” Brody grinned. He hugged my waist as he kissed me thoroughly. His hands, moving over my body, caressing me.

  A clearing throat had me shrinking in horror. I quickly grabbed a towel and covered myself, while Brody crossed his arms and glared over at the door. Seren stood there snickering. “Uhm, well the door was open, and I did call out first. I was trying to get you both to come to breakfast. I can’t un-see, and you stopped too early so I will still need to add ‘sex-club voyeurism’ to my bucket list,” she got out and snickered.

  My mouth dried. I was speechless.

  “I’m going to kill you,” Brody growled out and closed the door in her face.

  “Seren can be childish at times. I think it’s because she couldn’t be in her childhood,” he said. And walked over and embraced me.

  I was mortified. “That’s still a bit much, don’t you think?”

  He exhaled long. “Her mother was sick, and her father was a bastard. If he weren’t dead, I’d kill him myself. She didn’t mean any harm though. The group is a bit free spirited.”

  “I don’t want to be free with anyone but you,” I said before I could stop myself. Luckily Brody only grinned at my comment, then said. “Then that’s all you’ll get.”

  We got dressed and came out of the bedroom with our bags. I ignored Seren motioning for me to sit by her, and instead took my banana nut muffin and apple from the table over to the seats. I ate in silence while the two of them talked quietly. After a while, Seren spoke up. “I’m sorry, Piper. Please don’t hate me.” Her tone had me looking over at her and immediately my stomach dropped. Her big hazel eyes were brimming with tears. “I wasn’t even thinking.”

  I got up and crossed over to her and took her hands. “I’m embarrassed you saw me with Brody. I never had anyone see me naked, and being touched like that. It made me feel weird and vulnerable. I couldn’t ever hate you so don’t think that for a minute.” I hugged her, and Brody smiled at me.

  “Piper will get revenge when Cole comes back,” Brody teased her.

  “If he comes back,” Seren said despondently. She let me go and went to Brody, and he cuddled and talked softly to her to calm her down. I couldn’t help but feel torn as I watched the way they were together. He continued to shift his attention to her. He coaxed her to eat more of her breakfast and helped her pack up the rest of her things. I felt a pang of guilt for the envy that sprouted as I watched the love and care he showed to her. I wanted that. I wanted Brody, but he wasn’t mine.

  WE FINISHED EATING breakfast, then went to the office and checked out. Afterwards, we headed over to Fiona and Doc’s cabin where everyone was gathered for a short pow-wow before we left. Brody had taken my hand for the walk over to the room. This had me feeling better, but he also held Seren’s. His handsome face was full of concern. I put away my envy and squeezed his hand. He kissed the side of my forehead, and I felt a flutter go through my stomach. So was the reaction he elicited from his attention. The more time I experienced it, the more I wanted. Crossing over into lovers made me want more from him.

  “Sorry, we’re late. Brody and Piper just got up,” Seren announced, walking in first. Her voice was laced with innuendo.

  My cheeks warmed, but I was relieved she didn’t tell everyone about walking in on us.

  “We forgive you,” Fiona mused and winked at me.

  “Good stuff breaking the angst. Hell, we were all ready to lock the two of you in a room after last night,” Zack jumped up and slapped Brody on the back.

  “You done?” Brody said and smirked.

  I sat down on the end of the couch where Fiona and Doc were seated, and Brody sat down next to me.

  “Does that mean you guys don’t need me anymore?” Jay appeared and walked over and plopped down on the chair across from us.

  “Of course we do,” Riley said sitting on the arm of his chair. “You signed up as a trip buddy. You just won’t get to upgrade to fuck buddy.”

  “I won’t?” he said giving her a lascivious leer that had her giggling.

  “One time only. Pick up some chick on the road, Jay,” Zack said. He walked over and scooped Riley up in his arms and sat her on his lap in the opposing chair.

  “I will. I don’t have a choice now or do I?” He leveled his gaze at us.

  Brody didn’t say anything but put his arm around the back edge of the couch behind my head. Just that action had me feeling vulnerable. I hesitated before I edged an inch closer to his side. Would he slip away like before? My heart pounded hard in my chest.

  Brody took an audible breath and pulled me the rest of the way so that I was flush against his side. He leaned next to my ear and whispered, “It’s fine.”

  I closed the distance and placed my head on his chest and arm around his waist. I could hear his heart beating as fast as mine.

  He pressed a light kiss to my forehead. His hand came down arou
nd me sealing me in his arms. Closing my eyes, I sunk in his warmth.

