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We both groan when our tongues touch, sparking my need for her even more. I bury one of my hands in her hair and control her head as desperation builds in my veins, spilling out into this kiss. The same kiss I’ve done nothing but dream about since I saw her that day in her office.
We stand there for God knows how long devouring each other in slow, drugging, heated kisses as we grip each other tighter and shut out the outside world. And then I reluctantly break us apart, waiting for her eyes to lift and lock on to mine.
When they do, I see nothing but the same desperation I feel staring back at me.
“Fuck,” I breathe out, and her answering giggles as she rests her forehead on my chest tell me she feels the same way I do right now.
“Why do you have to be so good at that?”
“I could say the same to you. That kiss was...”
“Yeah.” She smooths her hands up my chest and lifts her eyes back to mine. “Although next time, I think it would be even better if you weren’t wearing a man-sized princess dress.”
My eyes drop down to the gown I completely forgot is still on me. “Jesus.”
Laughing again, she reaches up and brushes my wild hair from my face. “It’s okay. If anyone can pull off wearing that and still kiss me so hard that my panties are officially ruined, it would be you, Maddox Taylor.”
Groaning, I lean in to nuzzle her neck. “Fuck, you can’t say things like that, Penelope. I’ve got to go back to the kids, and I probably shouldn’t do that with a hard-on.”
“Don’t worry, your dress should cover it.”
I think about what she just said. “Damn, you’re right. I think I should wear more dresses around you, then, since you seem to make my dick go from six to noon every time you’re near.”
She playfully shoves me. “Shut up, Maddox. Now go. I’m sure the guys are looking for you, and I need to get back out there for a group shot and then clean up.”
I pull her into me one more time. “Can I call you later then?”
“You have my number?”
“From your business card. And this way, you’ll have mine, my correct number.”
“Oh, yeah. That makes sense. Sure.” She’s fighting her smile, but I can tell she likes the idea. Hell, I do, too. I can’t wait to find out what makes this woman tick.
“Then look for my call.” I press one more soft kiss to her lips. “Talk to you later, Penelope.”
“You, too.”
I release her, grab my wig and place it back on my head, twisting it in place, and then head for the door. And as I walk down the hall, there’s an extra pep in my step because Penelope just gave me an in—and I’m not going to let her regret it.
Chapter10
Penelope
As soon as I step through the front door to my townhouse, I sigh. Today went well, despite the emotional response seeing the kids evoked in me. And then there’s Maddox and his regard for my feelings.
How can he be so sweet and forthright about his feelings but also kiss me breathless and make me want to mount him in a hospital room? The man has confidence and swagger in spades, and fighting my attraction to him has been a challenge I finally have accepted that I might not want to fight anymore.
I set my purse on the counter and plug my phone into the charger before I head upstairs to change my clothes and order something to eat. Normally, I don’t mind cooking for myself, but today was a long one, and I have no desire to dirty my clean kitchen.
The townhome I purchased three years ago has become my own little sanctuary. With white walls and cabinetry, every room feels open and bright, and little pops of purple and gray give it that feminine feel. There are three bedrooms and two baths, more than enough space for a single gal like me, but the price was right, so I couldn’t pass it up. It’s not like I ever planned on filling those rooms with kids or welcoming a man into my home, but it’s nice to have ownership over a piece of property I know serves as an investment as well.
After I toss my hair up in a messy bun to get it off my neck, throw on a cami with no bra and my favorite pair of gray sweat shorts, I head back downstairs, settling on sushi for dinner, and then call in my order to my favorite local place and settle into the couch as I wait for my food to be delivered.
Flipping through Netflix, trying to decide what to watch this evening, I’m startled by my phone ringing. I know Maddox is supposed to call tonight—at least that’s what he said—but I didn’t think he would call this early.
Unfamiliar tingles swarm in my belly as I stand from the couch and head over to my phone. But when I see who’s actually calling me—and it’s not Maddox—the excitement I was feeling deflates, replaced by uneasiness.
The contact picture I chose for my mom flashes across the screen. It’s from my high school graduation, and both of us are smiling brightly at the camera. Jacob’s frame is in the background as he was talking to my dad, but his face was out of the shot. However, I know he was there, and every time this picture shows up on my phone, I’m reminded of that.
