Now that I’ve had a taste of freedom and what being happy is, I want to continue making myself as happy as possible. I think telling Ben how I feel would do that. I’ve come clean on one lie, so why shouldn’t I come clean to Ben about my feelings?
I rub my sweaty palms against my legs, the absence of cloth not doing much to soak up the liquid, more like I’m just smearing it from one skin surface to another.
“We love you, Pepper. Thanks for telling us the truth,” Mom says, and I bring my attention back to them.
“I love y’all,” I say with a smile, looking them both in the eyes, relieved to finally have everything out in the open.
“I have reservations for dinner tomorrow. Is that okay?” Dad asks, his eyebrows raised at me.
“Yeah, sure.” I smile brightly. I blocked off the entire weekend for them, so I’m as free as a bird.
My dad’s face morphs into a frown as I notice Mom’s elbow is lodged directly into his stomach region. He grimaces, and frankly, he looks a bit constipated.
“Would you like to come as well, Ben?” He pastes what could pass for a smile on his face as he looks at the guy in the living room.
Ben glances at me and then shakes his head. “I’m good. Y’all have your family time,” he says, and my dad looks visibly relieved.
I sigh in contentment, happy that I made the right decision. And now, I’m going to go get my happily ever after. Right after my parents leave.
19 Ben
This morning, Pepper left with her parents to show them around Nashville, and I bowed out of going. She shot me a glare as if she couldn’t believe that I would leave her alone, but after yesterday’s meal, my nerves are shot. I had hoped to meet her parents under better circumstances, and it would have been fantastic if they had known about me beforehand.
I just want to hit the gym and work out some of this tension. I decide to call Mason and see if he wants to meet me at the gym.
“Mason,” I say as soon as he answers the phone. “You up for some gym time?”
I know he’s not on shift right now, but Ezra and Craig are.
“Sorry, man. Promised Jules a day together.”
I nod before realizing he can’t see me.
“All right. Have a good one.”
I throw my phone on my bed and watch Danger jump up to curl on top of my pillow.
“Whaddaya say, big guy? Wanna go for a run?”
Danger’s head perks up, and his tongue lolls out while I hunt around for his leash and harness. There’s a nice running trail about a block down from the apartment, and I plan to make good use of it. Well, as much as I can in the humid heat of the South in September.
After heading out, I let my feet pound the pavement, and I try to clear my mind of all things related to Mark or Pepper. Out here, I’m just a regular guy with zero problems. The sweat pours down my back, and I can see Danger wilting after two miles. It’s too hot out here, even for him, and I slow to a walk, the tension still crawling up my spine. I kick myself for not going to the gym.
As soon as we get back to the apartment, I strip my clothes off and shower. I contemplate jerking off, but I know it won’t help. It can’t compare to the real thing. My body wants to feel soft skin, and my hands want to wrap around long, dark hair. My eyes want to see deep brown eyes staring up at me and a smile curving that luscious mouth up. All for me. I ache to sink my fingers into her skin, run my hands along the curve in her back, feast my eyes upon her breasts, and taste her neck as it arches back while I touch her everywhere.
I groan and flop down on my bed. Hell, I even offered to get naked with her the other day, and she couldn’t get out of my presence fast enough. Covering my eyes with my arm, I attempt to erase the images from my mind, but it’s no use. I’ve got it bad for my roommate. My delicious, sexy, curvy, soft, hot-as-hell roommate.
Pepper
Once my parents’ visit is over, I feel extremely happy that I told them the truth. A huge weight is off of me, and I don’t feel such anxiety over my decision anymore. I could tell that Dad still wasn’t thrilled with my choice, and he is holding on to the idea that I’m going to change my mind, but Mom was supportive of culinary school. However, they both were sad that I’d kept everything from them. I think it will take some time for our relationship to get back to normal, but I decide not to lie again. It’s not worth it.
This morning, I got up and got ready for class. I didn’t see Ben, so our conversation will have to wait.
I’m trying to focus on the instructor at the front of the room, going over what we are making for the day. The slides show tiramisu and a baked apple crumble. We will be judged on technique, flavor, and presentation. Desserts are my forte, and I can’t wait to be elbow deep in flour and sugar and all sorts of delicious confections.
The day passes with peeling apples, mixing egg whites with mascarpone cheese, and separately assembling the two delicious desserts.
Before I know it, I’m running to the restroom to throw on some jeans and a nice shirt, so I can try to make it through rush-hour traffic in Nashville to my interview and possibly first evening
