Chapter 5

She went to get up and he grabbed her hand, pulling her tight into his arms. “What do you want Jamie?” His head leaned down to meet eyes with her and he kissed her. Just one, entranced, passionate kiss that was almost as possessive as it was hot. “I love you. I always have. Just stop making this so dang hard.” She tried to break away from him and he pulled her tighter. “Stop making me make it so hard.” She broke out of his arms, got the room key and her phone and walked out. He slid against the wall and almost crumbled to the floor. Jackson came in and saw him. “Sir.” “She hates me. It’s my damn fault.”

Jackson had never seen him like this. He was a damn mess. When he heard the rumbling of thunder, he grabbed an umbrella and a jacket. “Where are you going?” “To do what you wanted me to do. Keep her safe even if it’s just from the rain.” He left and went off to find her. He walked down to the water and saw her sitting on the beach.

“I’m fine Jackson.” “You’re gonna be soaked in a minute or two. At least put the jacket on.” She shook her head and handed her the umbrella, picked her up from the sand and carried her to the golf cart he’d managed to get. “Tell me that Jamie left.” “Jackson shook his head. “Then I’m getting a different room.” “Miss Piper, I get…” “You don’t deserve to get stuck in the middle of all of this. Just stay with him.” “I appreciate the suggestion, but I can’t do that.” He started the cart and drove back up to the hotel. “I can carry you,” Jackson offered. Piper handed him the umbrella and went inside. “I’m getting another room.” “Miss Piper, please.” He walked her into the elevator hoping that Jamie had managed to scoop himself from the floor.

“Jackson, I mean it. Either he leaves or I’m changing rooms.” Jackson pressed the number for the floor. “I promised to keep you safe and I am.” The elevator dinged and the doors opened. He walked her down the hall and opened the door to the suite. When she walked in, Jamie was on his laptop in the middle of a conference call. She shook her head and went into her bedroom, locking the door or trying to. She saw the fur throw blanket from the house laying across the edge of the bed. She shook her head and sat down in the chair, staring outside and watching the rain puddle with Jackson keeping a close eye on her. When Jamie got up, Jackson tried to stop him, but tears had turned into anger.

“Where the heck did you disappear to?” “The beach. I said I wanted to be alone and you just ignore me. You’re here instead of doing what I asked you to do. I said I wanted to be alone and you send Jackson after me.” Jackson wasn’t about to correct her. “Piper.” “Just let me be Jamie. Go home. Go to your business meetings. I’m staying here alone. Take Jackson with you.” “Piper.” Jackson shook his head, rolling his eyes and sitting down at the desk to go through his own emails.

“Jamie, for once just please do…” He walked towards her and kissed her. “I can’t do that. Not when I know you’re hurting like I am. It’s bad enough that I can’t fix this, but when you won’t even let me near you…It’s killing me. Please.” She shook her head. “Then you’re sleeping on the damn sofa alone.” “Piper.” “Or you get your own room.” “You’re overdoing this.” “I’m not Jamie. You always complain that I don’t do what you want you want me to. Now the shoe is on the other damn foot.” He looked at her like she was a vindictive stranger. “What?” “Are you trying to intentionally hurt me?” She shook her head. “Please Jamie, just go.” “I can’t.” “Then send Harley down here.” There was no way in hell that Harley was coming down to the hotel. “Piper.” She shook her head.

“Why are you intentionally trying to hurt me?” “Jamie, remember when I told you that if I’m upset I need space? This isn’t space.” He didn’t know what to do but reach out to her. “What?” “Come here.” She shook her head and took his hand. “What?” He kissed her and hugged her. “I love you. You know that right?” Piper nodded. “And I wanted that baby as badly as you did. You have to know that.” She nodded. “I’m just as upset as you are. You don’t think that I wanted to whisk you away from all of this so we could have time to process all of it?” “Jamie.” “Hear me out. I wanted to take you to the Caribbean or something and just leave life behind so we can get past it. I know that you wanna handle this on your own in your own way, but I can’t just let go Piper. Not with this. Not now.” “Jamie, It’s my fault alright? Don’t you get that?” “Doesn’t change that we both lost this.” “I just need time. I need to be alone and let it sink in. Why can’t you just let me do this on my own?” “I need to be here.” She shook her head. “Fine. We’re leaving.” “Piper.” “We’re going home. I’ll leave and go out on the damn tour bus alone.” “Piper, stop.” She packed her bag, handed it to him, slid her runners on and walked out of the room.

