Built For Love

Chapter 8

She doesn’t gasp in shock like I thought she would. Instead, she raises her own eyebrow and says, “And what if I was?” “Well, it would hurt me, but I’d have to do it.” “Do what?” “Gouge Beck’s eyes out.”

“What?” she almost shouts.

I swing down my private drive. “You’re right. It’s not fair to Beck to

lose his eyes when you’re the one who saw him having s*x, but I can’t take your pretty orbs. How will you admire my pretty face every day if you couldn't see? The next best option is to make it so that Beck doesn’t ever.gaze upon you again. But that’s not good for either of us because while Beck’s my best friend, I don’t think he’d take kindly to me maiming him permanently, so it’s just best that you stay here.”

I pull the truck to a stop and wave my hand toward the modern farmhouse that serves as my home. Pepper’s eyes grow huge as she takes in the wide wraparound porch, the careful landscaping, and the big double doors that lead into an airy living

room. The whole back of the house is glass overlooking a natural pond that I have unnaturally stocked with some trout and bass for fishing. “This looks like a home,” she says finally.

“Yup.” “It’s yours, isn’t it?”

“Yup.” She tears her gaze away from the front door to glare at me. “I am not living with you. Not now and not ever!

PEPPER

How did I get in here? Abel stands holding my laundry basket in the entryway of his home. Right I need to use the bathroom. I’ll do that real quick and then I’m out of here.

“You can just put that back in the truck.” I point at my basket. “This

will be quick. I won’t need anything out of there since I only came in to use the bathroom.” If I keep telling him, then maybe he’ll finally get the fact that I’m not planning on staying. Instead of returning my basket to the car, he kicks the door shut and sets it down on a chair. “Whatever. Where’s the bathroom?”

“This way.” I try not to look around the ridiculously wonderful house.

This is one of those dream homes out of one of those town and country magazines. I thought the outside was stunning with that wraparound porch. The one that made me momentarily daydream sitting on it with a good book

while sipping some lemonade. But the exterior had nothing on the interior of this gorgeous home.

“You live here alone?” I itch to open some of the doors as we move

down the long hallway. “Yeah, for now.” “No kids? I bet kids would love that backyard. There is so much room.” “There is. I could put in a pool or swing set. There is also a giant oak out there I think I could hang a swing on.” He stops walking and I almost run right into him.

“This is a lot of house for one person.” “Room to grow.” He turns back around, opening the double doors at the end of the hallway. I follow him into the master bedroom Oh my.” Two of the walls are covered in glass. The sun pours into the

room onto the bed. “I would ask how you get dressed in here but I guess noone is around so it doesn’t matter.” I walk over to the window, looking out into the backyard and seeing the tree he was talking about. It is perfect for a swing. He flips some switch and the glass blacks out. The whole room goes

pitch black before he flips it back on again. This house really does have

everything. “Bathroom is there.” He points to another door.

“Thanks.” Abel sits down on the bed, watching me as I head into the bathroom. “Are you serious right now?” I turn around and gawk at him. That has to be the most stunning bathroom I’ve ever seen. It’s a girl's dream. “Wait. Are you sure you’re not married? Maybe divorced?”

“I don’t believe in divorce.” “I wish more people were like that. Many just give up.” “You fight for what you want and then you keep fighting to make sure it’s always yours.” He sends me a heated look. Now I’m talking about marriage with him. I dart into the bathroom and slam the door. I hear Abel chuckle.

“Wait. Are these floors heated?”

“They are. All the floors are. Can’t have your toes getting cold in the

winter.” I run my hand across the sink, but my eyes never leave the giant tub. I bet it could fit four people. Or a bunch of little ones. I shake the stupid thought and use the bathroom. I need to get out of this place. It’s messing with my head. It’s too pretty and out of my league or comfort level. When I come back out Abel is still sitting there waiting for me. “Do you

want a tour?” “No.” I lie. “But I think as a designer I should have a look around.” “Of course. You’re welcome anywhere. Nothing is off limits.” I follow him back out of the bedroom as he leads me through the house.

“This is all really amazing.”

“I think in my line of work it’s expected for my house to be. No?”

“True.” I stand at the kitchen island that’s a chef’s dream kitchen. You

could easily cater a small party here. “You don’t have many personal

touches to it,” I point out.