Chapter Five
“I was going to collect you from the farm,” Coop said as he held open the door of his car. Last time she’d seen him, he’d been driving a corvette and letting Bec drive his second car, but right now he seemed to be favoring a sensible ten-year-old Cadillac. Still, she had other concerns.
The first one being he looked amazing in his tuxedo.
As in scoop me up off the floor amazing. Pepper fiddled with her seatbelt. It could be a problem. Especially the way her eyes kept returning to his chiseled chin or the smooth lines of his shoulders.
I didn’t think this through.
It was one thing to let him help her, but it was another thing that his face was all planes and angles, casting shadows on his face and turning her stomach to liquid.
“Yes, well Emmy and Bec had other ideas. They’re finding this whole thing hilarious,” Pepper said in a dry voice. “And let me guess, Bec was trying to pump you for details?”
“Trying being the operative word.” Coop shut her door and then walked around the car. The headlights were on, leaving him silhouetted against the cool December night, Pepper’s mouth went dry. It was like the universe was teasing her by blocking out the rest of the world and only showing him. The guy who sees me as someone who needs rescuing. “Apart from mentioning all the kissing we’ve been doing, I didn’t tell her a thing.”
“Your discretion is legendary.” She shut her eyes and leaned back against the seat. The unfamiliar softness of the dress that had seemed appropriate when she’d tried it on, was now like tissue against her skin. Oh god. I’m practically naked.
“Everything okay?” He slid into the driver’s seat, filling the space, reducing the family vehicle to no bigger than a matchbox. Heat prickled her skin.
“Fine.” She forced herself to stare ahead as the engine fired into life.
“Okay, and by the way. You look…great. I probably should’ve led with that.”
The compliment caught her off guard. “Oh. Thank you. There’s limited shopping in Sunshine, this belonged to my mother. I can’t believe Emmy kept it all this time,” she said, once again wishing she’d chosen something a bit less revealing. Her only excuse was she seemed to have temporarily lost her mind when her sister had shown it to her.
I just need to stay focused and keep him on task. And definitely not look into his eyes. Because that would be bad. Besides, it was just one night. She could get through it.
“I see.” Coop once again seemed amused at her answer and she decided to ignore it. They made the rest of the trip in silence until he slowed down and a huge private residence came into sight.
It was sprawled out on manicured grass, visible from the numerous lights flanking the driveway. A valet immediately came to take the keys, an unimpressed expression in his eyes as he drove it away to join the herd of luxury vehicles at the far end of the yard. Coop didn’t seem to notice as he held out his arm to her.
Pepper had to bite down on her lip to keep herself from pushing it away.
“I guess we should get this show on the road,” she said as they stepped through the door.
…
Two hours later, Pepper allowed herself to smile as she looked around. The giant house was a combination of minimalist style and maximalist budget, which meant lots of slate flooring, sharp modern furniture and deceptively simple lighting, which served as the perfect backdrop for the glittering people in attendance. If Paul had been with her, he would’ve been taking notes for the renovations on the house he’d chosen for them.
Without bothering to ask my opinion.
Also, if Paul had been with her, he would’ve worked the room, not taking time to talk to those people he deemed beneath him. Probably what had earned him the reputation of being ruthless.
Coop’s approach was a lot less bullish. Though, as she’d watched him move from group to group, she had to acknowledge his warm, more casual approach to networking was just as effective. Chatting about vacations in Maine, Norwegian cinema, and the sweet potato stout he’d brewed last month, nothing seemed to faze him. In other words, he was just as charming as he’d ever been.
Even more of a surprise, he’d accompanied her when she’d searched out Carl Ritzman and had happily supported her as she introduced herself. The three of them had ended up having a prolonged conversation about fly fishing before the discussion had turned to work. Coop had discretely excused himself as she and Carl talked about her career—particularly the work she’d done for a biotech client who’d recently acquired a gaming company for their talent pool. By the end of the conversation Carl had told her to call first thing Monday about a position in their head office.
When one door closes…
Her smile faded as a booming laugh caught in her ear and she glanced over to see Coop was deep in a conversation with Morgan Breton’s accountant. Pepper stiffened. She’d immediately pegged the accountant as the bad cop of the business. The enforcer. So why the hell was Coop holding up his cell phone to show him something?
Pepper groaned.
He probably had no idea that he hadn’t signed a nondisclosure and was therefore not obliged to discuss any financials until they were further down the negotiating road.
And if he’s not careful, he’s going to blow it.
She calmly made her way over. Coop might not have any experience with sharks, but for Pepper it was like Tuesday morning.
“I’m concerned about these operating costs. What are your overheads?” the accountant demanded, a sour expression on his thin lips, his eyes like stone.
