Apple Martinis

Chapter 6

Piper

Waking up slowly, I open my eyes and look around the room, not seeing Rome anywhere. Disappointment hits right at the same time that I hear someone in the kitchen.

Knowing that it could only be him, I crawl out of the bed with a huge grin on my face, grabbing my robe on my way out the door.

Walking around the corner, I see Rome standing in the kitchen waiting for the coffee pot to finish making a fresh pot that fills the air with the most amazing aroma.

“That smells wonderful.”

He turns suddenly at the sound of my voice, walking up to me and gives me a kiss on my cheek.

“Good morning. You aren’t supposed to be up yet. I was making you coffee in bed.” He looks slightly disgruntled.

“Is coffee in bed actually a thing?” I laugh.

“Well, I was going to do breakfast in bed but apparently you’ve not bothered to stock the fridge since being here.” He nods with a grin at the refrigerator.

“I’ve been busy.” I shrug, grinning back at him.

The coffee pot finally slows down as it fills the pot completely and we each stand there, fixing it exactly as we like it.

“I don’t mean to rush off but I only have time to enjoy this one cup with you. I’ve got to go back home and check on my dog plus get ready for work. I’m covering the lunch shift for Becks.” He says.

“I thought you were working happy hour through midnight tonight?” I ask with a raised brow.

“I’m doing both. Double duty. You’ll come to bar later, right? Or do I need to come get you again?” He asks with a raised brow of his own.

I feel my cheeks heat with the memory of opening that door and him getting in the tub with me. It was the hottest thing I’ve ever experienced.

“I’ll be there later. I want to go shopping some more. I’m thinking I’ll go back home with a whole new wardrobe.”

“Do you need new clothes?” Concern clearly on his face. It’s adorable. I won’t tell him it is though as I’m sure no man wants to hear that he’s adorable.

“Not really but I’ve had a lot of time to think and I want to change things up a bit. Start doing what I want for a change. These last few years I feel like all I’ve done has been for someone else. I don’t want to feel like that any more.”

Taking his coffee cup to the sink, he washes it and puts it in the rack to dry. Turning back to me, he pulls me into his arms, kissing me on the nose.

“I can understand that. Before mom passed, everything I did was for her. I didn’t mind it, she needed a lot of help towards the end but I felt like I lost a part of myself. It took me a while to finally feel like me again.”

“Exactly. I want to find myself again.” I smile up at his face.

“I better go. Mocha is probably pissed that I didn’t come home last night. She’ll really be pissed if she doesn’t get to go for a walk before I go to work.”

“What breed of dog is Mocha?” I am curious to know if he goes for tiny dogs or big ones.

“Pitbull. You’re not afraid of the breed are you? Because she’s super sweet and would only hurt a fly if they broke in.”

“No. I’m not afraid of pitbulls. Chihuahua’s though...” I mock shiver and he laughs.

“Yeah, even Mocha is afraid of those tiny things.” He pulls me in for another kiss. “See you later?”

“Yes. Wait, let me give you my number.” I mutter, embarrassed a little that we’ve not already exchanged phone numbers.

“I got it this morning while you were sleeping. I called myself from your phone then called your number back so you’d have mine. Don’t worry, I did not snoop on your phone. Only dialed my phone number. Promise.”

“I believe you.” I realize at that moment that I completely trust him. “You better go, Mocha will need her time or she might decide she needs a new owner.”

Walking him to the door, he kisses me one more time before he’s gone. I let out a huge sigh when the door shut fully. Last night was everything I could have ever hoped for.

Deciding I should call the girls to check to see when they’ll be coming down, I grab my phone and go outside to the balcony with a fresh cup of coffee.

It rings only a few times when Bianca answers the phone and I make her wait until I can add in calls to the other girls until we are all on the line together.

“Bianca said you’ve found a summer fling!” Faye gushes as soon as she’s on the line.

“I hope she’s finally getting laid.” Rose deadpans and everyone laughs.

My cheeks flush red and I’m glad they aren’t here to see my reaction.

“I’m just hoping she doesn’t get attached.” Bianca cuts through the laughter.

“That’s mean, Bianca.” Faye says with exasperation and I agree with her.

“Don’t you all remember how she got with Ben to begin with? He was supposed to be a fling but she got attached and now look where that got her!”

“Why are you three all talking about me as if I’m not right here on the phone with you?” I roll my eyes, taking a big gulp of coffee.

“Sorry. We all just worry for you. That’s all.”

“Well none of you know Rome so if you all could just keep your judgments to yourselves, that would be great.”

“I’m not judging. Who’s judging?” Bianca says innocently.

“Well, tell us then. Are you sleeping with him yet?” Rose giggles.

“Yes, tell us everything!” Faye demands dramatically.

I spend the next hour answering most of their questions but I refuse to answer the ones pertaining to mine and Rome’s sex life.

That’s something that is between Rome and I. No one else should ever know those details.

“I need to get back to work. I have a meeting in a few minutes.” Bianca says.

“Okay. When are you three planning to come down?” I ask.

“Day after tomorrow. We all plan to meet at Bianca’s and ride together in the one vehicle.” Rose answers first.

“When you all get here, go to the front office first. They’ll need some information from each of you before giving you all a key.”

A few minutes later, I’m getting dressed for a day of shopping. Maybe I’ll buy something sexy just to wear for Rome later tonight.

With a huge grin on my face, I grab my purse and head out the door, looking forward to the rest of the day.