Chapter Seventeen

Tate

I'm beginning to wonder if Captain Obvious is big enough to eat. And if he'd taste like chicken. But then I sigh and shake my head. There isn't a lot of meat on his bones, and I can't help but think that plucking all of those feathers would be more effort than it's worth. To cap it all off, Dad would be heartbroken if anything happened to him. So I guess an ortolan-style dinner isn't an option. I could stage a breakout, leave the cage door bent and dangling as if he undid it from the inside, but I can imagine the look in his eyes when he hears that his favorite little nuisance is no longer with us. It's a lot easier for him to love the bird from afar. He doesn't have to hear all of his jabs and barbs being whistled all day long. Ledger made one offhand remark about my possibly developing a bald spot at the top of my head, just to screw with me, and it's all the winged asshole has chittered about for the last few hours.

I took another desk shift to give Ledger a few more hours of relaxation while I'm in town. The frown lines around the corner of his mouth are getting so deep that he's starting to look like Dad. Half bulldog, half shar-pei. I wasn't being totally altruistic, either. I hoped that I could catch him for a few minutes before he jogged off to wherever it is that he's been sneaking off to and continue our conversation from the other night, maybe pick up a few more tips. Not something I ever saw happening in a million years, picking up bedroom maneuvers from my brother. But if the shoe fits…

Instead, he jogged off right when I got there. Some kind of disaster with a water heater that Hank wanted him to glance at before skipping out for the rest of the afternoon to get ready for the party. This left me with a very slow afternoon crowd, that ridiculous bird, and my thoughts, most of which are starring Piper. What she picked out at the boutique today? Will her hair be pulled up or falling down? Will she let me hold her too close when we dance? Will she let me peel her new dress off her when we get back to the cabin?

Fallon and Ledger are naturally going to be at the party tonight, so I'm relieved by a young kid from town I don't recognize, who swears to me that not only is he old enough to work, can see over the top of the desk, and has worked here for months, but that he is also old enough to drive here and own a car. It's making me feel ancient by comparison, and Ledger and Captain Obvious's quips about my hairline are hitting me particularly hard. By the time I start to shuffle my way back to the cabin to switch into my blazer and run a comb through my hair, I've forgotten all about Piper and Fallon's transformative afternoon journey into town.

The sight that greets me when I open the cabin door hits me like a ton of bricks. I linger in the doorway for far longer than is normal, staring with my mouth dangling halfway open like a child watching a magic trick.

The blood leaves my veins.

The breath leaves my body.

The thoughts leave my head.

In this moment, Piper transcends the realm of simply being my assistant—she's the epitome of every unspoken dream I've ever had. Standing there, she's not just beautiful; she's breathtaking, commanding every ounce of my attention without saying a word. How have I been so blind? Or perhaps, it was not blindness but a defense, my subconscious dismissing what it deemed too perfect, too vital, too much for someone like me to ever hope to deserve. As the reality of wanting her—probably forever—crashes over me mingled with a pang of self-reproach. Piper is everything, and I, perpetually wrestling with my own worth, fear I may never be enough to stand by her side.

"Are you okay?" The vision in floral print casts me a glance over her shoulder as she fiddles with the back of her earring. There's an intricate series of twists and braids starting at the top of her head, the rest of her hair cascading down in soft waves that drape along her shoulders. She's forgone the glasses again, choosing instead to wear contact lenses, catching me with the full force of her chestnut eyes.

"Um… do I have male patterned baldness?" Jesus, did I just ask that?

She laughs full-on, but that makes her even more beautiful and me even more tongue-tied.

She walks closer to me and then I watch as her head tilts to one side. Her hair follows, flowing over one shapely shoulder. "No, why would you even ask that?"

I will my racing heart to calm the hell down. "Have you always been…" My words fail me, a rare occurrence, and I realize that I'm still standing in the doorway, letting the cool air out and the mosquitoes in. Stepping inside, I close it behind me and run a shaky hand through my hair.

"Tall?" She tilts her head in confusion, which makes the hair tumble down in front of her in a way that looks even more alluring than it already did. Reaching for the hem of her skirt, some insanely fitted silk number that I didn't think you could buy outside of Milan, let alone in somewhere like Sunset Lake, she lifts the fabric, showing me her shoes. They're a pair of tall, slim nude platform sandals, and the straps that run along her ankle and lower calf serve to accentuate the muscle tone there. "No, it's the heels."

