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It wasn’t supposed to go down this way. The plan was for me to tell Pepper that she should get away for a few days. Forget the drama and the pressure of pretending to be something she’s not. And convince her to take Charlie with her.
But I can’t pretend everything is okay. Not when I could lose her tomorrow. Not when she’s looking at me like…she trusts me with her life.
She shifts to face me. “What? Why? What happened?”
“Nothing happened yet. I just don’t want you in town until I get back.”
“Get back? Where are you going? Where am I going?”
I push her hair away from her face. Her natural red blending with the colored strands. “I have to run an errand—one that could take two days.”
Besides the drive north, Noah expects to have to come back to the prison the next day—giving Kyle a night to dwell on what we’re offering. According to my brother, that’s usually how things go.
Something between concern and question is in her eyes. And I understand. Why would I leave now when she needs me the most?
But I can’t risk telling her yet. Just like Noah didn’t trust Charlie to steer clear of the library when he saw the photo. The less they know right now, the better.
When she’s safely out of town, I’ll pick her up from Lonnie’s, take them both to my place in Denver and tell them what’s happening.
Hell, I hope it’s not too late. His people could be here now. That picture is two days old.
Chills run along her arm and she looks up at me. “He’s getting close, isn’t he?”
I kiss the top of her head. “He won’t get close enough.”
She inhales deeply and sits up. “So this is about Troy.”
“Pepper—”
“Why are you leaving? Where are you going?”
“I have to take care of something. It’s for one of my dad’s old friends.”
Her face scrunches, but she quickly covers it. “God, I’m sorry,” she breathes. “Your life shouldn’t revolve around me.”
“Hey.” I turn her chin, but there’s nothing gentle about it. “Don’t think for one minute that I’d ever abandon you. I promise you’ll be in good hands. You’re mine, Pepper. You’ve been mine since you walked back into town. The moment I knew I could have walked away and chose to keep you close instead. The moment you wrapped your arms around my waist and rode off into the sunset with me.” I give her a cocky smirk. “The moment you agreed there’s no one better for the role of your fake fiancé than yours truly.”
She breathes a soft laugh. “You mean the moment I let you take charge of our game plan.”
I pull her close and kiss her forehead. “Exactly. Our game plan. To keep you here and away from him. Because…” I stroke her bottom lip, realizing something that I’m not quite ready to admit.
“I’m yours,” she finishes.
I lift my gaze to hers. “Mine.” And then I press my lips to hers, sealing the promise I’m making her.
28
The sound of a blender comes from the open kitchen behind Charlie and me. We’re settled on Lonnie’s oversized couch. I’m flipping through Netflix while Charlie is on her Kindle, not quite grasping the idea of a girls’ night in.
“Charlie, put the book away. We’re about to get sloshed with frozen margaritas, a hilarious romcom and talk about our feelings.”
Charlie glares at me from across the couch, her knees pulled up to her chest, her reading glasses on and her Kindle, which never seems to run out of battery, partially covering her face.
“Are you scowling at me behind that thing?” I ask.
“I’m trying to get through this chapter. It’s been the longest slow burn ever, and I think they’re about to do it.”
“What’s a slow burn?” Lonnie asks, coming around the couch with a tray of margaritas.
