I’m not naïve. I know she would love me to get together with Pepper because her father is the governor, her mother is Mom’s best friend, and there is talk of a future presidential run for Paul. Mom would love those kinds of bragging rights, but it’s not happening. Pepper will never be anything more than a friend.
Chapter Four
Garrick
“Here. You look like you need this.” Pepper hands me a bottle of beer as we make our way from the presentation room to the restaurant.
“Thanks. I have done as much schmoozing as I can handle today.”
“It’s exhausting at times though I mostly don’t mind.”
“You’ve grown up in political circles, so I imagine it’s as natural as breathing for you,” I remind her, holding the door open so she can walk through first. “Dad kept me sheltered from all the corporate bullshit that comes with the job until recently. He wanted me to have a normal upbringing.”
“I envy you that, but I think you’re being too hard on yourself. You’re a natural. They were all putty in your hands,” she says as we approach the woman at the front desk.
“Welcome, Mr. Allen and Miss Montgomery. We’re so pleased you could join us today,” the older woman says, smiling kindly. She’s very striking with strawberry-blonde hair and warm green eyes.
“Thank you, Ms. Colson,” I reply, discreetly skimming my gaze over her name tag. “We are delighted to celebrate the inaugural tournament and hope to sponsor the event going forward.” It was a resounding success, and I already know Dad will want to strike a deal. No harm in putting it out there now.
Pepper tilts her head and grins. “Natural,” she mouths, and my lips kick up at the corners.
“If you would follow me, I will show you to your table,” Ms. Colson says.
Pepper loops her arm in mine as I escort her across the large room, both of us tipping our heads at guests as we pass.
When we reach our table, I pull out a chair for Pepper, and Ms. Colson smiles warmly at me.
“There is water on the table, but can I get you anything else?” she asks, circumspectly eyeing the beer in my hand and the wineglass Pepper is lifting to her lips. I turned twenty a few weeks ago, and Pepper isn’t quite twenty-one yet, but my father is sponsoring this event, and our winery is supplying all the wine, so no one is going to call us out for underage drinking.
“We’re fine for now, but thank you,” I say as I claim the chair alongside my friend.
“I’ll send my best waitress to your table as soon as your party is fully seated. Enjoy your lunch.”
“This place is nice,” Pepper says after Ms. Colson has left. “The views are stunning.”
I glance out the window at the sumptuous grounds bordering the large lake. The water is calm today, and soft rays of buttery sunlight glint off the surface. Imposing mountains loom majestically in the background. “They are. It reminds me of my dad’s house in North Bend. It’s on a large private plot facing the lake, surrounded by mountains.”
“It sounds like heaven.”
“It is. I loved growing up there. I spent my youth hiking, cycling, fishing, and kayaking. When I have time, I go home over the weekend to take my brothers out on the lake.” Dad and Dawn had twin boys seven years ago. I don’t get to see much of John and Jacob since moving to Oregon, but I try to make it home a few weekends during the year, and I am there for most of summer break.
Gradually, Mom, her date, Winston, Pepper’s parents, and another couple take their seats at our table, and conversation is lively while everyone peruses the menu. I’m grateful for Pepper’s company at events like this. It stops the boredom from setting in too early.
“Good afternoon,” someone with a somewhat familiar voice says, and I whip my head up, startled to find a stunning redhead standing at the side of our table. She’s addressing Mom and not looking in my direction yet. “I’m Stevie, and I’ll be your server today.”
A slow grin spreads over my mouth, quickly transforming into a full-blown smile. Things just got infinitely less boring. “Well, hello again, Stevie. I wasn’t expecting to bump into you so soon, but it’s a most pleasant surprise.”
Her eyes pop wide when she notices me. Air filters through her slightly parted lips, and her jaw slackens, for a few seconds, before she composes herself. Stevie clears her throat. “Mr. Allen. It’s good to see you again.” I hate the fake smile she plasters on her face, but I can’t fault her professionalism.
She is even more stunning under the full glare of the late-spring sunshine pouring through the large window. Minimal makeup paints her pretty face, and her beautiful auburn hair is tied back in a high ponytail, highlighting her stunning features. Gorgeous green eyes framed by long lashes coexist with a cute nose, defined cheekbones, full lips, and delicate porcelain skin with the tiniest hint of freckles across the bridge of her nose. Her skin is flawless, and my fingers itch with a craving to touch her. To discover if her smooth skin feels like silk under my hands. The plain white blouse and black pencil skirt hug her womanly curves in all the right places, and she manages to make the drab uniform look enticing.
Her eyes connect with mine, and a spark of electricity charges the space between us.
Just like on Friday night.
I can’t remember ever feeling such an immediate attraction to any woman before.
I’m sure I’m staring like a dog in heat, but I cannot help myself.
She is breathtaking, and I am enchanted.
I have got to convince her to go out with me.
Letting her go without exploring the connection between us would be sinful.
“How exactly do you two know each other?” my mother asks in a prickly tone I’m all too accustomed with.
No doubt, she has picked up on the vibe between us, and she’s not happy.
If she could scowl, she would be doing so.
“Stevie attends UO,” I explain, not taking my eyes from the woman who has instantly captivated me. “She’s a sophomore like me. We met at the bar where I was playing Friday night. She was waitressing there too.”
“What a hardworking young woman,” the governor says, and I couldn’t agree more.
I wonder if this is why Stevie said she didn’t need the distraction. Is it more the case she doesn’t have the time to date? I don’t see how she can have much free time if she holds down two jobs and full-time studies.
Yet, I won’t let that stop me.
Stubborn determination is practically my middle name.
“We need more young people setting such good examples,” the governor adds. “Well done, young lady.” Paul is a good man, and I know he means well, but it’s coming off a bit patronizing.
“Thank you, sir.” Stevie’s cheeks pink a little, and I can tell she’s uncomfortable.
“We should let Stevie do her job,” Pepper says, sending a friendly smile in Stevie’s direction. “The restaurant is full, and I’m sure she’s busy.”
Stevie shoots a grateful smile in Pepper’s direction. “What would you all like?”
You to go out on a date with me.
I think it, but I don’t articulate it. No sense in riling my mother up further.