Chapter Three
“Most people who come into my diner actually eat the pie.”
“What?” Pepper said the following morning as she looked up from her notepad, to where Trudie was standing, a coffee pot in one hand and a frown across her mouth. “Oh, sorry. I’m just trying to catch up on some work.”
And definitely not thinking about the fact I kissed Coop yesterday.
Nope. Not going there.
“And you think that my world-famous pecan pie won’t help you with that?” Trudie arched an eyebrow and Pepper reluctantly smiled as she put down her pen.
There wasn’t much about the town of Sunshine that Pepper liked, but the diner was different. It had no nonsense décor with plain white walls, black and white tiles on the floor and practical, clean wooden booths that snaked around the sides. And yet it made her feel more at home than the farm ever had.
She’d spent her summers and afternoons working there when she was in school, bussing tables and serving up coffee while writing out her plan on paper napkins. Plus, Trudie, with her weathered olive skin, dark curling hair that was peppered with gray, had a knack of knowing just what pie would cure her customer’s ills.
Not that Pepper was convinced her current situation could be helped.
And yet, here I am.
“You’re right.” Pepper picked up her fork and took a bite from the pie that had been sitting in front of her for the last twenty minutes. Sugar and the warming combination of carefully guarded spices hit her tongue and Trudie smiled in acknowledgement.
Fine, it might not help, but it sure won’t hurt me either.
Pepper took another bite under Trudie’s watchful eye before a group of tourists wandered in, all wearing rainbow patterned Have a Sunshine Day sweaters that one of the local stores insisted on selling. Pepper groaned at the sight of them and returned her attention to her work.
She’d come into town to discretely check that Paul really had left. After all, when Bec’s ex-boyfriend Lincoln appeared and discovered he was about to become a father, he booked an entire wedding just to make sure he could be near Bec. Not that Pepper could imagine Paul doing that. Sentimentality wasn’t part of his genetic makeup.
Which was one of the things I thought I loved about him.
True to form, there was no sign of him, which at least meant that her scheme had worked. Even if the shadow side of it had given her a sleepless night as memories of the kiss tortured her mind. And yeah, still not going to think about that.
She picked up her cell phone and was about to start another round of calls to potential employers when someone coughed and she glanced up to see Stan, the local taxi driver sliding into her booth.
“Pepper, thank goodness. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
She put down her cell. Stan was an institution in Sunshine and he tended to know everything that happened, almost before it happened. Her chest tightened.
“What’s wrong? Is everything okay with my sisters?”
“What? Oh no. It’s nothing like that. Bec and Emmy are fine. Well, they were when I spoke to Celina Hartcroft ten minutes ago,” he assured her before catching sight of the half-eaten pie. He raised an eyebrow. “You know Trudie will skin you if you don’t finish that. She takes pie consumption very seriously. If you’d like me to help you out…”
“Er, sure.” Pepper blinked. Normally she could follow most conversations but somehow ones in Sunshine were like stepping into a house of mirrors. Confusing and reality bending. “What’s this about? I didn’t order a taxi.”
“Lucky for you,” Stan said as he shoveled the pie into his mouth until it was all gone. Then he eyed her half-drunk coffee. She pushed it toward him as if it would somehow improve her understanding of what was happening. “You see I had these tourists in the car yesterday. Picked them up at Daisy Hill and it wasn’t until they got out that I realized they had take out curry with them. Can you believe it?”
“Well, since Daisy Hill does have a take out curry place, it seems feasible,” Pepper said before realizing that wasn’t the answer Stan was expecting. She rubbed her brow, wondering how her sisters managed to live in this place. The subtext was exhausting. “I mean, that’s terrible.”
“Right.” Stan gave an energetic nod. “Because now the whole car stinks of the stuff. Like seriously. Which is why I need your help.”
“My help?”
“Yes, to sue them. I mean I could be losing thousands of dollars in trade. But you understand that. Being a big shot lawyer and all.”
Pepper leaned back in the booth, the vinyl creaking at the movement. Then she let out a breath. “The thing is Stan, even if we could sue them, I’m not qualified to practice law in the state of Connecticut. Plus, my specialty is acquisitions and mergers.”
