Finn grins. “When my woman calls, I run to her.” And he says it with such affection, like being pussy-whipped is the best part of his life.
Hayden pats me on the back. “Think hard about what you want. Don’t let Dad’s misdeeds cloud your mind. You’re onto a good thing with Penny. You should see where it takes you.” With that, we leave the driving range and head toward our women.
At Hayden’s house, we’re met with music blaring from the speakers coming from the living room. Following the sound, we find Harper, Alyssa, and Penny dancing around the room.
Alyssa is holding Lily’s hand, and she spins her around like a ballerina in a music box. Harper is lifting Avery in the air as they bop to the beat. When I take in Penny, a train-sized force slams into my chest. She’s swaying to the music with Sadie cradled in her arms. Our eyes meet across the room. She smiles her sweet smile my way, and I want to drop to my knees and give her anything she wants.
Don’t let Dad’s misdeeds cloud your mind.
Hayden’s words repeat over and over in my mind. When I look at Penny, all I want is to have her in my life.
Then fear grips at my chest and strangles my throat.
Lily skips over to me. “Come and dance with us, Uncle Lucas.”
Hayden and Finn are already wrapping their arms around their wives, getting into the swing of things. How can I refuse the request from my gorgeous niece?
I take Lily by the hands, and we move to the beat. I show off my best sprinkler move, causing Lily to giggle uncontrollably.
When Lily moves on to dance with her dad and Alyssa, I shimmy over to Penny. Moving behind her, I wrap my arms around her waist, rest my cheek against hers, and we sway from side to side.
“You’ve got some serious skills on the dance floor,” she jokes.
“I’m a man of many talents.”
Sadie is cradled in Penny’s arms, and she stares up at us with sparkling green eyes. Holding Penny like this feels so right. My heart is full. I can’t imagine her walking out of my life and never having her this way again.
This life is within reach.
If only I had the balls to take it.
During the next few hours, we overeat on pizza, drink beers, and laugh. I love watching Penny interact with my brothers and their wives. It’s like she’s already part of the family. She fits right in. It’s the best time I’ve had with them in a long time. Sure, I enjoy our time together, but I often feel like the odd one out. They’re on a different path than me. They talk about feeding schedules, baby stuff, school projects. Things I have no clue about. Women and partying was all I was interested in. Now things are shifting. Those days are blurring, and I’m left wondering if I really enjoyed that kind of life.
Or I made myself believe it was all I deserved.
Sitting on the couch, Penny rests her head on my shoulder and lays a hand on my thigh. I slide my arm around her, andshe nestles in closer. It’s all so natural. We’ve gone beyond pretending.
On the other side of me, Hayden nudges my arm. Turning my head toward him, he gives me a look that saysjust friends? I scowl at him. I hate when my brothers are right.
I have the sudden urge to get Penny back to the penthouse and into my bed. Strip her naked and get lost in her. I haven’t had the chance to talk to her about Darren, but that can wait until later.
“Let’s go home,” I say.Home. My apartment never felt like home until she moved in.
She nods her head in agreement.
Rising, I take her hand and help her to her feet. “We’re leaving.”
Alyssa looks at her watch. “It’s only eight o’clock.”
“It’s been a big day. I’m tired,” I say as an excuse.
Hayden gives me a knowing grin. “You golfed for two minutes, how tired can you be?”
Ignoring his question and everyone’s knowing grins, I say, “We’ll see you later.”
Penny gives everyone a goodbye kiss on the cheek.
As we leave the room, Finn calls out, “Sweet dreams.”
