Built For Love

Built For Love Chapter 5

“Ten percent.” She wrinkles her nose. “In addition to your cut from all the trade goods we purchase through

you,” I hastily add. Beck’s not going to like this, but then he moved our

headquarters to a new building last year when Marist mentioned she was tired of the commute. And when she struggled carting goods around in her Mini Cooper, he bought her a Mercedes G wagon. Technically the company owns the sports utility vehicle, but only Marist drives it. Then there was the corporate retreat to the Bahamas after Marist saw a flyer about it at the coffee shop. One building is nothing. “What’s the catch?” Pepper asks. “Catch?” I’m not following. “Yeah. These are really favorable terms and you haven’t even seen my portfolio.” “Pepper, this is your portfolio.” I wave my arm around the apartment.

“It’s warm and inviting. Seems to me that this style is what people want

these days.” “Well…” She wants to be convinced and I’m more than happy to do it. “I get it. You need food. You can’t have a good business deal without food.” I hustle her out the door. “We’ll go have lunch, hammer out the details, and put them all in a contract. You tell me what your walk-away terms are and I’ll present them to my business partner.”

“You have a business partner?” she asks. “Why the surprise? Don’t you think I’m easygoing and nice to work

with?” “I think you’re high handed and presumptuous,” she retorts. I stick the laundry basket in the backseat of my pickup and open the passenger door for her.

“But I can also be easygoing and nice to work with. You’ll see.” I close

the door before she can voice any complaints. As I’m making my way to the driver’s side, I give Beck a call.

“Good news, old man,” I say cheerily into the phone. “Oh no. Not this I can’t wait to tell you what idea I cooked up the tone of voice. How much is this going to cost me?” “It’s all good, my friend. I’ve got a great plan that might seem scary at

first, but once you plunge into the deep end, you’ll immediately recognize how great it is.” “I’m really worried now.” “Have I ever steered you wrong?” I pull open the driver’s side and climb in. Pepper raises an eyebrow and I give her a wink in return. “Yes, many times, but since we’re partners, I guess I’m going to have to live with i That’s the spirit. But in all seriousness, this plan of mine involves you getting closer to Marist.”Beck goes silent for a half beat and then, “The checkbook is yours.” I huffed out a laugh. “I knew you would see it my way.” I hang up and turn to Pepper. “My partner is on board and all you have to do is sign"

Pepper.

What am I doing? It’s not until Abel is pulling away from the curb that I realize how easily I agreed to go with this man. I hopped into his truck as if it were no big deal. As though

we had been friends for years instead of him being a complete stranger. In my defense, he all but pushed his way into my apartment, where he then poked

around and demanded I pack. For all I know he might not actually be who he claims to be. He did know who Chad was, though. I glance over at him. He gives me a wink that’s all too sexy. I didn't know winks could be sexy. Everything about him is, though. He’s got that whole rugged thing going on, but he’s put together too. I reach up, running my hand through my hair suddenly wondering what I look like. “If you’re thinking about killing me I’ll have you know I have a boyfriend. Who is big, mind you. Like really big. MMFA fighter big.” “MMFA?”