Page 79 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“I’m in Charlottesville, Virginia, and I’m not sure how long I’ll be here, but I’ve got my schedule. I won’t miss anything important.”

“Dude, please tell me you’re not stalking Pepper.”

I scoff. “Give me some credit.”

“When it comes to her, I’m not sure I can. Did Paris go that well, or did you follow her home when she took off to get away from you?”

“Paris went very well. I’m here visiting with her.”

“In that case, I’m happy for you. You’ve been pining for her for a long time.”

“Don’t be an ass.”

“But it’s so fun. I mean, come on. How often does Mr. Perfect have to work for a year to get a woman’s attention? I think Pepper Montgomery has just made history.”

I rake a hand through my hair. “I can fire you, you know.”

“But you won’t. Okay, back to business. I’ve got shit to do while you’re busy romancing your woman. Tiffany’s pretty upset with you. Do you want me to get a meeting on the books with her about your contract?”

“No. I told her I need a few weeks. I’ll deal with it.”

“You’re seeing her Monday evening.”

“For what?”

“She set up a dinner meeting with In the Zone Sportswear for a sponsorship deal after your Under Armour photo shoot, which is at eleven. Should I book you a flight for Sunday night?”

Damn it. “No.” I don’t want to miss any more time with Pepper than absolutely necessary. “Set it up for early Monday morning, and please get me a flight back that night.”

“It’ll have to be late. You’re not having dinner until seven.”

Fuck. “Then make the return flight early Tuesday morning.”

“Consider it done. I haven’t gotten it on the calendar yet, but Johnson & Johnson booked you to film a commercial the week before the Charity Bowl.”

“Great.” They’re one of my largest sponsors.

We go through a few more scheduling items, and after we end the call, I text Pepper—I can still taste you—and head inside to shower, knowing she’ll be squirming in her seat.

Chapter Twenty

Pepper

I’m putting the muffins in the break room when Ravi walks in. He eyes me curiously, making me even more aware of my missing underwear. I try to pretend my insides aren’t twisting into knots over my dirty little secret and act normal. Although I don’t even know what that normal is anymore.

“Hi, Ravi. Clay bought muffins for everyone.” I open the box and show him.

“Now I like him even more.” He plucks one from the box and takes a bite. “Dinner was fun last night. He seems like a really good guy.”

Relief washes through me. If Ravi had any idea that I wasn’t wearing underwear, he’d call me on it without hesitation. “He is. Do you think Chris and Min figured out that I’m seeing him?”

“Of course. You can’t hide those sparks.” He takes another bite of his muffin and leans his butt against the counter.

“I figured as much. I just don’t want them to think differently of me.”

“Because you have a personal life? Come on, Pep. You’re smarter than that, and so are they. Since you and Clay were together this morning, can I assume last night was as good as Paris?”

I grab two plates, handing him one and putting a muffin on the other for myself. “Last night was different, but not in a bad way.”