AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Pretend to be my date.” The balls on this guy.
Understanding hits and she smiles. “Ah. I take it you’re single.”
“On purpose.”
Pepper’s face falls. “I’m sorry. But I…can’t help you. I need to stay under the radar for a while.”
“I figured as much. I was kidding. I’d never ask you—or anyone to put up with me.”
“Then why did you?”
Levi turns back to me with a sly grin. “Oh… to see something.”
I should kick him.
“Pepper, in all seriousness, we can try to help if you tell us the full story,” Noah offers dryly, cocking his head to the empty seat by me.
She looks to me for guidance.
I nod and scoot over for her. “You can trust them.”
She inhales deeply and releases. I’m hit with a sweet scent of honey and vanilla as she settles beside me like we’re…together.
“You’re a lawyer?” she asks carefully.
“One you probably couldn’t afford, but my advice is free.” He smiles and I want to punch him.
But Pepper isn’t offended. She smirks right back and in a sultry yet sharp voice counters, “I wouldn’t hire you because my problem is above your pay grade.”
That drags a wide grin out of Levi. “Pepper Woods, welcome back.” He high fives her, nodding in approval. “But I agree, you can’t keep hiding under hoodies.”
My gaze lifts to the lip Pepper draws between her teeth again. She doesn’t want to do this alone. That much is clear. But whether it’s trust issues or insecurities holding her back, I’m not sure.
Three minutes later, my brothers are up to speed. Levi is shaking his head in anger and Noah’s wheels are spinning.
“I don’t recommend staying here,” I say dryly, since the idea of it has been bothering me after Dad mentioned a room opening up. “It’s the only hotel in town and if they figure out where you’re really from—this is the first place they’ll look.”
“You’re better off at Elliot’s,” Levi agrees.
“You didn’t happen to keep a copy of the agreement, did you?” Noah asks.
She sighs sadly and we’re expecting her to say no, but she digs into her backpack. “This is so embarrassing.” She hands the folded stack of papers to my brother.
“There you are. Thought you snuck out the back door to get away from me.” Charlie’s voice comes from the front.
“Charlie!” Dad calls cheerfully from where he’s seated. “Good to see you.”
“Hey, Charlie, look what Grandpa made me.”
“Nice. Save me a bite.” She smiles brightly at my nephew, then bravely approaches our table, acting like it hasn’t been nearly two years since she came in here.
Pepper stands. “Sorry. These guys are tough.”
The tinier blonde perks her brows. “You’re tellin’ me. Ready?”
“I’ll make a copy and get this back to you,” Noah says, ignoring his bubbly ex.
“Thanks just—don’t judge me too much when you read it.”