Stan gave her a blank look, pie still dotted around his beard. “You’re saying we should do more than sue them? I like it! Because I think if I had a high-powered lawyer behind me, we’d definitely win. Of course we have to find them first. They checked out of their place this morning, but I have it on good authority that they’re heading for New York. I figure if we hire a private investigator we can find them.”
Pepper pinched the bridge of her nose. How has this become my life? All my hard work. My dreams. And someone wants me to sue over a curry smell.
“What I meant is, I’m not licensed to give you any kind of legal advice. Besides, if you just want to get the smell out of the cab try boiling some vinegar and cinnamon and putting the pot into the car. That’s what Ivy used to do whenever Bec forgot she was cooking something and let it burn.”
Stan sat up straight as he wiped away the crumbs. Then he broke out into a smile. “Vinegar. You’re a genius. If you’ll excuse me I’ll just go and see if Trudie can help me out.”
“Sure,” Pepper said as Stan clambered out of the booth in search of Trudie, just as Coop suddenly appeared.
“Mind if I join you?” Coop said as he took Stan’s place. Her heart hammered in response and she went to slam her normal mask on until remembering her promise to be civil.
“Fine.” She gave a brief nod and picked up her cell phone.
“Wow, you almost made eye contact. Pepper, I’m impressed.” He raised an eyebrow as his mouth turned into a teasing smile.
God, no wonder so many people fall for his charms. I just wish I wasn’t one of them.
The worst of it was she’d always thought herself immune to Coop, much preferring to spend time with Simon. At the time, she’d assumed it was because Simon was more like her in temperament. Focused, determined, and ambitious. Now she wondered if part of the reason was that she didn’t like the effect Coop had on her. Like I’m out of control.
And how was that even possible?
The brothers had been similar but Simon had never affected her. And she was sure she’d never affected him. But with Coop…
“We made a deal.” She shrugged trying not to notice the woody smell of his aftershave or the way his smooth jaw looked in the morning light.
“Yes, we did. And you appear delighted about it.”
Pepper stiffened. Yesterday he’d accused her of stressing out her sisters by refusing to be civil to him, and that had hurt. She was mad at Paul, mad at how her life was going, and particularly mad about her unwanted attraction, but she definitely wasn’t mad at her sisters.
Which was when the shame had hit her. He was right. And that fact that he could see what she couldn’t was mortifying.
“I meant what I said. If you’re worried that I’m going to back out, don’t be.”
“I’m not. I was just leaving a business meeting when I saw you sitting here. It was almost like having a flashback.”
“What do you mean?” She studied him. Up close his dark eyes were hooded with faint gray smudges underneath, like an artist had added them as an afterthought. He looks tired.
“Back in the day this was always your booth.” He shrugged and Pepper forgot about the shadows around his eyes.
“How could you possibly remember that?”
“You’d be surprised what I remember, Pepper,” he said, his gaze trapping her, much like it did that night at the river. When he’d been disgusted at the sight of her in her bra and panties. Disgusted that prim and proper Pepper Watson was about to make a fool of herself.
She slammed back the memories.
“I guess we’ll never know,” she said in a tight voice, determined to shut down the topic. Thankfully, Coop just shrugged.
“I guess not.” The tension in his jaw faded. “What were you and Stan talking about?”
“Oh.” Pepper fiddled with her cell phone some more. “Nothing. He wanted legal advice for some crazy idea. God knows why he came to me. I’m not even licensed for this state.”
“Probably because Stewart Littleton has retired and the closest lawyer is in Daisy Hill. You know what folks are like around here.”
“All too well.” Pepper nodded her head. The rift between the two towns had existed for as long as she could remember and with or without a lawyer, she couldn’t see it going away anytime soon.
“Considering your situation, you could always take over Stewart’s practice. I can’t imagine you’d have any problems getting accepted to the bar,” Coop said.
“Hell would have to freeze over before that would ever happen.” Pepper almost choked before catching the flash of hurt race across Coop’s face. Guilt hit her. Another thing she’d had in common with Simon was that they’d both been desperate to leave the small town behind them. But Simon had been more understanding of those who chose to stay. Like his twin brother. And her sisters. “I didn’t mean to sound judgmental. This town is fine for you and Emmy. Even Bec seems blissfully happy here now. But there’s no way I’d ever move back here. I love my life in Seattle.”