I force a swallow and try to clear the grit from my throat. "No, so.."

"Tan?" Piper looks down at her bare arms and shrugs. "No, that's from the cornhole."

My thoughts, my feelings, are so damn twisted up over her. "I'm trying to say you look…"

The tension falls from her face, melting into a knowing smile. She's been screwing with me from the minute I walked in. The bottom of her dress flutters as she crosses to me with a warm laugh, and I feel like my heart is going to burst out of my ribcage.

Her lashes flutter. "Just kiss me already."

I bring my lips toward hers, and am intercepted halfway to my target by the alarm on my phone. Fallon is a stickler for punctuality, and will skin me alive if I'm late to this thing. I settle for a quick and messy peck on the side of her mouth, before scrambling into the bathroom to smooth out my hair and gargle with some mouthwash. Piper, gift that she is, already laid out a pair of slacks and a blazer for me, and I'm able to change and head right back out the door in less than ten minutes. I don't realize until we're standing in the lights around the boat that she chose my clothes specifically to match the dress she's wearing. No one deserves a woman this competent, least of all me.

I'm making a mess of things, when I so want tonight to be perfect. But it's like my brain has gone offline.

The beauty of the girl on my arm isn't doing enough to distract me from just how many lights are on this boat. Fallon must've spent days decorating this thing, and I can't imagine how much money it's cost the resort. All for a party for my brother and his fiancée, who I'm sure aren't being charged a dime for any of this. Numbers start flashing through my mind. It must show on my face, because suddenly Piper's elbow is in my ribs again. Not nearly as hard as the last time, but enough to make me jump.

"Not a word," she hisses, waving as we're spotted by my sister. "Lights are cheap. This is your brother we're talking about."

My lips roll together. "I didn't say a word."

"It was the face." Piper speaks through a tight smile, bracing for the incoming hug from Fallon.

We may have been a convincing couple on the cruise with strangers, but this is going to be something else. Everyone on this boat knows Gibson, which means that almost everyone knows me. Or at least knew me, back when I was a quiet sullen teenager who didn't want anything to do with any of them. There is an onslaught of introductions, people who I haven't seen in years and can barely remember myself. Piper handles them all with ease, charming everyone within a few feet of her, tossing around polite smiles and genuine compliments like they're going out of style. Everyone seems to walk away from her lighter than she found them, and I'm left awestruck by the entire affair.

I watch Piper work the room like a pro, her vibe completely unshakable. She's got this magic trick where she blends into any crowd, warming them up as naturally as the sun heats the sand. Her laughter rings out, real and cheerful, cutting through my nerves like a knife through butter. I'm seriously grateful she's here with me, upping my game. Her knack for mingling makes up for my awkward pauses, her smooth chatter filling in when my words fumble. As she floats through the crowd, she's more than just a lifeline—she's a spotlight, making the whole room glow and somehow making a space for me right in the middle of it all.

With a jolt, I realize I can't tear my gaze away from the stunning woman before me. The way her cleavage overflows her tight bodice. The way her eyes sparkle as brightly as the twinkle lights overhead. The way her fingers twine with mine in the perfect fit. God, I can't wait to get her back to the cabin and peel that form-fitting dress right off her body so I can show her how much I need her.

The glasses of sparkling wine seem to have helped lubricate the situation, if the rose-tinted swipe along the top of Piper's cheekbones tells me anything. I'm thankful for Fallon's budgetary prudence once again, choosing sparkling wine over a more expensive champagne, as I find myself downing just as many to keep up. Being around Piper makes me a less tightly wound, braver version of myself. I feel like we could conquer the world right now, taking our little party boat and intrepid band over toward Luminara.

In addition to commending her frugality, I have to once again admit that my sister is an excellent event planner. Having the guests start at the resort and take the boat over to the restaurant, docking in their marina, feels so extravagant and yet is the simplest thing in the world. It's sure as hell cheaper than trying to rent limos for this many people, and the open air and leisurely speed of travel add an element of luxury to the whole affair. As we disembark, Piper's hand in mine, I find there is more magic and personality in traipsing down this rickety dock to our reserved patio than in all of the soulless parties I've been to, where anything with bubbles costs its weight in gold and every guest is just there to network.

