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She places her chin on her palm while her elbow rests on the table. She stares at me with a warmth that makes me want to cocoon her from the rest of the world.
“What is it?” I ask.
She grins and shakes her head. “I was thinking about my ex. I’m so glad he dumped me. Otherwise, I would never have met you.” She glances up at me through long lashes, almost coy. “I’m really glad you found me on the beach.” Her eyes widen. “Not under the circumstances, and I’m s-sorry,” her voice falters. Grabbing her crystal glass, she drains the last of the wine.
“Hey.” I reach across and squeeze her delicate hand. “I’m glad you were there too.” What I don’t fucking understand is why she is thinking of her dickwad ex when she is with me. Thoughts of Daphne rarely come to mind when I’m with Penny because I’m completely consumed by her.Only her.
Her head tilts. “Let’s get out of here.”
“Done.” I signal for Aidan. “I’ll call Royce to bring the car around.”
“Do you want me to walk out first?” Her eyes are wide. “Or can I take the back exit with you?” Her big eyes plead with me. I have no idea why she’s uneasy, and my gut is telling me not to leave her, although my head is screaming that it’s premature for her to be known as my new girlfriend. Not together. Whatever this is, we will be seen as being on a date, and that’s all the media needs to scrutinize her past, like she is running for governor.
“Royce.” I keep my eyes on Penny. “Bring the car around to the back.”
Her shoulders rise and fall, and her eyes never leave mine. Her lips part with a hint of a smile. Before either one of us speaks, acknowledging we will be seen together, Aidan presents the bill. After I pay, like any other diner would, we stand. Before we leave, I must speak with Aidan to inform him the tip is all his, but he has moved to the front foyer.
“Thank you for a beautiful meal.” She rises on her toes to kiss my cheek.
With my hand on her lower back, we walk toward the front of the restaurant. I step past the customers congregating in the foyer to speak to Aidan and quietly thank him for his discretion.
“Penny. I’m surprised to see you in this restaurant,” a deep voice comes from behind me.
I spin to see a middle-aged man in a suit standing over Penny. Everyone heard his blatant opinionated statement. My stomach clenches at the sight of her distressed face. Her eyes are wide, like a deer in headlights about to be struck by a fucking truck. Then her brow furrows, and she stutters.Fucking stutters.She clears her throat and lifts her chin. “Mr. Wagner. It’s been some time. How are you?”
I step toward Mr. Douchebag Wagner and stand behind him and another two men wearing black tuxedos. Hairs prick on the back of my neck. These three stand over her like bullies. My girl doesn’t cower, and I give her a moment.
“Did you hear about Bernard’s engagement? I’ve never seen my son happier. I know you wanted him to be happy.”
The fuck?
“That is great news.Iam also happy.” Her eyes dart to mine. “In fact,Ican’t remember being happier in my life.”
Mr. Wagner takes a step closer, and I don’t give two fucks what he is about to say. I doubt he is happy for Penny, so I slip in beside her, wrap an arm around her waist, and pull her to my side. I want to tuck her behind me and protect her from the bastards. “Hello, gentlemen.” I memorize each of their faces. The one on the end looks familiar. “I’m Franklin Hendricks.” The familiar guy’s face turns pale.Is he a client?“I’m the owner of Bloom. I hope you enjoyed your meal tonight.”
Penny stiffens beside me.
Mr. Wagner stares at me, his eyes narrowed. “Are you dating her?”
Penny’s chin drops.
I’m guessing she thinks I’m going to say no, and she’ll look like a fool.
“You stand in my restaurant and have the audacity to question my personal life after I’ve asked if you’ve enjoyed your meal? If the food hasn’t left you feeling satisfied, then please let it be the last time you dine here, as reservations have a long waitlist.” I step closer so I’m in his face. “In answering your question, yes. Penny and I are together. Now leave before I have you thrown out.”
Aidan comes to stand beside us.
The other two men thank us for a wonderful meal, and I raise a hand to dismiss them while speaking quietly to Aidan, “Please ensure Mr. Wagnernevereats in my restaurant again.”
18
PENELOPE
Franklin takesmy hand and leads me to the back of the restaurant and through a blue door. We are only ten feet from the car when cameras flash and blind me. Shouting comes from the corner as more paparazzi scramble toward us.
Eyes down, I shield my face with my hands.
Royce is ready, the car door open, and I’m the first to slide across the seat.
