Playing with Piper (Menage MfM Romance Novel) (Playing for Love Book 3) by Tara Crescent

spend money to make money,” he says. “And let’s be honest. A dump like Aladdin’s Lamp isn’t going to win Can You Take the Heat? But Piper’s?” He winks at me. “I have it on good authority that the chef is magnificent. She’s going to blow everyone away.”
    I’m warmed by his praise. Picking up a roll of painter’s tape, I smile at him. “Let’s do this.”
    There’s a sharp knock at the door, and the handle turns. “We’re closed,” I start to shout out, then stop in surprise as Wyatt walks in. He’s dressed casually as well, and he’s holding two pizza boxes in his hand. “What are you doing here?”
    “As tempting as it would be to leave the two of you to deal with this,” Wyatt replies, gesturing to the pile of tables and chairs in the middle of the floor, “I decided that wouldn’t be right. Piper, I assume you haven’t eaten.”
    The aroma of the pizza makes my stomach rumble. Wyatt’s right. The new sign and menu have been attracting more walk-in traffic. Over half our tables were full tonight, a first for me. I’ve been on my feet for hours, and I’ve had no time to grab a bite. “You are my hero,” I tell Wyatt fervently, reaching for a slice. “Owen, give me a few minutes to inhale some pizza, then I’ll help.”
    Owen sinks to the floor next to me. “There’s no hurry,” he says lazily. “We have all night and all day tomorrow to get this done. Wyatt, you didn’t bring any beer, did you?”
    Wyatt laughs. “What kind of friend would I be if I forgot the beer?”
    He goes outside, then returns with his arms laden with shopping bags. Owen gets up to help him. “How much beer did you bring?”
    “Tile,” Wyatt explains succinctly. “I was worried that the grey paint would make the room look too dark, then I remembered the wallpaper and mirrored tiles and we had left over from Alessandro’s. ”
    My curiosity aroused, I peep in the bags Wyatt has brought. The wallpaper is a bright abstract red and yellow print. “We can tile the back wall,” Wyatt explains. “And frame the wallpaper so it looks like art.” He helps himself to a slice of pizza, and opens a can of beer. “It isn’t fancy, but I think it’ll work.”
    “It’ll more than work.” I laugh out loud in glee. “Wyatt, this is perfect. Thank you.”
    His gaze lingers on me. In a rush, all my desire comes hurtling back. Stay away from them, a sensible, practical voice warns me. You’re making too much progress to risk it all for one night of pleasure.
    But what a night it would be…
    He clears his throat and breaks the spell. “You’re welcome, Piper.”  
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    T he last four weeks have been almost too good to be true. In thirty days, the restaurant has been completely transformed. It’s gone from a faded dump to a jewel that shines and sparkles. The food’s changed from hit-or-miss Middle Eastern to a contemporary Southern cuisine. Even Josef and Kimmie seem on board with the transition. Josef has shown up to work on time three days in a row, and yesterday, Kimmie didn’t chew gum once.
    It all changes on Thursday.
    I should have known there’d be trouble when I mentioned to my parents that I had two new partners. But I’d been focused on saving the restaurant, and I’d failed to notice their reaction.
    When I get into work Thursday morning, I find a notice waiting for me. It’s from Grant & Thornton, the law firm that are the executors of Aunt Vera’s will.
    I read their letter with nerveless fingers. It states that they have reason to believe the terms of the will aren’t being complied with. They’re going to send an accountant to do a full audit of my books on Tuesday. And, if that’s not enough, until the three year probationary period is over, I’ll be expected to open my books for a monthly audit.
    Damn it. This is nothing other than thinly disguised harassment. When we signed the paperwork to make Wyatt and Owen partners in my restaurant, I’d dotted my i’s and crossed my