Playing Pretend, page 5
Good. I don’t have the restraint to ask twice. I grab my boxers and escape into the bathroom to drown myself under icy water.
I don’t get out until my dick is under control and my balls are begging to hibernate. When I return to the main room, she slips into the bathroom without making eye contact.
Her suitcase is now neatly placed in the corner, her clothes no longer strewn across the bed. What takes their place, though, is a construction of pillows down the center of the mattress, the pile double stacked.
This room might be a friends-only zone, but she’s feeling the undercurrent of more than that if a fortress is necessary.
By the time the bathroom door quietly swooshes open, I’m waiting in bed, the room bathed in shadow, the only illumination coming from her bedside lamp.
She pads into view, my grey KSCY shirt hanging off her, making her appear younger than she is. Smaller. More innocent. Her hair is loose around her shoulders, her makeup-free face as beautiful as it’s ever been.
God damn. I need another cold shower.
Her eyes trek my way, her attention falling to my bare chest for a brief second before snapping to her side of the mattress.
“I look good on you,” I drawl.
Her lips twitch but she doesn’t give in to the smile.
“I mean my clothes.” I cross my hands behind my head and rest back against the only spare pillow I’ve been allocated.
“I knew what you meant.” She climbs into her side of the bed, tugs up the covers despite it being balmy outside, then flicks off the lamp.
I grin into the darkness. “You nervous, little Pip?”
She groans. “Why would I be nervous, Rome?”
“You tell me. We’ve slept in the same bed before but last time, there wasn’t a barricade.”
“Last time, I was twelve, and you weren’t throwing around sexual innuendoes like confetti.”
I may not have been throwing them, but my teenage lizard brain had fought hard not to think them.
I’d been staying at her house for the week while my father was out of town. It was one of the benefits of being best friends with my neighbors.
I spent the day with Rett playing video games and sneaking back into my house to smuggle my dad’s beer. Piper tagged along the entire time. Always eager to watch our mischief. But when night fell and us guys were talking shit in the pitch black of Rett’s room, she casually climbed into the bottom bunk with me to join in.
Then she fell asleep, and not wanting to wake her, I let her doze. I spent half the night trying not to think about our age difference and how fucking good it felt to have her cuddled in against me. Because the thing was, even back then, being with Piper was easy. Natural. Perfect.
“The innuendo is beside the point,” she mumbles into the darkness. “Because I remember you telling me how horrible I was as a bed partner. You said I kicked all night. So you’re welcome for the barricade.”
“You didn’t grow out of the restless sleep?”
“You’re the only one who’s ever complained.”
The subtle insertion of her exes into the conversation dampens my lust. I’ve resented every single one of those fuckers, no matter how small her tally. Especially Julian.
I don’t know how, but that guy messed with her head.
Before him, she could participate when Rett and I spoke about sex. Now, she’s different. The blushes are deeper. The awkwardness more profound.
He’s made her embarrassed of her sexuality somehow.
“Don’t worry, little Pip. I’m sure sleeping with you will be more than pleasant.”
“Sleeping beside me,” she corrects.
I roll onto my stomach with a laugh. “I think you doth protest too much.”
CHAPTER 5
Piper
I push to a seated position within seconds of waking, my head heavy, my stomach queasy.
Sleep was elusive. I spent the majority of the night tossing and turning while thinking of ways to best Rome. Problem was, most ideas seemed like I’d be waving a red flag in front of a horny bull.
At least my fort withstood the night.
I peer over the bank of pillows, finding him still asleep. The sheet rests at his hips. The sunlight seeping around the curtains illuminates him in all his muscled glory.
Cassidy was right; he does look somewhat godly. I guess he always has with his mass of corded strength and shadowed sinew. And right now, the dark, overnight stubble across his chiseled jaw only makes him more rugged.
He’s a big bowl of eye candy. Or he would be if I was still a soft-hearted teenager.
I slide from the bed and tiptoe to my suitcase to scavenge for a skirt and T-shirt. Then it’s straight into the bathroom to change, brush my teeth, and put on a basic layer of makeup.
I’m going to get a head start on the day without him. No early morning taunts. Just pure, slightly hungover peace as I sit through the mind-numbing lecture from the company bosses.
Within fifteen minutes, I’m creeping out of the suite without a backward glance.
Piper
I have a meeting.
I text Rome.
Piper
I’m not sure when it will finish. Enjoy the resort without me.
I make my way to the lobby and down an empty hall to the conference area where most of my colleagues and the Newport Beach office staff are already banked up like zombies around the coffee machine.
I hang back from the crowd, resting against the wall a few feet away. I know better than to walk straight into the lion’s den of questions. Everyone will be salivating for information on Rome.
“I thought you’d be eager for caffeine after your performance last night.”
The hair on the back of my neck prickles at the deep voice. I don’t need to glance over my shoulder to know my ex is close behind me. “Performance?”
He huffs a noise—part laugh, a hint of a scoff. “It was quite the display.”
