After the Hurt (13 page)

“Not to worry. It's rather packed in here,” Pepper said.

The man reached out his hand to Pepper. “Christian Hunt. Pleasure to meet you. Great turnout.”

“Yes, it is. Thanks so much for coming.” His name sounded very familiar, and his accent gave him away. He was from somewhere west. Texas, Colorado, Wyoming…but Pepper couldn't place it. An idea formed in her mind. “Please, let me introduce you to Meg Sherman. Tank's sister.”

He turned his gaze to Meg. For the first time ever, Pepper swore Meg was speechless. Her petite, blonde, blue-eyed beauty a complete juxtaposition to his dark, muscular wildness. Could this be a match? The two of them?

“Pleasure, Meg.” He took her hand and held it perhaps a little longer than necessary.

Pepper stepped back. Neither of them noticed.

“How nice to meet you, Christian,” Meg answered and shifted on her stool. Pepper felt bad for her, knowing she was trying to hide her cane and conceal her leg under the edge of the bar.

“Oh, I have to speak to Tank. Please excuse me.” Pepper slipped away, leaving the two of them. She'd done her part and hoped that something would come of it for Meg's sake.

Tank seemed engrossed in a deep conversation across the room and she didn't want to disturb him. So she picked up a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and tucked herself out of the way. She watched Tank, admiring the ease he had with people. It was then she remembered the “I love you” he'd said on the phone. Pepper was perplexed. Was his girlfriend a no-show? Tank didn't seem to be watching for anyone. Nor did he seem upset. It confused Pepper, but what it also did was make her more determined to
not
be the other woman. If he'd moved on, then she had to accept that. Although if that were the case, she had no idea what she would do. Until then, all she could do was hope for the best and support their business—Octagon.

But the night wasn't over. This mystery woman still might show up and she'd have her answer.

Pepper didn't want the night to end. She was in heaven. Just like old times. Tank kept her close too, his arm around her, and she wasn't going to argue. She got through each minute by trying not to think of the impending arrival of Tank's mystery woman.

Three of his MMA buddies had turned up, which of course sent a buzz through the crowd. Celebrities were here. Sam, Cork, and TJ had flown in special from Vegas for their opening. There was a big fight coming up so for them to take any bit of time out from training was a huge surprise. She hadn't seen them since Tank retired and was so glad they'd come. It gave a bit of celebrity status to the party that she hoped would make the entertainment news. Perhaps even
TMZ
.

It was good to see Tank so happy and vibrant after the last few days of his brooding intensity and distance. She glanced up at him and a swell of love blossomed in her chest; such sweet torture. Even with the knowledge that the woman he loved could turn up at any moment, Pepper wasn't going to let it ruin her night. This was her time with Tank. This was their restaurant. And it was only right that they be together for its grand opening. Right? And she would guard it, cherish it, dare anyone to try to take it away from her.

She didn't want to leave his side, but seeing how much he was enjoying rehashing old fights with his buddies, Pepper didn't want to be a cling-on or cramp his style. She wanted him to love her again and if giving him a little bit of space right now helped with that, then that's what she'd do.

She stood on her tippy toes and whispered into his ear, “I'll be right back. Have fun with the boys.”

Tank looked down at her and smiled. “Don't go away.” His hand slipped down her arm and his fingers curled around hers. Shivers of delight rushed through her, lighting her up with happiness.

Hearing those words come from him was like the sun coming out on a stormy day. Even if it did compound her confusion. How could he be so attentive and suggestive to her when there was someone else he claimed to love? But she wouldn't think about it now. She'd just bask in the glow of his attention. Pepper squeezed his hand briefly before nodding to the boys. “You guys behave. No brawling, now. We don't want any broken chairs or to have to get out the bail money.”

They laughed, and Cork stepped forward, grabbing her around the waist. “What, you mean like this?” He twirled her around with a loud
whoop
that drew curious attention from the guests.

“Put me down.” Pepper laughed and smacked him on the shoulder. “Things never change, do they?” But she was glad they hadn't changed. She loved the camaraderie and that they didn't treat her any differently. She figured Tank would've told them about her abrupt departure so the fact that they were still the same old boys with her was a huge relief.

