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"What?" she asked. "Why? We can't just tell her?"
Declan hadn't felt this good in a long time. He felt so free, like he was taking control back from the life that had been wrenched away from him so brutally. "You already told my mom we weren't romantic, so for this to sound real and not just a knee-jerk defensive move after her offer, we need to get caught. Make it seem like we didn't plan to tell her."
Piper leaned against the back of the couch, bracing her hands. "I get that," she said slowly. "What do you propose?"
"She knows I'm at your place right now, working on your bathroom, right?"
Piper nodded.
"So, she's only going to wait so long until she decides to march over here and find me."
Her eyes widened. "Tonight? You want to get caught in bednow?"
"We only have three weeks. We need to get started." His mind was whirring as he strategized. "She wouldn't walk into your house if the door is closed, so we'll leave the front door open justenough that she invites herself in. And your bedroom door will have to be open as well, because she'll have to walk past it to get to the bathroom."
Piper took a breath. "Wow. Just wow. We haven't even kissed yet, and you want to get me in your bed."
He grinned at her sass. Her attitude was perfect. "No. I want to be in your bed." He stood up. "Let's do it. She won't wait much longer."
Piper let out a little groan. "I'm feeling very awkward about getting into bed with you."
"Pretend I'm a plant."
She laughed, a soft chuckle that made him smile. "A flowering cactus," she said as she stood up. "That sums you up."
"I'm not that bad."
She glanced at the clock on her wall. "I only have a few minutes. I need to get going."
"My mom won't wait long, trust me." Was he really agreeing to this insanity? Yes, he was. Apparently, he was officially desperate.
"Okay, then. I'll get the door." She jogged across the living room, as if she also felt the sudden tension between them.
"Great." He walked into the living room, suddenly noticing the gentle sway of her hips. The loose pants didn't hide the way she moved, sexy and natural, like she was a cat, lithe and agile.
Damn.
He'd never thought of Piper's walk before. He needed to stay focused. This would never work if he actually let himself be attracted to her.Jellyfish. Jellyfish. Jellyfish.
She opened the door and peered out, then jumped back. "She's on her way here!"
Adrenaline rushed through Declan, but he didn't move. He wouldn’t push Piper, no matter how much he wanted to make this work. "Ready?"
She met his gaze, and he saw trust in those brown eyes. Real trust, which made him pull his shoulders back. He wouldn’t let her down. "I'm ready," she said, her voice firm and committed.
He grinned. "Then lead the way."
They both heard the crunch of his mom's high heels on the walk outside. Piper burst out laughing, and then took off in a sprint up the stairs. Declan hustled after her, trying not to limp.
They ran into her bedroom, and Piper pointed to him. "Shirt and jeans off," she said. "Toss them on the floor by the door."
"Yes, ma'am." He turned his back on her while he ripped off his clothes. Downstairs, he heard his mom shout their names.
"Ready!" Piper whispered.
He turned and saw she was under the covers. The sheet was up to her armpits, but her shoulders were bare. Sudden awareness coiled in his gut. How naked was she beneath those blankets?
His mom called for them again, and then he heard her start to climb the stairs.