There's a small check-in station set up outside of the patio area, for guests to discard any unwanted jackets or baggage, and an employee has been left with a glass fishbowl, pencils, and ample scraps of paper. The goal is for every guest to write down a memory of Gibson and Avery and toss them in the bowl to be read later. A collaborative speech making process, instead of leaving it all to some beer-soaked potential best man, who in this case is Avery's brother, Aiden. The concept is serviceable, but as I sit at a table with my paper and pencil, I find myself at a total loss.

"For the first time in my life, I have nothing to write down," I muse, scribbling a series of loops and circles around the edge of the paper, hoping that something will come loose in my mind.

"Perhaps we should call the Star it's a need, a plea wrapped in a thin veneer of calm. The intensity of my desire surprises me, sharp and demanding.

Piper's eyes search mine, a flicker of confusion quickly chased away by a dawning realization. The corner of her mouth quirks up, a silent acknowledgment of the shift in our atmosphere. She nods, her hand squeezing mine, silently sealing our silent agreement.

As we excuse ourselves, stepping away from the warmth of the party into the cool night, I toss my sister a wave goodbye, punctuating the quickening beat of my heart. Each step we take is charged, the space between us electric and pulling taut with every breath. I quickly make a deal with one of the water taxis tied to the dock and ask the operator to get us back to the resort quickly.

The laughter and chatter from the restaurant still echo in my ears as we step onto the deck, the boat's lights flickering like stars against the twilight sky. The air is crisp, carrying the mingled scents of lake water and pine, reminding me of summers spent far from the city's rush. I glance at Piper, whose profile is softened by the dim glow of the moon. She offers me a small, private smile—the kind that tells me she's just as caught in the magic of the moment as I am.

"As beautiful as that party was," I murmur, leaning into her as we snuggle together on a bench seat, "I think this might be the perfect way to end our evening."

She nods, her eyes reflecting the shimmering water. "Nothing like a slow ride across the lake to make you appreciate the quiet."

My hand finds hers, fingers intertwining naturally. We sit there, side by side, watching the shoreline gradually transform as we drift back towards the resort.

The motor hums softly, its steady progress through the water a gentle reminder of the evening's end.

"It's all about the journey, isn't it?" Piper's voice is thoughtful, almost introspective. "Not just where we're going, but how we get there."

I smile, squeezing her hand. "And who we're with," I add, earning a squeeze in return.

By the time the lights of the resort pier beckon, signaling our approach, the night has deepened into a velvety dark, the stars above more vivid than ever. The taxi eases toward the dock, the gentle bump pulling us back from our shared reverie. We disembark with reluctant steps, not quite ready to leave the cocoon of our secluded voyage behind, but eager to see what the rest of the night holds.

As we walk up wooden planks, the resort lights cast a welcoming glow, the promise of continued celebration drawing us in. Once we hit shore, the gravel crunches under our feet, a stark contrast to the silent glide of the water, grounding us back in reality—but a reality I'm more than happy to embrace, especially with this woman by my side.

The walk back is a blur, every sense heightened, every glance loaded with promise. By the time we reach the doorstep of the cabin, the air around us thrums with the intensity of our unspoken promises. The key turns in the lock, the door swings open, and we step over the threshold into the private shadow of the night, leaving the rest of the world behind.

The moment the door clicks behind me, I unleash the power of how much I want this woman. She leans over to unbuckle her platform sandals, but I stop her.

"Leave the shoes on."

Her eyelashes flutter. "Huh?"

"I've been watching you all night. Your legs look amazing in those heels. I want to do filthy things to you while you're wearing them."

A tiny sigh escapes her lips. "How filthy?"

"As filthy as you'll let me." I grip her waist. "Come here." Sliding the zipper down slowly, I kiss each inch of exposed skin on her back until the top of the floral silk concoction falls down around her waist.

Piper lets out a breathy sigh as I push the dress lower, the fabric pooling around her feet. She glances over her shoulder, eyes dark with desire. I run my hands up her sides, feeling the heat radiating off her body. She arches into my touch, wordlessly giving herself over to the moment.

"You're so fucking beautiful," I growl, pressing my lips to her neck, trailing hot kisses down her spine. The air crackles with tension as I guide her towards the plush couch, urging her to bend over it.

"Grab the cushions," I command, watching as she does as she's told. The sight of her perched on the edge, clad in only her heels and lacy panties, makes my pulse race.

My fingers trace the line of her curves, a soft moan escaping Piper's lips. "You like this, don't you?" I whisper against her ear, reveling in the way she trembles under my touch. "Being told what to do for once."

