Disappointment dampens my spirits when the wedding planner asks the couples to one side and the singles to the other to pair us by height for the procession and photos.She’ll probably pair me with the tallest woman—the leader of my lynch mob yesterday—but before the tall woman can step toward the singles side, Connor Pen grabs her arm and drags her to stand beside him on the couples’ side.
Even so, I must be around two feet taller than Penelope.The probability of us being paired is frustratingly low.
Except, a glance around at the other single male members of the party shows they all have somewhat similar heights.Sure, I’m a few inches taller than the tallest guy, but any of us standing next to Penelope will highlight how small she is.
I don’t want anyone else standing beside her.
She flicks a wary glance at me when I step toward her, but I pivot my body—blocking her from almost everyone’s gaze—and offer her my hand.
“Will you be my partner, Penelope?”
Her eyebrows shoot up and surprise rounds her tempting lips.She blinks and searches my face before glancing around at our surroundings.
“Wh-what?Are we back in high school or something?This isn’t prom, and even if it were, we wouldn’t—”
“I wanted to ask you as a friend, but your brother was against it.I went as his third wheel and regretted not having you by my side ever since.Will you walk beside me now, sweet pea?”
“Is he picking on you again?”the tall woman demands from beside me.
Alarm spears through me as the color drains from Penelope’s face.She lunges forward and grabs my arm before tugging me toward the couples’ side.
“No, not at all.His request is completely reasonable.I don’t mind.”
I stop in the middle of the aisle, halting her progress.
When she jerks to a halt but doesn’t look up at me, I say her name.She cranes her neck and meets my gaze.
“You don’t have to accept if you don’t want to.Don’t let peer pressure—”
“My answer is yes, Sebastian.I’ll be more comfortable with someone I know, and you’re so big you’ll block me from half the attendees, so it’s a win-win situation in my opinion.Don’t question me.”
Pride and delight sweep through me.Her friend nods and offers her a smile before spinning on her heel and stomping back to Connor.
I stand as still as I possibly can and soak in the feeling of her small body pressed against mine.The way she clings to my arm fills me with yearning and an odd sense of power.I’ve never wanted to claim, protect, and cherish someone as much as I do Penelope right now.
She slowly relaxes as the attention shifts off her, but I rest my hand over hers before she pulls away, and to my surprise, she doesn’t balk.
For a few wondrous moments, we stand together as a couple, and I can’t describe howrightit feels.The drive to do better, to be better, to go harder and faster and become the best of the best, slips into the background as I focus on enjoying Penelope’s nearness.
To my dismay, the wedding planner announces the end of today’s rehearsal—the bride and groom still have a few key elements to decide on before we practice our procession—but encourages us all to stay for dinner.
When Penelope eyes the back door with envy, I pat the back of her hand and step away, sensing her need to escape, but angle my body in front of hers before she darts away.
She glances around and pales as she notices several of her friends watching us with concern.I get straight to the point so she can leave.
“My legal team will have an updated contract tomorrow morning.How soon can you start?”
She pulls her lip ring into her mouth as she considers.I silently promise to cut off my dick if he embarrasses her right now, which mostly works to curb his enthusiasm.
“Tomorrow afternoon.Send me the location, required documents, itinerary, and my liaison’s information, and I’ll be there at one thirty,” she says.
“I am your liaison, Penelope,” I respond.
She squints.
“No, you’re the founder and CEO.I need contact info for who I’m meeting tomorrow,” she demands.
“Me.You’re meeting me.We’ll sign the contract in my office, you’ll spend a few hours at orientation, then I’ll introduce you to everyone you need to know.”
