Damaged Perfection (The Perfection Series Book 1) (8 page)

“Andy, did you take my shorts?” He comes over and sits next to me as I pet him on the head. I get up and begin walking back to the house. As we get closer, Andy starts barking like loon.

“What is it boy?” Great, there is something or someone out here and I am butt ass naked. All of a sudden, my back door opens. Piper walks out with a devilish grin on her face, holding my trunks up with one finger.

“Looking for these?” We laugh. Instead of grabbing the shorts from her, I stand there.

“No I wasn’t looking for them at all. I thought you were leaving?”

“Well, I decided I wanted that tour after all.”

“Lead the way,” I say, walking in the house behind her.

“Are you going to put these trunks on before we go in?”

“Not a chance.” I wink and then walk past her into the house. I hear her footsteps in line with mine as we walk back through the living room and up the stairs from the foyer.

“Did you decorate or did you have someone else do it for you?”

“After my grandfather gave me this house, I gutted the inside and had everything redone. All the appliances are new, I replaced all the carpet with wood floors and I bought all of the grey suede furniture.”

“Wow, were you trying to impress someone? That is a lot of work for a bachelor.”

“I had lots of unwilling woman to make feel comfortable, remember?” It will never get old throwing that in her face. We reach my bedroom and I turn to her.

“Are you sure you want to enter the love shack?” I question, trying to fight the smile from forming on my face. She gives me a sarcastic look.

“Right, we are being serious. Ok, here we have my master bedroom. It has the luxury of a balcony overlooking the accompanying land and pond. Would you like to see?”

“Yes, please.” We walk through the room to the French doors and I hear her gasp as she sees not only the view but also the hot tub.

“Fenton this is gorgeous.” She places her hands on the railing and gets a whiff of the country air that I love so much.

“Ok, it is time to move on.”

“Do we have to?” she asks, with pouty lips.

“You know when you look at me like that, I want to throw you on my bed and take advantage of you.” I stare at her waiting on her to make the next move. She must decide that she doesn’t want that because without a word she turns and begins walking toward the door. Before we get out of the room, she stops to admire the paintings I have on my walls.

“Where did you get these beautiful paintings?”

“There is a great place by the bar that sells a lot of original work. They have all come from there.”

“I have been there, it is amazing! You will have to see the pieces I have in my apartment, they are beautiful!”

“I look forward to it.” She looks a little embarrassed as she just realized she just invited me to her house.

“You’re going to make me regret saying that, aren’t you?”

“Yes ma’am.”

              When we reach the outside of the last room in the house, I am hesitant to open the door. There are a lot of feelings, a lot of heartbreak and a lot of self loathing in this room. Maybe we should bypass it.

“Why are you hesitant, Fent? If you don’t want to go in this room, its fine.”

“No, we are going in.” I decide that I can handle this and we proceed inside the room. She walks past me as I stand leaning against the door frame. She is looking around at all the photos on the walls but stops when she gets to mantle above the fireplace.

“Who are they, Fent?” she asks without looking back at me. I can’t answer. I haven’t had to answer that question in a long time. When I don’t immediately reply, she looks back at me.

“Is this your family?” I walk over to her before answering. I take the frame from her and look at the photo.

“This is my mother and younger brother, looking so carefree, in the pond we were just enjoying. I remember it like it was yesterday. He was a little fish. My mother had to keep a constant eye on him as the water was the first place he ran whenever we were visiting.” I hope she doesn’t ask any other questions. I don’t know how I can explain anything else without breaking down. And that is something I don’t want to happen in front of her

“She is beautiful, Fenton.” Those words break my heart.

“She is, and she was always so full of life. Ok Piper, I think we have seen enough of this room.” I put the photo back on the shelf and put my hand at the small of her back and pull her with me out of the room. I wait for her to ask more questions as walk out to the car but she doesn’t. She is actually quiet and I think that may scare me more than her asking questions.

Once we reach her car, she finally smiles at me and it is very genuine. There is no judgment or pity in her eyes and for that I am thankful.

