After the Hurt (12 page)

Pepper hadn't unpacked yet. Unless you called clothing strewn all over the bedroom unpacked. She dug in her suitcase for the little black dress she'd tucked away. It was the only dress she'd kept since it was so versatile. Which also drove home the fact she definitely needed to go shopping, but it was way down on her list of priorities now. After rewinding her hair in a towel, Pepper found the dress balled up in the corner of her suitcase.

“Shit. This is no good.”

She grabbed a hanger and shook out the dress. She rushed back into the bathroom and hung it in the shower, hoping the remaining steam would help smooth out the wrinkles. Dashing back to the bedroom, she poked around for a few more items she needed. The only fancy shoes she had were the red ones she'd arrived in.

Red shoes. They held some pretty scorching memories for her. She smiled, remembering Tank's complaints about being poked in the butt by the sharp heels. He hadn't complained too long, though, and she'd lovingly rubbed salve on his ass to help the scratches heal, which had only succeeded in getting them turned on again. A delicious tremor fanned over her body. She thought back to that day, remembering how she'd taken charge. Pushed him onto his back and straddled his hips, taking his rigid cock deep inside her. She shivered with delight and longing and sadness. It just wasn't possible that they could never be together again. Pepper refused to think Tank was only to be in her memories from now on. But tonight was not the night to be getting distracted by anything erotic. She had work to do. A plan to follow. Nothing was going to steer her from that path.

She applied her makeup and teased her hair until it stood out like she'd been electrocuted. But her plan was to pull it back off her face in a puff, with artfully placed tendrils whispering around her neck and framing her face. She was good with her hair and created an intricate bundle of woven strands that looked hopelessly romantic from behind. At least that was her intention. Once done, Pepper stepped into a lacy black thong. No panty lines tonight. She inspected the dress. It would have to do. She slipped it on without a bra. The neckline of the dress swooped from one shoulder to the other in a deep bow, not allowing for bra straps, and draped across her breasts, showing a seductive amount of cleavage. It dipped low in the front and back then hung like a second skin to mid-thigh.

She stood before the cheval mirror, turning to view herself from behind. Her tan seemed amplified by the black fabric and she decided there was no need for panty hose. It felt so good to get dressed up again. Somehow it gave her a little more confidence to face what lay ahead. She was excited. But also nervous. This was like her coming-out party.

Checking the clock, she saw it was time to go. Pepper pushed her feet into the red shoes. With one last inspection in the mirror, she smoothed her palms over the fabric, doing the best she could to rid the dress of any remaining wrinkles. She didn't know what to expect but was ready to take on the world. Even with her heart in her throat, knowing she'd be meeting Tank's lover tonight, Pepper was excited about the evening ahead.

She grabbed her key and tucked it between her breast and the tight fabric. With a big breath she stepped into the hallway and made her way down the stairs. She needed to calm the fuck down and put her best foot forward. This was her restaurant too, and she wanted to stand beside Tank, whether they were together or not. She wondered about his relationship status with Olivia, or perhaps there was someone else since there'd been no sign of Olivia since that first day. They needed to talk about it, plus she wanted to know. At least she thought she did. Maybe she was afraid to really know…she couldn't ask Meg or any of his friends because that felt too uncomfortable.

At the bottom of the stairs she peered through the beveled glass window in the door. She could see down the hall leading to the office and the kitchen, but not into the restaurant proper. Waitstaff were moving in an efficient line, taking the food to the buffet tables.

Then she saw Tank leave the office and disappear into the dining room. Her heart jumped when she saw him all decked out in a tux. He. Looked. Gorgeous. Totally fuckable. She pulled in another deep breath and pushed the door open. She stepped confidently down the hall with a carriage that oozed confidence and masked just how nervous she was.

Rounding the door to the dining room, she immediately looked for Tank. He was talking with two of the staff, pointing into the piano bar. She stared at him, willing him to feel her gaze. His back straightened and he turned his head. He made eye contact with her. Surprisingly, he looked very calm and relaxed. He smiled and Pepper's legs nearly turned to jelly. Tank didn't look away from her. He leaned his head and said something to the man next to him then made his way to her side.