"I love it," she gasps out, her voice strained with need. "You should do it more often."

I grab a handful of her hair, gently tugging her head back as I press my body against hers. Our connection is electric, our desire palpable in the air between us. With each touch, each whispered demand, we sizzle.

Piper's breath hitches as I kneel behind her, my fingers dancing along the edge of her panties. With a wicked grin playing on my lips, I tug the fabric aside, revealing her glistening heat to my gaze. The sight is enough to make my cock harden into a steely rod.

"God, you're so wet," I murmur, my fingertips tracing her swollen folds. I can feel her need, her heat, her desperation for release. My fingers dip into her, teasing the bundle of nerves at her core, causing her to gasp and arch against me.

"Tate," she breathes, her voice a plea for more, and something inside me shatters with the sweetness of it. Giving her what she wants—what she asks for—feels as necessary as breathing, as vital as the blood coursing through my veins. I'd tear the stars from the sky if she desired light. Her wishes weave through me, binding, compelling. It's terrifying, this depth of feeling, like standing on the edge of a cliff with wings that might not hold. But for Piper, for that soft, earnest call of my name on her lips, I'd risk the fall, over and over again.

Sliding two fingers inside her, I immediately feel the slick, velvety walls of her channel hugging around me. I work my fingers in and out, matching the rhythm of her delicate breaths. It's like I can hear her heartbeat, her desire, her longing for this, for me.

"That's it, sweet girl," I whisper, my other hand reaching between her thighs to cup her sex. "Show me how much you want me."

I rub her clit in circles, applying just enough pressure to send ripples of pleasure coursing through her body. She moans loudly, her body undulating in response to my touch. I can tell she's getting close, her breaths coming faster, her hips bucking against my hand.

Her lips part as she whispers, "Tate, I want you to suck my clit. I want to come that way."

I allow my hands to drift down her legs to her strappy sandals, sweeping her panties down and off. Then I caress my way back up again, "So you want to feel my tongue between your legs? You like it when I taste you. When I can't get enough."

Piper takes a deep breath and whispers back, "Yes, I need you to make me come so hard."

"I want that too." After spreading her swollen flesh with my fingertips, my mouth envelops her clit, sucking and flicking it with my lips. Piper's knees wobble, her body trembling with each lick and suck of my mouth. I already know her tells. She's so close now, so very close.

"Tate, oh God, it's right there!" she cries out, her voice a beautiful symphony of desire and ecstasy.

I don't let up, I keep licking and sucking, driving her higher and higher until she finally shatters. I can feel the pulsating waves of her orgasm on my tongue, the sweet nectar of her passion coating my mouth and hands.

Piper's body convulses beneath me, her breathing ragged and her voice hoarse as she rides out her climax. I continue to lick and suck until her orgasm subsides, easing her through the peak like I can't get enough as her body slowly drifts back down to earth

When she's finally able to speak again, she breathes out, "Please, Tate. I feel so empty."

The intensity of her words flips a switch, and my dick throbs, demanding release. I quickly undo my belt and zipper, freeing myself from my constricting fabric trap. Retrieving a condom from my toiletry bag, I swiftly unwrap it and roll it onto my length. The anticipation of being inside her, the thought of feeling her around me, makes my heart race.

Piper, glances over her shoulder and wiggles her perfect ass, inviting me to enter her. As I eye her tight entrance, I can't help but marvel at the beauty of her body, the way her long hair cascades down her back, the way her skin glistens. I can almost taste her desire, her submission, her surrender.

As I watch Piper, a sense of awe washes over me. The moonlight dances across her skin, casting a glow that seems almost ethereal. Her hair, a dark cascade of silk, traces the contours of her back, beckoning my touch. The sight of her, so openly desirous and yielding, stirs a deep, almost painful yearning within me. She is breathtaking, overwhelming me, and it feels like a punch to the chest. Standing here, witnessing her vulnerability and the trust she places in me—it's both a privilege and a torment. How is it that she doesn't see the way she moves me, reshapes the very beats of my heart with just a glance? How can she not know that she redefines my understanding of connection with every breath she takes?

With one hand, I grip her hip, steadying her slightly unsteady frame. With the other, I position my dick at her entrance. "You know you're mine, right?"

At least for now.

I take one last deep breath, ready to dive headfirst into the ocean that is her desire, her warmth, her wetness.

