Read Online That First Kiss by J. C. Valentine - Free Book Online Page B

come over, then she would, but she would not go the extra mile to get dressed or fix her hair.
                  Slipping on a pair of flip-flops, Piper knotted her hair up in a messy bun and grabbed her keys.
                  She managed to get a parking spot less than a block away from his apartment, which was a miracle, and she sent up a prayer of thanks for small favors.
                  Still ringing with irritation that she had let herself get talked into this, Piper used her key to let herself inside. “Alright, Tate,” she called. “I’m here. What the hell was so important that you couldn’t tell me over the phone?”
                  She heard movement from one of the bedrooms and a minute later, Tate appeared. Other than the pair of low-hanging boxers, he was completely bare from the neck down. “Piper,” he said, sounding relieved. “I wasn’t sure you’d come.”
                  “Neither was I,” she said irritably. “Care to tell me why I just sacrificed my time to come all the way over here?”
                  He tilted his head and passed her a mocking smile. “Four blocks is hardly all the way over here.”
                  “It is for me,” she said stubbornly.
                  “Fine.” He ran his hands through his hair. The action caused his biceps to flex and Piper couldn’t help but pause to appreciate the view. “Look, it’s kind of complicated, but—”
                  Something clattered in the bathroom down the hall and Piper’s attention focused on the source. “What the hell was that?” she asked, the flare of worry quickly morphing into suspicion. “Is there someone else here, Tate?”
                  His expression pinched as he said, “Piper, before you jump to conclusions, let me explain.”
                  Shifting her weight to one leg and crossing her arms over her chest, she intended to do just that, when the door to the bathroom opened and a tall woman with long, dark hair floated into the room. “Tate, seriously, you need to hire a maid. How is a girl supposed to freshen up when there are dirty clothes all over the floor and no counter space to work with? Oh, hi,” she said to Piper when her eyes landed on her. She performed a quick once-over and returned her attention to Tate. “Um…I guess this means I should head out now,” she said slowly, passing him a look that Piper couldn’t decipher.
                  Nor did she want to. She was furious. Beyond enraged as she watched the two of them hug briefly and exchange pecks on the cheek. Tate glanced at Piper once as he guided the woman to the front door. It was full of chagrin and Piper had to bite back an angry retort.
                  The second the woman was gone, Piper pounced. “I can’t believe you called me over here so I could chase away your fucking booty call!” she shouted. “You are un-fucking believable, you know that?” She stormed toward the door. “Don’t call me ever again, unless it’s work-related.” She pinned him with a lethal glare. “Work. Related,” she said slowly, enunciating each word to be sure he got the message.
                  “Piper, wait.” Taking her by the arm, Tate forced her to stop and face him. “I didn’t ask you to come over so I could get rid of a booty call.” His lips quirked up in a half smile.
                  “Oh, you’re amused by this? Do I amuse you?” Piper seethed.
                  “A little, yes,” Tate admitted. “But trust me when I tell you, I did not ask you here for that.”
                  “Really?” she said, her voice oozing disbelief.
                  “Really. Besides, you’re only partially right.” Piper raised her eyebrow, ready to slap him across the face if he lied to her again. “I did call you over her to