Free The Widow and the Orphan by J. Thomas-Like Page A

affection. “That’s Crank. Because he’s cranky.”
    “Really now?” Gabe reached around slowly and plucked the kitten up and held him gently against his chest. Pepper’s mouth dropped open as the little guy snuggled right in and closed his eyes, purring loudly.
    “Well, I guess we know whose boy he’s going to be.”
    “Hmm,” Gabe sighed. With one hand he stroked Crank’s back and the other he used to rub Wolfie’s ears.
    I should have gotten pets a while ago . Still holding Smudge, Pepper gazed at the perfect scene. While he looked tired from his long flight and the probable lack of rest in the emergency room in Tokyo, Gabe didn’t seem any worse for the wear. If there was anything wrong with him, it wasn’t outwardly noticeable. She went over to the couch and sat down beside him. “I love you, ya know.” She rested her head on his shoulder.
    “I am aware,” he murmured, as he pressed his head against hers. “I am quite fond of you as well.”
    Pepper snickered at their little joke. Whenever she got too smarmy for him, he would whip out his snobbiest British voice and put her in her place. She decided it was more important to enjoy the fact that he was home, with her and the new cats, than fight over whatever might have happened in Japan. There would be plenty of time to do battle.
     

Chapter 12
     
     
    Back to her usual ways, Pepper went on the offensive as soon as he’d had a shower, a meal, and a fairly good night’s sleep. As they prepared to go to work the next day, in spite of all her protests, she tossed out barbs and her two cents relentlessly.
    “You need to see a doctor.”
    “How many times are you going to pass out before you make an appointment?”
    “Maybe you should conk out on the other side, so you have matching lumps on the back of your head?”
    Each time, Gabe just laughed or jabbed back with something he knew would piss her off.
    “Perhaps you should spend your time learning wifely duties.”
    “Maybe it’s time to concentrate on wedding planning.”
    “I’m not sure if you realize it, but I’m an adult. A grown man.”
    When he left, Gabe kissed her on the forehead and promised he would call her later. Pepper shot a quick text to Aiden to make sure he was at the office. She would keep him enlisted as her spy and informant on Gabe’s every move. Of course, Aiden was already at work when he responded, assuring her he would keep an eye on her guy.
    Pepper knew she had no other choice but go into work herself, so she called Vivienne on her way.
    “I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do with him,” she sighed when Vivienne answered the phone.
    “Tell me everything.”
    Pepper related all of the events since they last spoke.
    “Where is he now?” Vivienne asked when Pepper finally stopped talking.
    “On his way to the office. I tried to talk him into staying home an extra day or so, just to rest and get back on LA time, but he totally refused. Wouldn’t hear of it.”
    Vivienne clucked her tongue, but said nothing.
    “I badgered him all morning to see a doctor, but he just ignored me. He’d give me that little smirk. Or, he’d answer back with some smartass comment of his own. I honestly don’t know what the hell to do.” Pepper listened as Vivienne cooed to Jane in the background and waited for advice.
    “I think you’ll probably have to charm him into it, then. Typical Pepper pushiness isn’t going to work this time,” Vivienne finally said. “You will catch your fly with honey, not vinegar.”
    “Thanks, you make me sound like a freakin’ spider.” Pepper chuckled in spite of herself.
    “Well? If the web fits. Seriously, give him today to think about everything. Tonight, go out to a nice dinner, or bring something he really loves in, and try to sweet talk him into making an appointment.”
    Pepper pursed her lips, thinking it over. “It’s worth a shot, I guess.”
    She managed to get through the rest of the day with only a half a dozen