Destiny Undone: The Complete Series Box Set by Amanda Heartley Read Free Book Online Page B

frolicking in the pools.
    Before I could break the news to her discretely, Bobbie Jo spoke up. “What in God’s name are you wearing? That’s not a bathing suit.”
    Pepper looked straight at her and her hand went straight to her waist—she seemed aggravated. “What’s wrong with it? Should I have worn a one-piece? I don’t think I even own one.”
    “Well, you sure can’t wear anything sparkly in the water. Some of the more predatory and aggressive animals will think you’re dinner, and not to mention, it doesn’t cover up very much, does it? By the end of the summer you’ll have much more sun than you want. Let’s see, I’ve got Sea Lab t-shirts for everyone. For today, wear one of these larger ones as a cover up. Okay?”
    The look on her face said it all. Once again, she’d embarrassed herself and I could practically see the wheels turning in her head. I wondered if she’d even make it through the day. I looked at my watch and said, “Bobbie Jo, take these three down to see the animals and I’ll wait for Pepper. We’ll meet you there.”
    “Sure, Gabe.”
    The group followed Bobbie Jo, but David gave one last look at Pepper and said, “I think you look great.”
    Pepper sighed and slid the oversized shirt over her shoulders. She pulled a ponytail holder off her wrist and piled her blonde hair on top of her head in a messy bun. To me, she looked sexier now than when she’d strutted around in her sequined bikini. She pushed her glasses up on her head. “I think I’m going to put these shoes up too. Be right back.” The reluctant intern came back after a minute and I could tell she’d been crying.
    “Don’t let Bobbie Jo bother you. She’s not much of a people person. Come on, it’s this way. We’ll stop by the gift shop and get you some flip flops. The training area is nothing but concrete and you’ll tear up your feet if you walk around barefoot down there.
    “I asked you what I should wear. You didn’t say anything about a one-piece.” I tried to ignore how good she smelled—like vanilla and strawberries and something else, something sweet and overwhelmingly sexy.
    I chuckled, “Sorry, I’m not the guy to give fashion advice, clearly. The glasses are great though.”
    “You’re making fun of me too?”
    “Haven’t you ever been to Sea Lab before?” I sighed and wondered how someone so beautiful, and somewhat intelligent, could be so disconnected from reality.
    “Yeah, when I was a kid. But, I wasn’t watching the people who worked here to see what they wore.”
    One of the girls in the gift shop recognized me, “Hi, Gabe! How can I help you?”
    “Hi, Anita. Pepper here, needs a pair of flip flops. What size do you wear?”
    “A six—oh, those are cute.” She ran to the wall where all the shoes were on display, but we didn’t have time for shopping so I thought I’d better cut this off right now.
    “Oh my God! Is that Pepper Anderson? Isn’t she?…didn’t she?…”
    “Yes,” I whispered, “but please keep it to yourself.” Anita nodded, wide-eyed, “Great, she’ll take those. Send the invoice to my inbox please. Thanks. Let’s go, Pepper. We’re getting behind.”
    “I’m not sure what color to get,” Pepper chewed a nail while she tried to decide. I walked to the wall of flip flops, reached for a size six pair and handed them to her.
    “I don’t mean to be a hard-ass, but we have to go.” She took the shoes out of my hands and tore off the string that held them together.
    “Really? Blue? So not my color.” I walked out of the gift shop and she tagged along behind me as she slid into her shoes. “Hey, wait for me.” She reached her hand out to steady herself on my arm while she slid her toes in the left shoe. I couldn’t help but notice her perfectly pink polished toenails. She smiled up at me, “I’m ready.”
    By the time we’d made it to the training area, I could tell the girl in the gift shop hadn’t followed my instructions about keeping