Then he came crashing into my world with his stupid charm, sexy smirk, and giant heart, bringing light and happiness into places I didn’t even realize had gone dark.
And now I have to let him go.
Chapter 25
Miles
I’ve been busy planning my V-Day date with Penny. I even gave it a name: Indulgence Day.
River says it’s just an excuse to woo a woman I supposedly have no interest in marrying.
But that’s the thing—I’m not so sure I hate the idea of sharing my life with someone anymore. Things with Penny have been so effortlessly easy. Part of me thinksit’s because we both understand what this is: temporary, uncomplicated, no feelings attached.
But deep down, I think it’s something else entirely.
The way she looks at me when I cook for her… It’s like no one has ever taken care of her in the simplest ways. I could see Penny being the kind of woman who never lets anyone do things for her. She’s too strong, too determined, too used to carrying everything on her own.
But she lets me.
More than that, she enjoys it.
“Ready to head out?” I ask as Penny walks out of her room.
She’s freshly showered, her damp hair starting to curl up around her shoulders—my favorite look on her by far. Wild. Soft. Carefree.
“Head out? So early?” she asks, confusion all over her face. “It’s barely seven-thirty. I haven’t even had my morning coffee yet.” She practically whines as she flops onto the couch.
“That can be easily fixed, m’lady.” I give an exaggerated flourish as I hand her a freshly brewed cup of coffee with a splash of cream and just enough sugar to make her happy.
“You’re an angel,” she says dreamily after taking a sip.
I grin. “Just wait and see what I have planned for today.”
I extend my hand to help her up from the couch. She takes it easily, pressing a kiss to my cheek as she stands.
“Wait.” She pauses mid-step. “Don’t we need a weekender bag or something? I packed a few essentials."
She starts heading back to her room.
“I mean, you can bring whatever you want, but I’m pretty sure I already took care of every single detail.” I squeeze her hand lightly. “It’s Indulgence Day, after all.”
“Okay, let’s go.” She beams. “I like the idea of going with nothing but our hopes and dreams in my heart.”
She practically skips out the front door.
A quiet laugh leaves me as I follow after her.
She’s so damn excited. I swear I’d spend every single dollar to my name if it meant keeping her this happy.
“I love when you lower your walls, boss,” I tell her with a wink as we walk outside hand in hand. “You know you don't always have to be perfect with me.”
The second the words leave my mouth, my heart stutters.
I’ve never said love to a woman who wasn’t family before.
Luckily, Penny either doesn’t notice or doesn’t think anything of it, because she keeps walking toward the car with a pep in her step.
“Who’s this?” she asks when she notices the black SUV with tinted windows idling in my driveway.