“You were there? I didn’t see you.” I keep my attention on the realtors before me, hoping he’ll take the dismissive hint.
“I definitely saw you. Then proceeded to lose my appetite and decided to get room service instead.”
I press my mouth shut.
He’s hurt. Probably embarrassed. That’s understandable.
He steps closer, decimating my personal space as his shoulder brushes mine. “I would’ve appreciated being told you were bringing a friend.”
I hold in a sigh and turn to face him. “Julian, we haven’t been together for months. I don’t owe you anything.”
“You don’t owe me?” His dark eyes narrow. “I would’ve thought it was human decency.”
He’s drawing attention, the chatter of colleagues in the vicinity already lowering to hushed, gossipy whispers.
“I’m sorry I’ve upset you.” I backtrack, ignoring how numerous onlookers stare over bites of cake or sips from mugs. “But I think it’s best if we keep our distance, don’t you?”
His nostrils flare.
I don’t wait for a response. I walk away, claiming a position at the end of the coffee line while those who eavesdropped murmur in hushed voices, undoubtedly starting rumors.
“Everything okay?” Cassidy steps in beside me.
“Is it too early to start drinking?” I focus on the stacked coffee pods on the table up ahead, pretending the blend options are fascinating. “I don’t think caffeine is going to cut it.”
“I can see that,” she murmurs. “What was that about with Julian?”
“It’s nothing I can’t handle.” I shoot her a withering look and shuffle farther up the line. “This headache, on the other hand…”
She chuckles. “Are you hungover? I thought you would’ve worked the alcohol out of your system once you got back to your room last night.”
“No, I did not.” Blood rushes to my face. Goddammit. “I crashed as soon as I climbed into bed.”
She smirks. “Sure you did.”
I reach the table and grab a mug from the stack. “I’m taking things slow. I don’t want to ruin our friendship.”
“That might be the pace you’ve set, but it’s clear lover boy has a different speed in mind. That guy was hungry for the cookie last night.”
Oh, my god.
“Tell me, girlfriend, how does someone have restraint with a man like that?” she asks. “I’d tear him limb from limb.”
I ignore her, quickly scooting forward when the person in front of me finishes making their brew. I pretend placing my pod in the machine requires enough brain capacity to halt conversation, the drip and gurgle of liquid filling the void.
“That was a genuine question,” she prods. “I seriously don’t know how you’re not straddling him like a prize-winning mare.”
Because I’m not a qualified jockey.
I turn to her with an exaggerated smile and snatch my full coffee mug from the machine. “I’ll meet you in the conference room.”
“Like hell.” She grabs my arm, holding me in place while she takes her turn on the machine. “We’re discussing this.”
“No, thank you.” I slide away, grateful when her hand falls back to her side. “I’ll save you a seat inside.”
I maneuver through my fellow realtors, ignoring the whispers and eye contact as I make my way into conference room one. Six round tables fill the space, all loaded with pitchers of water, glasses, notepads and pens.
I take a seat at the table in the far corner, dump my cell in front of me, and focus all my strength on consuming caffeine. Vanessa, Max, and Phillip join me a few moments later, none of them offering anything more than a grumbled good morning as they hunch over their coffee to do the same.
“Big night?” I ask. “What time did you get to bed?”
“Too late.” Vanessa winces. “I think I only slept three hours.”
“At least you made it to bed,” Max mumbles. “I woke up on a lounger at the beach with sand in my mouth…among other places.”
I hide a smile, thankful Rome isn’t the hot topic I thought he’d be.
“But I doubt you slept any better.” Phillip meets my gaze over the lip of his mug. “Are you walking bow-legged?”
Serves myself right for being optimistic. “My legs are just fine, thank you.” I cross my arms over my chest as Cassidy walks into the room to take the chair beside me.
“Where were we?” she murmurs. “Ah, that’s right, we were talking about tearing Rome apart in the bedroom.”
“We were?” Max sits straighter.
“No, we weren’t,” I say in warning. “I’m not tearing anything.”
“Is devour a better word?” Cassidy winks at me. “Or maybe savor?”
Vanessa slurps her coffee. “How about ravage?”
“I’m not doing any of those things.” I return my gaze to the door, distracting myself by fake smiling at the colleagues who enter the room. “Rome is too much of a good friend to go into this relationship carelessly.”
“Shouldn’t you feel more comfortable because he’s your best friend?” Phillip asks. “You two already know the ins and outs of each other mentally. All that’s left are all those good, juicy inside bits.”
I shoot him a look of horror.
“Juicy inside bits?” Cassidy cringes. “I’m sure you could’ve referenced that better.”
He raises a brow. “Want me to try?”
“God, no.” I heave a sigh of relief when Pete passes through the doors, casually making his way to the lectern at the front of the room.
“Is everyone ready to start?” He readjusts the microphone sticking out from the sloped desk. “I promise we won’t take up all of your day.”
“Thank fuck,” Max mumbles.
Everyone else remains quiet as they claim their seats.