Sam stood back with his muscular arms crossed over his powerful chest, always the one to assess situations before jumping in. But, as they say, still waters run deep. He smiled at her and gave her a wink. She winked back. He'd always teased her and, similarly, Tank. He knew how to rile her up and get her temper hopping.

TJ was the ladies' man. He never allowed himself to be caught by feminine wiles. Women flocked to him. In droves. He had some kind of magic magnet that women found irresistible. He was famous for loving and leaving them, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake. Why women thought they could change him was a mystery to Pepper. Anyway, she was sure he had a softer side under the cavalier attitude, but she hadn't seen it yet. She felt sorry for any woman who opened her heart up to him, because her bed would be empty the next morning with him long gone. Maybe he just needed the
right
woman to settle him down. Even with his abrasive and unpredictable nature, Pepper really liked him. Why? She had no clue. She just sensed there was a hurt little boy hiding inside.

“Remember what I said, boys,” Pepper instructed, wagging her finger at them before leaving them to do whatever guy things they had up their sleeves. She meandered through the crowd, smiling and stopping to chat as she made her way to the back of the house. She wanted to rest her feet for a few minutes. The night was still young and a quick break was in order.

Wow, was she feeling great! The sense of inner peace and well-being was something Pepper hadn't felt in a long, long time. She was determined to hold on to it and let nothing get her down.

“Champagne?” The blond bartender who had served her pasta the other night was carrying a tray of flutes.

“Yes, don't mind if I do. Thanks. You know, we were never fully introduced.”

A wide smile broke out on his handsome face. “Trent. At your service.”

She reached out her hand and replied, “Pepper. Tank and I—”

“Yes, you're part owner with Tank.”

Pepper's eyebrows shot up. This was news. How on earth did Trent know? Had Tank told the staff? All kinds of thoughts raced through her head and by the time she'd recovered from the shock enough to ask Trent, he'd disappeared into the crowd.
Hmm. What am I supposed to do with this tidbit of info?

Pepper sipped the champagne and wove her way to the office. Just before disappearing behind the wall of wine, she turned to look around the room. All the people. Laughing and talking. Sampling the wonderful food being passed around by the waitstaff and on the tables. The upbeat and energetic atmosphere was infectious. The party was a hit. Octagon was a hit. Wow, what a night.

Pepper sought out Tank, one of the tallest men in the room. It was easy to spot him and her gaze ate him up. Pepper's heart fluttered. He took her breath away. Tank seemed to stiffen and turned his head. She smiled when his gaze fell on her. It wouldn't surprise her in the least if he had sensed her watching him. That was just part of the marvelous connection they had together.

Everything seemed right with the world and for the first time in a while she felt optimistic about the future. Not taking her eyes off Tank, Pepper laughed when he winked at her. His grin widened and she swore she saw him wink again before giving his attention back to his friends.

God, how she loved that man. She couldn't wait until the timing was right to tell him.

Pepper sighed and took another look around before disappearing into the back to rest her feet. The office door was open. It was the closest room that had a door she could shut behind her and a chair to flop into. It was small and very well organized. Pepper groaned with delight after dropping into the big leather chair behind the desk. They'd rescued the chair and the huge, old oak desk from the end of a driveway years ago. Pepper smiled, remembering how she'd refinished both and rubbed the leather until it was soft and supple again. She ran her hands along the worn armrest and sighed. It almost felt like she was sitting
in
Tank and she snuggled a little deeper. Leaning back, she propped her feet on the chrome wastebasket and closed her eyes, resting her head on the high back of the chair. Sounds of the party on the other side of the door comforted her. Lulled her.

Tonight was not what she had expected. At all. And it almost seemed too good to be true. One thing her mom had always said to her, if it seems too good to be true it usually is. Now wasn't the time for negative thoughts. She wouldn't let anything ruin the fact that she and Tank had been a good team.

The sound of breaking dishes and a roar of approval from the crowd jolted her up and Pepper nearly spilled her champagne, which she'd been resting on her thigh. She must have dozed off. Sitting forward, she placed the glass on the desk. It nearly toppled over and she caught it just in time. A splash of champagne landed on some official-looking papers.

“Shit, shit.” How could she be so careless?

Pepper looked around for something to wipe them off with. Not finding anything, she picked up the sheaf of papers and shook off the liquid.

