Built for Love

by Ella Goode

  “Catch?” I’m not following.

  “Yeah. These are really favorable terms and you haven’t even seen my portfolio.”

  “Pepper, this is your portfolio.” I wave my arm around the apartment. “It’s warm and inviting. Seems to me that this style is what people want these days.”

  “Well…” She wants to be convinced and I’m more than happy to do it.

  “I get it. You need food. You can’t have a good business deal without food.” I hustle her out the door. “We’ll go have lunch, hammer out the details, and put them all in a contract. You tell me what your walk-away terms are and I’ll present them to my business partner.”

  “You have a business partner?” she asks.

  “Why the surprise? Don’t you think I’m easygoing and nice to work with?”

  “I think you’re high handed and presumptuous,” she retorts. I stick the laundry basket in the backseat of my pickup and open the passenger door for her.

  “But I can also be easygoing and nice to work with. You’ll see.” I close the door before she can voice any complaints. As I’m making my way to the driver’s side, I give Beck a call.

  “Good news, old man,” I say cheerily into the phone.

  “Oh no. Not this I can’t wait to tell you what idea I cooked up tone of voice. How much is this going to cost me?”

  “It’s all good, my friend. I’ve got a great plan that might seem scary at first, but once you plunge into the deep end, you’ll immediately recognize how great it is.”

  “I’m really worried now.”

  “Have I ever steered you wrong?” I pull open the driver’s side and climb in. Pepper raises an eyebrow and I give her a wink in return.

  “Yes, many times, but since we’re partners, I guess I’m going to have to live with it.”

  “That’s the spirit. But in all seriousness, this plan of mine involves you getting closer to Marist.”

  Beck goes silent for a half beat and then, “The checkbook is yours.”

  I huff out a laugh. “I knew you would see it my way.” I hang up and turn to Pepper. “My partner is on board and all you have to do is sign.”

  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.”

  “I’m not dying or anything. I just have a talkative stomach.” Am I really making excuses for my stomach? What is it about this guy that has me saying all these weird things?

  “I’m starving.” He stares at me. Is he thinking about my legs over his shoulders again? Is that why he’s starving? My entire body heats with the thought of his head between my thighs. “Is your mind in the gutter, Pepper? I thought you had a boyfriend.”

  “What? My mind isn't anywhere. The only thing I’m thinking about is that I want extra cheese.”

  “Who is this?” A blond supermodel comes strolling our way. She has heels on that would kill me. She’s all put together looking chic in a way that I could never pull off.

  “This is Pepper.”

  The woman offers me a bright smile. I noticed this time he didn't say my Pepper. I tell myself I do not care.

  “I’m Marist. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” I hold my hand out and she takes it.

  “I’m going to be hiring Pepper on. She’s a designer like you.” Is there a hint of pride in Abel’s voice? “I saw some of her work and I knew I had to snatch her up before someone else got their hands on her.”

  “Really?” I knew we wanted to hire me, but him saying it like that makes me feel all warm insid
e.

  “Of course.”

  “I would love to see it too whenever you have a chance. I think I’m going to enjoy watching this.” Watching this. What is that supposed to mean? “And working with you.” She winks at me before walking off. I’m noticing that’s a thing with the people here.

  “She was nice too.”

  “She is,” he agrees. “Joel,” he calls out.

  “Here. Sir.” A short man in a suit pops his head out of an office. His eyes go straight to me, giving me a curious look.

  “Pizza from the place on the corner. Extra cheese.” Abel looks down at me. “Something to drink?”

  “Root beer.”

  He smirks, shaking his head at me. “And a root beer. No calls, I'll be busy.” He pulls open a door for me.

  “Are you two dating?” They actually did look like they could go together. She actually went up to Abel’s chin. I barely hit the center of his chest. They’d have that whole Barbie and GI Joe thing going on. That thought sours my mood.

  “Joel isn't really my type.” I roll my eyes at him. “No, Marist and I have never been together, nor will we ever be.”

  “She shot you down, huh?” I look around the office. I’m guessing it’s his. It’s nice. Plain but functional. It could use some color, but I always think that.

  “I could have made her my fake girlfriend. We could have double dated tonight.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I drop down in one of the oversized chairs in front of the giant glass desk.

  “She’s for my partner. Whenever he finally makes a move.” Abel goes over to his desk, pulling out a pen and notepad before taking the other oversized chair. Well, for him it’s more of a normal sized chair. He flips the pad open. “Now. Name your price.” Did that sound dirty or was it just me? Now I’m the one who needs to get my mind out of the gutter.

  5

  Abel

  “I was kidding about the amount.” Pepper’s hand trembles as she hovers over the check with its many zeros. “But this is a joke, right? It’s not a real negotiable check.”

  “The great thing about checks is that they’re valid on whatever. I could write a check on your underwear and as long as it has my account and the bank’s routing number, you could cash it.” I flash her a smile and shove the pointy end of the pizza in my mouth.

  “Really?” Then she wrinkles her nose. “I’m not dumb. I went to school for design, not fashion.”

  “Never thought you were, honey.” I nudge the box to her side of the table. “Eat up. After we’re done here, I’ll drive you to your new digs.”

  Pepper gives one last longing glance at the check before folding it neatly in half and then half again. “I won’t actually need you to put me up since I have this. I can rent a far better apartment once this is deposited.” She waves the small piece of paper in the air.

  I wipe my thumb down the side of my mouth and think about what an idiot I am. I gave a poor girl money so now she can flee. It’s like opening the cage and blowing wind under a bird’s wings. And it’s not that I want to clip her wings. Hell, I want her to fly high, but I also want her to come home every night to my place, also known as her new digs.

