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“It actually started with the three of us,” he said. “Jeff is her ex-husband.”

Pepper threw up her hands. “Do we now lay out my personal life for everyone, Tommy?”

He winced. “I was just?—”

“It was rude of me to ask,” I said quickly, trying to smooth things over just enough to keep Tommy out of trouble. “I was just curious. I’ve heard about Rosethorn.”

“Everyone has,” she said sweetly.

I had to fight a laugh. She wasnothappy with me. “Well, it’s a pleasure to meet you, Pepper.”

“I’m glad you two met in a more casual environment. Pepper is known to be a little scary in the office,” Tommy laughed nervously.

Her expression turned unreadable and I frowned. I didn’t like the walls that went up.

Tommy didn’t seem to notice. And if he did, he acted like he didn’t. “Come on, Dan is getting us more drinks. I’ll buy us all a round.”

Pepper shook her head. “I’m done for the night, Tommy.”

“What? You just got here,” he complained. “You’ve only been here for an hour. There’s so much more you could get into tonight. Like, you know, have some fun with someone…”

“I heard the one you wanted me to hear,” she said tightly. “That’s all I came for.”

The one he wanted her to hear. Like I was a product. Like I hadn’t wrapped her in my words, in my music, pulling her across the room, down the hall, into my nasty, obsessive grip.

“Come on,” Tommy pleaded. “When was the last time you stayed out late? It's been too long since you've just enjoyed music the way you used to. Come have a drink and sit with us.”

Pepper gave him a harsh look that would have withered the balls on any other man alive. I could see why she was the boss.

But, I couldn’t help wondering why it had been so long since she had enjoyed music. Why hadn’t she been out in so long? The ease between her and Tommy felt like more than just coworkers—they were friends. Even if he was clearly trying to push her to do something she wasn’t going to do.

I couldn’t believe coffee girl was the fucking CEO of Rosethorn Records.

I was unlucky. Truly.

“I don't want to impose,” I said. “Besides, I don’t drink.”

“Nonsense,” Tommy said easily. “You don’t want a beer or something?”

“I don’t drink,” I said again firmly. “But if there’s food involved, I’m open.”

He nodded eagerly, giving Pepper a pleading look. “Come on, Pep. We can always go to a restaurant and grab some dinner. Get to know Mr. Salt. He’s hungry.”

Iwashungry.

I was hungry for her. I was hungry for whatever just happened, whatever was happening.

I wasn’t sure I’d make it through an entire dinner with her though. Not while wondering about the part of her that had pushed her ass against me.

Pepper shook her head. “I’m sorry. We’ll talk on Monday, Tommy. I don’t want to go to dinner.”

“I can walk you to your car,” I offered.

“I only live a few blocks from here,” she said. “I’ll walk.”

Tommy shook his head. “You can't just walk home. Don’t make me go get Dan.”

That made her laugh, her expression loosening for a split second. She bumped Tommy’s shoulder with her own, and both of them seemed to relax significantly.

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