Page 105 of Never and Always
Warmth moved over his face. “Love you too, Pipe.”
Feeling better than I had in a while when it came to my brother, I drove back to the hotel. Time would tell if he really got help and made a difference in his life. He’d disappointed me too many times before for me to trust this one hundred percent. But whatever happened, I’d deal.
My thoughts turned to Everett. A funny feeling squirmed through my stomach. It was strange not to have him close by.
He had no reason to stay with me tonight.
He wasn’t just with you to keep you safe, Piper. Tell him how you feel.
I gnawed on my lip. I wasn’t sure how I felt.
You’re a liar.
He’d signed on for temporary situation with benefits, not a high-maintenance city executive catching feelings for him.Oh, God. I pressed a hand to my stomach. I knew he needed some fresh-faced woman who could hike and bake and wear boots. That wasn’t me.
I wasn’t what he needed. Wasn’t what would make him happy.
Ignoring the opinionated voice in my head, I pulled into the hotel parking lot. After parking the hotel SUV, I stepped out and pulled on my stylish, black, wrap-style winter coat with large belt. After slinging my tote over my shoulder, I eyed the construction tent. I didn’t see anyone around. I hoped this emergency wasn’t anything major.
Going inside to change into Tessa’s boots—I wrinkled my nose—would take too long. It wasn’t snowing and I wanted to deal with whatever the problem was fast.
Navigating the path to the construction site was a little trickier than I’d guessed in my stiletto heels. Despite the sunshine, it was cold, and the path was icy. I moved slowly. Okay, and fine, my booties were not designed for this. I kept myhands out for balance. If I fell, Everett would not let me live it down.
I was probably going to designer shoe hell for wearing my Gucci Bombshell heels out here.
I made it to the tent door and stepped inside. Some workers were on the far side of the tent by the pool. Whatever equipment they were using was loud and they were all wearing hearing protection. When I glanced at the spa area and saw some wooden framing for the walls was up, I smiled. In my head, I was already picturing the color scheme I’d selected for the spa, the elegant furnishings. I could already hear the relaxing music playing.
I dodged some slushy looking puddles on the concrete and wandered deeper into the construction. “Rich?”
Where the hell was he?I moved through a framed doorway that led to what would be the stylish changing rooms. I wanted some elegant lockers and plush seating in here.
“Rich?”
I heard a noise. He couldn’t be far away. I took another careful step.
Something slammed into the back of my head.
I went down, my handbag flying off my shoulder, my hands landing on the cold concrete.
My vision turned to black splotches. Another blow hit the back of my head, and then everything went black.
Chapter 37
Piper
With a groan, I lifted my throbbing head.
What the hell?
I tried to move and realized I was cold, wet, and my head really hurt. I blinked, my gaze focusing on wood framing. I blinked again.
I was in the construction site. I was meeting Rich.
Someone had hit me in the back of the head.
I shifted to touch my head, and that’s when I realized my wrists were zip tied together, as were my ankles. Panic hit me like slick sludge, oozing through me. I licked my lips and looked around.
That’s when I saw Hugo Corvo.