Jamie grabbed his bag, got his things and Jackson followed. He saw Piper, slid his hand in hers and walked her outside. Jackson got her checked out, came out to the SUV and helped them in. Piper slid as far to the side as she could. Jamie slid in and every time he tried to just hold her hand, she pulled away. Jackson got them each a coffee and when Piper wouldn’t take it, Jamie grabbed it and put it in the cup holder for her. “Drink,” Jamie said. She shook her head. He slid the blanket over her, and she practically threw it at him. He shook his head and was welling up. He’d never seen this side of her and didn’t want to ever again.

When they got back to the house, the car had barely stopped before she got out, slamming the door behind her. “Sir, if I may. You may want to give her a little space. She’s mad and I don’t think messing with that is gonna fix any of this.” “I can’t just lose her. Not after this.” He went inside and went to go into the bedroom when he noticed the locked door. He took a deep breath, opting to count his lucky charms. At least she was back under his roof. He put his laptop in the office and saw Harley at the door. “She back?” Jamie nodded. “She’s pissed, but yes.” “Dude, it’s not exactly a normal thing. She never did manage to face something really bad in a simple easy way. Not even a soak in the tub helps.” “Harley, I get that you’re trying to help, but just stay out of it alright?” “She’s my friend.” “And she’s my wife. Leave it alone. Please.” Harley shook her head and went and got some soup then went back up to her bedroom.

Jackson came into his office. “Sir, if I may.” “Jackson, thank you for keeping an eye on her.” “I’m not gonna keep doing this. You have to stop pushing.” “Jackson, I get it, but she’s my wife. I can handle this.” “It’s not an easy thing. The Amy stuff is just as dang torturous to you as this is to her. Give her space and time before you lose her altogether.” “Jackson, I’ll handle it.” Jamie went through emails and pushed papers around on his desk before he opted to head back upstairs. Luckily, he remembered the back entrance to the bedroom. He came up the back stairwell and saw her out cold in the chair. He shook his head and picked her up, laying her in the bed and tucking her into the blankets. He laid down beside her and shook his head.

“None of this was your fault Piper. I don’t understand who’s it is, but it’s not yours. You have to know that. I love you. I don’t want you hurting like this. You never should ever feel like this. Let me take the burden. Let me be here,” he said as he slid his arms around her and nodded off at her side. When he felt her get up, his eyes opened. “Where are you going?” She shook her head and walked off. He heard Miss Jones and he shook his head. It was only a matter of time before Harley stuck her nose in their business again. He took a deep breath, changed into his jeans and a tee and headed downstairs to hear Piper and Harley almost laughing.

“Sir I have the soup here if you’d like some,” Miss Jones said noticing him. “Thanks, but I’ll pass. I’ll save it for dinner.” “Yes sir.” Jamie walked into Jackson’s office. “Sir,” Jackson said. “Any update on the security people you chose?” “Aiden Murray is good. Two military tours. He’s honestly even better qualified than I am. The rest of the security staff we picked for the UK is good. Aiden is already here. He’s willing to start whenever you want.” “Then he starts this weekend. If he can handle keeping an eye on Piper, fine. If she gives him a hard time, stay with them. The two of you can work on it together until he gets the hang of things.” Jackson nodded.

Jamie walked off and went back into the living room. “I’ll get it booked. I’ll even get Jack if it puts you in a better mood,” Harley joked. “Funny.” “Jack what,” Jamie asked. “Doesn’t matter,” Piper said still irritated. “We’re having an at home ladies only night. Since you’re not gonna be happy if we go away somewhere, we’re bringing the party to us,” Harley said. “I’ll organize it. I can get my masseuse and the spa he works at to send someone over to do the treatments,” Jamie said. Piper shook her head and leaned back on the sofa. He leaned over and kissed her then reached a hand out. “Come.” She shook her head and he looked at Harley. “Give us a second?” Harley took the hint. He picked Piper up and walked upstairs to the master bedroom, leaning her onto the perfectly remade bed.