“Well,” Coop began, but before he could finish, Pepper closed the distance between them and snaked her hand along his arm until her fingers tightened on the cell phone. The heat of his body slammed into her. She swallowed hard as she gave him what she hoped was a coy smile.
“Baby, I thought we were meant to be having fun tonight,” she purred as she tucked the cell phone back into the pocket of his jacket. It was a mistake and the press of her arm against his lean torso did cruel things to her pulse. She turned to the accountant and did her best to bat her eyelashes. “You don’t mind if I steal him do you? He promised me a dance.”
The accountant’s face transformed into a smile and he gave Coop a wink. “You’ve got a keeper there, son. We’ll talk soon.” Then without another word he walked away.
Coop’s brow wrinkled, but he made no effort to untangle from her. “Okay, something happened there, I just don’t know what.”
“I can tell you, Coop.” Morgan, their host, appeared from somewhere behind them. “Your lovely partner proved she isn’t just a pretty face. Milt was testing you out. I know I shouldn’t let him but he likes to make sure all my investments have a certain level of savvy.”
Coop groaned. “And I failed?”
“Not at all. You were smart enough to bring Pepper along with you. That counts.”
“Yes, and now it’s time that you leave the poor boy alone. You’ve tested him long enough,” Morgan’s wife, Tanya interjected as she approached, smiling warmly at them both. A waiter followed her over and offered them all a glass of champagne. “After all, I’m sure the last thing Coop wants to do is talk beer and distribution when he has a beautiful, smart girl on his arm.”
“I concur,” Coop said as he slipped one arm around Pepper’s waist while taking the champagne flute in the other. His touch was branding and her pulse fluttered. “Here’s to beautiful, smart girls. Pepper and Tanya.”
Pepper breathed in the dry bubbles as they fizzled around the edge of the glass, while trying to ignore the heat radiating off his body.
“Nicely said. I like a man who can appreciate when he’s onto a good thing.” Morgan held up his flute and then gave his wife a kiss on the cheek. “And now, I believe you owe Pepper a dance.”
Dance?
Pepper went to open her mouth to explain that the dance had just been the first thing that had come into her head. It wasn’t because she wanted to dance with him. Was it?
“You’re right. And I always keep my word. Pepper, will you do me the honor?” Coop said as he let go of her waist and offered his hand. His dark eyes were gleaming with mischief and his mouth was upturned into a challenging smile.
Say no. Say no. Say no.
“I thought you’d never ask,” she said, wondering if she’d left her common sense back in the cloakroom. As if knowing she was already debating her decision, Coop plucked the flute from her hand and deposited both their glasses on the tray a passing waiter was holding. Pepper managed to smile as they excused themselves from Morton and his wife. All she could concentrate on was Coop’s hand burning a mark on her arm as he guided her to the dance floor.
The band was playing a fast song but Coop ignored it as he turned and slid his arms around her waist. Her stomach muscles contracted as he leaned toward her,
“I know dancing with me wasn’t part of your plan, but it seemed appropriate. It gives me a chance to say thank you for rescuing me. I should’ve been better prepared.”
“I’m happy I could help,” Pepper said, proud that her voice sounded sane as he pulled her closer. They were barely touching, but the space between throbbed with an electric energy that sent fireworks through her entire body. “Especially since if you hadn’t brought me here, I wouldn’t have a job lead.”
“I guess we’re both winners tonight.” His arm tightened around her waist and Pepper lost her train of thought as his mouth found hers once again. See, this was the problem with kissing someone too many times. It was habit forming.
“Coop.” It took all her will power to pull away. “We’re not supposed to be doing this anymore. You gave me a whole speech about not seducing anyone who doesn’t want to be seduced.”
You don’t even like me. We argue all the time.
“Are you saying you don’t want this?” he said as his mouth crashed down on hers. Fire raced through her veins, making her forget she was on the dance floor. Making her forget why she was even with him at the party. She returned the kiss but as the music faded she broke the kiss again.
“I’m not sure what I want, but making out at your future investor’s party probably isn’t the smartest of moves.”
“Yeah, but it sure beats making small talk.” He grinned before tilting his head in acknowledgement. “Are you suggesting we just dance?”
Not if I want to walk out in one piece.
“I’d rather sit down,” she said. It was a lie, but it was hopefully one that would keep her sane. Without waiting for an answer, she threaded her way back through the crowd until she found a quiet room with a long velvet sofa against the wall. She sunk onto it.
“That was fun.” Coop joined her, his long legs dangerously close to hers. Then he held his hands up in surrender. “I know, we can’t talk about it either. But Pepper, I did mean what I said. Thank you for rescuing me before. How did you even know?”
