My memory rewinds the last ten seconds, playing it over in my mind.
Their body language as they walked was friendly.
Her grin was friendly.
So was that wave.
Duke walks to the luxury SUV with custom rims and drives off. Daisy follows a few moments later.
But me? I'm stuck right here, breathing leather-scented air in Hugo's expensive car that we most definitely cannot driveto the lake in the morning, trying to understand the dynamic I witnessed between Daisy and Duke.
If Daisy were mine, I'd arch her back against the side of her car, kissing her senseless. I'd open her car door and wait for her to get herself situated. I'd stand back and make sure she drove away safely, then I'd get in my truck.
But all those scenarios wouldn't have to happen, because it's a Saturday night, so I'd have Daisy out at dinner, and then drinks, and whatever else her heart desired. I'd take her home, strip her clothes from her body, worship every inch of her, then tuck her into my chest and fall asleep beside her.
Duke didn't appear to desire any of that. Neither did Daisy.
This is none of my business. I know that.
But I made the wrong choice before when it came to Daisy, and I won't make that mistake a second time.
Chapter 18
Penn
Three knocks,in perfect cadence.
Slim Jim pops up from where he was laying on place, ears at attention as he trots with purpose to the front door.
I'm two seconds behind him, pulling my shirt over my head as I go. Checking the peephole nearly makes me laugh.
It's a man with impossibly perfect hair, wearing an olive green dress shirt, and black slacks. What the hell is Duke doing here?
Slim Jim sits by the door, gazing up at me expectantly for his next command. "Good," I tell him, and in his limited lexicon this meanshold current position.
"Duke," I say, the door swinging open. "To what do I owe the pleasure?"
"Invite me in," Duke demands, crossing his arms and leaning forward. Gone is his friendly demeanor at King's Ransom.
"Why?" I ask, making a show of looking over his shoulder at the houses lined up across the street. "Keeping up appearances?"
"Trying to avoid small town gossip. It will benefit me as much as it benefits you."
I'm perfectly happy keeping Duke on the front porch and making the two of us a hot topic around Olive Township, but I have to think of Daisy and the repercussions it may have on her. She would undoubtedly be dragged into the churning of the rumor mill. So I step back, sweeping my arm open to reluctantly allow Duke inside.
He strides in, but his steps falter when he sees Slim Jim's imposing figure. Slim Jim stares at him, watchful, absorbing my body language.
"What can I do for you?"
Voice hard, Duke asks, "Why are you back, Penn?"
I do everything I can not to reveal the surprise coursing through me. The last thing I want to do is give him that satisfaction.
"You're doing a great job holding back your shock," Duke says, acidic tone prodding me. "I'll admit, I wasn't expecting to find you were hiding your identity. I looked into you after King's Ransom, thinking I would check outPeter Bravothe same way I would anybody who showed up in town and made themselves Daisy's new client." He chuckles, an empty, arrogant sound. "You don't look anything like you did back then, but now that I know"—he squints—"I see it. So, tell mePenn, why are you back?"
"To offload my old property," I answer, my voice even as if this is a regular conversation, one I'd been expecting.
"That's all?"
