A Mutually Beneficial Secret: A Spicy Secret Office Relationship RomCom (The Unexpected Book 3), page 15
Okay, maybe Piper isn’t the only one with a soft spot for the feline.
After appeasing Charlie, I go straight to the shower, but before I get in, I grab my phone and text Piper.
Me: Thank you for letting me stay the night and for sharing a part of yourself with me. I don’t take that lightly.
After I hit send, I realize that could be taken the wrong way and I hope she knows I’m talking about the book and not the sex. Though, that was just as fantastic, but in a different way. Much different.
Piper: Thanks for not making me feel like a fool for hiding that part of me. It’s been a long time since I’ve felt this way. I don’t take that lightly, either.
There is so much I could say to that, but I don’t want to push her with a heavy text conversation, so I keep things light.
Me: Good. We’re going to find a way to make this work. For now, we trade weekends at our places?
Piper: I look forward to our next sleepover *heart eye emoji*
Fuck. So do I.
I put my phone down and step into the shower. As soon as the steaming water hits my skin, my brain begins to process everything that’s happened in the last month since meeting Piper.
Things might not be so easy for us, thanks to work, but maybe it doesn’t have to be that complicated.
Maybe we already have the answer we need, and we didn’t even realize it.
Chapter Twenty-Three
KINKY SHIT
Piper
Holy hell. I don’t know how to process what has happened over the last twelve hours, but nothing is what I expected. Well, except for the sex. I knew that would be amazing, just like the first time. But everything else? All I can think is, What did I do?
Not in a bad way. I’m doing what I set out to do when I moved out here. I wanted to be a new me who didn’t hold back in life. Opening up to Colin, telling him my deepest secret—which shouldn’t even be a secret—is good.
Yet, I also feel terrible that Ella and Kenzie weren’t the first people to know about my writing. Now I need them to know right away. Otherwise, the guilt will eat away at my soul until they do.
Me: SOS. Video chat?
Ella: Two minutes.
Kenzie: Oh, you know Owen only needs one.
I snort at Kenzie’s text, then head to the bathroom and make sure I don’t look recently ravaged. That woman doesn’t need any more ammunition to be inappropriate.
After running a brush through my hair, I head downstairs, and my phone starts ringing just as I enter the kitchen.
The video loads, and Kenzie joins in at the same time as me but doesn’t get a chance to speak before Ella glares at the screen. “Owen says you owe us another apology gift for that comment.”
Kenzie throws her head back as she laughs, her auburn hair cascading behind her. “Ha. Not going to happen. He never even thanked me for the first one, which I know he enjoyed.”
“Ella,” I hear Owen’s growling tone in the background.
She looks away from the screen. “Oh, come on. You can’t tell me all of your conversations with Bentley are innocent. You know there are no secrets between the three of us.”
I internally cringe at Ella’s words. Well, there won’t be any others as soon as we get to have this conversation.
Owen’s laugh sounds sinister. “So, they know about last week when we—”
Ella’s eyes widen, and she throws a pillow from their bed. “Get out. Now.”
His chuckle follows him out of the room, and Kenzie is staring at Ella with all the interest in the world showing through her eyes. “So, what have you whores been up to? Between the SOS and Owen’s comment, I feel like this is going to be the best conversation ever.”
I mean, she’s probably not wrong, but I don’t tell her that.
Ella’s cheeks are flushed, and she forces a grin to her face. “Owen was just trying to start some shit. Nothing happened last week.”
Kenzie’s hand slams down on something hard, possibly her nightstand. “Bullshit. We know you better than that. Just like I know Piper has something juicy to say. Since hers will probably take longer, you better spill the tea and tell us what kinky shit you did with your husband. No judgement. Only curiosity over here.”
I shrug at Ella’s panicked look. “I have to side with Kenzie here. Your reaction is only making it so that we have to know. I mean, it’s not like you had a threesome or something. It can’t be that crazy.”
Ella gulps, and my eyes bulge, but it’s Kenzie who responds first. “If you fucked another woman and it wasn’t me, I think my feelings are actually going to be hurt.”
I can’t stop the laughter that rips through me. My entire body shakes, and I nearly drop the phone onto the tile floor in the kitchen.
When I gain control of myself, Ella is covering her face and shaking her head. “I didn’t have sex with another woman. We didn’t invite another partner into our bed, but Owen might have, um, well, fuck. Wedidanal.”
Her words are spoken so quickly that they sound like only one was said, but all we needed to hear to understand was that last bit: anal.
Kenzie frowns and then lets out a huff. “Seriously? How is it that you’ve done that before me? Damn it. Now I need to get fucked in the ass so we can chat about this properly. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there’s been some serious finger play, but actual dick penetration? Not so much. Now, though? I’ll bring the idea up. How was it? Did it hurt to sit afterward? Did you bleed? More importantly, how was the orgasm? Dear lord, I bet it was amazing. Was it?”
Ella is beet red as she shakes her head. “I’m not talking about this now. Piper sent an SOS, and we still have no idea what happened, thanks to my husband’s big-ass mouth. Now, Piper, tell us what’s going on? Did Colin do something? Are we going to have to plot his death while we’re there in a couple weeks?”
