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  Pepper chokes on her laughter, and that makes me feel a tiny bit better as I navigate to Marist’s place.

  12

  Pepper

  We sit in silence as we continue to make our way to Marist’s house. I know in the restaurant I let my emotions get the best of me. The wine might have helped some too. I feel a tad guilty about what I’d texted him.

  “I wasn't really going to kiss Chad.” The truck jerks to the side before he straightens it back out.

  “You thought about kissing Chad?”

  I bite my lip. The steering wheel groans with how tight Abel is squeezing it.

  “Not really. I never thought I’d actually do it,” I rush to say before he pulls the whole steering wheel off. “You’re awfully mad about it for someone who didn't really care if I went on the date,” I huff, folding my arms over my chest.

  “But you wanted me to think you were doing it?”

  “I didn't say we kissed. I said at least someone wants to kiss me.” Able makes a sharp turn before pulling into some fancy townhouses and throwing the truck into park. “Is this it?” I look out the front window. I didn't know townhomes could be so fancy.

  My seatbelt unhooks. I look over to Abel, who is already reaching for me. I let out a small scream as he slides his seat all the way back before dropping me right into his lap. I end up straddling him, my hands landing on his broad chest. I move them around a little to get my balance or to feel him up a bit. One or the other.

  “You think I don’t want to kiss you?” Now he’s looking at me like I’m the crazy one. He’s the one that runs hot and cold. Crap. I think I might be doing the same thing. I’ve been telling him that nothing was happening with him and me, and now I’m upset that he’s been respecting my wishes?

  “You were annoyed with me all day.”

  “I’m a little on edge.”

  He leans in closer, his warm breath tickling my lips. His big hands come up to my face. “There is nothing more I want to do then kiss you.” Before I can say anything, his mouth is on mine. My fingers dig into his shirt as he kisses me. “Open up for me.”

  He tilts my head back. I part my lips, giving him what he asked for. His tongue slips past my lips. The kiss is both soft and needy. I let myself lean more into him, enjoying the feel of his big body against mine. God he tastes good. I want more. I shift in his lap, trying to get closer to him, but there are too many damn clothes. His hard cock presses against me just right. There is a throb between my legs seeking relief.

  He pulls his mouth from mine, going to my neck. I fight to catch my breath, but a moan pours from me as he kisses and sucks his way down my neck. I scream when a loud knock sounds on the window. I try to jump out of Abel’s lap, but he doesn't let me get anywhere.

  “What are you, in high school?” Marist asks. I groan, hiding my face in Abel’s neck. My cheeks burn with embarrassment. I mean, Marist just caught me practically dry humping Abel “Come inside before you both go to jail for indecent exposure.”

  Abel lets out a small chuckle. I smile against his neck. I don’t know what just got into me, but it felt nice. It was freeing to throw caution to the wind and let it take me wherever.

  Abel once again lifts me, easily putting me back over into my seat. I watch as he tries to adjust himself. There is no missing the outline of his cock in his slacks.

  “Come on. Let's do this so we can get back home?”

  “You mean the hotel.” He gives me a look that has me giggling. He makes a grab for me, but I open the door and jump out before he can get his hands on me. He jumps out of the truck, snagging my hand. I have no idea where this leaves us or why he was acting so weird with me today, but I guess we’ll figure that out later.

  I lick my lips, still feeling him there. How in such a short time have I gone from trying to wiggle free of Abel to wondering why he wasn’t insisting on holding me tighter? Marist is standing in the door waiting for us.

  She opens it for us to step in.

  “Hi.” I give her a smile, not sure if this woman dislikes me now. She was so nice that day in the office, even asking to see some of my work.

  “I’m sorry, Abel.” Marist pulls her robe tighter around her.

  “I thought I was the one coming to apologize.”

  Marist rolls her eyes, turning to head into a sitting room. It doesn’t shock me in the least that her place is beyond stunning. The woman has a great eye, and I hope she decides to stay on because I could learn a lot from her. She sits on the edge of a chair, motioning for us to take the sofa.