“What,” she asked as he leaned into her arms and kissed her. “What do you want Jamie?” “We have new security. They’re starting in the morning for you and Harley. Jackson is showing him the ropes.” “He single?” “Don’t even start with me Piper.” “For Harley.” He shook his head. “When did you decide all of this?” “When I interviewed him in London. He’s already moved here. Now that Harley and Carter aren’t together, she needs security.” “Whatever.” He kissed her again. “I don’t want us fighting about this anymore. Just talk to me.” “Leave me alone and let me handle this Jamie.” He shook his head. “I can’t.” He kissed her again. “Jamie, do you really not get it?” He kissed her again with a kiss that could melt her from the inside out. He slid her sweater off then went for her shirt. “Jamie, stop.” “Why?” “Because I said stop.” She slid out of his arms and stormed out.

He pulled her back to him. “Tell me what I have to do. Name it.” “I tried and you ignored me.” “Piper.” “24 hours Jamie. That’s all I freaking wanted.” He shook his head. “I can’t lose the baby and you in the same dang week.” She shook her head and walked back downstairs. When he made it down the steps, she was gone and so was Andrews. “Sir, she’s at the other house. It’s fine,” Jackson said. Jamie called Andrews.

“Sir.” “Keep an eye on her. One hair gets moved and you’re done.” He hung up a minute later. He took a deep breath, tried to get some work done and then picked up the phone and called her. “Yep.” “What are you doin,” he asked. “Hanging in my old room.” “And when are you coming back over? Making steaks for dinner.” “Jamie, I’m relaxing. I’ll be back when I’m back.” “I love you. You know that right?” “Yep.” He could sense the sarcasm in her voice. “Piper.” “I’ll see you in a bit.” They hung up a minute later, and he finally stopped fighting her on every detail. Instead, he sat down and went back into tyrant mode. He walked Aiden through the property, telling him what he had to do. Jackson barely managed to get 2 words in. He was in rare form, and Jackson had learned to just bite his tongue.

When Piper came back inside, Jamie was sitting on the sofa with a double shot of Jack in hand. “So, you can drink and I can’t?” He looked over. “About time.” Even when Harley glared at him, he barely budged. “Jamie.” He nodded. Harley excused herself and went off to her room when Piper walked over to him. “What’s with the attitude?” “Why did you go over there when I said it wasn’t safe?” “Because I wanted breathing room. If that’s my only way of getting space than so be it. At least I didn’t fly off somewhere.” Sarcasm was not what he wanted. He got up and walked towards her, kissing her. “Did you drink the entire bottle,” she asked tasting the whiskey on his lips. “No. I just needed a dang drink.” “Jamie.” “Did you want one?” She shook her head and walked off, heading upstairs.

Jamie shook his head. He went through emails, sent a question off to the doctor and saw another from an unknown email:

Like you could really protect her.

Attached to it was a single photo of Piper with Harley in her old bedroom. Jamie forwarded it to Jackson, annoyed as all get out. When he saw a go-ahead from the doc, he went and got a refill and got Piper a glass of wine, heading upstairs and giving it to her. “What’s wrong,” she asked. “Nothing. I just hate when you walk out. Like you don’t want me anywhere near you. We both…” “Jamie, before you start again, stop. I get it. We both went through it. Just leave it alone. We can’t change any of it, but I’m handling it my way.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and took a gulp of his drink. “What am I supposed to do when you vanish?” “Before we got married, if I said I needed time alone there wasn’t a problem. I got space. When I was ready to talk, you were there. I didn’t change Jamie.” “This was hard for me Piper. I don’t know how to handle it. I can’t even think about having to go through all of this without you.” “I needed time to calm myself down. I don’t even wanna talk about it Jamie.” “Tell me what you need me to say then.” “We start fresh tomorrow.” “Piper.” “Jamie, please just stop.” He got up and walked over to her, putting the glass on the side table beside hers.

“What?” He walked towards her, kissing her and pulling her tight to him. It was all encompassing, passion filled kiss that had him wanting her even more. He picked her up, wrapped her legs around him and leaned her against the wall. “Mine,” he said. “Jamie.” He kissed her again, devouring her lips. She managed to push him away. “Stop.” He leaned back in and devoured her lips again, peeling her shirt off. “What’s going on with you?” “I need my wife.” “Stop acting like a crazy man then. Speak.” He kissed her again and he walked her to the bed, leaning her onto it. “Enough Jamie.” He leaned into her arms. The whiskey finally hit him. He was losing control and there was nothing he could do to change any of it. He peeled her jeans off when she stopped him. “What?” “What’s wrong with you,” she asked. “I’m not ignoring this like you are.” She pushed him away and got up. “Where are you going?” “Sleep it off Jamie.” She grabbed her robe, sliding it on and walked out of the bedroom.

