UNDERCOVER {Competed} 😌

chapter 16

Mercy.
When I went to lunch that Saturday, excitement reigned. Jim and his guests were going to Los Angeles for a movie premier over the weekend and the workers would get a much needed break. Most of them will work at least one shift,but otherwise most time we'll be free. I showed up in the middle of this discussion and one of the women asked,"are you and Joshua going over to town this weekend?"

I mumbled something about not being sure. Suddenly everyone acted as if I don't exist. The same thing had happened the previous two days.

I ate quickly,then headed to the great room and searched for racks copy of shakers. Again coming up empty- handed, I signed heavily and moved to another rack.

I can't even remember the magazine properly,but ours have been on top of it that I barely paid attention. Surely I should at least find one of Joshua's magazine. With little hope,I lifted the copy of parents and found what I was looking for underneath.

"Aha" but my delight soon turned into dismay. It was a resent issue-dated only the day before,in fact Laura's face was all over the cover. I was still fuming when I heard footsteps behind me. Shoving the magazine back behind me,I spun around

"Finding something interesting Pepper?" Joshua asked but he sounded like he really didn't want to know.

"Can't a woman wrangler wonder off in a while?"

"Whoa!..." Raising his hands,Joshua leaned back. "Who are you? What have you done to Pepper?"

"Oh right! Like we've actually been speaking to each other for the past three days." I said and rolled my eyes. "So,Joshua Dickson. To what do I owe this unexpected pleasure?"

"Nothing you'd care about." He headed for the door,then stopped and tossed the next comment over his shoulder. "David and his wife invited is again."

"When?" I struggled to conceal my interest.
"Oh,you do care."
"Frankly," I said,through tight lips,"I don't feel like going anywhere with you until I hear an apology."

"Me? Apologize?" His eyebrows lifted.
"Just tell me Joshua."

"Tomorrow night,for dinner." He paused,then added,"I think its a plot to get us back together. "

"I'm afraid they will be do disappointed,but tell David I'll be there anyway. Now leave me in peace."
"Sure."

I pivoted and gave him my back. His satisfied laugh rumbling in my ears,diminishing as he drew far away. Brushing my annoyance,I slipped the copy out rolled it up tightly,put it on my waist pack and turned to leave the great room.

Oh God! Jim was outside. Why don't this men leave me alone ?
"We'll honey,if this ain't a nice surprise," Jim checked the room. "Seems like we are alone. Its great we have found this time together,what's with you dumping your husband of yours. Don't you agree?"

Leering,he moved closer,cutting off my exit. Unless,of course I wanted to bolt past him,what can I say?

Realizing it was a chance,I smiled.
"Well," I said with flirtations swing of my hips,"it's certainly not bad at all. But I'm due back to the stables now." I glared at my wrist watch,"some other time maybe."

"You forget,honey I'm the boss."
"Why,I could never forget Mr Jim.'
" call me Jim honey."

"You know what ,uh...Jim?" I have my upper lip a playful lick really getting into my role Jim would soon get the idea I'm a woman not to reckon with.

He raised his eyebrows.
"I bet you don't know my name "
"Sure I do, you are Pepper."
"Nop." Try again.
"But everyone calls you Pepper "
"Its a pet name."