“Yes, but does it love you?” he said, his dark eyes narrow and questioning.
“What’s that mean?” She stiffened.
“Think about it. You love a city where one guy can stop your entire career. I know you think this place is a backwater, but can you imagine it happening here?”
Pepper reluctantly acknowledged his point. Yes, she found it sickly sweet—more like a bad musical set than an actual town—but there was no doubt they looked after their own. Always. In fact, she couldn’t remember a time when there wasn’t a collection for someone’s cat to go to the vet, or to help with legal fees. She’d even donated money so the post office could get a new talking fish for the wall because the old one had broken and everyone missed it.
“It’s different,” she said.
“How?” Coop raised an eyebrow but Pepper just shook her head.
“Look, if you want to have a truce with me, stop goading me.”
Coop ran his hand through his short hair. “Believe it or not, I wanted to check on how you were doing. Did you hear from Paul? I was worried he might’ve contacted you again. He seemed pretty pissed.”
Okay, didn’t see that coming.
“I haven’t heard from him and I checked around this morning. If he was still in town I would’ve found out,” she said before it occurred to her just why he was asking. Heat burned her skin. “Don’t worry, you won’t have to kiss me again.”
“Pepper, that’s not what I’m worried about.” His dark eyes flashed. “If you don’t want to tell your sisters, fine. But at least let me know if he gives you any kind of trouble, or shows up again.”
Pepper opened her mouth and closed it again. It wasn’t often she saw this side of Coop. In fact, the only other time she’d seen him worked up was that night at the river when he’d saved her from a whole lot of stupid. And like then, part of her wanted to tell him she didn’t need his help. She didn’t need anyone’s help. I’m fine on my own. But the words wouldn’t quite come out.
He was just trying to be nice and she’d agreed to do the same.
“Okay.” She nodded, her throat tight, still trying to process such an unexpected conversation. “I promise.”
“Thank you.” He leaned back in the booth and grinned. “And I see that Trudie served you pecan pie. According to my sources, if she gives you pecan pie it means that you need help with a major decision. Did it work?”
“Well, I haven’t thrown any salt and pepper at your head,” Pepper retorted, more out of habit than anything else but as his eyes twinkled in amusement, she found herself smiling. Her pulse fluttered as she studied the curve of his throat. “Perhaps this truce is going to work after all?”
“Stranger things have happened,” he said as his cell phone beeped. He excused himself and studied the screen as his jaw tightened and the color faded from his face.
“Is everything okay?” Pepper asked before wincing. Asking means he knows I was looking at him. Crap.
“Fine.” He nodded as he pocketed his cell phone and slid out of the booth. Thankfully, he seemed too distracted to notice anything odd about her question. “I have something to do, but I meant it about Paul. If he bugs you, call me.”
“I will,” Pepper said. “And I’ll see you tomorrow at Blossom Lane Farm.”
For the briefest of moments, the frown he was wearing disappeared and he smiled. “I look forward to it.” Then without another word he walked out of the diner, pausing only to give Trudie a bear hug, before disappearing out onto the street. Once he was gone Pepper leaned back and rubbed her eyes. The last two months had been a rollercoaster of emotions, but this morning was probably the strangest of them all.
…
“Are you sure she’s remembered to put the chalkboard at the door? Lincoln spent ages on the font,” Bec asked as soon as Coop answered his cell phone. Not that he was surprised. It was the third time she’d called in as many minutes. He put the last of the wine bottles up on the ledge of the mobile bar and peered over to the barn door where Pepper was having an in-depth conversation with Lacey, whose party it was. Lacey was in a swirly party dress, but it was Pepper who held his gaze. She was wearing fitted black pants and heeled boots that made her legs go on forever while the plain gray sweater she’d teamed it up with hugged her breasts. She might think she was being conservative and sensible but every time she moved, it showed off her curves and his pulse spiked.
“Er, hello. Anyone there?” Bec’s exaggerated coughing rang out in his ear.
Oh, right. Chalkboard. He knew that.
