Page 29 of Kiwi

Pulling me in for a hug, he kisses the top of my head. "Thanks for helpin' out today. Don't know what I'd do without ya."

"You're welcome, dad."

Tossing the dish towel on the counter, I grab my purse that's hanging on the back of the kitchen chair and swing it over my shoulder. "I'll see you in the morning."

"See ya, baby girl."

As I'm stepping outside the clubhouse, I run into Everest, who has his back against the wall while smoking a cigarette. "Hey, Piper. Figured you'd crash here with everyone else."

"No, I feel like going home. Besides, you guys have a full house."

"That we do. Kiwi just took off for the night too. You're the last one out. Want me to follow you home?"

"No." I shake my head. "Thanks, though."

Giving me a chin lift, Everest flicks his cigarette to the ground and makes his way over to the gate. Once I climb in my car and roll through, I watch in my rearview mirror as he secures the gate then begins walking the perimeter of the compound. Once I arrive home, I pull out my phone and shoot off a quick text to my dad. I know he will have waited up for me to let him know I made it.

Me: I'm home.

Dad: Night, Bean. See ya tomorrow. Love you.

Me: Goodnight. Love you too.

Tossing my phone onto the passenger seat, I lean my head back against the headrest and close my eyes when out of nowhere, I get a spur of the moment idea. I briefly contemplate if what I am considering is crazy. "Fuck it," I mutter to myself.

Shifting my car into gear, I back out of the garage. Twenty minutes later, I'm pulling up in front of Tai's house. Taking a deep breath to calm my nerves, I cut the engine and climb out. The front porch light clicks on the moment my feet touch the first step. Knocking on the door three times, I wait for Tai to answer. A few seconds later, the door swings open, and his large frame fills the space. I take in his shirtless chest, the large colorful tattoos covering his left rib cage, and the way his jeans sit low on his hips with the button undone.

"What are you doing here, Piper?" Tai asks, resting his forearm above his head against the door frame.

"I wanted to see you. I thought maybe we could talk."

"About what?"

Fidgeting with the strap of my purse, I'm suddenly getting the feeling coming here was a mistake. "I want to talk about us, and what happened the other day?"

"There's nothin' to talk about."

"Seriously, Tai? Are you going to stand there and tell me we don't have anything to talk about after YOU kissed ME? I swear to God, if you open your mouth to throw some cliché bullshit excuse like the kiss was a mistake, I will not be held responsible for my actions."

"Dammit, Piper!" Tai slams his fist against the door. "You're my brother's daughter. That means you are off-limits."

"So, you're pulling away again because you're scared of my dad?"

"No. I'm ending this,"he gestures between us, "before it gets started because I respect Nova."

"Maybe if we just talk to him…"

"No," Tai cuts me off.

"So that's it? Just like that?" I throw my hands in the air. "You are the one who has been giving mixed signals."

A regretful look crosses his face, but I don't give him time to respond. I have officially had enough. "Forget it. I hear you loud and clear," I walk away but stop and turn back. "I was prepared to go head to head with my father for you. That's how much you mean to me."

"Babe," Tai calls out, his voice laced with pain.

Ignoring him, I climb into my car, and without a backward glance, I drive away.

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