So? Can I entice you?
The answer to that is likely always going to be yes.
Lucia swallowed hard. She’d just invited herself over, hadn’t she? What about keeping things digital? But Penelope had said yes. So what did that mean?
Chapter 22
Roche Limit
Penelope exited her shower, and while getting ready, she contemplated the definition of insanity.
She never made impulsive decisions. Even taking action and going after Valentina had only happenedaftera year of research and planning. Yet this ill-advised thing with Lucia was full of impulsive choices. Worst of all, she’d undone her own request to keep their contact strictly digital.
But she hadn’t had it in her to resist. She wanted to see Lucia again.
Penelope still thought way too often about their kiss. Even when texting, they were caught in the same orbit, tethered by an invisible string neither dared to pull.
And now she’d gone and practically invited Lucia over. Soon she’d be in her home for the first time.
They’d be alone.
Still lost in thought, Penelope started when the doorbell rang. A glance into the mirror confirmed her blouse was still tucked into her linen slacks, and her braid held—though strands had slipped free and framed her face in soft waves. Casual enough, as if she’d made no effort.
“Hi.” She greeted Lucia with a smile and took in the sight of her: Her thick hair was pulled up in a ponytail, and she was once more wearing low-riding blue jeans, paired with a maroon long-sleeved shirt she’d pulled up to expose her forearms.
“Hi,” Lucia said, smiling, too. Her eyes shone, and she nodded toward the two pizza boxes resting on her outstretched palm. “Your delivery, milady.”
Penelope let out a soft laugh, more relief than humor. “Thank you, kindly.” She gestured for Lucia to follow and place the boxes onto the dining room table mat.
“My pleasure.”
Then they stood there in silence.
Lucia stuffed her hands into her pants pockets while Penelope shifted on her feet.
“How did it go?” Penelope blurted out after the moment only seemed to protract.
“Good. I mean, aside from the little hiccup you got us out of.”
“Great. I’m glad I could help.” God! Why were they so awkward?
“You wanna eat? I’m actually starving. I got home, took a quick shower, and grabbed the food on my way here. I’m afraid I’ve not eaten much all day.”
“Oh, of course. We can’t have you starve. What do you want to drink?”
“Water is fine, thanks.”
Penelope disappeared into the kitchen and picked up their drinks and plates before settling with Lucia at the table.
“How come you didn’t eat more today? You keep telling me about the importance of food and taking your time when eating, yet…”
Lucia hummed between bites of her pizza. She dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Yes. And I’m right, but that doesn’t mean I alwaysactright.”
Penelope smiled faintly. “Too true.”
“I was too nervous to eat much this morning, and then the actual event… No time to eat, not that I’d have had much of an appetite there anyway.” Her shoulders slumped a little.
“Oh? What happened?”
