Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 56885 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 284(@200wpm)___ 228(@250wpm)___ 190(@300wpm)
She looks down at the table. “Oh.”
“Anyway,” I say, standing and going to my office door.
She looks up in shock. “We’re done?”
“I’ve heard everything I need to,” I tell her. “Somebody will be in touch.”
She stands, brushing down her shirt, triggering feral thoughts inside me. But now, after this meeting, I don’t just want to grab her, kiss her, massage her curvy body—I want to gently bite the thickness of her thigh before kissing her sex, tasting her, owning her.
I want to take her on a date to discuss Grapes of Wrath. I want to bond.
This isn't good. It’s dangerous.
But I can’t deny that she’s the best person for the job.
At the door, she turns to me. “I didn’t mean to pry, Logan, at the end. I hope I haven’t ruined the interview.”
“Like I said, somebody will be in touch.” She hangs her head as she walks away. I can’t let her leave like that, though. “You did a great job, Piper.”
Before she can reply, I shut the door and dash to my desk.
CHAPTER 4
PIPER
Iswing by Ruby’s place as the sun starts to set. She’s got an apartment of her own now, with a small balcony with half a view of the skyline and half a view of another apartment building. She jokingly refers to it as ‘my place half in the sun.’
We sit on the balcony together, sharing a bottle of wine. I sip the red slowly, letting it warm me up a little. I’ve never been a huge drinker. Turning twenty-one, almost twenty-two, hasn’t changed that.
“I thought college was supposed to turn people into alcoholics,” Ruby says brashly, winking.
“I guess I dodged that bullet.”
“Hey,” Ruby mutters, touching my arm. “Are you okay?”
“Are you?” I counter.
Sure, I’m changing the subject, but since I came home a week ago, I’ve noticed Ruby acting strangely. We’ve been friends since we were kids, but lately, I’ve sensed some awkwardness when we’re together. It’s like she finds it difficult to look at me.
“Huh?” she mutters.
“I don’t know. I just hope college hasn’t ruined our friendship.”
“You’ve only had half a glass, Piper. What’s up with you?”
“It’s just… I don’t know. I’ve noticed you’ve been a little distant.”
She turns away, a momentary flash of panic touching her features. “Have I?”
“Yeah, you—”
My phone buzzes, the screen lighting up on the table. It’s a text from Logan. I’ve had his number for years in case of emergencies, but I’ve never actually exchanged a text with him. I did once put my phone in a drawer to stop myself from texting him, but that’s the closest I got.
Logan: Hi, Piper. I’m texting to let you know that, after reviewing your application and inter…
The text preview ends
“Quick, check it,” Ruby says.
I snatch up my phone, pressing down on the text. The rest of the message appears.
I’m happy to say that you were by far the most impressive candidate. I know you don’t want any special favors because of our connection, so I want to reiterate that you were by far the best choice. Congratulations, and see you Monday.
“I got the job,” I say.
“No, no way,” Ruby replies, standing up.
“No way,” I parrot.
“That will not be your reaction, girl.” I giggle when she grabs my hands and pulls me to my feet. “You’ve struggled too long trying to find your place for you to celebrate with a pitiful and quiet ‘I got the job.’ Scream, chick. Let it out.”
I roll my eyes.
“Hey, I mean it,” she says, staring into my eyes.
I laugh, getting swept up in the moment. “I got the freaking job! Woo!”
Ruby throws her head back and howls, laughing as we drop back into our seats.
“This is so awesome,” I say. “This is my chance, Rubes. I will not fail this time—no dropping out. No doubts. It’s full commitment.”
“Are you going to text him back… text his personal number back?”
I pick up my phone. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Oh, nothing,” she says oh-so innocently.
Piper: Hi, Logan. This is fantastic news. Thank you so much. I’m excited to get to work and give it my all. Here’s to making Forever Love a success!
Putting my phone down, I look at Ruby again. “Come on, then. What was that ‘personal number’ comment about?”
“I’m just wondering if he would’ve used his personal cell to text any of the other candidates.”
“He probably doesn’t have theirs, Ruby. Don’t read anything into it.”
“I’m not,” she mutters.
“We had an entire interview, and there wasn’t anything… you know, like that.”
“That doesn’t sound very convincing.”
I throw my hands up. “Fine, there was a feeling. But that was all. I’m not even sure if it was really there. But let’s say it was. Let’s entertain that idea. What would it even mean? I don’t want to break Elliot’s heart, so it doesn’t matter. We kissed once, three years ago. It’s ancient history.”