Kenzie cocks her head. “Murder is probably the only thing that would make me forget about anal. What do you need, girl?”
My heart feels so full, even though it’s beating faster than the wings of a hummingbird. “First, I love you both, and you have no idea how much I am looking forward to your visit. Second, Colin didn’t do anything wrong. Not really, anyway, but some of the events over the last twelve hours did have me telling him a secret that I should have told both of you a long time ago, and I couldn’t wait any longer for you to know.”
Ella’s face softens, and she offers me a smile of encouragement. “Well, then. Tell us. What is it?”
I wait for Kenzie’s smart-ass reply, but when it doesn’t come, I take a steadying breath and finally let the words out. “I like writing. And not just random things, but books. Like the ones I edit. I have hundreds, maybe even thousands, of pages written that nobody has ever seen.”
Kenzie rests her chin in her hand and flutters her eyes. “Please tell me they’re naughty romance novels and then all is forgiven.”
With a weight lifted off me, I grin. “Yes, there is a love story in them, but they’re not smut. Sorry to disappoint.”
She scoffs. “They’re also not published yet. We can totally change that. You didn’t convince me to start reading dirty novels only to tell me you won’t write the same shit in yours. I won’t stand for that. If you want my forgiveness for keeping this secret, then promise me you’ll steam them up.”
I laugh at her threat, mentally kicking my own ass for thinking this was going to be a bigger deal than it really is.
Though, it was a big deal to me and still is, so I’m not sure what is wrong or right here. All I do know is that I feel better telling them.
“Seriously, Pipe. This is amazing news, and I’m so proud of you for telling us something that makes you feel vulnerable, but what I really want to know is how did Colin find out?”
I blush, and Kenzie grins, but Ella cuts her off. “Don’t you dare embarrass her into silence.”
Kenzie pretends to zip her mouth closed and stays quiet.
“Well, he came over last night and brought whiskey, plus some card and board games to play. We ended up playing Never Have I Ever all night while drinking, and by the end, we were making up our own questions and I drunkenly told him. After that, he stayed the night and this morning he got up before me to make breakfast and happened to read some of what was up on my laptop.”
Kenzie glares. “That British bastard snooped through your things?”
“Not really. At least, not how he explained it,” I say before recounting the morning events. “He apologized for accidently invading my privacy and seemed super sincere. He could have not told me at all, so I don’t think he was lying. Honestly, though, it’s more of a relief to know I have no other dark secrets.”
Ella raises a brow. “If you consider that dark, I don’t want to know what you think about anal.” We all laugh, and before the subject can be changed again, Ella then asks, “What did he think about your work?”
I can feel the flush covering my cheeks as I lean against the counter. “He said it was really great. That even after only reading a few paragraphs, I’d made him feel what the heroine was and that he wants to read more when I’m ready.”
Kenzie rolls her eyes and sighs. “Of course it’s fucking amazing. You’re Piper Lucille Fitz. A badass. Even if you’re only just learning that for yourself.”
Tears prick in my eyes, and my lower lip trembles. “God, I miss you both so much.” I can’t stop the onslaught of crying that ensues after that.
My emotions are on a roller coaster I didn’t sign up for. Any happiness I’d been feeling moments ago is overshadowed by the fact that I’d give anything to be having this conversation in person with them. I don’t know how I’m supposed to live the rest of my life thousands of miles apart from my best friends. Kenzie and Ella are a part of me. My soul sisters.
“Hey.” Ella’s sharp tone sounds through my crying. “You better lift that phone back up so we can see your beautiful face and remind you again that everything is going to be okay. You’re where you’re supposed to be right now, and I feel that deep in my heart. I know it’s hard to be apart, and more so for you because you’ve had to leave everything behind, but I promise you things are going to be okay. I just know it.”
I wipe the tears and snot from my face. “I really want to believe you, and I’m trying to make the best of things here. It’s just hard without you two.”
Kenzie winks. “It’s also hard with us and you know it. I agree with Ella, though. We’ll be there soon, and I promise to drive you batshit crazy so that when it’s time for us to go home, you’ll be thankful. I’ll have all the obnoxious things planned.”
I snort-laugh through the last of my tears. “I don’t think LA is ready for you, Kenzie Jane.”
She straightens her shoulders proudly. “Probably not, but you’re there so they have no choice. I’ll be swinging in on my wrecking ball, causing all the mayhem I can. You know, without violating any relationship laws between me and Bentley, of course.”
“I seriously can’t wait,” I say with a heavy sigh and back away from the kitchen counter to grab water that I badly need after a night of drinking.
After grabbing a bottle from the fridge, I head into the living room and sit on the couch with my phone still in hand. “I really like him, you guys. My freaking boss, who I’m not supposed to date.”
Ella smiles and glances away from the phone briefly. “Sometimes the best things in life come when we’re not ready for them, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t meant to be. If Colin is as great as you’ve made him sound, I can understand why you like him, but is what you feel enough to find a new job for or change departments? Assuming he has no intention of doing that instead.”
