“And how’s that?”
“Pretty sure he hates the ground I walk on.”
“You? Not possible.”
“You say that now. Wait until you see the way he looks at me. If looks could kill, I would have been six feet under the second I walked into his office for the first time.”
“Well, then he’s a damn idiot.”
“Maybe you could tell him so.”
“Maybe I will. Who needs a job anyway.”
It’s my turn to knock my shoulder against his. “Don’t you dare.”
“Isn’t that what friends are for?”
“Maybe get to know me a little better before you blow up your life for me.”
“I’ll think about it.”
By the time we reach the docks, my cheeks hurt from smiling and I honestly can’t remember the last time I enjoyed myself so thoroughly. I may have been hesitant to accept his invitation initially, but I am so glad that I did.
At least, that’s what I think until we round the corner at the exact moment that Penn steps out of the office. His eyes find me in an instant, seconds before narrowing in on Travis.
I wish I could say my heart doesn’t constrict in my chest at the sight of him, but that simply wouldn’t be true. He’s wearing the same navy blue shirt and faded jeans that he had on this morning, only now his hair is disheveled, standing on all endslike he’s run his fingers through it a hundred times over. Penn has, and will always be, the kind of man who takes my breath away. It doesn’t matter how fractured our relationship is; that will never not be true.
“Hey, boss man.” Trav seems completely unaffected by Penn’s sudden appearance, and I wish I could say the same for myself. I want to be unaffected. I want to not care. But I simply can’t get my heart on board.
“Travis.” Penn gives him a slight nod before turning his attention to me. “Late again, I see.”
I quickly glance at my watch to see that I am, in fact, a couple of minutes late. Crap.
“That’s my fault.” Trav is quick to stand up for me.
“I don’t care whose fault it is. I expect you to manage your time appropriately. This is your last warning.” He chastises me like a toddler before storming off without another word.
“Shit, you weren’t joking.”
“Told you he hates me.”
“Or he’s still in love with you.”
“Ha. Ha,” I deadpan. “Does that look like a man in love?”
“Looks like a man who wants to rip someone’s head off, so yeah, maybe.” His shoulders shake with laughter.
“Well, whatever it is, it’s not my problem. It is, however, my problem if I get fired. So I should get inside before he decides to come back and do just that.” I turn and quickly climb the stairs, pausing at the door to look over my shoulder. “Thank you for the coffee.”
“Maybe next time you’ll let me pick you up, so you don’t have to walk.”
“Next time?” I smirk.
“Until then.” He bows his head ever so slightly.
“Bye, Trav.” I shake my head, my smile widening.
“London.”