It was some kind of legal document. “Oh, man. This is not good. Champagne on something official.”

It wasn't like she looked on purpose or anything, but her name seemed to jump right off the page.

Pepper furrowed her brows. The hell with not being nosey, her name was on this paper and she was going to find out why. She read further and icy dread slithered through her veins. Was she really seeing what she thought she was seeing? All those feel-good emotions evaporated like rain on a hot sidewalk. He wanted her gone. He didn't want her to stay. If he did, then why did he have these papers drawn up, splitting the business with her? Buying her out? Pepper reached for the champagne glass, needing a strong drink and wishing it was full to the brim. She saw what it was sitting on.

“Oh my God. What the—” This time she didn't hesitate and grabbed. It was a check made out to her and there were a whole lot of zeros on it.

Anger roared through her. She'd never been this mad. Blood raced through her veins and she swore to God her ears must be flaming red. She stood abruptly and the big leather chair whirled back on its antique wheels to crash against the wall. Unsure what to do about this information and more confused than ever, Pepper tried to calm herself down. But it was no use. The document was still in her hand and she scrunched her fingers into a fist, not caring if it crumpled the papers.

Why hadn't he talked to her? Was he that chickenshit he couldn't speak about it? She put the papers on the desk and smoothed them out with her palms. When had he drawn them up? Scanning the documents, she found what she was looking for. They were dated this morning. And prepared by Meg.

Pepper was crushed. They were ganging up on her. She felt betrayed and like a laughingstock. How could both of them have been so nice and seemingly sincere tonight? She should've known better than to let herself get carried away with optimistic thinking. Whenever she did that, it never ended well.

Pepper wiped the back of her hand over her forehead, pushing back a strand of hair. She'd tied it up, but it refused to obey, constantly fighting the clips or bands. Since the grand opening last week she'd decided to jump in with both feet. Used to rising early, she snuck down into the kitchen before anyone else and started baking little things. She'd always wanted to bake, something her mom did well and tried to teach her. Chef caught her a few days later as she snuck out of the kitchen. He laughed and told her not to feel like a criminal, and if she wanted to cook, he was fine with it.

And that's how her mornings began now. It helped to keep her mind off all the
other
stuff that was hanging over her like a big black cloud. Damned if she'd make it easy on him and bring it up either.

She knew coming back would be tricky, but it had been harder than she expected. The documents she'd seen the night of the gala had cast a pall on everything. Each step she heard or door opening and closing, the sound of voices in another room—they all seemed like the approach of doom for her. Maybe it was Tank coming to give her the papers. She didn't even know if the love of his life, the one she'd overheard him say, “I love you” to, had come to the gala, either, because she'd fled up to the loft. God, she was strung tight and needed the distraction of pounding dough to keep her sane. It was getting harder to keep herself under wraps knowing what might be coming down the pipe. But she couldn't bring it up. She felt it would be like opening Pandora's box. So best leave it closed for now. Plus, if it was what he wanted, damned if she'd make it easy for him.

She'd done a little looking around for an apartment and was appalled at the prices. No way could she afford to move out now. The more she'd thought about it, the more angry she felt. Why should she be the one to have to leave, anyway? Octagon was as much hers as it was his, as long as she didn't sign the papers, that is.

Pepper stood back and put her hands on her hips. The uncooked dough was carefully arranged on a sheet and ready for the oven.

“So, how's this batch, Chef?” she asked Chef Michael as he came to stand beside her. She called him Chef. Just like on
Hell's Kitchen
, and it almost made her giggle. He didn't rant and rave and throw things in the garbage when she flubbed something up. He had the patience of a saint.

“It's good you experiment. So far you've done great.”

“I'll just pop these in the oven and then get out of your hair.” It was still early morning and she didn't want to be a nuisance when the other line cooks arrived. The hectic pace in the kitchen was organized to a T and they didn't need her fumbling around while they were trying to do prep.

Sliding the apple caramel scones onto the oven rack to bake, she tidied up her station. A ripple of delight tinged with trepidation passed like a tremor down her spine when she heard Tank's voice in the hall. It had been a few days since she'd seen or heard him as he'd been away, or so she'd heard the staff say. She got nervous whenever she knew he was close by. Eventually they would talk. She knew that. Tank came into the kitchen. His presence filled the room and she sensed him before she turned to see him. He looked right at her and smiled. Her heart did a dance. She returned his smile a little nervously and then went over to the oven. She peered through the window to check the scones. They were looking good.

