As yet she hadn’t discussed her idea with anyone in her family, but she would soon if she decided to go ahead with the purchase. Her thoughts shut off briefly as she watched Dylan and Charlotte Howard enter the restaurant. As if sensing her, Dylan looked her way, impaling her with that ice-blue look.

Everything stilled inside Piper, almost as if she was suddenly running in slow motion. It was unnerving to be aware of someone like that. She’d barely spoken to him and wasn’t entirely sure she liked him either. He was so very different from the other men in her life. Emotions were something he kept close to his chest, and his expressions were cold and calm.

Yet he had danced with the seniors and when he’d talked about Ava he’d been genuinely worried. Plus, there was the kiss they shared. That was definitely not cold and unemotional, and today he’d come for Charlie when Maggs called him.

Dragging her eyes away, Piper focused on Chad, who was talking about this PR company as if it was responsible for holding the country together and reducing the national deficit.

“Charlotte.” Maggs waved, and Piper resisted the urge to yank her friend’s hand down and growl at her to shut up.

“Hello, Maggs.”

Piper made herself look up at Charlotte Howard. She looked uncomfortable, and who wouldn’t after what happened earlier today.

Introductions were made, and Dylan shook hands with the men. The Howards wore identical expressions of emptiness. They must be hell to play poker with.

She wondered how deep a person had to dig to expose the true Charlotte and Dylan Howard. Piper had seen glimpses with Dylan, and today with Charlotte, but it hadn’t lasted long. No way was she up to the task, but still, she was curious.

“I was just telling Chad and Dave about the Coffee Run,” Maggs said, sounding chatty and ignoring the tension that was suddenly thick enough to cut.

While her friend talked, Piper picked up her bread roll and ate, which in turn forced her eyes from the Howards.

Dylan wore casual yet expensive clothes. Steel blue sweater, black jeans, and black leather boots. Casual clothes that looked anything but on that body.

“I saw the signs,” Charlotte said when Dylan remained silent.

Piper shot him a look, and his eyes were on her. She looked away again.

“Why don’t you join us?”

No!

“No, but thank you.”

The words were cool, as was the nod accompanying it. Dylan then placed a hand on his sister’s back and walked her away.

Piper exhaled as they left. Luckily they moved out of her sight, which she guessed meant they sat behind her, so she could block them out.

They ate; she made herself smile and laugh and taste the lodge food, which was always good.