That she was his wife.
Chapter 9
“So we need to be convincing tonight.”
Piper looked over at Erik and shrugged her shoulders.
“I thought that was the plan every night?”
“Yes, but more so tonight. Elli will really be watching, especially after lunch today. She informed me not to hurt you and then gave me the Shea look of death. And my brother is on me about us being fake, so we need to be believable.”
She nodded as she played with the hem of her dress. Erik was nervous, and that made her nervous, too. His main worry was Elli, and it was understandable. Elli was fiercely protective of the people she cared about, and Piper was the little sister Elli never had. But surely Elli wouldn’t go as far as to fire Erik when he was one of the best players on the team. Why would she want to do that? Yeah, it would hurt him, but what about her team? Then again, Elli acquired some of the greatest players in the NHL to play for the Assassins, so she obviously knew what she was doing. Maybe there was more to Elli’s threats to Erik than she knew about.…
What was interesting, though, was Jakob doubting their relationship. Piper was sure they pulled off their act perfectly at the last family gathering, with their stolen glances, sweet smiles, and soft touches. It was torture for Piper, but she was sure that her family believed that this was a real marriage. So what did Jakob see? And, oh God, did Harper see it, too?
“Okay, that’s fine.”
“Thanks.”
She closed her eyes and leaned her head against the window as he drove to Audrey Jane’s, Audrey’s cupcakery. All of Piper’s friends would be at the grand-opening party, and she couldn’t wait to see them, though a part of her wished she was safe at home, with her sketches in her lap. She was nervous to see everyone, and having to explain—no, lie—to everyone about her new marriage … and baby, too. Would they be shocked, happy for her, or think she was crazy? She really shouldn’t care, but she did; it was important to her that her friends agreed with her decisions.
Glancing over at Erik, admiring the thick dark hair on his chin, she couldn’t help but think she had made the right choice. Even if it would be over in a matter of months, she finally felt like she wouldn’t regret this. Tonight was the first night he really looked at her, and she felt something shift between them. As though he was starting to care for her.
Pulling into the busy parking lot of Audrey Jane’s, Erik stopped by the valet.
“A valet for a cupcakery?”
“I think it’s only for tonight.”
Erik laughed as he got out and handed over his keys. Piper thought maybe her husband would open the door for her, but no, he stood there waiting for her when the valet rushed over to open her door. He kindly extended his arm for her to balance as she shifted her extra weight to get out of the car.
Walking over to where he stood, Piper could not hold back a huff of annoyance.
Erik looked surprised at her reaction. “What’s your problem? My car did nothing to you.”
“No, it didn’t, but you did,” she said, and with one more glare began walking to the entrance of the building.
When his fingers wrapped around her arm, she turned back to glare at him some more.
“What did I do?”
“I have like twenty extra pounds on me, your car is low, and it’s hard for me to get out. The least you can do is help me, but no, thank God for the valet; at least he’s a gentleman, paid or not,” she spat out.
Erik looked confused as he shook his head.
“You’re mad because I didn’t help you out of the car, when there’s a valet here to do just that?”
“Yes, you should want to help me, regardless.”
He blinked twice and then shook his head.
“Okay, I’m going to let this one go and say sorry, okay? I didn’t know I had to be a mind reader and know when you need help.”
Piper’s eyes narrowed and she turned on her heel, making her way into the cupcakery despite Erik calling out her name. He infuriated her. Didn’t his dad teach him to open doors for women? Help them out of the car? She had seen Jakob do it for Harper countless times. Did Erik miss that growing up? Not only was it the gentlemanly thing to do, but she was pregnant! With his darn child! Open the damn door and help me out! she thought. Was that too much to ask for? Ah, she wanted to ring his neck.
Shaking her head, she entered the cupcakery and noticed that Erik was right behind her. When she felt his hand on her lower back, she had to fight the chills that wanted to rush down her spine. She would not let this man affect her. But when his fingers danced along her bare back, and rested under the strap that held the dress together, she felt like putty as she glanced up at him.