by Amanda Ashby
She opened her mouth to protest before the truth lodged in her throat.
He was right. Again. The only thing worse than being hopelessly attracted to him, was she kept making such a mess of it. See, this was why she couldn’t be in the same room as Coop. It just never worked.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to take you for granted. It was a stupid idea. Can we just drop the subject?”
“Consider it dropped.” He shrugged his shoulders and turned the engine back on, leaving a wall of silence between them. The only noise came from the shame throbbing in her veins. Worst night ever. Then he stopped the engine again and turned to her. “Though, for the record, if you did want to seduce someone, you might want to let them know you’re interested.”
“W-what?” She swallowed hard, her eyes fixated on the way his lower lip moved as he spoke. He inched closer and her pulse hit triple figures. And what’s he doing with his hand? Oh god. She let out a gasp as his finger trailed a line along her thigh. Her whole body shook as bad ideas rushed her mind.
“Because otherwise, that person might misread the signals.” His breath brushed her ear, sending goose bumps jittering down her arm. Heat pooled in her stomach and there was a small chance she was going to explode.
“I see.” Her voice was little above a whisper as the warmth from his body sent her mind spinning. He leaned in further and his mouth trailed soft kisses down her neck until he came to the base of her throat.
“And that would be a shame. Because if you did want to seduce someone, you’d probably want them to seduce you right back,” he continued. The faint rub of his stubble against her skin was almost unbearable and her nipples hardened as he slowly pulled away, his dark eyes trapping hers. Her pulse hammered a frantic beat. “You might even want to add that while you have differences, right now you can’t remember what they are. Perhaps having one perfect night is the only thing that matters.”
“Right. Perfect night,” she managed to repeat as his hand trailed further up her thigh. Her stomach contracted and her vision went blurry.
“It’s a nice finishing touch,” he said as he gave her one lingering kiss before pulling away and once again fiddling with the car keys. Then he coughed. “Oh and by the way, Pepper. That’s what two feet in looks like.”
Pepper leaned back against the seat, the upholstery prickling her skin as she tried to catch her jagged breath. But it was impossible. Whatever had just happened was still working its magic through her body. It was like she was flying. Existing in another universe. He was right. Her attempts had been flimsy compared to that.
“Coop,” she said, hoping her voice didn’t sound as shaky as she felt. “D-do you mean it?”
The air between them hummed as he studied something outside the car window. Then he let out a muffled groan and turned to her, his dark eyes intense. “Every word. I’m two feet in. Even if it’s just for one night.”
“Then I’m in too,” she said and before he could answer she reached out and ran her finger down the side of his cheek. Electricity shot through her, and as she searched out his mouth. She’d never wanted anything more. They might only have one night together but she intended on making the most of it.
…
Coop let out a drowsy sigh as he woke up the following morning. Pepper stirred and mumbled something about filing motions before her breathing returned to the same steady pattern she’d been making for the last ten minutes. He leaned back against the bedframe and smiled. She might not have quite nailed the fine art of seduction, but she more than made up for it with passion. Heat rushed through him at the memory.
It had taken all of his willpower not to just to tumble into the backseat of the car, but he’d figured if he was only going to get one night with her, he wanted to do it right. And it was so freaking right.
Ever since he’d discovered his parents’ financial problems, he’d given up his bachelor pad in Sunshine and moved back to the farm, converting the old office at the back of the barn into a makeshift apartment. It was warm and comfortable and he’d half expected Pepper to point her nose up and back out. But she’d loved the idea he’d moved back to help out his parents.
It had been unexpected. But then again, that was her.
She might have said more, but she’d also been unhooking her bra and Coop had completely lost his mind. The rest of the night had taken on dreamlike qualities and he had no idea what time they’d fallen asleep, but it had been late.
Part of him longed to run his fingers along her arm and pick up where they’d left off, but she was flying out for her interview today and she needed all the sleep she could get.
And I need a cold shower.
He untangled himself from her naked limbs and gently covered her up in the gray linen sheet and soft wool blankets before making his way to the shower. Icy water woke him and once he was dressed he headed to the kitchen. She still had four hours before her flight and the least he could do was give her breakfast.
He’d just finished cooking the bacon and percolating the coffee when Pepper wandered in. Her hair was tousled and her body only covered by the sheet, which was crumpled beyond all recognition thanks to their night together. His breath caught. Over the years, he’d seen her upset, sad, distracted, and just about every other emotion but he’d never seen her like this.
Relaxed.
Does that mean she’s not regretting it?
“You can cook?” She raised an eyebrow and perched herself on one of the vintage barstools he’d placed along the stainless steel industrial bench he used as a kitchen table.
“Yeah, my fairy godmother doesn’t deliver food so it comes in handy. Why? Did you think I lived on pizza and beer?” He poured coffee for them both and wondered whether he should lean over and kiss her. Technically their one night stand was over and if anyone was going to argue about the legalities of it, it would be Pepper. Hardly the way he wanted to end things. He resisted the urge and settled for plating up the bacon, eggs and hotcakes.