“Because I work with people like that every day,” she said happy that at least he was respecting her wishes to stay in denial about the kissing. “It wasn’t until I saw you holding up your cell phone that I realized you might not know what was going on. I should’ve briefed you.”
“If I was smart, I would’ve asked to be briefed,” Coop corrected, but there was no mocking tone, no teasing gleam to his eye. If anything, he looked impressed. A warm spark went through her. “Stan was right. You’re pretty damn smart.”
“I don’t follow. What’s Stan got to do with anything?” Pepper wrinkled her nose.
“I saw him the other night and he was telling me how you helped him with his problem.”
“Um, no I didn’t.” Pepper shook her head. “I told you at the diner, I’m not licensed to practice in this state, which is exactly what I told Stan.”
“Ah yes, but you also gave him one of Ivy’s old recipes to get rid of the smell. He was pretty happy and wanted to say thanks.”
“Oh.” Pepper chewed on her lower lip, still not sure why Coop was looking at her in such strange way. “Okay. I’m pleased it worked, but come on, it’s not exactly rocket science. Anyone could’ve told him. Or, he could’ve done an Internet search.”
“Pepper you haven’t been away that long. You know what Sunshine’s like. If he’d talked to anyone else they would’ve set up a fund to collect money to look for the mystery tourists. Hell, they probably would’ve hired a bus and all made the trip to New York together.”
Pepper opened her mouth. That’s exactly what would’ve happened.
“Well, I’m pleased that sanity prevailed. But if you’re trying to convince me to set up a law firm, you’re going to fail.”
“Relax.” He shook his head. “Believe it or not, I do understand why you don’t want to live in Sunshine. But what you did for Stan was a good thing.”
“Okay,” she said, still not quite sure what his point was. Then again, when had she ever understood Coop? “Though speaking of weird town quirks, I’ve been meaning to ask you why you even want to expand your business in the first place. I’m curious.”
“Why’s it strange?” he said, sounding surprised. “Isn’t that part of the dream?”
“I never thought it was part of your dream. Most small businesses fail from growing too quickly and from what I can see, Bad Fox Brewing is doing really well. And you don’t act like being a tycoon is at the top of your to-do list. Why expand?” she said. It was a question she’d been trying to decipher all night. Because while watching him in action, she was sure he’d be more than capable of expanding, it didn’t seem like something he had a strong opinion about. It reminded her more of what his brother would do in the same position. Pepper caught her breath. “This isn’t about Simon is it?”
The color left his face and Pepper caught her breath. I shouldn’t have said anything.
“You don’t miss much, do you?” His jaw was clenched and his eyes not quite meeting hers.
“Apparently, I do. What’s going on?” Pepper dared to lean forward as if it would help explain the mystery that was him. All it did was allow her to inhale his scent. Seriously, what the hell’s wrong with me? She leaned back and studied her hands.
“You’re right. If left to my own devices, I probably wouldn’t have expanded. I got into small brewing because I liked how immediate it is. How much I can control it.”
“I can relate to that,” Pepper said truthfully. After all, it was why she was here. To try and get her life back under control. To have things make sense again. She frowned. “So, this is about Simon? Because that’s crazy. No one would expect you to do something just because he might’ve.”
He shook his head. “You’re right and wrong. I’m not trying to follow in what Simon’s footsteps might have been. It’s my folks. Turns out they’re still paying Simon’s medical bills and I had no idea. Then last year they started selling off parts of the farm. I assumed it was to enjoy their retirement, but they finally told me the truth. They’re headed for bankruptcy, which means they’ll be trying to make ends meet for the rest of their lives. I managed to convince them to take a break in Texas with friends, but I really hope that by the time they come home, I’ll have some good news for them.”
It wasn’t often Pepper was lost for words. She drank in his face. Taking in the strain around his brown eyes, his tightened jaw. The giddiness from the champagne was gone and her throat was numb.
Coop, I’m sorry. She floated the words through her mind.
Yeah, me too. He seemed to reply as he returned her silent gaze before letting out a sigh.
“Bet you’re pleased you asked,” he finally spoke out loud, his voice lighter and his mask returned.
“I am,” she said, as her wits began to sink back into her body, grounding her. She’d always liked Coop’s parents. Another thing occurred to her and she let out a soft gasp. “That’s why Bec had to give back your car. And why no one’s seen your other one around. You sold them both.”
Again, he nodded. “The cars, a watch, some shares. Anything I could think of to stem the money bleed. What sucks the most is if the roles had been reversed and Simon was still here, he would’ve had it all under control. A great job, loads of money, just ready to deal with any crisis. And all I’ve been doing is working in bars, spending my money on whatever I wanted before starting the brewery.”
