Dangerous Crush (Dangerous Noise 2)

His eyes stay fixed on the white tablecloth.

The server leaves.

"Excuse me." I push myself up from the table. I need a minute away from this awful conversation.

Joel's serenity breaks. He looks worried. Terrified actually. His eyes fill with concern. His shoulders slump. I want to hate him for his attitude, but I can't.

He's looking out for his best friend. How can I hate him for that?

I slip through the lobby and hide out in the women's bathroom. Between the silver fixtures, the modern paintings on the walls, and the model types making sure their dresses are taped to their fake boobs, the place screams of money.

The model types look at me like I'm crazy. They laugh and whisper to each other on their way out of the bathroom.

I'm as good as alone.

But I don't feel any calmer.

Okay, I need to think here.

Joel won't rat us out.

As long as Mal doesn't know, it's okay.

No, it shouldn't matter. Kit and I are adults. If we want to fuck, date, whatever, that's our business.

I go to fix my makeup but my purse is at the table. Fine. I do what I can with my hair instead.

There. My heart is screaming but I look serene. I look like I belong here.

I can do this. I march to the lobby.

Only now Mal is leaning against the host's stand with a concerned look on his face.

He nods to the side door. "Come on, Piper. We have to talk."

Chapter 17

Piper

Fuck.

A deep breath does nothing to ease the tension in my chest.

I hate that I'm worried about this.

So what if Mal finds out Kit and I are... whatever we are. I should be able to fuck Kit without it mattering to anyone but me and Kit.

I know that isn't the case.

I know Joel is right. Maybe he's not right about how bad things will get, but he is right about this causing a shit storm.

As much as I hate that anyone has an opinion, I care about Kit, and I don't want to fuck things up for him.

I'm going to throw up.

Mal's eyes are filled with frustration. It's not like him. Usually, he's stoic. Usually, he hides everything that upsets him.

I take even steps as I follow him out the side door.