“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 clean-up. 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.”
8
Pepper
“No.”
“No? How can you say no? Wait. I don’t even have to ask you.” Abel tries to make a grab for my phone, but I lean away from him. “Deal,” I say before Abel is somehow able to stop me.
“Tomorrow, and I want your word.” Even Chad’s voice grates on my nerves.
“Tomorrow. You have my word.” When I dare to peek over at Abel, he looks as if he might explode. I hang up the phone quickly. Neither of us say anything for a long moment.
“I shouldn’t have snapped at you.” Oh, that was not what I thought he was going to say. I’m immediately suspicious about this change in attitude.
“We didn’t really have much of a choice and it’s only one stupid date.”
“One date with you is far from stupid, sweetheart.” Gah, he can say the sweetest things that catch me off guard. I know he’s trying to stay calm, but his hands on the steering wheel are giving him away. His knuckles are beginning to turn white from the tight grip he has on it.
“My imaginary boyfriend is probably going to break up with me after this.”
“Good, you can stop throwing him in my face then.” I giggle and finally get a small smirk from Abel. “We’ll deal with the Chad shit later. We’ve got bigger shit to handle right now.” I nod in agreement. I’m not sure what there is to deal with. All I have to do is go on a date with the man and hope there is at least good food. It won’t be as good as what Abel made because the man can freaking cook, but it will be free food nonetheless.
“Oh crap,” I say when we pull up outside the building. A bunch of people are already standing out front. I’m not sure, but I think Chad followed through.