Page 52 of One Breath After Another

Luca smiled. “That you know they love you ... and you love them.”

Penny released the chain hanging from the mirror and rested back in the seat. “It’s more than just Naz and Roz. You, too. You care about me, too.”

“Of course, I do. You have my number, you know how to use it, and you’re more than welcome to do so, Penny.”

Right.

He cared.

Platonically.

As he should.

Penny wished she could say the same but instead when her stare met his again, the truth slipped out before she could stop herself. “I’m not sure I should, actually.”

“What, call me? You did today. It didn’t end so bad.”

Except ...

“What happens when I keep calling and you keep showing up?” Penny asked, shrugging and putting her attention on anything but the handsome man in the seat next to hers. “I’m already confused about ... you. The more you’re around, the worse it’s gonna get. And it’s not your fault, you don’t even act like you notice me or how I am when you’re around. I’ve just never—”

“Liked someone before,” he murmured.

God.

Was it that obvious?

Even he knew?

Penny sighed, saying nothing more except, “I don’t know how to deal with any of it, I guess.”

“Penny.”

She didn’t answer.

Didn’t even look at him.

Wasn’t it bad enough that she went as far as admitting her crush when he hadn’t even given her the suggestion he felt the same way? She thought so.

“Penny. Hey, look at me for a second.”

She did.

It was hard.

Luca grinned when her stare finally met his, like he was fucking proud of her or something. “There you are, huh? Don’t be scared to show people who you are, Penny.”

“Easier said than done.”

“I know. And ... as for the rest, just know I’m safe. For you, I’m a safe place. Sounds kind of stupid, I know, but it’s true. Have a crush on me. Like me. Even if it’s silly. It’s still safe, Penny, because you should also know I’m never going to cross a line.”

She nodded.

He was the good guy. Every chick flick had one although those men rarely looked like Luca. The girl’s best friend who was always waiting in the wings to save the day. The unintentional hero who rarely got the girl but didn’t seem to need to, either.

Good guys weren’t real, though.

Except, she had one.