Page 115 of Playing Mr. Perfect

“Sounds like she cares about you and not just what you bring to the table,” my father says.

Seth barks out a laugh. “She wouldn’t give him the time of day because of his fame and reputation.”

“I wondered why she kept taking off. That’s a nice change,” my father says.

“You can say that again. She’s nothing like any other woman I’ve ever gone out with. She’s sweet and funny, and so damn smart, I can barely keep up with her. I mentioned that my shoulder is giving me trouble when I throw, and now she’s working on a prototype for a sensory glove to help with it.”

Seth’s brow slants. “Your shoulder is affecting your throwing?”

Fuck. I didn’t mean to divulge that. “Just enough for me to notice. Nothing to be concerned about.” I can feel him scrutinizing my reaction. “The point is, beyond my coaches, a few buddies, and family, nobody has ever given a damn about me and what I might be going through or wanted to be there for me in that way, to help me through the tough stuff. Pepper worries about me, my emotions, my physical state, my stress.”

“You’ve never let anyone get close enough to see the real you before her,” Seth points out.

“There’s never been anyone who made me want to let my guard down.”

“She sounds like a remarkable woman all around,” my father says. “I assume you’re doing nice things for her, too? Adding value to her life, not just social media headlines?”

“Beyond sexual pleasure,” Seth goads.

I smirk and give him a loaded answer. “I bring pleasure to her life in and out of the bedroom.” He doesn’t need to know that I also bring out her reckless side in and out of the bedroom, adding sexual pleasure to our lives and happiness to our hearts. I smile to myself thinking about the fun we had Sunday morning when I convinced her to go for a short run with me through the park, followed by a polar plunge in the lake. The run was more like a fast walk interspersed with jogging and stolen kisses, but I’ve never seen her smile as much as she did when she ran into my arms after the polar plunge, shivering and saying she wanted to do it again.

We also went to a pub with Ravi, Chris, and Min last night. We had a great time, and we’re watching the Super Bowl with them this Sunday. I like this road of discovery we’re on together, figuring out who we are as individuals and partners, and I look forward to a lot more of it.

“Your mother and I would love to meet her someday,” my father says.

“You will.”

“Any idea when?” my father asks.

“I’m all for meeting Pepper,” Seth says, “but this guy needs to get those hearts out of his eyes and focus on that contract and the future of his career before the opportunity closes.”

My fucking future.

I know I need to get my shit together and figure that out, but right now the only thing I’m certain of, is that I want Pepper in it.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Pepper

“I think we actually have a shot at this funding,” Ravi says as we head for his car Wednesday afternoon after pitching our migraine device and the hands-free mouse alternative to MS Enterprises.

“I got that feeling, too. They also seemed interested in hearing about our other ideas.”

He opens the passenger door for me and goes around to his side of the car. I pull out my phone as he settles behind the wheel.

“Sending Dr. Bowry a thank-you?”

“No, but I will. I’m texting Clay. He was so excited for us this morning. I want to let him know how it went.”

“Look at you, excited about texting a man, and hardly working overtime anymore. I guess you’re enjoying having him around after all.”

I lower my phone to my lap and look at him. “What do you mean after all? You know I love being with him. You saw us at dinner the other night. There was no shortage of PDA.” We met Ravi, Chris, and Min for pizza and wings at a pub Monday night. We played pool and darts, which I hadn’t done since college, and we had a wonderful time. We’re getting together with them Sunday to watch the Super Bowl, and I’m even excited about that.

“I also know you fought it tooth and nail for a long time, Little Miss If Anyone Asks, I Had a Work Emergency This Weekend.”

“I didn’t know who he was for all that time. I thought he was just a self-centered jock. Now I know he’s someone who loves his family and cares deeply about other people, and he sees all of me, Ravi. Like you do.”

“I assure you, Clay sees more of you than I have in a very long time.” He flashes me a teasing grin. “I’m happy for you. It’s good to see you smiling and not so stressed all the time. How long is he staying?”