He shook his head. He’s officially lost all control of everything. He slid to the floor in tears. The pain was too much. He sobbed. He took a deep breath, got up and splashed cold water on his face and stared at himself. “What the hell did you do,” he said to himself. He shook his head, got his drink and hers, and walked downstairs, handing the glass to her. “Piper.” “Sleep it off.” He shook his head. “I don’t know how the hell to make sense of this okay? Just tell me what’s gonna fix this.” “There isn’t anything. You can’t fix this. It happened Jamie. I knew something was wrong when I was in London. We have to give ourselves time. I just wanted to get out of the house.” “I can’t do this. I can’t just ignore it.”

“Neither of us can do anything. We weren’t even 2 months yet.” “Piper.” “I don’t even know what the heck to say.” “To who?” “Piper, I love you. I wanted this for us.” “Jamie, we can’t control the world. All we can do is keep trying.” “Part of me wants to go talk to my folks, but I know you’d snap.” “Jamie, it’s our stuff. You and me. We don’t need to tell the dang world. You’re going nuts. You do know that right?” He shook his head and pulled her into his arms. “I’m sorry for even…” “Jamie.” “I didn’t want you to feel like it didn’t hit me that hard.” She shook her head. “I know it did. I just need to handle this. I know it’s too much.” “I love you. I don’t care if we have kids. I just don’t wanna lose us.” He was being honest. It hurt him pretty damn badly. The alcohol didn’t help.

“You still need to sleep it off.” He kissed her. “Then come with me.” “Jamie.” He reached out a hand and she shook her head. “I’ll be up there in a little while.” He shook his head and slid his hand in hers. “I don’t know if we even can.” “I asked. We can whenever we’re feeling up to it. She thinks we lost it before we even went to London.” “Jamie.” “I just want to sleep with you in my arms instead of us being in a constant World War three. Is it really that bad?” She shook her head and went upstairs with him. He could feel the reluctance, but she was right. He did need to sleep it off. When he pulled her into his arms and closed and locked the door behind them, she almost laughed. “What are you up to?” He kissed her and pulled her into his arms. “What am I gonna do with you?” “Let me sleep.” “Funny Jamie.” He leaned into her arms and devoured her lips, walking her backwards and leaning her onto the fluffy duvet on the bed.

Part of him knew exactly who caused the miscarriage. Carter had caused way too much trouble. Piper being determined to tell Carter off more than once was the only reason he could even understand that would’ve caused it, and all he wanted to do was fix it even if he couldn’t. He needed the distraction. He needed her.

“Jamie.” “Love of my life,” he said as he leaned into her arms. “We can’t.” “We can when you’re ready.” “Now isn’t it.” He looked at her, almost disappointed. “Seriously?” He kissed her. “I love you. Just curl up with me.” “Can you live with it?” He nodded and curled up among the blankets and pillows with her. “What,” she asked. “I missed you. I just need you. I don’t care if we’re sleeping or anything else.” She shook her head. “Jamie.” “I get I was a mess. Two glasses of Jack is not exactly smart.” “Feeling sick?” He smirked. “Just buzzing. I just don’t want us to keep fighting anymore. Not about this.” “We have to give it time. We can’t just pretend like it didn’t happen. We need that time.” He kissed her. “As long as I’m not losing you and the baby, I can handle it. Just no more pushing me away okay?” She kissed him and they curled up together. No fighting, no worrying, no stressing or anything else.

Jackson went outside to do a quick sweep, opting for a walk by the water feeling the breeze. He’d barely had time to do any of it between flights off to here and there. He walked around and saw something reflecting in the water. One look with his binoculars, and he figured it was just a random person. The water was still moving, and telling Jamie about a random fisherman in the water wasn’t exactly worth going into that room to hear them fighting again. He took another look and saw a camera. Jackson shook his head, called the officer and let him know that something was up. If it was Amy, a storm was about to hit. One that no umbrella could protect from, and one that could change everything. In the back of his mind, maybe getting Piper and Jamie out of Savannah for a while would be a good idea.

He walked back inside and pulled Aiden aside. “What’s up?” “Someone was out in the water taking photos. Honestly, I think it’s that woman that Jamie mentioned. We need to keep a close eye on them. If it means getting them away from Savannah, so be it.” Aiden nodded. “You know that means we have to tell him.” Jackson nodded. “Don’t remind me.”