“What kind of guest would I be if I didn’t bring you a gift in thanks for your invitation?” She reaches in her pocket and pulls out what looks like strings and places them in my hand. My lips twitch when I realize they are her panties. She lifts up on her tippy toes and kisses me and I lose all control. I pull her to me and lean her back on the hood of the car.

“Fenton, you’re naked,” she says with the few free breaths I allow her.

“Yes I am. So if you want me to stop, you need to tell me now before it is too late.” I kiss my way down the neck that I crave all too often and over the top of her shoulder before she pushes me back. She looks just as disappointed as I am in the lack of physical touch but has decided to take me at my word and stop.

“Thank you. I have had a great evening. See you in the morning.”

“Bye sweet Piper, have a good evening. Please let me know when you make it home safely.”

Chapter Eight

Piper

              I unlock my apartment door, hoping Phoebe is either asleep or out. Since it is only ten, I am guessing the latter is more probable. When I walk into a completely dark and quiet apartment, I know that my prayers have been answered. I make a beeline for my bedroom and fish my phone from my purse to send Fent a quick message, to let him know that I am home. I throw my phone on the bed and head for the bathroom.

              I step under the spray of the shower, letting the water wash away the smell of pond water and Fenton’s naked body. How am I supposed to work with him tomorrow? It is going to be so awkward.

              “Well, how did it go?” I jump at the sound of Phoebe’s voice on the other side of the curtain.

              “Phebes, I cannot describe to you the depth of this man. I have never met anyone like him. I have to admit, I am glad that I decided to go, I met a completely different person tonight. He is so funny and so sweet but at the same time, I have to watch him because he is very fucking slick. He is the type that has potential to break my heart if I am not careful.”

              “Well then, I guess it’s good you only want one thing from him.”

              “No Phoebe, our friendship is going to have to be strictly platonic.” The sound of her laughter tells me she doesn’t believe me.

              “You don’t believe me do you?”

              “Its not that I don’t believe you, it’s that I know you have never been in this situation before. This type of guy has a way of consuming you and before you know it, you are completely lost to them. I’m just telling you to be careful.” Usually she is the carefree type that can’t wait for her next hook up and wants me to fall in the same footsteps; I am a little confused at her sudden change of heart.

              “Where is this coming from, Phoebe?”

              “I have always known that we are completely different. You’re Daddy’s favorite, the good girl. I thought if you would sleep with him tonight, it would make me feel better but it doesn’t. I just want you to be happy, Piper. Guys like Fenton will make you happy for a while but they usually can’t sustain it.”

              “You seriously wanted me to sleep with him to make yourself feel better? That is so selfish, Phoebe. But thanks for the warning.” I close the curtain in disgust. I am not necessarily disgusted with her as much as I am with myself. Against my better judgment, I let her talk me into going to his house. The night turned out better than I expected but it could have been a lot different. I will not be caught off guard again.

              After finishing my shower, I get my clothes and lunch together for work tomorrow. I find myself smiling while making my sandwich as I think about Fent showing me around his house completely naked. I shake my head and wonder how I am supposed to look at him tomorrow in clothes knowing what he looks like without them. I will never get the image out of my head of his beautifully crafted physique but what really sticks out to me is his back tattoo. I don’t know what happened that fueled the need for it, but regardless what happens between us, I want to know. It clearly has had a negative impact on his life and as a friend I want to help him in any way I can.

              When I get back to my room I remember that I texted him. I find my phone to see if he has responded and to my astonishment, I have about ten texts and a few missed calls from him. I laugh and start to text him but decide that this warrants a phone call.

              “Piper, what is going on? I have been trying to get a hold of you.”

              “I am sorry Fent. I texted you and then went to take a shower. Have you found your clothes yet?”

              “Wouldn’t you like to know? I know those sexy little panties you left me have already found a home on my wall.”

              “Well, I hope you enjoy them. Goodnight Fenton, I will see you in the morning. Clothes are not optional tomorrow.”

