Page 25

I chuckled. They were obviously together and talking to each other while they both texted me.

Kase:Next time for sure. Not maybe.

Me:Okay next time definitely. Have fun tonight.

Kase:You got it.

Jake:So what’re you doing?

Me:I’ve got a dinner thing. I told Kase I’m in next time. I gotta get back to work if I’m ever gonna make it out of the house. Have fun tonight!

When I didn’t get any response, I shrugged and went back to my cakes.

*******

When my bell rang at six, I opened the door to James.

Twenty-six and on the fast track at my stepfather’s company, my mother had been pushing him at me for a couple years. And that’s putting it mildly.

I wouldn’t have been surprised to find out she’d been meeting with a wedding planner on the sly.

Her efforts weren’t going to pay off though. It wasn’t that James wasn’t attractive. He looked handsome enough in slacks and a pressed shirt. There was just no edge. No badassness. No… anything.

James dipped to press a chaste kiss to my cheek. “Hello, Piper. You look lovely.”

I didn’t feel lovely. In my conservative black dress, I felt like I was playing the worst game of dress up. Long sleeves and a high neckline ensured my tattoos were covered. The knee length didn’t work with my already short legs, and the fit was far from flattering with my curves. My hair was my lone rebellion, worn loose and wild. My subtle makeup was in place producing the world’s most boring mask.

“Thank you, James. You look nice, too.” It had to be James, never Jim or Jimmy. I wanted to roll my eyes. “Ready?”

“Of course.”

After I locked the door, James grabbed my elbow and led me to his car. I wished I could’ve driven my own.

And kept on driving.

We made small talk until we arrived. Unlike my house, this one was large and in the very best neighborhood. I knew from experience it was neither warm nor comfortable.

A wrought iron gate opened to a long driveway. When we pulled in front of the house, a valet was waiting to park James’ car. There was no holding back my eye roll this time.

My anxiety increased as we entered the house, even before an annoyed voice greeted me.

“Your hair. It’s down.”

I barely held in my sigh as I turned to the displeased woman. Her own shoulder length champagne blond hair was perfectly styled and pulled into a jeweled clasp. Unlike my outfit, her designer skirt and blouse set was flattering on her taller frame. While not my personal choice in fashion, she looked lovely.

“Why, hello, Mother, how are you?”

“Fine, fine. Come with me to double check things. James, please be seated. We’ll be eating shortly.”

James nodded obediently before walking away.

That’s your life if you don’t grow a backbone. Mother will keep pushing and you’ll keep giving in because it’s easier. Before you know it, you’ll be Mrs. James, the Obedient Nodder. It’ll be a lifetime of business dinners, polite conversation, and…

Oh, sorry, fell asleep just thinking about it.

“I’m so glad you accepted the date with James.”

“Mother, this isn’t a date. It’s dinner at my parents’ house. You were the one who insisted James pick me up. I know your address. I grew up here, remember?”