“Nope, I only see sore loser.” He shrugs, and I roll my eyes.
“You're insufferable,” I mutter, hanging my stick on the wall.
Easton laughs, setting up the table again. “I've heard that a time or two. You hungry?”
“You cooking?” I lift a brow.
“Hell no. That's apparently my one flaw.”
I snort, shaking my head as I walk to the kitchen. “C'mon, since you gave me pool tips, it's time I show you how to make real food.”
“Omelets are real food,” he argues.
“Not the way you make them,” I say with a chuckle.
Once we're behind the counter, he grabs an apron and ties it around his waist. He looks ridiculous, but in a super sexy shouldn't be thinking about my boss kind of way.
Fuck me.
At least he’s taking my mind off my shitstorm life. He’s the perfect distraction.
Chapter Nine
EASTON
DAY 10
After Tatum’s second surf lesson early yesterday, I slept in until nine. She's getting the hang of it, and I enjoy watching her. Each time Tatum stands upright on the board, she grows more confident, and I love seeing her find this new happy version of herself. Every day we try to do something different to pass the time, and honestly, I can't believe a week and a half has passed. Updates from the insurance company and police department have been slow, but since it's Saturday, I won't hear anything until next week.
After lunch, Tatum soaks in the tub, and it takes cleaning the kitchen to distract me from fantasizing about her in there. The lines are blurring more and more each day, but neither of us is ready to admit our underlying feelings. Tatum's going through a major life change, and I don’t want to complicate things more, but I’m certain she's giving me the same signs I’m giving her. Tatum wants me as much as I want her.
My phone vibrates, and I find a message from Piper.
Piper: I don't want you to be worried about a strange truck pulling into the driveway, so just letting you know a delivery is coming for you today! It will have instructions, so READ THEM.
She’s a bossy little shit, but I smile at her aggressiveness.
Easton: Geez, you sending me a cookbook?
Piper: Nope, 10000x better!
Easton: Not gonna lie, I'm a little scared.
Piper: Make sure Tatum is there! You'll need her help.
My mind goes to a game or a puzzle maybe, but I don't know why she'd be so excited about that.
Easton: Alright, sis. I'll keep a lookout for it, I guess.
Piper: I can't wait!
I have no idea what’s up her sleeve, but I never put anything extra or over the top past her.
Ten minutes later, the doorbell rings, and I'm shocked it arrived so soon. I find a brown box on the porch and bring it into the kitchen. There's nothing on the outside to give away what it could be, but it feels light. Now, I’m even more confused.
I rip off the tape just as Tatum walks out with a towel on her head.
“Hey, what's that?”
“I was just about to figure that out. Piper sent it.”
Inside is another box, but it's black.
“What do you think it is?” she asks.
“She told me she sent instructions and to have you help me with it, but I don't see any.”
Tatum unravels her towel and throws her hair into a wet messy bun. Even undone and fresh out of a bath, she looks stunning.
“Is that it? That little white card,” she says, pointing at the other side of the box.
“Oh, it must be.” I rip it off and open the envelope.
I hope you like the one I picked out. Take it in the shower with you and imagine your boss's hands and tongue all over you.
Love,
Your absolutely favorite little sister
PS—I included some scented lube ;-)
I blink and swallow hard as I try to come to terms with what the fuck I just read. This can't be from Piper.
“What's it say?” Tatum asks.
“Uh...I'm not sure this package is for me.”
“Oh. Who's it for?”
I hand her the note and watch as her eyes nearly bug out of her head. Her palm covers her mouth, and it takes her a few seconds to speak. “Oh my God.”
Her cheeks turn a sexy shade of red before she quickly lifts the lid and peeks inside. “I'm going to die. After I kill my sister.”
“Over a vibrator? Don't most chicks have those?” I ask, trying to reassure her that she has nothing to be embarrassed about.
“I'm sure they do, but I wasn't referring to that. I cannot believe she wrote that note. Easton, I'm so—”
“Tatum, it's okay. I know how siblings can be. I'm sure she said it to get a reaction out of you. It's no big deal.”
I cover her other hand with mine and give it a little squeeze. Whether or not her sister's words are true, I don't want Tatum to feel awkward. It's taken us long enough to be comfortable together, and I'd hate to backtrack. I enjoy her company, but she's still my employee, and we need to maintain professional boundaries.