              “Oh come on, Piper. Wouldn’t you love to see Frank’s face if we worked naked? On second thought, I don’t think anyone needs to see you without clothes. You’re right, clothes are not optional. Good night Piper, sweet dreams.” The phone clicks dead and I find myself smiling at the screen.

              Oh Fenton, what am I going to do with you…

* * *

              Two more days. That’s it, just two more days of having to work side by side with Fenton; I don’t know if I am going to make it. I pull up to the job site and see the commotion of a construction site well underway. I spot Fenton and already have to push images to the back of my head. I stare at the ceiling of my car to try to pull myself together. I spent the better part of last night just lying in bed, staring at the ceiling with Phoebe’s words swirling around Fent’s naked body. Finally about four o’clock, I decided I had enough and went for a run. Although the run brought me no closer to a decision about him, it did ease my nervousness about the day.

              I blow out a deep breath and decide to just get the day started. I know he is going to make this day hell for me, so I might as well get it started, that way we are closer to being finished. I grab my coffee and site garb and begin walking in his direction. He turns just as I am past my car and a beautiful smile spreads on his face. We are waving at each other when I hear someone calling my name. I am shocked to see Ty running toward me.

              “Hey, long time no see.”

              After a few seconds of disbelief, I am finally able to speak.

“T-ty, what are you doing here?” I briefly look around for Fent; it could be dangerous for him to see us talking.

“I told you I worked for this company, why wouldn’t I be here?” He laughs.

“Right, yeah, I just thought…”

“…just thought that your boyfriend could really fire me? Please sweetheart, Frank doesn’t allow him that type of power.”

“What the fuck are you doing here?” I hear Fent’s deep gravelly voice from behind me. I close my eyes in silent prayer when I feel him pull me back to him. I pray no one noticed and that this goes over without physical injury to anyone.

“Did you really think you could keep me away from your girl, pretty boy?”

“She’s not my girl but I can guarantee you she will never be yours. Now go back and kiss Frank’s ass some more and leave the hard work to me.”

“Piper, I see you have met Ty. You two will get to know each other well over the next two days as you are now reassigned to work with him.” My mouth falls open as Frank walks up and drops that nice little bomb.

“Absolutely not, Frank. Put her with anyone else but him.” Fent’s voice is shaking

“I don’t think you have a say in this, Fenton. In fact, I believe your shift has already begun.” Frank taps his finger on his watch, furthering his point.

Fent moves from behind me toward Frank and my heart rate picks up.

“She is my apprentice. I will teach her what she needs to know.”

“Guys, this is nonsense. Fenton, if Frank wants me to work with Ty, I will. It isn’t that big of a deal.” His eyes meet mine and I am not sure what I see in them but it is definitely not acceptance. He walks over to Ty and gets right in his face.

“If you fuck with her, you will answer to me.” When he finishes his warning, he walks forward, bumping shoulders with Ty. I have a feeling it is not going to be fun smoothing this over.

“Now that the fun stuff is out of the way…” Frank says, clasping his hands together. “Piper, although Ty is relatively new to the business, he has proven himself a valuable asset. Please learn as much as you can from him.”

He asks Ty, “Do you have any questions?”

“No sir, we will be just fine.” He smiles at me and my stomach turns.

“Great! Call me if any issues arise.” We silently watch him walk away. I look over at Fent and he has murder in his eyes.

“Well, where…”

“No, you listen before you try to bullshit me. I do not like you and I am not going to pretend that I do. I only agreed to work with you so Fent and Frank wouldn’t fight. But please understand, if you try any shit like you did at the bar, I am not going to keep Fent away from you this time. Are we clear?” He laughs.

“My, my, you are feisty today. I don’t think you quite understand what is going on here. So, let me tell you how this is going to work. You will do as I tell you because you wouldn’t want Frank to find out about you and pretty boy over there would you?” He looks back at Fent and waves. I am almost certain I see smoke coming out of his ears. Fent begins walking toward us and I start to panic, I can’t have them fighting. I walk toward him before he gets close to Ty. I hear Ty call after me but I don’t care what he is trying to threaten me with, especially since I am pretty sure Frank already suspects something, hence the reason for the change in work partners.