I push inside her, slowly at first, her muscles clenching around me, hugging me as if trying to make sure I'm real. Piper's moans of pleasure fill the air, mingling with the sound of our bodies joining, our movements in sync, an unstoppable force.

I begin to move, harder and faster, my body falling in rhythm with hers. Each deep stroke brings a moan, each pull away a whimper. The pace quickens, our breaths short and ragged, matching the intensity of our passion.

"Oh god, you feel so good, Tate," Piper cries out, her voice a mix of affection and lust, driving me on. Our bodies move in perfect harmony, each thrust driving both of us closer and closer to the brink.

I can feel her walls clenching, pulsating around me, matching the rhythm of my movements. The sheer pleasure of it all, the feeling of being so deeply connected with her, is almost intoxicating.

"Touch yourself," I demand, pushing her torso deeper into the couch cushions. "Show me how you satisfy that needy little clit."

She complies. her hand crawling underneath her body to circle her clit in rapid flicks.

"Ah, I'm gonna come again," Piper gasps, her voice spiraling.

My own reeling sensations quickly reach their peak, my body moving in tandem with hers. Her sweet moans egg me on, growing more fervent, and my name is like a mantra on her lips.

"Yes, oh god! Yes!" Piper cries out, her body trembling beneath me. Her orgasm washes over me, her wetness coating me as we continue to rock together.

In that moment, I feel as if I'm not just having sex with Piper, but rather becoming one with her. Our bodies move in perfect harmony, our breaths intertwining, our hearts pounding in unison. It's as if the universe itself has stopped to witness our union.

As Piper's orgasm crests and subsides, her walls pulsate around me, milking me dry. The sensation is unlike anything I've ever experienced before —it's as if my dick has been baptized in her ecstasy.

"Can't last," I groan, the base of my spine tingling. I plunge harder, faster, my hips bucking against her. Every nerve ending in my body ignites as if I'm flying, soaring through the cosmos on the crest of something amazing. Then the waves of pleasure overtake me, my body convulsing with the intensity of my release.

After the intensity fades, I'm left with a quiet that is both comforting and unnerving. Being with Piper transforms me. Each moment spent in her embrace rewrites the lonely narratives I've held onto for so long. I feel different, as if she's reshaping me from the inside out, and it's terrifying in its intensity. It's as though I've stepped through a door I didn't know existed into a brighter, more vivid world—a world that, before Piper, I hadn't dared to imagine for myself. Now, faced with the possibility of this new existence, the thought of ever stepping back into the shadows is unimaginable.

After I pull out, I dispose of the condom in a trash can next to the desk. Piper's breathing stays labored and ragged, her body still trembling from the intensity of our lovemaking. I can see the satisfied smile spreading across her lips as she gazes over her shoulder, her eyes filled with a mix of affection, desire and wonder. It's a sight that never gets old, and I allow myself a moment to savor it. I can't help but notice the curve of her hips, the way her skin glistens with a sheen of sweat, and the way her hair cascades down her back like a waterfall. The sight takes my breath away, and I realize that I have to go back to her and gently lift her back to her feet.

"Piper," I say, my voice gentle and soothing. "Let's go to bed. I want to hold you."

She whispers something unintelligible, her voice barely audible. I can tell she's still too overwhelmed with the aftermath of our lovemaking to speak clearly. Without hesitation, I reach out and wrap my arms around her waist, carefully lifting her off the couch and into my arms.

As I lift her, Piper's weight settles against me in a way that feels natural, as if she's meant to be there. Walking slowly towards the bed, I feel every point of contact between us, each one sending a thrum of connection through my veins.

"You're my favorite person," I whisper as I lay her gently on the mattress, my hands lingering on the curve of her hip. "Everything about you—your strength, your laughter, your incredible heart—it draws me in like gravity."

"Mmm…" she mumbles, snuggling in deeper as she finally kicks off her shoes.

I brush a strand of hair from her face, watching the soft rise and fall of her chest as she breathes. "Being here with you, like this, it feels right. It feels like something I've needed without knowing it. I don't just want you for tonight, Piper. I need your light in my life. But I'm scared too."

As I settle beside her, pulling her close, the words hang in the air, heavy with meaning but not quite crossing the threshold into love. Yet, each beat of my heart seems to whisper it, an echo of a future I'm only beginning to allow myself to imagine.