“Sorry.” He dragged his gaze away from Pepper to where the chalkboard was fully prominent, welcoming everyone to the party. “Yes. It’s right by the barn door.”
“And you helped her get the tables set and the space ready for the caterers?”
“Yes, Bec.” Coop nodded as he looked around. They’d spent all afternoon decorating the barn and setting up the outside courtyard with fire-pits and fairy lights as well as making sure the band had a stage to perform on. Even the cool temperatures couldn’t repress the festive feel. “Everything’s perfect and in fifteen minutes the guests will start arriving, so I need to go. Besides, aren’t you supposed to be in your Lamaze class?”
“Okay, but one more thing. Just give me one little hint at how you convinced Pepper to work with you.”
Let’s see. I accidently found out about her secret ex-fiancé, then she kissed me before I proceeded to point out a few home truths.
“Ever occur to you that she’s playing nice because she loves you and Emmy and wants to help?”
“We are lovable,” Bec admitted before making a clucking noise. “But that’s not it. Something else is going on here.”
“Well, it wasn’t my doing,” Coop said as he watched Pepper finish her conversation and then frown as she noticed one of the tablecloths was crooked. She might not have wanted to be here, but now she was, she wouldn’t let anything slip. Which was Pepper all over. Smart, determined, and in control.
“Are you seriously not going to tell me?” Bec sounded mad, but Coop was silent. Ever since Pepper had broken the news to her sisters that she would host the party, Bec had been bugging him to know what had changed. And Coop had been systematically avoiding her questions.
“Nope.”
“Well, just remember that I’m in my second trimester now and my powers of observation are coming back. I’ll figure it out,” she warned before finishing the call just as Pepper walked toward him. The sway of her hips was at odds with the frown of her face.
“Let me guess. Bec was checking on the chalkboard?” Her breath caught in the cool evening air and her cheeks were glowing from activity.
“For a girl who once didn’t wear shoes for a week because she couldn’t find them, she’s becoming quite organized,” Coop replied before glancing at the clipboard in her hand. “Anything you need me to do before people get here?”
“No.” She scanned the list and shook her head. “It’s as much of a winter wonderland as it’s ever going to be. I just wanted to check that you have enough beer and wine. Lacey told me that the Murphys are coming. Apparently that means something.”
“Just a little bit.” He choked back a burst of laughter. The Murphy family were notorious for turning even the quietest events into a rowdy night. “Don’t worry, we’re covered. Oh, but word of warning, pack away the vintage china before the dancing starts. They might be Irish, but they’re partial to a bit of plate smashing from time to time.”
“Duly noted.” Pepper nodded just as the first of the guests arrived and she hurried away while Coop returned to his mobile bar.
After running into Pepper at Trudie’s Diner yesterday, he wasn’t sure if she’d go through with the engagement party. But, true to her word, she’d been waiting for him when he’d driven into Blossom Lane Farm and they’d spent the afternoon working side by side in harmony. Well, she was in harmony, Coop had spent most of it trying to ignore how hot she looked with her hair swept back from her face and long neck.
“Penny for your thoughts. Two for a beer,” a voice said and he looked down to see Eric Murphy leaning against the bar of the caravan, his numerous siblings lined up behind him. Show time.
“The beer I can help you with,” Coop said as he pushed Pepper to the back of his mind. He’d managed to hide his crush for years now. No point changing it now. Then he rolled up his sleeves and got to work.
By midnight the party was officially over, though a few stragglers were still holed up in the barn. The weather was cool but not freezing, and the fire-pits that dotted the courtyard were almost burned out as the last of the fall leaves danced in the air, creating the perfect backdrop. He gathered up the empty wine bottles and stacked them away before heading over to see if Pepper needed any help.
“No, all under control,” she said as a strand of hair fell into her eyes. She pushed it away with her usual efficiency to show her brightened cheeks and sparkling eyes. She’s enjoying herself. “The caterers just left, the china’s all boxed up and the rest of the decorations can wait until tomorrow. How about you?”
“All done. I just need to hitch everything up and I’m ready to go,” Coop said as he glanced over to the fifteen-foot caravan that he’d restored from scratch. It was white with wood trim and had a long window running down one side that opened up as the bar and a large Bad Fox Bar sign across the top. At first, he’d only thought to serve his own beers but had quickly added local wines and spirits.