“I’ll take the lack of response as a sign you’re all pumped and ready to go.” Pete loads a presentation onto the wall behind him via a remote control. “Let’s start with a commission comparison from last quarter.”
The meeting doesn’t get more entertaining.
It drags for longer than ninety minutes of Pete boasting the efforts of our team before the manager of the Newport Beach office takes over to brag about the achievements of his staff.
I try to remain focused on the meaningless numbers, but every so often I succumb to the prickle raising the hair on the side of my neck and glance toward Julian across the room, always finding him looking back at me.
It’s not a kind look, either, which doesn’t bode well for the remainder of my stay.
While the managers continue their numerical pissing match, I slide my cell off the table, hiding it in my lap as I type another message to Rome.
Piper
Are you still asleep? You missed the perfect opportunity to play the protective boyfriend. Julian pulled a stunt in front of everyone.
I hit send, hoping for a quick reply to help escape the boredom.
Nothing comes.
Piper
It’s a shame you weren’t here. I would’ve been on board with any of your underhanded tactics just to get him out of my hair.
It’s a lie. Rome would know it, too. But my brain is dying from lack of stimulation.
Still, no reply comes.
“What’s the Greek god up to?” Cassidy whispers.
“None of your business.” I place my cell back on the table, not touching it again until the screen illuminates a few minutes later with a silenced message. I move it straight back beneath the table to read his text.
Rome
What did he say? Where are you?
Piper
Conference room. Don’t tell me you just woke up.
I deliberately ignore the Julian question.
Rome
I’m out on a run. A few miles from the resort. I’ll be back soon to take care of him.
Piper
There’s nothing to take care of. You missed your opportunity. Enjoy the exercise.
I wait for more dots to appear. And wait… And wait…
My pulse increases with every second of radio silence.
He wouldn’t come back here and cause a scene. Would he?
Shit. Of course he would.
I frantically type—
Piper
Nothing needs to be handled, Rome. Do not come back.
—and quickly hit send.
Again, nothing. No bubble with dots. No words. No communication.
“Fuck,” I whisper.
A swoosh of sound takes over the room, the energy of attention pressing down on my shoulders. I cautiously glance up to find a swarm of eyes turned my way.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
I raise my cell with a wince. “Sorry, client emergency.”
“That’s okay.” Pete waves away my rudeness. “You can step out to take care of it if you like. We’re all finished here.”
“We are?” one of the guys asks from the other side of the room.
“Yes, Michael.” Pete turns off the presentation with a click of his remote. “There are no more boring bits.”
Half the room rush to their feet, me included.
“But…” Pete raises a hand. “Before we give you the rest of the day to yourselves, we thought it might be an appropriate time to do a team bonding exercise.”
A volcano of groans erupts.
“There’s no need for the bad attitudes.” Pete raises his voice over the movement of chairs and hushed discontent. “Go get a snack and change into casual attire if you haven’t already done so. Then meet us on the grass bank beside the outdoor bar. We’re going to have a quick game of Capture the Flag.”
“Capture the Flag?” Cassidy mutters as we shuffle our way to the door alongside everyone else attempting to flee. “Are we teenagers?”
“When was the last time you saw a teenager play anything other than video games?” I ask.
She shrugs. “True. So we’ve been relegated to toddler status?”
“At least he allows toddlers to drink.” Max squeezes past us. “I need to rebound, and the only way to do that is with more liquor. I’ll see you at the bar.”
“Pete said the grass beside the bar.”
Max continues weaving his way through the mini crowd. “I said what I said.”
I follow the slow progression into the hall, contemplating whether Max has the right idea or if more coffee is the answer while most of my colleagues disperse.
“Look.” Cassidy jerks her chin over my shoulder, her eyes dancing. “Your Greek god is here.”
I turn, finding Rome stalking toward us, his grey tank slicked with sweat and sticking to his chest while his black shorts do the same to his tanned thighs.
“Holy damn, that man is fine,” she murmurs.
He continues forward, grabbing the hem of his tank and dragging it upward to expose his ridiculously muscular stomach as he uses the material to wipe the sweat from his face. “Morning, ladies.”
I open my mouth to respond, but Vanessa cuts me off from a few feet away with a seductive “Hello, Rome.” Two other women from the Newport Beach office give similar eager greetings.
It’s a chore not to roll my eyes as he stops before me with his mega-watt grin, reveling in the attention.
“Miss me?” he asks.
With the new dawn comes a new day, motherfucker. Let the games begin. “Like you wouldn’t believe.” He won’t get to me. I’ve got my professionalism on lock.
“That’s what I like to hear.” He weaves a possessive arm around my waist, sweeping me off-balance.
Warmth floods my veins as I place my palms on his damp chest, trying to defuse yet another predictable PDA. “Rome—”
He swoops in, stealing my words with his mouth.
I’m caught off-guard.
Shellshocked.
His lips dance over mine, ridiculously gentle while my mind screams. This isn’t real. It’s all part of the challenge. The test. Yet my body reacts as if it’s just scrunched up the memo and thrown it in the disposal.
