After we fall asleep, a text wakes me. I grab it from the kitchen counter, my legs already feeling sore, but I welcome the sensation.
I unlock my phone and plop down on the opposite end of the couch as he stays in place.
Kendall: Hey! Just checking on you and making sure everything’s okay.
My face contorts.
Piper: Why wouldn’t it be?
Kendall: Because Florida is getting pounded right now.
I’m tempted to respond that Florida wasn’t the only thing getting pounded. Instead, I relax and chuckle.
Piper: Oh yeah, it’s raining, and we’ve got some high-speed winds, but we should be fine. Tristan said most of it will be over by tomorrow.
Kendall: Do you have power?
Piper: Right now we do, but that could change.
Kendall: Gah, I hope not for your sake. Being without power SUCKS! Trust me. But speaking of Tristan…how are things going so far? Were you able to put him under your magical Piper spell?
I hesitate for a moment, deciding if I should tell my sister the truth or keep it to myself for now. Knowing I won’t be able to hide it from her for long anyway, I decide to go for it. She won’t tell a soul and all of my secrets are safe with her.
Piper: Well…
Kendall: ?????
Piper: If I’m being honest, I don’t know how to start this conversation.
Kendall: Did you do bump uglies? Do the dirty? Is your cherry popped?
She inserts an eggplant emoji with the three water droplets, and I beam.
Piper: Yes!
Kendall: OMG! That means you’re not a virgin anymore. Piper…this is HUGE.
Piper: I know! And trust me, huge is an understatement. Even crazier is how hard I’m falling for him.
Kendall: Sis. WHAT?
Piper: Ugh, yes. I’ve never had a serious relationship before, and it’s all new to me, but I can’t help it. This is way more than just a crush.
It makes me wonder if we could ever be more than what we are right now in this beach house. When we return to New York, it might all change.
Kendall: There’s something magical about being isolated with someone. I mean, look at Ryan and me. Without that record blizzard, I’m convinced he would’ve never given me a chance based on his assumptions of me. We really got to know each other. So, who knows, maybe this is the beginning of something special?
Piper: I hope so. I know Mom and Dad wouldn’t approve, but I can’t deny what my heart feels.
Kendall: And what about Tristan? What does he say?
I let out a sigh.
Piper: He fought against it at first because he has his reservations, but ultimately he knew we had chemistry.
She immediately responds.
Kendall: Reservations about what?
Piper: Our age difference. How he’s my bodyguard. My social status. I get it because the odds are stacked against us in the real world.
And unfortunately, I can’t change any of it.
Kendall: Aww, don’t say that. You have no idea what could happen. Next year you could be getting married and having babies.
Her text makes me snort. Tristan glances at me and lifts a brow.
“I’m chatting with Kendall,” I tell him and he nods, knowing how often we joke around.
Piper: I’d love for us to get a real chance without all the outside noise, but I’m not sure how realistic that is.
Kendall: If that’s what you want, that’s what I want for you. Just please promise me one thing.
Piper: What’s that?
Kendall: Protect your heart at all costs.
I read her message a few times before finally replying.
Piper: I will.
The last thing I want is a broken heart. I set down my phone and crawl over to Tristan and allow him to hold me.
“I think I have a sex hangover.” I giggle, releasing a contented sigh.
He laughs into the softness of my neck. “And just think, I’ve only gotten started with you.”
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
TRISTAN
DAY 22
The rain and wind stopped yesterday afternoon, and the house suffered no damage. We didn’t lose power either though we would've been prepared. I tried to keep Piper’s mind off it the best I could, and I think I was successful. Being with her so intimately already has me thinking about the future, about us, and where we go from here. I never imagined someone like her would be attracted to me or that I’d have a chance in hell with her. How am I—a disabled veteran with a dark past—her type? I question that every single day, and she proves I’m what she wants every moment she can.
As I’m making a pot of coffee, Piper enters wearing the T-shirt I gave her when she fully gave me herself. I love seeing it hang to her knees, especially when she’s not wearing anything under it. She wraps her arms around my waist and squeezes me while kissing my bare back. I turn around and press my lips to hers, noticing she has her brush in her hand.