“I must admit that when Bec told me you were building a mobile bar to sell your beers, I thought it sounded crazy.”
“But that was before the truce, when you were automatically wired to think everything I did was crazy,” he teased, as much to test their new relationship as anything else.
“Fair call.” A smile tugged at her mouth and her eyes sparkled.
“Though halfway through renovating it, I started to think the same thing,” he admitted as he glanced over it. When he’d found the old caravan on a nearby farm he’d immediately seen the potential, even if it had taken twice as long as he’d expected to restore it.
“It turned out well,” Pepper said as she studied it.
“Thanks,” Coop said, trying to hide his surprise. Being on civil terms was one thing but getting a compliment from Pepper? Almost unheard of. He scanned her face to see if she was serious, but there was nothing in her blue eyes to suggest otherwise. She returned his gaze, her mouth widening slightly. Coop’s heart thumped in his chest. Christ. The slightest movement turns me on.
“Okay, I should probably call it a night,” Pepper abruptly broke the spell.
“Sure.” Coop took in a deep breath. It was a mistake and the faint smell of vanilla caught in his nose. Yesterday they’d almost had a civilized conversation and tonight they’d managed to work side by side without a single argument. “Or, you could stay for a drink. It’s tradition, you know.”
“Tradition? Since when?”
About five seconds ago.
“Very long standing,” he assured her.
“Fine. One drink.” She nodded as she walked toward caravan. Coop quickly overtook her so that he could lean against the bar and put his white cloth over his arm.
“What can I get you? I have some excellent whites and Rachel’s vineyard has just produced their first red if you’re feeling game.”
“I think I’ll try one of your beers,” she said, looking past him to where several of his bottles were still displayed on the wooden bar.
“Really? You don’t strike me as a beer person,” he said as he leaned over and reached for two of his newest porters. He flicked the lids off using the opener from his pocket and passed one to her.
“Well, perhaps you need to work on your market research,” Pepper retorted as she held the bottle up to her mouth and took a sip, at the same time exposing her neck. Coop clenched his teeth and resisted the urge to trail a finger along her skin. But boy do I want to.
“So it seems,” he said as he covered his reaction by taking a gulp of his own drink.
“This is really good. I like that it’s not too light. Especially for this time of year. And can I taste hazelnuts?” Pepper wrinkled her nose as she moved to the deck chairs he’d set up by the caravan, for anyone wanting to sit out the dancing. She sat down and toyed with the bottle in her hand.
“You have a good palette.” He raised an eyebrow, since most of his customers just liked the effect rather than the actual flavors. “There’s also vanilla beans and chocolate layered in there. A good winter ale.”
“How did you even get started?” she asked, her navy eyes glittering with curiosity.
“Like all good stories, it began when I was a broke student trying to afford beer. But then it turned into something else. I always enjoyed science, technology, and art and brewing is all of those things. I get to take four basic components and turn them into something unique,” he said before catching himself. Boring people with his passion wasn’t normally his style. One man’s hops was another man’s yawnfest. Pepper studied him, her face curious.
“I had no idea there was so much involved in what you do.”
“Ah, the secret life of a brewer. I’m surprised they don’t write songs about us.”
“Too busy writing songs about the people who sample your wares and then do dumb things in the name of love,” Pepper said and Coop choked back his laughter.
“I almost think you made a joke. Though don’t worry, your secret’s safe with me,” he teased.
“Much appreciated,” she deadpanned before looking at him. “Okay, I’m just going to say it because I owe you an apology.”
“Really?” He joined her, his curiosity getting the better of him. “And what would that be for?”
“This truce. I didn’t realize how much my sisters had been affected by our—well, our differences. Bec has sent me so many text messages about it. Honestly, I think she’s used up all the unicorn emoticons in the world.”
“She is fond of unicorns,” he agreed as he shifted in the uncomfortable deck chair. Next to him Pepper took another sip and then turned to him, her mouth dangerously close to his.
His pulse thumped.
Damn, I want to kiss her.
“Thank you, Coop. And not just for that. Emmy only just told me that you haven’t been charging the business for your time or the rental of the caravan, just for the beer and wine itself. I didn’t quite realize how much you’d been helping them out before.”