When Jamie opened his eyes the next morning, he half expected Piper to be in bed. When she wasn’t, he knew. He got up, pulled his workout clothes on and went into the gym to see Piper and Harley working out. “Morning ladies,” he said as he walked over and kissed Piper. “Mornin handsome,” Piper said. At least she was in a somewhat better mood. She was right. Two full glasses of Jack gave him a hell of a hangover. “You two are making me nauseous already,” Harley teased. “You sure you’re not pregnant,” Jamie teased. “Funny,” Harley replied. The ladies finished up their stretches and Jamie got warmed up to start his. A good night of sleep and on top of it all, he actually had energy.

Once Harley headed downstairs, Jamie smirked and motioned for Piper to come closer. “Yes husband,” she said as she approached. He kissed her, devouring her lips and pulled her into his lap. “Tonight just you and me.” “You do realize that she’s living here right? You wanted her here.” He kissed her until he felt goosebumps burst onto her skin. “You and me alone. No phones, no laptops, no nothing. You and me.” She nodded, kissed him and headed downstairs.

Jackson came in just as Jamie was finishing the workout. “Sir.” “What’s up?” “Just thinking that maybe y’all should have extra security.” “What happened?” “Saw someone out in the water. Just maybe a good idea to keep close to security.” Jamie nodded. “Gotcha. Will do. Just stay close to them. I have a feeling that they’re going out.” Jackson nodded and headed out. Keeping him at least part way in the dark was his best option. “Done. Did you need anything?” Jamie shook his head. “Thank you though.” Jackson left and went to try and go though emails while Jamie finished off his workout.

Jamie headed downstairs to the scent of bacon. It was one of the morning smells that he loved the most. He got coffee and came and sat with her. For the first time in weeks, he noticed the oversized coffee mug in her hand. “And what are you two up to today,” Jamie asked completely blind to the insanity that had gone on with that mystery person in the water the night prior. “Music, walk downtown and Forsyth Park,” Piper said. “You’re taking Aiden with you and Jackson. Just so you two can enjoy the sights,” Jamie said. “And where are you going,” Piper asked before another gulp of her coffee. “Atlanta. You know you can always come and go shopping in Atlanta if you want to.” Piper shook her head. “We’ll see,” she teased as he pulled her to him and kissed her. “We could. It’s up to you,” Harley said determined not to irritate Jamie. “We’re still going shopping though.” He kissed Piper, muttering an I love you between kisses.

She shook her head. From what he saw, they might finally have been able to get past all of it. He loved her more than life, but Harley being there with her was something he could do without. Just as they all finished cleaning up, Jamie picked Piper up and headed upstairs. “See you in a bit,” Jamie said. He walked into the master bedroom, kicked the door closed and walked into the master bath, sitting her on the counter. “And what are you up to husband?” He locked the bathroom door, kissed her and slid her clothes off one piece at a time. “Jamie.” He kissed her again. “Don’t you…” He kissed her, peeling his shirt off. “Jamie. Seriously.” “What?” “Don’t you have meetings?” He kicked his clothes off and leaned into her arms.

“I do. Planned them for after 10am. That way we have time to get there.” “And what were we supposed to be doing for 3 hours?” He smirked, turned on the hot water in the shower and picked her up, carrying her in. That’s what he loved about that shower. Within minutes, the room was filling with steam. “Jamie.” “Wife.” He leaned her against the wall of the shower and devoured her lips. “What are you doin?” “Making up for lost time with my wife.” She kissed him. She slid to her feet and he slid her under the stream of perfectly hot water. “Part of me was almost hoping you’d say that,” she joked. “You sure?” She nodded and kissed him. He washed her hair for her, rinsed it and put her conditioner in. “Marry me,” he said seeing her in complete bliss. “Kinda already did handsome.” “Renew. On our anniversary. We can do it how we originally wanted to.” She shook her head. “Jamie.” “We had to make it small. Now we can do the big thing.” She washed his hair for him. “Let’s just concentrate on the tour stuff and the office.” He kissed her, cradling her face in his hands. He was giddier than a little kid at Christmas. “Fine, but we’re still doin it.” “Jamie.” “We can have it at the church. The reception at Forsyth. Whatever you want.” “And no Carter.” He smirked. “What he did was all on him. I’m not inviting that back in.”

