Clearly, he’s furious, and I know exactly why. He’s been crushing on Penny for years, but he never acted on it.
“Tell me what it is you have to say so we can both get on with our evenings.”
He looks at me a long moment before spitting out, “How long?”
“Since we went down to the reception in Hollis.”
Axel’s brow furrows. “Bullshit. I know she’s pregnant.”
“We weren’t together when that happened.”
“But it’s yours.”
“It is.”
“Then why? How?”
“It wasn’t to hurt you, if that’s what you’re thinking. We were at a party, and I got drunk enough that I acted on feelings I’d been trying to avoid.”
“You had feelings for Penny?”
I sigh, tilting my head down. “They were there from the moment I met her, but she was only eighteen then. I can’t say what happened is right, but I’m trying my damnedest to be a good man for her.”
“Well, you better keep trying,” Axel snaps before turning and storming off.
I continue to my room and change into a suit I had made especially for this occasion. It cost a pretty penny in the short timeframe, but I don’t want to wear a single thing I wore while taking another woman out. I’m going all-in with Penny. Even if she decides she doesn’t want me, I’ll forever be hers.
I press my eyes closed and remember how she looked at me this morning. Her desire was palpable, and my cock was ready and rearing, but I held off.
It was Duke who suggested I take her on at least three dates before continuing with anything physical, and while it’s pure torture, I can’t help but feel it’s the right thing to do, because there needs to be more than just sex between us.
When I pull up to my house, she’s waiting outside for me, looking picture-perfect in full hair and makeup.
She meets me at the passenger side door with a giddy smile on her face.
“Looks like someone is a little overeager,” I tease.
“I just know you’re going to bring me to someplace with an amazing steak.”
“I could just take you out to the field again.”
“And I wouldn’t complain.”
I help her into my truck, touching her rear as she climbs in. There’s an excited glint in her eyes that she tries to hide, and its presence fills me with hope.
I make small talk as I drive. Penny chatters nervously, but looks happier than I’ve ever seen her.
I pull into Alessio’s, an Italian restaurant that I know will hit the spot. After appetizers, she orders a steak and fettuccine Alfredo, which I know are her two favorite foods.
“What did you think of the candidates I sent over?”
“They’re fine, but I’m not sure they’ll be able to fill your shoes.”
“Really?”
“We’re beginning to realize just how valuable you were, and we may have to hire two people to replace you.”
“Or you can just give me my job back.”
