I stop by Penny’s office first because Mama insisted I bring her hot soup and cornbread.
Didn’t matter how many times I told her Penny had probably already eaten lunch.
“Then you can take it home and heat it for supper,” was Mama’s response.
I knock before walking in, not even waiting for permission. It’s too fucking cold today.
“Hey, boss,” I say, a grin already tugging at my lips.
“Hey, you,” she replies brightly. Her eyes drop to what I’m carrying, and she frowns. “What’s all that?”
“Oh.” Heat creeps up my neck. “I went to fix a leak in Mama’s kitchen, and she sent you lunch.”
“Aww, Joss is the sweetest.”
The scent of her sweet perfume reaches me before she does. A second later, the pointed toe of one boot taps lightly against mine.
My gaze drifts up her body. Killer legs. Curvy hips. Perfect tits. And finally, her gorgeous face. Then my eyes meet hers.
One eyebrow lifts slowly, and a knowing smile spreads across her lips.
“What?” I ask with a nervous laugh. “Anyway, I’m not sure if you already had lunch. But if you did, no big deal. I can take this home.”
She snatches the Tupperware from my hands before I can turn around and leave.
“I don’t care if I already had lunch—which I haven’t,” she says, her whole face turning mischievous. “There’s no scenario where I’d willingly turn down food made by Joss and Granny.”
Her words warm something inside me.
“Is that a blush I see?” Penny asks as she steps back into my space, close enough that I can feel her breath against my chest.
“Pfft, I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I cover the back of my head with my hand. “I think you need to eat. You’re starting to see things.”
Penny lets out a loud laugh. “You’re so full of shit, Miles.” She’s still grinning when she walks back toward her desk, and my eyes betray me, locking onto the perfect curve of her ass in that tight pencil skirt.
“I think it’s very cute what you’re doing.”
“And what exactly am I supposedly doing?” I bite.
“Well…” She lifts one finger. “First, the flowers.” A second finger joins it. “Then the daily coffee.” Another. “And now homemade soup? Someone who didn’t know you might think you’re flirting with me.”
She says it lightly, teasing me, but my chest gets tight anyway.
“Please, Penny.” I try for a casual grin. “I’m just being a decent human being. Taking care of my boss.”
I throw a wink because the moment suddenly feels way too serious.
A soft smile pulls at her lips, and the way her eyes linger on me tells me she likes hearing that a little too much.
“Are we still meeting with the crew?” I ask.
Just like that, her expression settles back into business mode.
“Yeah. Go ahead and gather everyone. I’ll be there in five.”
I nod and turn toward the door. The sooner I put some space between us, the sooner my heartbeat might calm the hell down.
I know she was joking.