“If that’s what you wanna do.” He kissed her and slid his hands down to her backside. “That’s not all,” he teased. “You need to wash that dirty mind Jamie.” He kissed her and grabbed the sea sponge, washing her back with the peach body wash that he liked. He rinsed the shampoo out and she washed his back for him. He grabbed her hand as her arms curled around his waist. “You start something, you know I’m finishing it.” “Oh I know,” she teased. He shook his head, slid the sponge for her hand and he slid her under the hot water. “You keep taunting, you know you’re in for it,” he teased. She kissed him and slid out of the shower. He shook his head, watching her wrap a towel around her. He shook his head, trying to distract himself. He slid the shower off a few minutes later, grabbing a towel and sliding it around his waist, coming up behind her. “And what would you like,” she teased. He shook his head. “You on the counter naked,” he whispered as she burst out in goosebumps. “You have meetings.” “And I don’t have to be there until 10. It’s not even 7. We have all the dang time we want.” He picked her up and put her on the counter facing him. She looked right into his eyes. “Tonight,” she said. He kissed her and nodded, wrapping his arms around her. No matter how bad he wanted her, going too far was too much. He kissed her, devouring her lips. “Date night.” She nodded. “Just you and me.” She kissed him and he knew she was craving him just as bad as he was craving her.

“You sure I can’t just go shopping here?” “You two are coming like it or not,” he teased. She kissed him. “Oh really?” He nodded and kissed her. “You two can go have fun and enjoy the day. Do whatever you want to as long as you have security. I’d say go look at dresses for the renewal.” She shook her head. “I’ll think about it,” Piper teased. He kissed her, wrapped her legs around him again and carried her to the bed.

“Jamie.” “I’m keeping your mind off all the bad stuff and keeping you concentrating on good stuff.” “Such as?” He slid into her arms, the only place he wanted to be. “Such as,” she teased as he curled up with her. “Funny.” He kissed her with a hot, intense kiss that gave her goosebumps head to toe. He peeled her towel off, pulling his off and knocking them to the floor, devouring her lips all over again. “Piper.” She kissed him, letting him quietly know that she wanted him just as badly. One move and he was making love to her again, like they did before what had happened. Every inch of her wrapped tight around him which just got him more turned on. When he kept going, she was almost shaking and holding him tighter. “You okay,” he asked between breathtakingly hot kisses. She nodded. “You’re being so dang quiet.” She shook her head with a smirk. “Piper.” She kissed him and almost screamed into his mouth.

He collapsed into her arms and she wouldn’t let up. He leaned onto his back and cuddled her into his arms. “What’s wrong,” he asked. She looked like she was a million miles away. ”Nothin.” “Piper, I can see it. Just say it.” He kissed her forehead. “I don’t even know.” “Just say whatever it is. You don’t have to hide things from me. If you’re starting to worry that we can’t have kids, then stop. I know that’s what’s ringing in your head. I love you the way you are Piper. I always have and I always will. We have to wait, fine. We have problems, there’s a million kids in the world that would love a mom like you.” “You really should be paid for your psychic moments husband of mine,” she teased as she kissed him. “You can’t keep putting yourself in the dumps. I don’t want anyone picking on you, not even you.”

She kissed him and went to get up. “Where are you goin?” “Getting dressed before my hair dries so we can go,” she joked. He pulled her back to him. “Nope.” “You have a meeting Jamie.” “And? Best part of being the boss.” She shook her head and kissed him. “Not happening Jamie. She shook her head. “What am I gonna do with you,” she asked. “We have time,” he joked. She shook her head and kissed him. “We’re getting up handsome. Faster you finish the meetings, faster we get home.” “Now you’re taunting.” “Date night remember?” “Clothing optional?” “Jamie, behave,” she said as she almost laughed. He finally got up and freshened up, sliding into his suit with her favorite tie. “Dressed up and my favorite tie. Pretty handsome there husband of mine.” He kissed her and handed Piper her jeans and sweater that he loved. “Oh really?” He nodded. He kissed her again, put some cologne on and went downstairs to see Harley flirting with Aiden.

“Sir,” Aiden said as he straightened up. “You’re staying with Harley and my wife today. Jackson’s coming with you. One hair gets harmed and it’s on you,” Jamie said as he went into his office. Aiden shook his head and walked into Jackson’s office. “I gather he’s downstairs?” “Just. He’s in his office,” Aiden said. “I’ll get the SUV. We’re heading to the heliport and there will be a car at the office to take them shopping. Piper hates having security, and Harley is obviously a distraction. Just keep things quiet. Keep an eye on both of them. I’ll be right there with you.” Aiden nodded and they headed back into the living room.

