August crouches beside me, his expression perfectly composed. The truth of the situation hangs between us, and I know he’s laughing on the inside.
“I didnotfall asleep,” I tell him.
“Uh-huh.”
“I was resting my eyes.”
“And snoring.”
Horror pricks my skin. “I donotsnore!”
A tiny dimple forms near the left corner of his mouth. “Fine, we’ll call it a snuffle.”
I glare.
His smile blooms until he’s showing his teeth. His perfect, toothpaste commercial–worthy teeth. “An adorable little snuffle. Like a chipmunk.”
My brow rises.
He frowns but amusement lingers in his eyes. “Aw, come on. Not one little smile at that?”
“After you’ve likened me to a chipmunk? I’d rather not risk further tooth-related comments.”
August winces and rubs the back of his neck. “I’m sorry about the teeth thing earlier. That was... ah—”
“Traumatizing?” No, I will not smile. Not ever again in front of him.
Buthedoes. It’s wry with a self-deprecating tilt. “Yeah. It was definitely that.”
A small huff of laughter escapes despite my best effort. “I meant for me.”
A look of regret pinches his features. “Shit, Penelope. I didn’t mean to traumatize you.”
“I may never smile again.” But I feel it tugging on the edges of my lips.
He sees it. Of course he does. I don’t think anything escapes August. His eyes narrow, his own lips quirking. “You so want to, don’t you?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Yes, you do.” God, that voice, all deep, teasing, coaxing. “Come on, Penelope. Smile for me.”
I bite my lip, try to hold it in. It’s nearly impossible. What with August grinning at me that way.
“I see it trying to break free,” he says, laughing now. “Give in, Penelope. For me? Just one little smile.”
It’s a struggle. I give my head a quick shake.
He holds up his fingers in a small pinching motion. “One itty-bitty smile? Just for me?”
Then he waggles his brows.
I’m lost.
A smile breaks free, wide and uncontrollable.
“There it is.” Satisfaction warms his tone as his gaze moves over me. “Like sunlight on water.”
If I hadn’t already been sitting down, I might have stumbled. As it is, my breath hitches in a little hiccup of pleasured surprise, and the wide smile pulling at my mouth gives way to parted lips unable to draw a breath.