“I don’t know why I said that. My ex didn’t cook. I guess it was just the surprise of seeing you with a frying pan,” Pepper said as she picked up a hotcake and nibbled at the corner. “This is divine.”
“We can’t all be fancy lawyer guys.” Over the years, he’d done many things to try and get Pepper to notice him. And yet all it took was some hotcakes? I’m never going to understand her.
“Are you jealous?” She leaned forward, as if to study him. A small smile tugged on her mouth.
“Of that guy? Please. I hear on good authority he can’t even cook.” Coop shook his head and kept his tone light, though on the inside he wasn’t sure. She’d been engaged to the douche. And he probably didn’t live in a barn either. “Besides, we decided last night was just a one-time thing, right?”
“Right.” She gave a thoughtful nod and chewed on the hotcake. “I mean it makes sense. The next three weeks are going to be hectic with the wedding.”
“I agree,” he said as his eyes strayed to her bare shoulders. Desire pounded in his veins as he sucked in some air. “Though, you know, sex is a great way to relieve stress. Especially in hectic situations.”
The only sign she’d heard was the slight flutter of her lashes. Then it was gone. “Are you trying to renegotiate our contract?”
“Would it be such a bad thing?” he said as he leaned forward. So close. Just one touch and the gray sheet would fall to the ground. Two touches and she’d be back in his arms. Three touches and—
“I think it might be.”
And here it is.
The other shoe.
The reminder that I’m never going to be the guy she wants.
“Some people like to meditate to relieve stress,” he said, forcing his voice to stay light, like it was no big deal.
“Meditate? Me?” she said and Coop was forced to acknowledge that out of everyone he’d ever met, she was probably the least likely to ever meditate. Which was why she should take him up on his sex offer. Unfortunately, judgin
g by the straight line of her lower lip, it would be a wasted argument. “Coop, last night was perfect. But—”
“It’s okay, Pepper. You don’t need to spell it out. Though, for the record, the words ‘perfect’ and ‘but’ should never be used together.”
“Duly noted.” She stood up and wrapped the sheet more firmly around her body. Letting it mold her like armor. It almost looked like she wanted to say more before just shrugging. “I hope we really can at least be friends now.”
“Sure,” he agreed as he purged all thoughts of Naked Pepper from his mind and tried to replace them with Friend Pepper. It was infinitely better than Hate My Guts Pepper, but still seemed pale in comparison to last night. “Do you need a lift home? To the airport? I’ve been told I make a great chauffeur.”
She shook her head as her mask slipped back into place. She was no longer the woman who shivered under his touch or liked his hot cakes. “Stan’s picking me up from the farm in an hour to take me to the airport but a lift home would be great. Emmy and Christopher are in New York for the night so they won’t be there to see your car or wonder where I was last night.”
Final proof.
Not that he’d really expected anything different.
And she was right. They’d made a deal.
An itch had been scratched.
“Sure. Whatever you want,” he agreed.
“Great,” she said before disappearing back into his bedroom. She reappeared several minutes later, wearing the plain blouse and trousers, her hair pulled back into a hasty ponytail and her purse clutched at her side. Coop couldn’t help but notice her top button was done up and he let out a sigh. He should’ve been pleased to have reached an understanding after all these years. Except I want more. Which was a pity since she apparently did not.
Chapter Nine
Pepper yawned as she walked through the arrival gates two days later. She knew what it was like to be tired. After all, she’d been to law school and had worked at one of Seattle’s most powerful law firms. But none of those all-nighters had ever left her like this. Bone shattered. Brain numbed, and like all the brightness had been drained away.
This was her fault.
If she’d done the sensible thing and spent her time preparing for the interview, going over her tactics with meticulous detail, there might’ve been a different outcome. She tried to ignore the senior partner’s voice as she’d walked Pepper out of the building.
“I’m sorry,” Meredith, a sixty-year-old titan of the legal system, had said. “I know Carl liked you a lot. But the other partners had reservations based on what happened at your previous firm.”
Why hadn’t she just sued Paul right from the start?
Instead she’d let him get away with his vendetta and she was still paying the price. Nothing had changed.
Wait. That wasn’t quite true. One thing had changed. For the first time since she was eleven years old, Pepper didn’t have a plan.
Well, no decent ones.
She rolled her shoulders as she ignored the Christmas decorations hanging in the airport, and clutched at the small suitcase she’d taken for the short trip. Now all she wanted was to sleep for a week and wake up back in her old life. She headed toward the taxi lane.
“I have it on good authority most taxis will take you the long way home, and I know how much you hate inefficiency,” a voice said and before she could even turn around, her pulse quickened.
Coop?
She turned to face him. He was wearing a pair of jeans, a plain T-shirt, and an old leather jacket she recognized as once belonging to Simon. After a horror filled day, she was surprised at how reassuring his presence was. A lump formed in her throat.
“What are you doing here?” she managed to croak while trying desperately not to notice the way his T-shirt showed off the ripples of his torso.
“Before you get mad, let me explain.” Coop plucked her suitcase out of her hands and led her over to some plastic chairs. Normally she would’ve shaken off his touch but she was too tired to fight it. “I have an idea and I think it’s a good one. Now, I know you’ll have objections because hell, you’re Pepper Watson. You always have objections. But hear me out.”