  “Shit, skip skydiving and get some popcorn,” Zack joked, breaking apart the moment.

  “Well, there is your answer, Jay,” Riley said. They all shifted their focus to Seren as she walked over. Brody let me go enough to make room for her to sit next to him. I couldn’t look at her.

  “Alright, enough,” Seren said. “It was my idea for Piper and Brody to get together. I’m all for it. What’s the next plan for the Bucket List?”

  Fiona spoke up. “Alright, now that we are all here, we need to discuss the next couple of days. We have the Tandem jump in Ohio tomorrow. Piper and Jay, I phoned ahead, and they will be sending you a link to your emails and phones to include you in our group reservation if they can get the extra staffing.”

  My shoulders slumped. I was actually looking forward to skydiving. “Thanks.”

  “I got mine. They found a staff member for me. I’m sure they’ll find one for you,” Jay said to me. Brody squeezed my shoulder.

  “Piper, we’ll be splitting up before the Bike Fest in Milwaukee. Fiona and I would like you to come with us to document our bucket list in Lake Forest, Illinois,” Doc said.

  “We were hoping Jay would be able to come along, but I don’t think that’s possible now. Zack and Riley are heading to a tattooing convention in Chicago,” Fiona added.

  “The tattoo convention is just over thirty miles . . . an hour from where Fiona and Doc will be. We can take Seren with us,” Riley said.

  “I can be Seren’s buddy,” Jay said and winked at her.

  Seren giggled. “A ride-buddy, Jay.” She focused on Brody. “It’s an industry-wide event. There is a doctor on call, so nothing will happen, not that I’m feeling ill. It’s only for a day, and it will give you a break to enjoy yourself.”

  My heart leapt. I had to force myself to shield my eyes in case it could be read how much I liked the idea of spending more time alone with Brody.

  Brody tensed and released me. “Excuse us for a minute,” he said to everyone. He stood and took Seren’s arm, and they went to one of the bedrooms and closed the door.

  I ran my hands over my arms, and we all sat in silence for a minute. That was until Zack decided to tease me again.

  “Was sex with Brody everything you dreamed it would be?” Zack mocked and fluttered his lashes.

  I scowled at him, and it only made him giddier. Riley swatted his arm.

  “Hey. That was gold,” Zack said, and she smiled at him. He kissed her.

  “Not now,” Riley said with a nod towards the door.

  “Not funny,” Jay said under his breath. “You okay?” he asked me.

  I nodded though my attention was in with Brody and Seren in the bedroom.

  “So, Piper, you’re going to need a costume,” Fiona said, her tone jovial. “The night with our friends in Lake Forest is adult Paranormal Movie and TV themed.”

  “What are you two dressing up as?” I asked.

  “Not this again,” Doc said speaking over Fiona, but he was too late. “Lost Boys, Michael and Star.”

  “My mother went by the name Star,” I said, and they looked at me curiously, so I explained.

  “Star in the movie was a hippie. It’s one of my favorites.” Fiona said.

  “Doc’s saying bye to his mustache?” Jay asked.

  “Yep,” Doc said.

  “It’ll grow back. My hair did,” Fiona said to Doc.

  “I don’t care if it doesn’t. I’d do anything for you, Fiona,” Doc said, and they kissed each other.

  “When we were going to go, I was going to be Buffy and Zack was going to be Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” Riley said.

  “Piper can go as True Blood’s Sookie in a bikini,” Jay suggested.

  “Good idea,” Zack said grinning.

  I blushed. “No bikini. I’ll go as the Bride of Frankenstein.”

  “It’s not that kind of party. It’s couples themed. You got to sex it up. I agree with the guys. You would be a great Sookie. Brody could be the werewolf, Alcide,” Riley said.

  Was I missing something or was everything these days sexed up? Still I couldn’t hide the grin on my face at the thought of Brody dressed as a sexy werewolf chasing me.

  “Ohhh, you have a werewolf fantasy,” Riley said, and we giggled.

  I touched my warm cheeks and changed the subject. “So it’s a potluck?”

  “It’s an annual adult potluck party. But this year will include a special celebration—our anniversary,” Fiona said. “We’re high school sweethearts and have been married for thirty years.”

  “We grew up two streets from each other,” Doc said.

  “They never had sex with anyone else,” Zack added like this was the most important part of their story. It had the shock value.

  “Nope,” Fiona confirmed. “We grew up differently. We got married in a church; we were brought up conservatively. We are a little freer now.”

  I beamed at them. “You don’t need to defend yourself; I think it’s romantic.”