I shrug. “We haven’t really talked about that. We both agreed it was a problem for the future, but maybe it’s time we got serious about that conversation. I’ve only been around him a month, and I don’t think I can do much more without knowing where this is going long term.”
“You could always just enjoy the sex and not care about where things are going,” Kenzie says nonchalantly.
I bark out a laugh. “Ha! Like you did? Right. I know it worked out well for you, but my situation is more complicated than yours was.”
She shrugs. “It doesn’t have to be if you don’t let it.”
I let her words sink in and wonder if my crazy best friend is right.
Doubtful this time, but maybe.
Chapter Twenty-Four
I HAVE AN IDEA
Colin
Over a week has passed since the night I stayed over at Piper’s, and I’m pleased to share that there have been two other sleepovers. Both of them at my house, because…you guessed it, Sir Charles.
I haven’t minded staying in. At least, not until a couple of days ago. I’ve been wanting to take her on a proper date for Valentine’s Day, but Piper is too worried about anyone from work seeing us and asking questions that will either force us to lie or get us fired.
I understand her reasonings, but I think I’ve finally figured out a way around her hesitation, and I’ve worn my favorite green tie for good luck, hoping she won’t tell me no.
I make my way down to her office. It’s something I’ve done at least once a day to each of the six editors under me just so that I don’t draw attention when I need to see Piper. My hands are in the pockets of my black slacks, and I left the suit jacket behind.
When I arrive, her door is cracked, and the blinds are actually closed. I stop and listen to make sure she’s not on the phone, and all I can hear is the soft hum to some melody I feel like I should know but can’t place.
I push forward and see Piper’s glasses-covered eyes intently focused on her computer screen, her head bobbing, and a pencil pressed between her lips.
She doesn’t see me enter, and I take in her thick leggings, purple skirt, and cream blouse. Her heels are on the floor just past the end of her desk, and she seems so relaxed.
I turn to leave, not wanting to interrupt her flow, but as I reach for the handle, Piper gasps. “Holy shit. How long have you been there?”
I’m smiling by the time I face her again. “Just a few seconds. When I realized how deep you were into the book, I didn’t want to distract you.”
She looks behind me and sees the door still mostly closed. “I couldn’t focus earlier, so I blocked out as many distractions as I could.”
My brow raises, and I tilt my head. “Why couldn’t you focus?”
She cuts a hard glare my way. “I’m not answering that.”
“That’s answer enough, little bird.” I laugh and step closer, but not too close in case anyone peeks in. “I have an idea. One that I want you to think about fully before you give me an answer. And try to keep an open mind.”
Piper’s teeth peek out, scraping over her lower lip. “Okay.”
“So, with Valentine’s Day in a couple days, I thought we could celebrate a day early to avoid the normal chaos. How does a road trip down to Long Beach sound? We could go see that new action movie together at the cinema and even check out the water, get some dinner, and watch the show before or after. It’s an hour drive, and there should be no chance we’ll see anyone we know.”
By the time I’m done speaking, I can already see the denial in her eyes, so I plead with her a little more. “Just think about it and let me know by end of day. My idea will get us both out of work early tomorrow so we can go already knowing our other coworkers are here busy. Plus, everything should be pretty slow since it will be the day before the holiday.”
She nods hesitantly and squeezes the arms of her chair. “Okay. I’ll think about it, but only if you promise no gifts. I have secretly hated this day since I was a child.”
I give her a smile and a wink for good measure. “Maybe you can tell me why tomorrow night during our long drive together.”
She rolls her eyes at me and flicks her hand toward me. “Go away. I have work and apparently some thinking to do now.”
Oh, she’s so going to say yes.
By the next afternoon, everything has come together. Piper asked me if she could work from home for the rest of the day while I was in a meeting with Brian and Shannon, and I had already told everyone that morning that I had a potential client meeting and wouldn’t be returning to the office when I left later in the day.
When I do, I meet Piper at her house, and before she can back out for the fifth time, we’re headed down the 710 toward Long Beach. Even better, and almost as if this night is meant to be, traffic is clear, and the normally hour-long drive only takes forty minutes.
We decide to go see the movie first, so we aren’t on any time constraints later, which sounded great to me until we were walking out of the theater.
I’m holding hands with Piper and beaming like a fool. “That was really amazing. Especially the battle at the end. I did not expect that guy to come out and destroy everything in his path.”
She nods. “Agreed. That was the best part. I was thinking that maybe they could—”
Piper stops mid-sentence and shoves me into another screening room.
“What are—” I try to ask what she’s doing, but her hand smacks over my face and she glares at me before glancing back out the door.
“Steve is here,” she whispers, and I can now feel her entire body trembling.
I carefully remove her death grip on my face and check around the corner, but I don’t see anything. “Steve, as in my boss?”
She rolls her eyes. “Do you think I’d care about any other Steve?”
“Valid point. What way did he go?” I ask, still unable to spot him.
Piper lets out a sigh. “I don’t know. He was headed right toward us. I swear we made eye contact, but then I panicked and, well, you know the rest. Maybe he went into another movie already.”
“I think if he saw us, he’d have come over here to out us, right?” I ask, hoping to calm her with my words and by grabbing her shaking hands.
