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I tried to figure out why he wanted me to stay with the boys. When the only reasons I could come up with were bumming me out or pissing me off, I decided to focus on his ass rather than him possibly being an ass.

I love the way his loose jeans hang from his hips, but I could seriously get used to the way the slimmer fit ones look.

I pulled my thoughts out of his pants when the room quieted as Jake’s voice came across the sound system. It was easy again to forget how much he hated public speaking as he thanked everyone for coming and introduced the charity.

When Jake stood back so the representative from Tools for Teens could speak, I took the opportunity to use the ladies room.

As I was returning to the main room, I heard my name called. I was surprised to see James heading towards me.

“Hey,” I greeted. “How’re you?”

“Good.” He shook his head slightly, smiling. “Wow, Piper, you look stunning.”

“Thanks, you look great, too.”

“It seems like it’s been forever.”

“Yeah, it’s been a while.”

We often saw each other at Mother’s, but I’d used my schoolwork and cakes as an excuse to bow out of her last few dinner parties. She’d been her own version of understanding since the only thing worse than a baker for a daughter was afailedone.

“I didn’t realize you’d be here. Thomas sent me in his place, but he didn’t mention…” James trailed off, looking around.

“Oh, I’m not here with Scalding. I’m with Jake Hyde.” I glanced towards the stage where Jake stood while the representative still talked.

“As in his date?”

“Yeah, we’ve been seeing each other.”

“Interesting. I was under the impression that the two of you were just friends.” James reached out and tucked my hair behind my ear.

I moved away when, for the first time since I’d known him, I began to feel uncomfortable. “We were. Now we’re more.”

“Does your mother or Thomas know?”

“About Jake? Why?”

“You never know someone’s intentions.”

“Yeah, you never can be too careful,” I murmured, taking another step away. “I should get back. Goodbye, James.”

“James, there you are,” a familiar voice called out. Dana approached, stoppingwayin his space. “Oh, hello, Piper.”

“Hi, Dana. How’re you?”

“Wonderful. We can’t seem to get our schedules lined up for that dinner, though, can we?”

I tried to sound appropriately disappointed. “No, sorry, things have been crazy.”

“Well, the last couple of weeks James has kept me very busy, haven’t you, darling?” Dana looped her arm through his.

James looked uncomfortable as he nodded. It appeared to be more of a noncommittal gesture than an actual agreement.

“Well, that’s fantastic,” I said with genuine enthusiasm.

Maybe this will get my mother to stop pushing him at me.

“This isn’t your normal crowd. Are you helping bake for the event?” Dana asked, eyeing my outfit.