  “The crowd will be a lot of foodies. They are all good people,” Doc said.

  “Don’t mind me. I’m honored to be a part of your bucket list experience,” I said smiling.

  “What about you, Piper? Have you given thought to something you would like to do?” Fiona asked.

  I shrugged. “Not really,” I admitted.

  “Well, you need to think of something. It’s a bust for you if you are just living out all of ours,” Riley said.

  My lips parted, but I didn’t have an answer for her. I hadn’t thought my participating in theirs was still not being a part of it. Would Professor Gilmore think the same? I got lost in my thoughts while the rest kept talking to each other. My phone buzzed, and my stomach flipped over. Was it Royce again? My mother? Jorge? I didn’t move to answer it. It rang a couple more times.

  “You going to answer your phone?” Jay asked.

  I nod absently and pull it out and exhale. Jorge. Good.

  “Excuse me,” I walked to a corner of the room and answered. “Sorry I didn’t text or call this morning. I’m okay.”

  “I understand, you were upset. Are you better now?” he asked.

  I looked at the scuff on my shoes. “Yes. I’m okay.” He waited for me to elaborate, but I didn’t. I couldn’t. Not here and now. But Jorge wasn’t giving up so easily.

  “Piper. How long have we known each other?” he asked.

  He knew the answer, but I said it anyway. “My whole life.”

  “Then you shouldn’t lie to me,” he said. We were silent for a moment.

  “I’m sorry.” I sighed. “I feel like I apologize a lot lately,” I said in a hushed tone.

  “I’m sorry too. You going off track, is new. I expected stuff like that from my parents. I didn’t expect that from you,” he said.

  “I’m not alone right now, but things are . . . better. We’re heading for Ohio and tandem jumps. We may be going to the Harley Fest in Milwaukee,” I said with a lift in my voice.

  “Hatchet is going though he’s not supposed to cross state lines. Skydiving sounds insane. Call me when you’re alone. I want a real conversation. I’ll try to be more supportive,” he promised.

  “Okay. I will,” I said.

  The door opened, and Seren walked out. Brody stepped through the door jam. I could feel my pulse in my ears and wanted to know what had been decided. When his eyes found mine, an electrical current went through me. He crooked his finger, and my breath caught.

  “I’ve got to go,” I said airily.

  He let out an exasperated sigh. “It’s him, don’t bother denying it. I want to remind you that you’re there to get the story, period. After it’s done, you will come back.” His voice went up an octave.

  “Of course I will. We’ll talk soon,” I said and hung up. And there I was; headed across the room to Brody. I knew he was angry with Seren. But from the dark look he was giving me there was lust and sex in the
mix. And the thought had me heating up. He took my waist in his grip and settled me next to him at the door.

  Doc called out, “What say you, Boss?”

  “Piper and I will go with you and Fiona to Lake Forest, but Riley will call me and give me updates. And she will have contact with doctors there. If I don’t hear in a timely fashion, I’ll be on my way.”

  “I’ll call. I’ll give you the information,” Riley told him.

  “I can call,” Seren bit out.

  “That’s a couple of days away. Let’s not ruin our jump trip,” Fiona said.

  “Looks like you all could use a group break,” Jay said, and Zack nodded in agreement.

  “I need a break,” Seren yelled.

  Brody moved us back from the door and slammed it shut.

  He took my hips in his hands and said. “Damn it, does she ever make me angry. I know it must seem I’m over protective, but you saw how Seren was this morning. She tries to be full of energy, but she’s not. And she gets down. She’s still recovering—” He looked so lost and frustrated. I didn’t know what to do. So I tried to put him at ease.

  Placing my hands on his heaving chest, I said. “I understand. You don’t have to explain to me.”

  “Perhaps not. Why do I feel I do?” he asked himself and me.

  “I’m glad you did,” I said. “I really admire how you care for her. I see why your friend Cole asked you to look after her.”

  Brody brushed his hair back making it stick up all over but didn’t take a stitch away from his allure. He looked at me like a puzzle he was trying to figure out.

  “What am I doing?” He caressed the sides of my face. My mouth parted, I raised myself up to meet his lips. His kisses were like his hands. Sensual caresses that sung through my veins and had me parting my lips and pressing into him to give me more. And he took more, possessively stroking his tongue against mine. And I gave in. My hands, wrapping around his neck as he pressed me into the door. We were about to go further, but a hard knock interrupted us.

  “We checked out of here and need to get going.” It was Doc.

  I kissed him deeply, and we left. Holding hands, we rejoined the others outside, climbed on his bike and rode off for Ohio.