Pepper forced her legs to work and met him halfway. Tank reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder. Her flesh vibrated under his touch and her eyelids fluttered briefly before she could focus to meet his azure gaze.

“You look stunning.” Tank leaned down to her and brushed a kiss on her cheek.

Her breath froze in her chest and she turned her face, hoping to catch his lips, but he stood back, still smiling at her. She was confused. His attention to her had been all over the map since she arrived. Overhearing his conversation last night made her think it was the nail in the coffin. Yet, here he was. Attentive and complimentary.

“As do you.” She returned his smile and it widened when she noticed his bow tie. It was like a party store exploded all over it. Confetti, streamers, and balloons in bright colors contrasted with the black. “You do love your ties.” Which reminded her again of the one she'd bought when she was away and stashed in her suitcase months ago. Would she ever have the opportunity to give it to him?

He glanced down and smiled at her. His dimple winked, making her belly flipflop. “They're fun.”

He held his arm out for her. “Shall we greet the guests?”

She was stunned at the offer. It was the last thing she'd expected him to do. Slipping her hand into the crook of his elbow, Pepper rested her fingers on his strong forearm. Little thrills tingled through her body at the intimate feel of his muscles beneath the jacket. She glanced up at his face—his attention now on the front door—and let her gaze rove over his features. This was her Tank. The man she had loved, left, thought lost forever. Even after hearing his declaration of love last night, seeing him now, she decided at this very moment she was going to fight for him. Fight with every fiber of her being.

When Pepper entered the room he'd detected her presence instantly. Were they really so connected that he could sense her without seeing her? He glanced up. Even though her face was smiling, she had an underlying look of concern. It was all he could do not to stare at her like a love-struck, sex-starved addict. She looked spectacular. Even the room seemed to brighten now that she was in it.

The black dress she had on only reminded him of her smoking-hot body. She had on the same shoes as the night she'd arrived. Suddenly he wanted those silver heels driving into his ass like they had in the past. Wanted her legs, arms, and body wrapped around him so he could feel her heat, her silky flesh, and lose himself in her embrace.

It was the grand opening of their restaurant and time to schmooze. Not time to let erotic thoughts of Pepper distract him. He finished with the staff member and walked toward her. Without even thinking, he leaned down to kiss her cheek. He wanted her mouth, not her cheek, under his lips, but this wasn't the place. He would be hard pressed to stop once he started.

She turned her head as he stood back and he regretted moving too quickly. Had he hesitated for the briefest moment, he could have claimed her lips. He'd made a decision yesterday that would mean severed ties for them. He felt it was the right decision. He still stood by it too. Tonight wasn't the night to discuss business with Pepper, but he would have to very soon. Something was holding him back. Perhaps it was because they would have nothing left to tie them together. Looking at her now, he knew he wanted her in his life just a little bit longer. Before he presented her with a chance for her freedom. Because then, he had no idea which direction she would go in. Leave and start new would likely be her choice. And that made him feel empty.

He wanted to crush her lips under his, take her away and make love, yes
make love,
to her. Tank looked into her violet eyes. They used to be the windows to her soul and he was able to tell exactly what she was thinking. Right now all he could see was desire and it made it even more difficult to not carry her off and give in to the need he saw reflected in her eyes.

“Shall we greet the guests?”

She slipped her arm through his and he satisfied himself with the contact. He glanced at the front door at the line of people making their way in. Let the party begin.

He'd kept her close to his side. Pepper was delighted with it and wasn't about to complain. He looked over Pepper's head, and a big smile curved his lips. The brilliance of it broke her heart. He used to smile at her like that. Pepper was afraid to turn around and see who was the recipient of such a smile. Maybe it was the woman he spoke to on the phone last night. The one he'd said “I love you” to. Was it
that
woman?

The tangle of jealousy that erupted in her belly almost made her nauseated. Pepper forced herself to turn and see who the person was who made him look so happy. She wished with all her might for him to look at her like that again. When Pepper saw Meg coming toward them, relief washed over her. His sister. Not his lover. But that meant she had the whole evening ahead of her to worry and wait for the woman to whom he'd declared his love to show up.

