Fuck. I really should’ve thought this through, because the mere possibility of another man touching her makes me want to rip his arms off and shove them down his hypothetical throat.
Which would definitely violate Coach’s ‘Don’t do dumb shit’ policy.
Piper moans again and this time I’m certain there’s no guy in the picture.
I may not be an expert on women, but I know the difference between pleasure and pain.
“Piper.” I rap gently on the door and place my mouth close to the frame. “I know you’re in there and I’m not leaving until I see for myself that you’re alright.”
And if she doesn’t open the door?
I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.
She doesn’t answer, but I’m prepared to wait her out.
I study the door, trying to figure out exactly how much damage it would do if I put my shoulder into it.
More than your broke ass can afford.
True, but it would be worth it.
A loudthwackshatters the silence and I step back from the door as Piper yanks it open.
Her hair is tied up in a messy bun and she’s wearing red Hello Kitty pajamas.
It’s the first time I’ve seen her without makeup and somehow, she’s even more beautiful without it.
“How did you get my apartment number?”
I shove my hands in the pockets of my jeans. “Jenna.”
“Why am I not surprised?” She rolls her eyes and leans against the door. “I’ll deal with her later.”
“Don’t be mad. Jenna said you missed class, and she was worried about you.”
“If Jenna was worried, she could’ve come over. Or texted.”
“So it’s just my texts you aren’t answering?”
I’d suspected as much, but hearing it confirmed is a kick in the gut.
She sighs and folds an arm across her midsection. “What are you doing here, Brady?”
“Like I said, Jenna and I were worried.” I rock back on my heels, nerves taking root. What is it about this woman that leaves me totally unmoored? “I also wanted to ask you out on another date and since you’ve been ignoring my texts, I figured maybe I should do it in person. The old-fashioned way.”
Which, now that I’ve said it out loud, sounds like a terrible idea.
“I can’t deal with this right now.” She flinches and her eyes snap shut. “You have to go.”
Her voice is strained, and it’s obvious she’s not feeling well, even if she won’t admit it.
“What’s wrong, Piper? And don’t tell me nothing when I can see with my own eyes that something isn’t right.”
“I’m fine. You don’t have to worry about me.” She huffs in exasperation. “I’m…indisposed, so if you could just…” She makes a shooing motion with her hand.
“Nice try. You can hardly stand upright. I’m not leaving until I’m sure you’re okay.”
“Then I guess you’d better clear your schedule for the next three to five days.”
