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Penn glanced back at Sterling and shook her body. “Anything you want.”
Sterling cocked her head to the side. “That’s a little different than forcing Veronica to do manual labor.”
“Oh, right.” Penn straightened and slid her fingers along the smooth tablecloth. “I get it now.”
A deep voice sounded over her shoulder. “Nice to know you’re willing to spend my brother’s money so freely.”
Cole stood in the entryway. His chef jacket hung open and a white T-shirt hugged his chest. His arm rested above his head as he leaned against the doorjamb.
When Veronica turned her focus back to the two women, Penn’s mouth hung open. For a moment she appeared utterly speechless, which wasn’t a trait Veronica thought would ever be associated with someone like Penn. As if trying to banish demonic thoughts from her brain, Penn shook her head.
Oh, yeah. Veronica knew that look. She knew that move, too. She felt that way every time she saw Finn walk into a room.
Penn placed her fists on her hips. Her jacket pulled to the sides, exposing her red bustier and her ample cleavage, which drew a glimmer of appreciation from Cole. “Just trying to make sure Sterling gets everything she wants for her wedding. It’s about time she got everything she desires.”
Veronica knew from talk within the group that Sterling’s parents had a gambling addiction and were currently attending meetings. Sterling and Jack lived with her two younger twin sisters, who were a year younger than Ali.
Cole’s gaze darted to Sterling and a shadow fell across his face. He no doubt realized Penn was right—Sterling had had a tough life up until now.
“You do deserve it, Sterling,” Cole said.
“Really…” Sterling looked back and forth between them all. “There is only one thing that will make the day absolutely perfect. With the exception of marrying Jack, of course.” She looked on stone-faced, then winked. “And it’s the chocolate fountain.”
Penn groaned. “Unlimited funds at your fingertips and all you care about is a chocolate fountain?”
“Some people aren’t greedy, Penn,” Cole snapped. “Some people care about more than appearances and money.” Veronica didn’t know much about Penn’s background, but with the way she glared at him from across the table, she had the sinking suspicion he had it all wrong.
Veronica had heard of Penn and Cole’s explosive relationship but she’d never witnessed it in action before now. Despite their harsh words there was a slow burn of sexual tension that tied them to each other. Veronica felt it—the undercurrent of desire and need that fueled their every conversation. And it would only take one small push for them to ricochet over the fine line of boss and employer.
“Speaking of chocolate, the fountain is all booked,” she interjected cheerfully, to head it off.
Sterling clapped her hands quickly in front of her chest. “I love chocolate, and there is nothing more appealing than being able to douse everything I eat with it.”
“I hope Jack feels the same way.” Penn winked at her friend, and Cole took off with a grunt and an eye roll.
“Let’s switch gears.” If they had any hope of crossing off the items on Veronica’s discussion list, she had better rein in the conversation. “We can probably pull off a bridal shower in the next two weeks and—”
“Who cares about the wedding shower?” Penn cut her off. “What about the bachelorette?” Her friend had a devious twinkle in her eye. “I’m thinking naked men and five-dollar bills.”
“I don’t know. I…don’t think I want that kind of night,” Sterling said.
“You’re never going to sleep with another man again.” Penn plopped sideways into a chair and let one arm dangle over the back. “At least allow yourself to look one last time.”
“Who says I don’t?” Sterling drawled.
“Looking is fine,” Veronica said with a chuckle. “It’s the touching that’s the problem.”
“Anyway. I don’t need to look, and I don’t need to touch. I just want to spend some time with my friends. Something PG my little sisters can attend, but still a night for the record books.”
Sterling’s description sparked an idea in Veronica’s mind. “I might have a suggestion.” Sterling and Penn eyed her curiously. “There’s something I had planned to do on my own, but now that I think of it, this would be a perfect addition to a girls’ night.”
Their eyes sparkled with curiosity.
“What do you think of getting boudoir photos taken?”
“I’m in,” Penn whooped.
Veronica laughed. She hadn’t even explained the whole plan yet. “My friend is a photographer, so I’m sure I can get a group rate. She’ll also have connections for hair and makeup. You could have champagne and some finger foods. You can give the photos to Jack as a wedding present.”
