The master bedroom is still at the end of the hall. I'm sure Mom's stash is somewhere in her bathroom.
I roll my shoulders back. An opiate high has a certain appeal— it's warm, comfortable, safe—but I still don't want it.
It's not just that I don't want the consequences.
I don't want to be high. I don't want to be out of it. I don't want to be running away from my thoughts.
I turn. It's four steps to my bedroom and the door is already open.
What the hell?
There's a woman in my bed.
I've had crazy fans before, but none got into my house. Or maybe they did and I was too high to realize it.
But there's no way anybody found my parent's place and got past the security. This is a gated neighborhood.
I flip on the light.
The woman stirs.
Shit.
That's not any woman. That's Piper.
She blinks a few times then her blue eyes are fixed on me. She pushes her messy dark blond hair behind her ears. "Hey."
"What are you doing here?"
"Working on my booty call skills." Her voice is half teasing, half tired. She lowers it to something half teasing, half seductive. "Come lay next me. I'm not wearing any panties." She gives me a long once-over. "You're not wearing much either."
"Piper—"
"Joel grabbed the spare key. From the turtle? I'm not sure. We drove all night. All morning I guess."
"Joel's here?"
"In the guest room."
"There are two."
She laughs. "He suggested otherwise."
I chuckle too. Joel fucking with me is something I can count on. It's annoying but I appreciate the consistency. Makes me feel normal.
Every part of me wants to get in bed with Piper. But I'm not going to play with her feelings.
"You realize I dumped you." It's blunt but that's necessary.
Her eyes get fierce, determined. "I'm here as your friend."
I cock a brow.
"Okay, I guess friends don't make booty calls, but you can't blame me. You left before I could finish." She blushes. "I'm still wanting."
"It's been twelve hours."
"More." She presses her lips together. "Someone should be here for you."