Built for Love

4

Pepper

What am I doing? It’s not until Abel is pulling away from the curb that I realize how easily I agreed to go with this man. I hopped into his truck as if it were no big deal. As though we had been friends for years instead of him being a complete stranger. In my defense, he all but pushed his way into my apartment, where he then poked around and demanded I pack. For all I know he might not actually be who he claims to be. He did know who Chad was, though.

I glance over at him. He gives me a wink that’s all too sexy. I didn’t know winks could be sexy. Everything about him is, though. He’s got that whole rugged thing going on, but he’s put together too. I reach up, running my hand through my hair suddenly wondering what I look like.

“If you’re thinking about killing me I’ll have you know I have a boyfriend. Who is big, mind you. Like really big. MMFA fighter big.”

“MMFA?”

“That’s what I said.” His lips twitch like he’s trying to not laugh. “Like I was saying, he’s big and scary and totally obsessed with me so he tracks my location.” I hold up my phone.

“Can’t say that I blame him.” I nod.

“I’m glad we got that all cleared up. So your plans of murder are dead in the water.” Now I sound like the crazy one.

“Okay. Lunch and then we’ll get that contract signed.”

“I suppose.” I fold my arms over my chest. If this is really a job interview I’m failing miserably. It’s also the weirdest job interview ever. He pulls into a parking lot, finding a space. I look around, wondering where we are.

“My offices.” He points to the four-story building. He hops out, coming around the truck to open the door for me. I hop down.

“I’m not sure I’m dressed for an interview or whatever this is.”

“A date? We are having lunch.”

“No, I’m not dressed for a date either.” I’m in flip flops, shorts, and my old high school volleyball shirt.

“I think you look fine.”

“Well, I don’t think fine is what a girl is going for when she goes on a date.” Wait a minute. Didn’t I just tell him that I had a boyfriend? How can he think that this is a date? What kind of girl does he think I am?

“Well, if I’m being honest, I fucking love the shorts because I can’t stop staring at your legs. Then I start thinking about them over my shoulders.”

“Over your shoulders?” What does that even mean? “Oh!”

“Like I was saying—”

I slap my hand over his mouth. I stare up at him now I’m thinking about my legs over his shoulders. “I’m going to drop my hand and you’re going to zip it.” He nods. I pull my hand away, which he’s smiling behind. “That wasn’t very professional of you if this is a job interview.”

“Was just trying to be honest.” He reaches over, shutting the truck door for me. “Shall we?”

“I suppose.” He puts his hand on my back, leading me into the building.

“Mr. Underwood.” The older man in the security uniform gives him a smile as we enter the building.

“How’s Missy? Did she have your grandson yet?”

The man’s whole face lights up. “Soon hopefully. She’s about to pop.” He hits the button on the elevator for us.

“This is my Pepper. I’m sure you’ll be seeing her around more. Pepper, this is Sam. If you ever need to know anything, he’ll somehow know it.” He holds his hand out for me to take. Did he just say I was his? I should get annoyed, but his words have the opposite effect on me. Belonging to someone doesn’t sound so bad.

“Is he always pushy?” I nod my head towards Abel.

“Sometimes you have to be a little pushy. It’s how I got my June to agree to marry me.” The elevator doors slide open and Abel ushers me on with his hand still on my back.

“It was nice to meet you. Congrats on the baby,” I rush to say as the doors slide closed. “He was nice.” I look up at Abel. “You not so much.”

“You wound me.” He puts his hand on his chest in a dramatic gesture, making me snort a laugh. I don’t think I’m supposed to enjoy sparring with him as much as I am. I think I might actually be having a good time. Better than sitting in my place and eating popcorn for lunch that I likely burned. “What are you thinking for lunch? Burgers or maybe Chinese?”

“Pizza?” I suggest. My stomach growls in agreement. I turn my head away from Abel, a little embarrassed that my stomach sounded like a volcanic eruption.

“I love pizza.” The doors open. “Going to order it now since you seem to be hungry.”