  “If I had known this is what was going to happen, I would have kept my mouth shut.” She shakes her head. She’s sad. I can see it in her eyes.

  “Marist. I don’t want you to think for one second I would try and replace you. I brought Pepper on because”—he looks over at me—“I want her close to me.” My stomach flutters. I must have been reading today wrong. Wait, does that mean he lied about thinking my work was impressive?

  “I know that. I thought it would be Beck who rushed over here, but nope. Of course not. He can’t be bothered. Always so busy.” Abel looks a little shocked at her response.

  “Beck would do anything for you. You know that.”

  “Yes, Beck will give me anything money can buy. Which I don’t need because I can buy my own things. Yet he’s unwilling to give me the one thing I truly want. At first I thought his gestures were sweet, but now the only thing they do is piss me off.”

  Abel looks so confused. So I decide to clue him in on what’s going on.

  “She told Beck she quit to see what he would do,” I tell Abel. “He failed miserably.”

  “He totally failed.” Marist nods in agreement.

  “Men are stupid,” I blurt out, making Marist laugh.

  “That they are.”

  “We are.” Abel nods in agreement, making me smile.

  “Let me tell you what this one did today.” I point at Abel.

  “Wait. Let's go to the kitchen. I just opened a bottle of wine and I have a cheese plate. Then you can tell me everything.” She hops up. I stand, following her out of the room, thankful to have someone to talk about Abel with.

  13

  Abel

  “You get it all out of your system?” I ask as I drive Pepper home.

  She smirks. “For now, but I suspect the longer I stay with you, the more grievances I’ll have, so Marist and I now have a standing date for Wednesday happy hour.”

  “Happy hour is notorious for drunk and handsy businessmen. Why not, say, ten in the morning at a coffee shop?”

  “We want to drink.”

  “You can drink at ten. Who says you can’t?”

  “Lots of people. I think the surgeon general.”

  “Sounds like he’s the general of the no fun police.”

  “It’s a she.”

  “Sounds like she’s the general of the no fun police.”

  Pepper busts out laughing, which puts a smile on my face. I reach over and squeeze her knee. “You do what you want, babe, but I’ll be in the booth behind you or at the bar, one seat down making sure that all the horny dudes in the place know that you’re taken.”

  Her pretty giggles die off abruptly. I take my eyes from the road to inspect her face. She doesn’t appear sad or upset, but more...contemplative?

  “What’re you thinking?”

  “That’s my line,” she says.

  “How so?” I ask, vision back on the road.

  “That’s what women always ask men and they say nothing.”

  I start to object but then think of all the times Marist has asked for my thoughts and all the times my reply has been exactly, “nothing.”

  “Does that piss you off?” Maybe Marist should’ve quit years ago.

  “Yeah, actually, it does. My dad would do it to my mom. I think that’s why they got divorced. He never told her what was going on in his head and she would always think the worst. But she ended up being right because he was cheating on her.”<
br />
  “Ouch.” I wince.

  “Yeah.” I sense her shrug beside me.

  “Sometimes there isn’t anything going on in our heads, though. Like we’re thinking about whether we’re going to get the hard shell taco basket with wedge potatoes and extra ranch dipping sauce or whether we’re getting the chicken basket with sweet and spicy sauce.”

  “Then that’s what you should say.”

  “Fair enough. So is that the dilemma that made you stop laughing suddenly or is it something else? Because we can get both. That’s usually how I solve my problems.”

  “Getting both?”

  Is that a trick question? I feel like I’m about to step in some quicksand. “When it comes to food, for sure.”

  “How about women?”

  “I’m a one-woman man, and that’s you.”

  A sigh ensues. I fucking hate that I’m driving and can’t see her or touch her. I don’t know half of what’s going on with my eyes on the road. I swing to the shoulder and brake.