“It is going to be ok. You need to concentrate on what you are doing,” I remind him.

“Why the hell is he even here? I got rid of him.”

“Don’t take this the wrong way but can you fire employees?” He cocks his head in question.

“Of course I can. He just knows there is something between us and he thinks I am going to taint your innocence. I can’t do this, Piper. I am going to break his fucking neck if he is here today.”

“Listen to me, Fent. I need you here in case he tries something so you’re going to have to control your temper.”

“Control my temper? For two days, Piper? That is going to be torture.”

“It is going to be hard on both of us but we can do it. Look at me, Fent.” I wait until we make eye contact before I continue.

“You can do this, I have faith in you.” His eyes soften and if I am not mistaken, I see a ghost of a smile form on his face.

“Ok, but I can’t promise you that I will keep my word if he puts his hands on you.”

“If he puts his hands on me, then I give you full permission to beat his ass.”

“Piper…” he groans. “I really want to kiss you right now but as pissed as I am, I don’t think that will satisfy my craving. Keep him at arm’s length and don’t take in what his dumbass is telling you.”

“Done. Now go back to work and don’t worry about me unless I am screaming; I can handle myself.” He stares unconvincingly at me.

“I promise, Fent.” He doesn’t speak; he just turns and continues working. I blow out a breath. I thought that was going to be a lot more difficult. I walk back over to Ty and without saying a word, I begin working.

* * *

Ty isn’t as dreadful to work with as I thought. He actually seems to know what he is talking about and is pretty skilled with his hands; not as skilled as Fent, but skilled nonetheless. Although I feel confident in his guidance, it still seems to be a bit forced. Everything seems so natural with Fent, or maybe I just want everything with Fenton to feel more comfortable. Either way, I am glad that I don’t have to work with either of them on a regular basis.

Every time I glance at Fent, he is already glaring in our direction. I wouldn’t be surprised if his blood pressure is through the roof by the end of the day. I don’t understand why Frank couldn’t just let the two of us work together. Even if he does suspect something, what does it matter? We won’t be working together on a regular basis. But I know these two live to make each other’s lives miserable. So, any rational decisions made about this situation goes out the window.

“How is it going over here?” I hear his voice behind me. It never ceases to amaze me how just his voice gives me chills.

“It really isn’t any of your business. I report to Frank not you,” Ty says, standing to his full height, trying to intimidate Fent. It doesn’t work as Fent brushes him off.

“Trust me that will change.” The confidence that he exudes is almost too much to handle.

“Everything is fine, Fent. I will see you at lunch ok?” He shakes his head and walks away.

I try to make light conversation with Ty but he makes my stomach turn. I can’t seem to get passed that night at the bar. And because I have no brain-to-mouth filter, I ask him about it.

“Ty what made you think you could kiss me that night?”

“Fent made it look so easy; he gets every girl he wants. I just thought I could do the same but I guess it is one of those ‘I don’t want her but you can’t have her either’ situations.”

“I am not his, Ty,” I remind him.

“Yeah, ok,” he counters.

“Even if something were going on between us, it really isn’t anyone’s business.”

“You don’t have to explain yourself to him. Come on, we have somewhere to be.” The look on Fent’s face tells me I shouldn’t question him.

“Where are we going? We can’t just leave work.” He places his hand at the small of my back and leads me to his truck.

“Well are you going to get in?” he asks me, after I stand there a few seconds without any movement.

“Fent, I don’t want to cause any trouble. Maybe we should just go back to work?”

“Piper, please just get in the truck. It will be fine, I promise.”

Hesitantly, I climb in. My mind is racing. All I can think is Frank is going to be pissed when he finds out we left.

“I know you don’t care about your job but I need mine. If you get me fired, I will never speak to you again.” I cross my arms over my chest like a petulant child. Inwardly I laugh at myself, as I have essentially just thrown a tantrum.