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“Home?” Byron repeats.
Charlotte frowns at me.
I’m a dickwad for not setting her straight.
I will.
Soon.
“The house you—”
I cut Byron off. “I am. From the images I received, your work is remarkable. I can’t wait to see it.”
“When?” Her face is deadpan.
“I’d like you to be with me when I check it out.”
“Monday?”
“I’m flying back to New York on Monday. I could change up a few meetings to Tuesday.”
“At least he didn’t say tonight,” Charlotte moans. “I’ll leave you two alone. She loops her arm through Brandon’s and Byron’s and guides them back to the ballroom.
Finally, I’m alone with Penny.
“Those two get on well,” Penny remarks.
I turn and observe Charlotte and Brandon. “Those two? They’re just friends.”
“If you say so.”
I’m momentarily dumbfounded. How didn’t I see it? “Byron will kill him. That’s a guy’s best friend code he is crossing.”
“Right. That’s why no one has noticed but me.”
“Jesus.” I rub the spot above my brow. “Neither can afford that sort of distraction if they are serious about getting drafted. Imagine the fights.”
“Lottie is smart enough not to let her feelings get in the way of business.”
I stare at Penny. “You got all that with the few hours you have been with my family?”
“There are some things women just know. As for you…” her shoulders rise and fall, “… I can’t read you, Franklin. I have whiplash trying to work you out.”
“I call it as it is, Pen. Ask me anything, and I’ll give you an honest answer.”
She smiles, lowers her eyes to her hands, and fiddles with her purse.
“Pen.” I reach out and take her hand in mine. “Can we go somewhere to chat?”
“Chat?” Her quiet laugh is mocking. “When do we just chat? I can’t do this anymore with you. It hurts,” she rasps.
“Do what?”
“You come, you go. You don’t give me a second thought until—” She shakes her head. “Then you act like you missed me.”
“I do,” I interrupt. “A lot.”
“You say that now because you need me physically.” She waves a hand. “Daphne’s here, and she’s willing.”