  “What’s wrong?” she squeaks.

  “I can’t see your face.” I unclip the seatbelt and lift Pepper onto my lap. I’m going to have to buy a truck with a bench seat.

  “Why do you need to see my face?” She claps her hands against her cheeks.

  “I want to see your face all the time.” I peel her hands away and press them against my chest. “Here’s what’s happening in my head right now. I saw you and thought you were the prettiest thing that was ever made, even prettier that the flowers in my mama’s garden. I went inside your apartment and saw how fucking talented you were. Then I talked with you and found out you had a damn big heart. Individually, these traits put you above 99 percent of the population, but together, you’re top tier. I like to think of myself as a man of action, so I kidnapped you—“

  “Ha! You admit it!” she interrupts.

  “Yeah, so?”

  This response causes her to fall silent. I take advantage and press on. “I kidnapped you but once I had you at my house, I realized that I can’t keep you imprisoned. I mean, I would, but the law frowns on that shit. Also, it’s only been two days, so I figure that I need to give you a little space, which I didn’t realize you would interpret as me not wanting you. Honey, if I wanted you more, I think my dick would burst.”

  I push my hips up, and her eyes widen as her ass comes in direct contact with my giant boner. “Precisely. I’m hard now, and basically the only time I’m not hard around you is when I have to relieve myself, but otherwise, I’m a walking erection. It’s damn uncomfortable, but that’s okay because I want you to know that I can control myself. If you’re not feeling it, I can go without. I’m not an animal that needs to fuck every five seconds and will take on any willing hole like your dad or Chad. The only pussy I want is yours.”

  I dig my hand into her hair. “That’s a lot for you to absorb, so what we’re going to do is drive home, have some dinner, maybe watch a movie, and when you’re ready, you tell me and I’ll fuck your brains out. Deal?”

  She nods silently.

  “Great. Before I put this truck into drive, though, I’m gonna need some of your sweetness, so lay your kissable lips on mine.”

  Pepper’s pretty mouth curves into a smile and, well, I’m a greedy bastard so I don’t wait for her head to descend. I rise up to meet her. I part her lips with my tongue and sweep inside to taste her. She’s sweet, like I said, and spicy. I can’t wait to get my head between her legs. I know she’s going to taste like wild honey—tart and tangy candy.

  In fact, I think I need a little preview. I slide my hand inside of her pants, push her panties aside, and rub against her cunt. She gasps and shudders at the contact. My fingers bracket her opening, rubbing lightly but firmly. She matches my rhythm, moving her hips and stroking my tongue in time with an internal beat only the two of us can hear. Her cunt turns from damp to slippery, and her breaths shorten. My own body tenses up as her ass rubs against my jean-covered dick with every advance. If I don’t stop soon, it’ll be too late.

  Reluctantly, I pull out. She makes a sound of protest. I rub my hand over her back. “Shhh. I got you. I’ll take care of you soon.”

  My fingers come away sticky. I lift my hand to my mouth and as she watches, I lick each finger clean.

  Chapter 13 Pepper

  “If you keep feeding me like this I’m never going to leave.” I bring another bite of pasta to my mouth. I’m already full but I can’t get myself to stop.

  “That’s the plan.” He takes another bite of his food.

  All this time Abel hasn't been joking with the little comments he’s been making. He built this house for the family he wants to have one day, making sure to leave plenty of places for his future wife to leave her own touches. There have been so many of those small remarks since I met him. He even went as far as saying I was going to be his future wife. At first I thought he was crazy, but now I might be reconsidering.

  I peek at him through my eyelashes, not wanting to take my eyes off him. It wasn't until the car ride home that I realized why I’ve been trying to keep Abel at a distance. I was scared of being hurt. I didn't know how much what my father had done to my mom had affected me.