“What ya got cooking?” He was behind her, talking into her ear. His breath fluttered her hair and delight bloomed in her. How could she be so fickle? One moment angrier than a hornet at him and now dying for him to be close. How she loved the sound of his voice and the deep resonance as it wrapped around her.

“I'm just whipping up some scones.” Pepper tried to keep her voice light, hoping to prevent emotion from leaking into it.

“Smells good.”

“I hope they're tasty too.”

“Probably will be. So does this mean you're thinking of opening a bakery or something?”

“Why, so that I won't be in your hair?” she blurted. Holy hell, where did that come from? Pepper kept her back to him. She quickly tried to gloss over what she'd said. “Thought hadn't even crossed my mind. But I like it.” She paused for a moment, giving him an opening to say something about the papers. But he didn't and she continued, “You never know. Maybe I should.”

“Maybe you should.”

She turned and stared at him. Almost willing him to explain the paperwork she'd found. He never said a word, just stared at her with an almost hurt expression on his face. She looked away to hide the flair of anger and stared at her watch. Why should he have hurt feelings? If anybody should have hurt feelings it was her. Being testy wouldn't get her anywhere so she swallowed it up and soldiered on.

“If you wait a minute, then you can give one a try.” She hoped he would so it would give them a few more precious minutes together. Even if it was a little uncomfortable.

The aroma of the scones filled the kitchen when she pulled the tray from the oven and set it on the counter. Chef came over to inspect them. He sampled and gave his stamp of approval.

“Well, if he likes them then you've done a good job,” Tank commented.

Pepper handed him one on a plate. She broke a piece from the one Chef had tried and popped it in her mouth. It was good.

Tank ate his and nodded. “Very good. You have a knack in the kitchen. Maybe we ought to put you to work.”

“Really? You want me around?” God, crap just kept falling out of her mouth. She was unconsciously trying to goad him into bringing up the subject of the documents.

“Why not? We'll talk about it and see what we can figure out.” He finished the scone. “This was really good. Sorry, but I do have to go. Lot's been going on since the grand opening; sorry I haven't been around much.”

Tank stopped talking and stared at her, holding her attention. Pepper's breath stilled and she waited, for what she wasn't quite sure. Tank seemed to be on the verge of saying something, but just then the shipping door buzzer went off, breaking their connection.

Tank glanced over to one of the cooks. “Cal, can you get that, please? I have to go. Make sure you get all the packing slips and put them on my desk.”

He turned back to her and reached out to squeeze her bare forearm before he left the kitchen. His touch lingered on her skin like he was still holding her. Tears burned behind her eyes and she quickly turned her back to the staff. Not that they would notice her, anyway. His touch moved her deeply in so many ways. Tank wasn't making any sense. He had papers to dissolve their partnership in his office, but now he was showing her attention, suggesting she cook for him and Octagon. What the hell?

Tank knew he was avoiding the situation with Pepper. He let all the business meetings keep him busy and away from having to deal with it. Not to mention a few texts from Olivia. He'd have to get firm with her as ignoring her didn't seem to work. Coincidentally a box of wine had gone missing, which made absolutely no sense.

Meg had been bugging him about the papers too, more from the angle of caring what happened than having it out for Pepper. It relieved him she wasn't giving him a hard time about Pepper still being here. At least she'd backed off after asking him about it initially.

He'd filed away the dissolution business papers after realizing he'd carelessly left them on his desk. He'd also left the weird note he'd found stuck to the back door by the parking lot under the papers. It didn't make any sense, just a scribble of nonsensical words that didn't seem concerning, but Tank kept it just in case. He might have to call his old buddy Joe to do some digging if anything else strange happened.

If Pepper had ever seen either of these things, then shit, that would have been a nightmare. Making it official and presenting the papers for her to sign wasn't as easy as he thought it would be. After the break-in he'd been pretty sure she needed to leave. The night of the gala had been perfect and he'd seen her in a whole new light. It made him really second-guess his decision to split things up with her. Having her by his side had been like old times. And he liked it. She was good for the business too. But was she good for him anymore? The guys had teased him, as they always did. Telling him they'd be happy to keep her company. The flash of jealous anger he felt at the thought of her being with someone else was another tip-off that he'd better rethink this whole situation.