“Okay.” Pepper blinked as she allowed herself to sit down, her breathing quickened from his unexpected appearance, her skin hot from where his touch had been.
“Oh.” His mouth flattened in surprise. “I was expecting for you to raise your first objection. But that’s good, because we’re great together. Mind-blowingly great. So why do we keep fighting it? The wedding’s in three weeks.”
“Two and a half,” she corrected, which seemed to catch him off guard.
“Right.” He nodded his head. “Two and a half weeks that we should spend together. If you want to tell everyone, tell them. If you want it to be a secret, fair enough. And then when you leave to start your amazing new job, we’ll say goodbye. What do you think?”
Pepper shut her eyes as the world around her began to shift and change.
What did she want to say?
Yes, I want your touch?
This is pointless because it will never work?
My life’s complicated and this is the last thing I need?
Or, the truth.
She opened her eyes.
“I didn’t get the job.”
“What?” he said, shock lines radiating out around his mouth and eyes. “But that’s insane. You’re amazing at what you do. I should know, I’ve been butting horns with you for the last ten years. You helped Stan and Miss Dottie. You can think inside and outside the box.”
“Well, what’s good enough for the town of Sunshine isn’t quite good enough for Ritzman and Unger,” Pepper said as all the tension of the day caught in her throat. It was like razor blades were lodged there. Then, before she could stop herself, tears welled in her eyes. She angrily pushed them away. She never cried. Not after her parents were killed. Not when Simon died, or even at Ivy’s funeral. Never.
“Whoa. Hey, it’s okay,” Coop said, his voice warm but firm as he tilted her chin up. His eyes were full of reassurance while his fingers were a caress against the swirling emotions racing through her body.
“No.” She tried to wipe away the tears but more just fell in their place. “It’s not okay. Not at all. Look at me. I’m falling to pieces over a job interview. I’m a mess.”
“Pepper, you’re the most together person I’ve met. Like ever. This is just one small setback.” He used his finger to delicately wipe away one of the tears, his beautiful brown eyes intense, like he could see her. Really see her.
“One small setback?” she said and even to her own ears she could hear the hysteria. “I haven’t worked in three months. What does that say about me?”
“It says you’ve been dealt a blow. It will pass,” he said and some of the awful tightness in her throat loosened. For the first time, she understood why Bec had been friends with him for such a long time. Not because he went along with her crazy ideas or because he laughed at her jokes, but because he was kind and understanding. Tender. Patient.
She tried to imagine how Paul would’ve handled her meltdown. The answer was he wouldn’t have. He would’ve walked away. Hell, I would’ve walked away.
“I wish I could believe that,” she said, her entire body quivering like it had been hit by a hurricane. No wonder she normally avoided emotional situations. They were exhausting.
“What can I do to help?” His voice was a blanket against the wind. All the reasons she’d carefully gathered over the years—the ones she’d curated to form a complex and bulletproof story began to crumble. This isn’t real. I don’t care. Right now real is making me crazy. Real is my tattered life.
Real can wait.
“Kiss me.” She slammed shut all the noise in her mind. If his words calmed down the panic, surely his mouth would do even a better job.
“Pepper,” he said, his face only showing the smallest amount of surprise. “Are you saying you agree to my i
dea?”
She nodded as she dared to reach up and run a finger along the firm line of his jaw. Her body shuddered in response. “Only if you kiss me and then take me back to your place and help me forget what a hideous day it’s been.”
“With pleasure.” Coop’s face broke out into a smile, but before she could bask in it for too long, his mouth came crashing down on hers and everything else was pushed from her mind.
…
“No, Bec. We don’t need to have a tractor in the official wedding photographs,” Pepper said in a stern voice four days later as they stood out on the terrace of the vineyard owned by Emmy’s close friend, Rachel. It had finally been decided that while the ceremony would be at the wishing bridge, the reception would be held at the vineyard, so Emmy didn’t feel like she was at work. And while most of the preparations had been done, they were still trying to lockdown where the photographs should be taken.
Bec had suggested on top of a cliff, next to a tractor, and somewhere an hour’s drive away. Pepper was just waiting for a parachute to make an appearance on the list. Normally it would’ve driven her to distraction, but now she found it vaguely amusing.
Coop had been right. Sex was the best form of stress relief.
Relaxing naked. In bed. With him. Even better.
Heat curled in her belly. The craziest part was if not for the horrendous trip to Chicago, she never would have agreed to his outrageous suggestion at the airport. And even then, she’d intended to put an end to it the following morning. Until his arms had wrapped around her and the fire burned in her veins again.
It had been like that for the past four days. Which was why, in between organizing the wedding and making phone call after phone call to headhunters and legal recruitment agencies, she’d spent most of her time in his bed. She allowed herself a small smile before catching Bec’s curious gaze.
Note to self. Don’t think about sex while in the company of others.
“I’m just trying to be helpful. Where do you suggest?” Bec pouted. “We can’t use the vineyard because that would be boring. It has to be somewhere different. Oh, what about a parachute?”