Page 19 of Lead Me A Stray

I waited until we got back to her house with takeout before asking why she seemed upset about my touch still making her feel good after she came. My brain had picked up that train of thought again immediately after we’d come to our tentative agreement about being together.

I needed the words—to know she was okay.

She assured me she was. She’d just dated losers who either couldn’t make her orgasm, didn’t care if she did, or in rare cases, if theydidmake her come, it was just the once and no desire to try for more.

But she’ll never have to worry about that again.

I’m more than willing to put in the work to make sure she’s sated and boneless every chance I get.

Stopping off at home to change, I’m back in my truck with a scalding cup of coffee in no time. I’m also hoping I set the timer right on the coffee maker in Piper’s kitchen before I left. If I did, it should be brewing right about now.

I hope it makes her morning a little easier.

I hope it makes her smile.

Fuck. It sounds ridiculous, but all I want is to take care of her.

Startling when my phone rings, I put my mug in the cupholder and accept the call.

“Hey Pop. I’m on my way over to Hayes Ranch now.”

“Your mother went to drop off some soup to your sister,” he says slowly.

“Yeah. I know she wasn’t feelin’ good; I was gonna check on her today.”

“Well, you know how your mother is. She made some extra, wanted to bring it by for you.” He pauses again and I lick my lips, fully engaged in this battle of wills.

“Real nice of her.”

“Uh-huh.” He sighs and I know that I’ve won this little piece. “Said you weren’t home when she stopped by.”

“She shouldn’t have been out in the storm, Pop.”

A loud harrumph comes down the line and I chuckle. “She’s gonna ask where you were is all I’m sayin’. Thinks she’s gotta better shot at you settling down over your sister.”

“Well, if I have it my way, she might not have to wait too long.”

“Piper finally agree to go out with you?”

The statement is so casual I almost swerve off the road, my tires squealing a little as I right the truck. “What?”

This time, my father is the one amused. “You’re not that subtle, son.”

Tell that to Piper.

“Yeah, well, she’s a little gun-shy on the whole commitment thing.” In an attempt to bolster my case, I add, “We’re taking things slow.”

“Uh-huh. Well, I’ll be sure not to tell your mother, but don’t think you’ll get away with it too much longer. I’ll be sleepin’ on the couch if she finds out I knew before her.”

“Thanks, Pop. And hey, Rory doesn’t know yet either.”

He doesn’t respond, but I can hear his deep belly laugh just before the line goes dead.

Awesome.

PIPER

My entire body is sore,every muscle groaning as I stretch against the sheets that smell like Mack and sex and a night that feels like it’s imprinted on every cell of my being. I want to bemad that I’m already in over my head with him, but the delicious ache between my legs won’t allow me to wallow.