He'd looked for her later that night, wanting to spend more time with her, but she'd disappeared and he'd been disappointed. Likely she'd gone to bed. Which only reminded him of the night he'd stayed with her. In fact, he remembered how she'd crawled over him all too well. Most nights, it was almost impossible to sleep without dreaming about her.

Tank stood behind his desk and stared at it, thinking, which he'd done an awful lot of lately. He was almost certain he would rip up those papers and the check. She had no idea he had them, so it wasn't like he had to explain them. He did like seeing her in the kitchen, though. It showed how well she could fit into the business. Even if he wasn't sure they fit together anymore. In truth, he hadn't really given it much opportunity, being tied up in meetings with Christian and that quick business trip. Knowing she was under his roof, even if he wasn't in the building, made him feel good. She was near him and safe. Again. God, how he wanted to stay mad at her. Push her away and make her suffer like he had. And yet, he couldn't. It felt too damn good to have her home.

He sighed and shuffled stuff around on his desk. There was no need to even bring up the subject of dissolving the business with her. He didn't have to tell her what he'd done in a moment of…what? What moment had that been? Weakness. Cowardice. And he was neither of those. Deep down inside, no matter how he tried to spin it, he wanted her around. But could he ever love her again? Or, even more alarming, had he ever stopped?

His phone pinged. He didn't need the meeting reminder. This new venture with Christian, if they could work out the kinks, could be an interesting proposition. Tank was excited to see if the possibility was there. The one thing he admitted to himself was how much he enjoyed getting Octagon ready to open. Watching the plans come to life and seeing the final result was very satisfying.

If becoming partners with Christian fell into place, Tank felt that Pepper would be a great asset as well. She had vision. He had to decide, one way or the other, if he was going to keep the papers. It was a decision he had to make. Sooner rather than later.

His phone pinged again. Thumbing his finger across the screen, he frowned when he saw who the new text was from. Olivia. It wasn't the first time she'd reached out to him after he'd thrown her out, but it would be the last. She'd pushed him too far. He couldn't understand what was wrong with her. Debating if he should ignore her again, he decided not to this time.

Stop texting me. If you continue I'll have to take legal action.

Tank opened his contacts and scrolled down. That settled it. He'd call Joe anyway, have him start doing what he does. He tapped to dial.

“ 'Lo,” a deep voice answered.

“Hey, buddy. What's going on?” Tank grabbed his coat and left the office, locking the door behind him.

“Dog! Same old. So what brings you to call? Shit happening again?”

“Could be.”

“What is it about you? You attract the crazies like I've never seen before.”

“Whatever. Listen, I need you to keep an eye around here. Will you be in town?”

“If you mean am I coming to Toronto from Vegas, no, hadn't planned on it. Want me to get someone else?”

“Yeah, sure.” Tank slid into the Hummer. He figured if Joe knew another PI and trusted him then so could he.

“Same kind of stuff?”

“Yup, someone broke into the loft and scared the crap out of Pepper—”

“Whoa! What? Pepper? She's back?” Then Joe
hmph
ed a couple times.

Tank sighed and wheeled the truck down the laneway between the buildings from the back parking lot. “She's back. I don't want to get into it now. But I need you or whoever to look into a few things. Cops have no clue about the break-in, which is typical. I've got some weird letters and notes in a file for you. Some stuff has gone missing around here and there's been someone hanging around too. Nobody familiar and maybe not related at all. Just need you to check on it.”

“Ten-four. Need some extra security too?”

“Yes, I was thinking about that. Send me some names of local guys and I'll check it out.”

“Will do. That it?”

“Yup. Keep me in the loop. Thanks.”

“Later.”

Tank hung up and put the phone in his pocket. He felt a little better now, having his old buddy take care of things. They'd trained together years ago, but Joe never got back in the ring after having a bad knockout and concussion. He had a pretty good setup now, and Tank sent business his way whenever he could. Which was good for Joe but shitty for Tank because that usually meant trouble.

He only hoped this was all for nothing.