Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 154379 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 772(@200wpm)___ 618(@250wpm)___ 515(@300wpm)
She buried her face in his chest and whispered, “Missed you, Dad.”
“Missed you a ton, pumpkin.”
Piper felt like her heart was going to burst out of her chest as he hugged her close.
“Hope you don’t think you’re getting your room back because that baby is mine.”
She laughed as she pulled away to find her younger brother, Mason, ambling around the side of the house, a basketball in his hand and a teasing smile on his face.
His blond hair struck beneath the bright summer sun that blazed overhead, and his blue eyes gleamed with a tease.
She hitched her hand on her hip like she was annoyed. “Don’t tell me you stole my room.”
Mason sent her as much casual arrogance as any fourteen-year-old boy could, tossing his ball into the air and catching it in one hand. “You snooze, you lose.”
“I’m pretty sure going away to college is not snoozing,” she defended.
He shrugged, trying to contain the smile she could so clearly see prancing across his face. “Whatever. Bet you sleep ’til noon every day.”
“Not even close.”
“Only thing I know is you’re no longer top dog around here. Like I was just going to stay in my dinky room when yours was empty and has its own bathroom.”
“You know he needs that bathroom because he’s shaving now.” Their mother’s voice was more awe than tease, coming from right next to where she’d moved to Piper’s side.
“Mom,” Mason drew out in embarrassment.
“What? It’s kind of a big deal that you’re becoming a man.”
Mason huffed, though that smile was breaking free, and he dropped his attention to the ground to try to hide it.
“It’s not,” he mumbled.
“Don’t worry, I’m not going to wrestle you out of it,” Piper told him. “I think it’s only fair you have my room since I’m not here as much. But, if we were to wrestle for it, let it be known I would totally take you down.”
“You wish. I’d have you pinned in a second flat.” He grinned.
A clatter suddenly broke from within the house, and Piper’s dad stepped aside as Piper’s grandmother came striding through.
She just retired two years ago, and her parents had a guesthouse built out back for her.
“Well, well, look who’s home. And as gorgeous as ever.”
Emotion squeezed Piper’s chest. “Nelly.”
“Come here, sweet girl, and give me a hug. These old arms have been missing you.”
Piper playfully rolled her eyes as she moved her way, murmuring, “They aren’t old,” as she wrapped herself in them.
“Well, they sure aren’t getting any younger,” Nelly mumbled as she hugged her hard.
Piper swore her grandmother always gave the best hugs. Hugs that poured love and belief into you, all while making you feel a little giddy.
At least that’s what Piper felt right then.
Just…happy.
Happy to be home for a little while, surrounded by the ones she loved most and who loved her just as much.
She was excited for her future.
For her journey.
Excited to chase down a dream that she’d had since she was just a little girl drawing clothes on sheets of paper and taping them to her walls.
But she always knew, in the end, this was where she belonged.
A whistle echoed from the open driver’s side window of the car that idled at the curb in front of her house.
Piper lifted a middle finger as she strode down the walkway in her heels and sequin dress.
Laughter rang from within, and Eva popped her head out the window. “Now is that any way to greet your best friend?”
A giggle rolled out of Piper as she sauntered toward the car.
The night all around her.
Excitement thick in her chest.
She hadn’t seen Eva in almost a year, and she’d missed her like crazy.
“It’s my knee-jerk reaction to being catcalled.”
“Girl, you look so hot tonight, a whistle was required.” Eva’s grin was wide as she peered out the window.
Piper gave a little spin right in the middle of the walkway. “You like?”
“Oh, I’m pretty sure everyone is going to like. You look like you’re ready for a little fun.”
Piper rounded the front of Eva’s car, opened the passenger door, and plopped inside. She tossed a smile at Eva from over the console. “Well, you promised me some.”
Eva smirked, her sleek, black hair swishing over her bare shoulders. “And I always deliver.”
Music thrummed through the club. Piper and Eva were in the middle of the dance floor beneath the frantic, strobing lights, the two of them fully letting go.
They’d tried to play it cool when their fake IDs had worked, something Eva had procured for them while Piper had been gone.
The two of them had immediately weaved into the fray where they allowed themselves to get lost in the dark, provocative vibe.
They’d been there for hours, their skin slicked with sweat as they moved to the seductive beat.
The night had been far more than a little fun. Piper couldn’t remember the last time she felt so invigorated.