Built For Love

Built For Love chapter 10

Abel .

I should’ve ended the tour in the bedroom and not the kitchen,that way, Pepper could be lingering over

the sheets and not the measuring cups. I’d be one step closer to getting her clothes off. Instead, I’m making steak fajitas and Mexican street corn—not that this shit

isn’t delicious, but my mouth would rather be busy eating her p***y at this moment. “What’s your dream house?” I ask as I mix the cheese into the cooked corn. “Lots of natural light, warm woods, cozy feel.”

I glance around the kitchen. It’s big with its two islands and double

ovens, but the overstuffed sofas in front of the television in the adjacent family gathering area fits her description. Like I said earlier, it just needs finishing touches from the woman in my life..“Can’t wait to see what you do to this place then.” I pop a piece of seasoned steak into my mouth and then place one in hers when she parts her

lips to protest. I know she’s not ready to slide the ring on her finger and say “till death do us part” but she also doesn’t need to manifest her “no”s so often. A mewling by my leg reminds me I need to get Bear a treat. “Hold whatever thought you have until after Bear gets some milk in his tummy. We don’t want to upset the baby, right?” While Pepper chews on that thought and the steak, I get the whole milk out of the fridge and pour some into a small stainless steel cup for Bear. Pepper finishes her piece of meat about the same time as Bear finishes lapping up the milk. She bends down and scoops the baby cat into her arms. It’s easy to envision her holding a real baby and not just a kitten. It’s as if

this place was made for her. Maybe it was. I built it with a family in mind

and now I’m going to fill it with a wife and kids and pets. Bear and Pepper are the start. “You have a very satisfied look on your face,” she comments between bites. I wash down my fajita with a half of a bottle of beer. “I’m imagining you here every morning. It’s a good fit.”

She scrunches her nose. “I knew I shouldn’t have said anything.”

“Hey, give me some credit. I edited out the dirty bits.” “I think I’m done here.” She gets to her feet and starts gathering the plates.

I make a zipping motion across my lips. “I promise to keep my mouth

shut.” From the sink, she eyes me skeptically. “For how long?”

“At least an hour.” I grin. The phone rings, saving her from a response.

“Abel here,” I say into the receiver.

“Boss, your new place is a wreck,” says my foreman Dale.

“I know. It’s why I bought it.” I shove the plates into the dishwasher.

“Good location and big upside.”

“The only big thing happening here is a water leak. It’s flooding

everywhere and there is some old electrical wiring here. I think you should come and take a look. The power company won’t shut the power off unless you give them a call and I’ve got a half dozen anxious residents.”.“We need to move everyone out.” “I know. We’re working on it but short staffed because half the crew is

working on the Brookline project. I’ve pulled as many as I can off the job

but it’ll still be hours until the building is clear.” “Got it. I’ll be over in twenty to help out. Make sure that you get the kids out first.”

“On it.” I hang up and motion for Pepper to leave the dishes. “Got you

out just in time. There’s burst pipes over at your place and some exposed wiring. I’m going over to assess the damage and then help with the cleanup. Take care of Bear while I’m gone.” “Is everyone out and safe?” she asks with worried eyes.

“Everyone will be.”. She grabs a towel and wipes her hands hastily. “Let me come too. I can

help.” I edge toward the door. “I’d rather you stay here where it’s safe.”

“I’d rather come with you.” She doesn’t look like she’s taking no for an answer. I like the spirit, but I’m not happy with the results. Still, I get that you can’t have both. A strong woman is going to have strong ideas. “There’s.water and power, which is a deadly combination.”

“I’ll carry what I’m told to carry and stay out of the dangerous places.”

I swallow a sigh and give in. “Okay, but if I tell you to get back into the

truck you’re going to do so with no arguments.” She gives me a smartass salute. “Yessir.”

I’m probably making a mistake here, but I help her into my truck. On

the way into town, I call the power company, but they refuse to turn it off on my say-so because I’m not the registered deed owner. That’s still Chad Walker. The title transfer isn’t going to happen for at least a couple of weeks. I try to get the sucker on the phone but the call keeps going to.voicemail. “Bad news,” I call and tell Dale. “The power company giving you the stiff arm, too?” “Yeah, so be careful.” “Roger that.” I tap my fingers on the steering wheel and then remember that Pepper

had said something about Walker being a creep. Has he tried to ask her out? If so, she would have a number for him, and maybe it’s a different line than

the one he gives out to business partners. “You ever get Chad’s number?” I ask. “My landlord?”

“Ex-landlord, but yeah.”

“Sure. Why?” She digs out her phone..“He’s still the owner on paper and the power company won’t terminate the power to the building unless he calls it in. For some reason, he’s avoiding my phone calls.” Pepper lifts the phone to her ear. “I’ll give it a try.” I hear the ring on the other end, and then a male voice picks up. I can’t make out what the bastard is saying, only that Pepper is saying yes way too many times. She exhales heavily as she mutes the call. “You’re not going to

like this.” “I’m one hundred percent certain you’re correct, but lay it on me anyway.” “In order to get the power shut off, I have to go on a date with Chad."