Jamie came back in with his briefcase. “We’re heading out as soon as my beautiful wife is down here,” Jamie said trying to let up a little. “Hey Jamie, if the security guys need a night off are they allowed,” Harley asked. “If Jackson needs a night, he just has to ask. It’s a rarity, but he does get a few days once in a while,” Jamie said. He knew exactly what Harley was thinking. “And what about Aiden?” “He just started Harley.” “Wasn’t exactly an answer.” “He can if he needs to, but dating you is not gonna happen. Someone else Harley.” “Jamie.” “Harley, there are a million other single men in the world. They’re here to keep you two safe and nothing else.” Harley shook her head and he knew. Harley was just as defiant as Piper was. Jamie went through emails and saw Piper head downstairs.

He finished one more email and Piper slid into his lap. “About time beautiful.” “Are you harassing Harley again?” “She’s trying to…” Piper kissed him. “I know. She’s been hitting on him since he arrived,” Piper whispered. “Piper.” “I know. She just needs a distraction,” Piper said quietly. “We ready to go or what,” Jamie asked. “Sir,” Jackson said. “Yep.” “Helicopter is waiting at the helipad.” Jamie nodded and helped Piper to her feet then they all headed off. “Ladies, no vanishing on security.” “Jamie, I’m fine. We’re not going anywhere handsome.” He kissed her and Piper slid his hand in hers as they got to the helipad. Within a matter of minutes of arriving, they were in the air.

When they got into the office, Piper came up with him, opting to give Harley some more flirting time. “Damn,” he said. “What?” “You know I should hire you so you can stay here all day with me.” “Jamie.” The elevator doors opened, and he walked into the lobby hand in hand with Piper. “Good morning, sir,” Amanda said. “Morning Amanda,” Jamie said as they walked into his office. “Good morning Miss Piper.” “Good morning,” Piper said as they headed into his office and they walked in, closing and locking the door behind them. “What?” He kissed Piper, pinning her against the door. “Jamie.” “You sure you can’t stay,” he asked as he cradled her face in his hands. “Before I make you late for your meeting, no. I’ll come back at lunch if you want, but you have to…” He kissed her again and pulled her into his arms. “Mine,” he joked. She nodded in reply. “For now,” she teased. He shook his head and kissed her again. “Jamie, go get some work done. When you’re finished the meeting, tell me.” He kissed her. “Fine, but just stay safe. Stay near them alright?” Piper nodded, kissed him and headed off.

Jackson knew exactly how difficult that afternoon was gonna be, and trying to stop Aiden and Harley from flirting was just an annoyance. Jamie, on the other hand, had one of the longest meetings in the planet. He still had a grin on his face most of the morning. He kept a close eye on his phone most of the meeting. By the time it hit lunch, he was still stuck in the meeting. When Piper messaged him to let him know they were having lunch and would be there in a little while, he was happy. When he was finally done, he was sipping on a mug of soup in his office and called her.

“Hey handsome hubby of mine.” “Hey yourself sexy wife. I have two more meetings. As soon as I’m done, we can head back. How are you two doing?” “Good. Talking through the you know who stuff.” “Thank goodness you’re on my side.” “We can talk about it tonight. We can come up with an alternative.” “Already working on an idea,” Jamie said. “May need that date night. Those last two meetings are board meetings.” “We’ll work on it. Just remember that all of it is so you can have the company be the way you want.” “I love you.” “Love you right back handsome,” she said as Jamie almost heard Harley faking a gag. He finished his soup, got in a few more email replies and went into the last two. When he walked into the first of the afternoon, Carter was there. Jamie didn’t even talk to him. Even after Carter came after him, Jamie slammed the door in his face. Carter pushed his way in.

“What?” “Where is she?” “Meaning what Carter? You don’t have anyone anymore.” “Jamie, I get it. I need to talk to Harley. It’s stupid to walk away.” “Then you should’ve kept your dick in your pants.” Carter headed off and Jamie went into the last quick meeting. He knew dang well that Piper had enjoyed a relaxing day to do some fun stuff, and she needed every single minute of it. Jamie went into the second quick meeting, and for once it was nothing life shattering. When he headed out, there was no sign of Piper. He went into his office and went through emails, finishing up. When he heard Piper’s voice, he couldn’t help the smile that came up ear to ear.