  I clear my throat. “Actually, it was a joke.” I snatch the paper out of her hands and tuck it into my breast pocket. “It’s the right amount, but I can’t give it to you until you actually render the services. Beck would have my balls. But don’t worry, once the job is done you’ll get this entire amount.” I pat my chest. “I’ll keep it safe until the project is done.”

  A pouty frown turns the corner of her mouth down. “Why’d you write me a check in the first place if you never meant for me to keep it and don’t call me honey. We’re not dating. You’re my client.”

  “Why not both and you’ll get the check in full when the job is done.” I finish off my pizza and guzzle down the root beer. Pepper nibbles at the pizza, but the loss of money has nuked her appetite. As we leave, guilt is settling in at the base of my neck. I don’t like it but she’s already talking about flying away, which I’ll like even less. The good thing is that I’m going to treat her so well she won’t need to dip into her bank account for a thing. It’s my duty as her man to keep her happy, and part of that is making sure she’s got everything she wants before she even gives voice to it. Clothes, purses, shoes, makeup, books, movies, computer gadgets. If she wants it, I’ll be providing it. It’s not just a matter of making her financial worries go away, it’s the satisfaction I’m going to get seeing her wearing nothing but the things I bought her. That silky bra cupping her bountiful tits. I bought that. The lace underwear cupping her pussy? I bought that too. The shoes on her feet, the bag on her shoulder, the lipstick staining her lips. It came from my wallet. I run my tongue on the inside of my lower lip. Yeah. It’s my stamp of ownership.

  “Where is it that we are all getting put up?” Pepper asks as we speed north up highway 92 toward my little plot of land outside of the city.

  “We?”

  “There are twenty-two apartments in that building. I guess there’s so many of us that you can’t put us all in the same place?”

  My sausage alarm goes off. “Was there someone you were thinking of in particular?” Damn. Did she have her eye on some male tenant? Worse, did she have a thing with a male tenant? I press down on the gas. It’s even more imperative that I get her to my place where I’m going to engage in a full lockdown until we figure out exactly what’s going on in her life.

  “Everyone will go to Riverside. Each unit is fully furnished so the families won’t have to worry about moving their stuff in and out of storage.”

  “Is Riverside up north?” She peers out the window, trying to look for a familiar landmark.

  “No.”

  “But…aren’t we going north?”

  “Yeah.”

  She twists in her seat to look at me. “If everyone in my building is going to Riverside, why are we going north? You aren’t kidnapping me, right?” She laughs lightly, but there’s an underlying current of concern.

  “Riverside isn’t right for you, hon—Pepper,” I correct myself. “You need a lot of space to work through the redesign of your building.”

  “Oh, so this is office space? What about the headquarters we were just at? Can’t I work there?”

  “Nah, I think Beck’s going to finally make a move on Marist and we don’t want to be in his way. He’s been jonesing for her so long, he’s bound to jump her. We don’t want to walk in on him going down on her in the conference room...unless you’re into that kind of thing.” I arch my eyebrow.

  She doesn’t gasp in shock like I thought she would. Instead, she raises her own eyebrow and says, “And what if I was?”

  “Well, it would hurt me, but I’d have to do it.”

  “Do what?”

  “Gouge Beck’s eyes out.”

  “What?” she almost shouts.

  I swing down my private drive. “You’re right. It’s not fair to Beck to lose his eyes when you’re the one who saw him having sex, but I can’t take your pretty orbs. How will you admire my pretty face every day if you couldn’t see? The next best option is to make it so that Beck doesn’t ever gaze upon you again. But that’s not good for either of us because while Beck’s my best friend, I don’t think he’d take kindly to me maiming him permanently, so it’s just best that you stay here.” I pull the truck to a stop and wave my hand toward the modern farmhouse that serves as my home.

  Pepper’s eyes grow huge as she takes in the wide wraparound porch, the careful landscaping, and the big double doors that lead into an airy living room. The whole back of the house is glass overlooking a natural pond that I have unnaturally stocked with some trout and bass for fishing. “This looks like a home,” she says finally.

  “Yup.”

  “It’s yours, isn’t it?”

  “Yup.”

  She tears her gaze away from the front door to glare at me. “I am not living with you. Not now and
not ever!”

  6

  Pepper

  How did I get in here? Abel stands holding my laundry basket in the entryway of his home. Right. I need to use the bathroom. I’ll do that real quick and then I’m out of here.

  “You can just put that back in the truck.” I point at my basket. “This will be quick. I won’t need anything out of there since I only came in to use the bathroom.” If I keep telling him, then maybe he’ll finally get the fact that I’m not planning on staying. Instead of returning my basket to the car, he kicks the door shut and sets it down on a chair. “Whatever. Where’s the bathroom?”

  “This way.” I try not to look around the ridiculously wonderful house. This is one of those dream homes out of one of those town and country magazines. I thought the outside was stunning with that wraparound porch. The one that made me momentarily daydream sitting on it with a good book while sipping some lemonade. But the exterior had nothing on the interior of this gorgeous home.

  “You live here alone?” I itch to open some of the doors as we move down the long hallway.

  “Yeah, for now.”

  “No kids? I bet kids would love that backyard. There is so much room.”

  “There is. I could put in a pool or swing set. There is also a giant oak out there I think I could hang a swing on.” He stops walking and I almost run right into him.

  “This is a lot of house for one person.”

  “Room to grow.” He turns back around, opening the double doors at the end of the hallway. I follow him into the master bedroom.

  “Oh my.” Two of the walls are covered in glass. The sun pours into the room onto the bed. “I would ask how you get dressed in here but I guess no one is around so it doesn’t matter.” I walk over to the window, looking out into the backyard and seeing the tree he was talking about. It is perfect for a swing. He flips some switch and the glass blacks out. The whole room goes pitch black before he flips it back on again. This house really does have everything.