Meg still had her cane but didn't seem as reliant upon it as she once was. Pepper was genuinely pleased to see her and stepped forward to greet her.

“Meg, hello.” Pepper wasn't sure what to expect and when Meg turned her blue eyes, so like Tank's, to her, Pepper was relieved to see a hint of warmth in them.

“Pepper. Nice to see you.” One thing about Meg, she was to the point and her gaze didn't waver. You knew exactly where you stood and there was no room for misinterpretation. “Tank said you've settled in. How long do you think you'll stay?”

Pepper smiled and glanced at Tank. He'd been talking to Meg about her. That excited Pepper, “Ah, yes, I have.”

“How long do you think you'll stay?”

The question cast a pall over her. Just the thought of leaving hurt, so she chose to pretend she hadn't heard the question. Thankfully, Meg didn't repeat it.

“So, it looks like there's going to be a good turnout. Where did you set up the silent auction?” she inquired.

“In the piano bar. Since they won't be dueling tonight, only serenading, it seemed the most appropriate place.”

Meg looked over her shoulder and nodded. “Yes, you're right. I'll go over and have a look.”

Tank nodded and took Pepper's arm again. “Right, then. We're going to the door to welcome all your charity contributors.”

Meg smiled. “You mustn't forget this is your night too. I'm just taking full advantage of the well-heeled crowd you'll get so my charity can benefit.”

Tank squeezed Meg's shoulder and watched her walk away. He didn't offer assistance but kept an eagle eye on her movements. Pepper smiled, realizing how well he knew Meg. She was the queen of independence and it would be a rare moment indeed if she asked for help.

“Let's go.” He led her to the door.

It was a whirlwind night. The place was packed and Pepper was never far from Tank's side. All his doing, which pleased her immensely.

“I see Meg at the bar; I want to chat with her for a moment,” Pepper told Tank. She'd wanted to find a quiet spot to have a conversation with her, but the night hadn't cooperated until now. She was alone in the crowd and now was as good a time as any. Meg had been so focused on her career and establishing her practice, she'd rarely dated. Pepper wondered if she even knew how. Was she lonely? Did she ever go out? A sadness filled her for Meg and she made a quick wish for her to find happiness and love. After what she'd been through, she more than deserved it.

Meg had hooked her cane on the back of the barstool. She settled in her chair, looking very comfortable with herself. Pepper tapped her on the shoulder.

“Meg?”

She turned. There was no hostility reflected in her gaze. Just a quiet patience that Pepper recognized from when they first met years ago.

“Pepper. I think the evening is a success. Don't you?”

“I think so. It will be exciting to get the tally for the auction.” She paused and dove in. “I want to apologize to you.”

Meg's eyebrows rose. “Me? Why?”

Pepper glanced at the floor and then looked her dead in the eye. “Tank and I had,
have¸
our troubles that we need to sort out. If I've upset you at all, I'm sorry for that. I didn't want you to get caught in the cross fire.”

Meg leaned back on the stool. Her face softened and she smiled. It caused such a rush of emotion in Pepper she nearly teared up.

Meg rested her hand on Pepper's forearm and she couldn't have been more surprised by the friendly gesture.

“Thank you, but it's not me you need to apologize to.” Meg glanced quickly at Tank, who was in conversation with a crowd of people. “You both have to figure this out for yourselves and see where it will lead.”

Pepper was about to dive in and ask Meg if Tank had a girlfriend when she was jostled by a man with his back to her.

“I'm so sorry.” He faced the women and bowed his head. She looked up and was struck by his very handsome features. His dark, chocolaty eyes and expressive brows showed his concern that he'd nearly knocked her over. Pepper quickly took in his appearance. He didn't fit in with the rest of the crowd and seemed cut from a different cloth. He wore jeans and an expensive-looking jacket with a white dress shirt. If she didn't know better, she'd say he was a cowboy. Urban cowboy? But that seemed kind of lame. Yet there was something, because the wildness about him made her catch her breath.