  It really explains a lot. My dating history is zero. I mean, if you take out the imaginary boyfriend. It’s pretty simple. If you don’t date then you can’t get hurt. Unless you run across a man like Abel who is willing to fight to break down your walls. By fight I guess I mean kidnap.

  “You don’t have to sneak looking at me. I enjoy your eyes on me.” I bite the inside of my lip, knowing there is no point in denying it, so I change the subject.

  “Will we have popcorn with this movie?”

  “We can have anything you like. Are you done?”

  I nod and he takes the plate from me. I watch him go over to the sink and rinse them before putting them into the dishwasher. I love that he’s taking care of me. It feels nice for once for someone to dote on me.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “You can ask me anything you want.” He walks back over to the kitchen island we’ve been eating at.

  “Today. You were different with me. I thought you were annoyed with me or whatever. I know you said you were on edge.” I bite my lip again. Gah, I don’t want to say anything but I have to know.

  “Out with it, babe.”

  “You weren't jealous. I was sure your crazy ass was going to be lurking outside the window or something. Nope, you went to go get coffee.” I huff a breath. Abel smirks. I glare at him.

  “Even pouting you’re sexy as fuck.” He moves around the counter.

  “I’m not pouting.” I totally am. He picks me up, setting me on the counter as though I weigh nothing before stepping between my legs.

  “Nothing could be further from the truth, babe. I was losing my fucking mind. I thought you’d get mad if you saw how jealous I was. I didn't want to give you a reason to run or to push me away so I hid that shit the best I could. I wanted to break about four federal laws, but I took it down to only one.”

  “Oh.” I shift, getting turned on. “Which federal law did you break?”

  “I might have had a listening device placed on you and Chad.”

  “As in you could hear us?” He nods. “What else?”

  “Surveillance.” He doesn't look as if he feels guilty about this in the least. I don’t say anything for a long time, thinking over what he did. “Are you mad?”

  “No.” I’m not. In fact, I am the opposite of mad. For some reason his admission turns me on. “It’s kind of hot.” He gives me a look of surprise. “I’m shocked too.” I throw my hands up. “Why would this turn me on?”

  “Turn you on?” His voice gets deeper.

  “It’s you. I’ve been hanging out with you and now your crazy has rubbed off on me.”

  “You want to hear my theory?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  He chuckles. “Maybe you like the idea of a man being so crazy over you that h
e can’t think of much else but you. Someone that’s willing to do anything to keep you. That wants to make your every dream come true and fulfill your every desire. Then you’d never have to wonder if he’s like your father. You’d never question my devotion to you because you’d know you were my one and only. Just maybe you want me to be a little crazy obsessed.”

  “And you're that man? You’re going to give me all of those things?”

  “I had you moved into my home hours after I met you. A home that no one has been in for all the years I’ve had it. So what do you think?”

  I rest my hands on his chest, my fingers digging into the material to grab a hold of him. “I think that I don’t want to watch a movie anymore.” I pull him down to me, kissing him. I think he’s shocked at first, but a moment later he’s all over me. He lifts me off the counter, and I wrap my legs around him.

  I keep kissing him as I rock against him. “Feels good,” I say against his mouth.

  “Going to feel better when I get you into our bed.”

  “What’s taking so long then?”

  “It’s a fight not to pin you to the wall, babe. But our first time is happening in our bed.” I know it’s dumb, but I love that he keeps calling it our bed.

  “The wall sounds hot,” I admit. He’s probably right, though. Not the best place to lose one’s virginity. Is that something I should mention to him?

  “That mouth of yours isn't helping.”

  “Really?” I kiss his neck. “I think there are a few ways my mouth could help you right now.” He lets out a loud groan before picking up his pace. I laugh when I think he almost trips.

  “You’re going to get it.” I let out a small scream when he tosses me onto the bed. He stands at the end of the bed staring at me.

  “What are you waiting for?” I tease him. He takes another step closer. “Wait.” I jump up to my knees, holding my hands up.

  “I’m not going to be able to wait long,” he warns.