“Hey, this isn’t your fault.” Pepper raised an eyebrow in surprise. She knew Coop had worshipped his twin brother, but didn’t realize he’d canonized him as well. Before she could stop herself, she reached out for his hand and laced her fingers through his. His eyes widened before he returned the pressure.
“Yeah, but it’s not Simon’s fault either. Or my folks. It’s just something that happened. Something I need to fix,” he said with a grim determination she found inexplicably sexy. When he flirted with her, it was like he wasn’t being real. But this, seeing his flickering jawline and tense shoulders, it was like lifting up a mask.
I thought he just wanted to make money. But he’s playing for much higher stakes.
Stakes he might’ve lost.
“I’m sorry. If Bec had told me I would’ve offered to check over the contracts. I still can if you want.”
“Bec doesn’t know.”
Oh.
Her mouth went dry. “It seems that we both know each other’s secrets. I guess we were both at the wrong place at the wrong time,” she said, forcing herself to mentally count to three in her head to help control her breathing. Make that one hundred. I’m so screwed.
“Or the right time at the right place.” His voice was a whisper and heat pooled in her stomach.
“Pepper. This thing we can’t talk about it. I’m okay with that. We don’t need to talk at all.” Coop’s voice was a caress against the space between them. A promise, a longing, a lodestone calling out. He leaned forward and brushed her lips. It was feather light and just increased her longing. “We could go home. Right now. What do you say?”
It would be easy to say yes. To lean forward. But bad things happened when she acted without thinking. Coop was too close, the noise of the music in the next room was too loud, the heat between them overwhelming.
“W-would you excuse me?” She scrambled to her feet, careful not to touch him. “I just need a second.”
“Go ahead.” He stood up next to her, a bemused smile on his gorgeous lips. Oh, this was dangerous. And without a second glance she threaded her way through the crowd to the restroom. Like the rest of the house, it was minimalist with a long wooden counter and two basins floating above it. She washed her hands and then stared at herself in the mirror, which was lit by discrete bulbs, making it stand out in the otherwise plain room.
She let out a little yelp as her reflection stared back at her. The curls Emmy had insisted on giving her were hanging over her shoulders, her navy eyes were dilated and her mouth was soft. Like she’d been kissed.
Like I want to go home with him.
Part of her longed to drag her hair back and restore order to her face. Her hand clutched at the wooden counter, as if unwilling to comply.
What? So I’m meant to take this as a sign?
Pepper smiled as she turned away from the mirror. She’d never been a big fan of signs. They were for people who didn’t really know what they wanted, but now she wondered if they were also for people who were too scared to admit what they wanted.
She steadied herself and stepped back out into the hallway.
“Oh my God! Pepper Watson!” An unfamiliar voice squealed, causing Pepper to come to a halt and look up to the woman in front of her.
“I’m sorry. Do I know you?”
“Yes. Well, no.” The woman giggled as she pushed back a cascade of straight red hair to reveal a round face with a warm, open smile. “I went to school with Bec. It’s Louise Taunton—about to be Louise Cotton.” Louise held out her hand to display a nice diamond, not dissimilar to the one Paul had selected.
“I see.” Pepper nodded, not quite sure she could dredge up the enthusiasm to make small talk. From what she could recall, most of her sister’s school friends tended to giggle. “I’ll tell Bec you said hi.”
“Make sure you do. I must call her and find out all about this gorgeous Englishman of hers. And speaking of which, I see you’re here with Coop. You’re such a sweetheart,” Louise proclaimed as she gave her engagement ring a loving pat before dropping her hand back to her side.
“Why would you say that?” Pepper blinked. She’d been called many things but sweetheart wasn’t often one of them.
“You and Coop,” Louise repeated, as if surprised Pepper couldn’t follow her. It was almost as if she was saying ‘Aren’t you supposed to be the smart one of the family?’ “Helping him save face and hide how heartbroken he is about Bec. I mean, it’s no secret she only ever thought of him as a friend, but we all knew how smitten he was. It explains why he’s never been serious about any of his flings. And how could he not be? Your sister’s just the cutest. So wild and unpredictable. And now she’s going to be a mom. As soon as I saw the pair of you I realized just how hard he must’ve taken the news.”
“R-right.” Pepper’s throat ached, like she’d just swallowed a packet of razorblades. Proof that signs don’t mean a thing. “If you’ll excuse me, Coop and I are just about to leave. It’s been a long night.”
“Well, it’s been great seeing you again,” Louise said brightly before disappearing, leaving Pepper alone. She quickly retrieved a hair tie from her purse and dragged her hair back into a tight knot at the back of her head. The evening was definitely over.