"I'd like to understand you," Caden says in a voice so deep I feel it spread through me, everywhere, in tingles.
I glance up, and I wish I didn't when Caden's teeth sink into his bottom lip. The air crackles with tension between the ten inches separating his mouth from mine. Shit. My pulse speeds up, and I'm sure if he looks close enough he'll see it pounding in my throat. His gaze narrows into something not at all friendly or brotherly, but scorching and predatory and nothing but heat. I'm hot with a newfound flush.
He shakes. A tremble crosses his shoulders and his eyes lose their crisp clarity for a snapshot in time. The stool pushes back so fast it tumbles to the floor with a clatter as he pops up and we both stare where it lands.
"Eat," he repeats his earlier missive as if the last ten minutes didn't happen. "I'll pack the grocery store's worth of baked goods you made while you finish breakfast and then we'll go to town."
"Yes, sir," I mumble and pick up my fork.
"You're getting the hang of this, sunshine. Let me fix things up for you and I'll be out of your hair in no time." He tugs on my bun and then sets the stool upright before walking away.
My appetite leaves with him. For a moment, I got lost in his words when I needed to focus on the truth within them. I'd hoped we were in the beginning stages of friendship. But I'm not a friend to him. I'm Justin's girl. And because Justin's not here, I'm Caden's responsibility. He said it once, and once is enough to believe it. Now it's time he learns that I don't need anyone.
Dear Justin.
The duration in which you love doesn't matter so much as the full punch behind the emotion. And if that's true, we fought a full twelve rounds and won by a knockout.
I adore you.
x Piper
CHAPTER THREE
My Life, My Rules
Caden
SOMEWHERE BETWEEN EGGS and packing the car, I lost what little ground I had gained with Piper. Not surprising, after my monumental fuck-up. Pretty women are my weakness, and get me anywhere near this gorgeous pixie with platinum hair and I lose my goddamn mind. One look from her leaves me defenseless in a disturbing, gut-churning kind of way. No gun can protect me from that kind of enemy.
Having her in my truck magnifies the shit out of that feeling. I'm locked in a three-by-five-foot metal contraption burning with hell's fire and vanilla, a spice that clings to every part of Piper even after she showers. It's fucking torture. And so are her legs, bared by the lift of her sundress that rides up when she sits. Thank God for the jean jacket covering the swell of her tits. Jesus. I've got a hold of my hair, but even tugging my head halfway out the window doesn't alleviate the press of my dick against my jeans.
Dear Cock, let's recap this situation. She's nine months' pregnant. Nine months, my friend and fellow traveler of the world. We've seen beautiful, stunning women. We've gone without pussy for weeks before encountering these gorgeous creatures, and you have been on better behavior. What in the fuck is wrong with you? Nine months. I repeat, with child-with Justin's child. Justin's girl, you douchebag of a dick.
It's official. I've lost my mind. First it's my best friend talking in my head all damn day, then it's a replay of long-gone missions and the ghosts that go along with them, and now I'm talking to my cock. If anyone finds out, I'll be institutionalized. I groan and suck in ocean air to dilute Piper's effect on me.
No go. Still hard.
How did this happen? In less than twenty-four hours, I've been assaulted with her hands and words and muffins, but still the only thing I can think of is sinking into the sweet depths of her pussy. This is so wrong, so wrong on so many levels. I'm an asshole. This is a known fact, but wanting to fuck my dead best friend's pregnant fiancée is a new low for me.
I glance at Piper, bouncing my gaze quickly from toned and tanned skin to Gus, who is just as enamored with her as I am. He's in her lap, purring like a pussy while she rubs his neck.
I glare at him, and the little fuck smiles at me-a pup grin so wide his tongue lolls from his mouth.
"Bastard." The word slips out, and I look to see if she caught it.
"What's that?" Her eyes widen with her question.
She's so unbelievably stunning.
"Nothing. I was just talking to Gus. You sure you want him on your lap? I can move him. No problem, he can ride in the back if you'll be more comfortable. You know-the baby, you, comfort. I can move him." Fuck. I'm an idiot.
"He's fine. I think he likes my legs and my belly." She laughs, but shuts it down fast and looks from me to the road ahead.
"Piper?"