“A man can change his mind.” Jack shot Piper another one of those looks her cousins had been throwing her all morning.

“He’s a good man, Jack, and just the kind I’d like for our cousin.”

“What!” Piper shook her head at Joe’s words. “What the hell did you just say?”

She was subjected to a double stare down from her cousins.

“You heard,” Joe said. “He’s a good man, and he’d be good for you. So whatever the hell this shit is between you, if anything comes of it, I won’t have an issue. Now keep your voice down so Grace doesn’t hear you.”

He’d mouthed the word shit.

It was extremely rare Piper was ever at a loss for words, but now was one of those moments.

“Firstly, I don’t need your permission,” she managed to get out.

“Notice she didn’t say she wasn’t interested,” Jack said, smirking.

“Secondly,” Piper gritted out, “he is leaving here soon, and I absolutely do not have any ‘shit’ going on with him. Plus, I now have a child!”

Piper was not big on lying, the truth was usually the best route, but when it got her out of a tight situation she wasn’t averse.

“Right,” Jack needled her. “That’s no shit, is it, the smoldering looks that you’re both trying to hide and the sudden tension? I was worried about getting between you, the air was so thick.”

“Shut up,” Piper hissed.

“She’s getting pissy now, that’s a sign she’s guilty.”

“I’m not guilty, and grow up, you juvenile.”

“Doubly guilty, because the insults are now flying,” Joe said.

Jack opened his mouth to add something, but Joe sent him a look to say they’d had enough fun at her expense.

“Sorry, Pip. But there is something between you and Dylan Howard. We’re not idiots, contrary to what you believe. We like him, and want you happy. All we’re saying is that if there could be a connection, maybe you owe it to both of you to explore it.”

Could she? No, Piper knew he was leaving; no good would come of her putting herself out there.

“I have a child now, in case you’d forgotten. Even if I was interested, which I’m not, things are different.”

“And clearly he hates that kid.” Joe looked at her with sympathy in his eyes.

Piper walked away from them before she said something nasty. Unsettled, she went out back to take a breather.

Oh hell no, she was not going to do anything about the chemistry between herself and Dylan.

Chapter 26