“If your business does well, mine does.” He shrugged, not wanting to admit that he did it because Emmy and Bec were like sisters to him, and helping them was second nature. Because then Pepper might think she was like a sister to him. And that couldn’t be further from the truth. “It’s no big deal.”
“It is to us,” she said in a soft voice as she leaned back in the chair and looked up to the sky. It was inky black, only broken by the stars. In the distance insects and creatures rustled in the trees and Pepper’s navy eyes glittered as she licked her lips. Like the night was stripping back the mask she normally wore. Letting him see her as she was, not as who she who pretended to be. Desire slammed his chest. He twisted closer to her, his eyes drinking in the softness of her skin combined with the rising pink in her cheeks.
God, I want this.
She tilted her head a fraction. Was it an invitation? He leaned toward her.
“Coop, we shouldn’t,” she croaked, not moving.
“Oh, we really should,” he assured her as his mouth found hers.
Want exploded through him. Her lips were soft against his and she tasted of beer and freshness. Last time they’d kissed, it was over too soon. This time it’s on my terms. Her mouth opened to his as the beer fell from her hand. Coop discarded his own bottle and slid his hands around her back, drawing her closer.
The stars, the night sky, everything faded away.
She ran her hands down his back, turning him on more than it had the right to. He deepened the kiss before planting a trail of kisses down her neck. His fingers slid down the inside of her coat, but before he could tug her shirt from the waistband of her slacks, her cell phone beeped. It was like a siren in the night and they both froze.
Pepper was the first to respond as she pulled away from him and a series of emotions flickered across her face.
“Um, I should check this. It could be urgent.”
“More urgent than this?” Coop tried to get his breathing under control.
She opened her mouth and then shut it again. Obviously lost for words. She stood up, carefully stepping over the beer that had spilled out onto the ground.
“I’m sorry, I’m not sure what came over me, but I should go.”
Coop bit back his disappointment with a shrug. “Sure. But you know, Pepper, kissing me once might have been an accident, but twice…”
“Twice was a mistake. It won’t happen again,” she said in a regal voice.
“You’re the boss,” he said. She turned her back and hurried toward her car.
Okay, so that had happened.
If only I knew what the hell that was.
He took a deep breath before getting back to his feet as he watched Pepper scramble into Emmy’s old pickup and drive away. He spent the next ten minutes hooking the caravan back up to the car and was just finished when Stan wandered over.
“Coop, buddy. How are you? I heard the party went well. Have you seen the Johnstones? They pre-booked me but there’s no sign of them.”
“They went into the main house for a coffee,” Coop said as he recalled seeing the local barber and his wife sway in that direction before Pepper had joined him for a beer. “They were arguing about last year’s bowling tournament. Who knew it would still be controversial.”
“It’s because no one saw it coming.” Stan gave an earnest nod, obviously recalling how four local hairdressers, all dressed as Dolly Parton took on the five-year champions and won. Without even cutting their long pink nails. “I’d better go and round them up and take them home. Oh, and if you see Pepper, thank her for the advice. It totally worked.”
“Advice?” Coop blinked, recalling his conversation with her yesterday. “I thought she wasn’t licensed to give legal advice in this state?”
“Oh yeah, she did say something about that.” Stan gave a dismissive shrug. “Thing is she had a point. Suing them would’ve been crazy. She told me to use boiled vinegar to get rid of the smell. And it worked. Can you believe it?”
Two days ago, he would’ve said no. But lately it seemed like Pepper was full of surprises. First, she kisses me like she’s on fire, then she tells me I’m lucky she didn’t throw a saltshaker at my head. And now she does a random good deed.
And when I wanted to take her home to bed, she stood up and walked away.
Coop tightened his fists.
Whatever was happening between them, one thing was clear. Pepper might be playing nice with him, but it didn’t mean anything had changed. She was just killing time until she could get on with her real life. If he was smart, he’d do the same. As much as he wanted Pepper, he needed to help his parents and stop Simon’s death from being a weight around their necks. Which meant less thinking about Pepper Watson and the way she drank beer and more thinking about his upcoming meeting with Morgan on Friday night.