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I swallow.
Take a deep breath.
Do not fall under his spell.
He comes to me and takes my hands in his. “Pen.”
Oh shit. I know what this is—another it’s-not-you-it’s-me-scenario. I keep my sights firmly fixed on the door.
“Are we being honest here?” His voice cracks. His tone is… different. He guides my shoulders to turn so I’m facing him. His palms glide to the side of my shoulders as though he’s securing me to the spot. Those brown eyes lock with mine, and I’m caught in his gaze.
I nod once, unsure where this is going.
“This isn’t the first time we have met, is it, Penny?” His poker face is back.
I reach out for a chair—anything to hold to regain my balance, only nothing is close. “I… I… what do you mean?”
“Honesty.”
He hasn’t blinked or flinched.
“Not really…”
“Not really?” Pulling the chair away from the desk, he sits and leans back, waiting.
I clear my throat. “It’s not clear.”
“When did you realize who I was?”
“When did you realize?” I raise my voice because this is beginning to feel like a stupid game of interrogation. “Have you pretended not to know who I was this entire time?”
He runs a hand along the side of his jaw, the first sign he is uncomfortable.
“I thought it was something you said to girls to make them…” I shrug, “… feel memorable. Were you playingme?”
He pushes up from the chair and takes a step toward me. “Lies and pretense cause more harm than good. I asked to see if I could trust you. At the bar, there was a moment when recognition crossed your face, and I assumed you remembered how we met. Your face dropped, and you almost ran away.”
“But you didn’t let me. You could have told me from the beginning that you knew me. Honesty goes both ways.”
He reaches and takes my hand. “It does. It’s why we’re having this conversation. You have made a potentially bad weekend a surprisingly memorable one. Thank you for making me smile.” His lips curl up before he leans in to kiss my cheek. “It wasn’t your fault.”
“What?” I say, all breathy with emotion.
“Your setting on the beach. It was beautiful. Only it wasn’t right for Daphne. She wanted the glamour, fine dining, and expensive champagne while being proposed to. I underestimated her worth… her words, not mine. I blamed myself for our breakup. I now understand we weren’t right for each other. Because if she loved me as much as she professed, then she would have understood that it is not where, but just that it was me who asked.” He pauses a moment, but I’m unable to say anything. “I don’t believe any man is sure his partner will say yes. There is always a snippet of doubt, and I believe sensitive times require privacy.”
“Right.” I take a step backward. “You don’t need to explain anything to me.” Another step. “Well, it was great to meet you. I had fun,” I say awkwardly.
He sits on the bed, giving me space.
Way to go to distract me because I’m back ogling his bare skin and those rippling muscles.
“Penny.” His eyes meet mine, full of earnestness. “Rambling is the best way to tell if I’m rattled.” He pats the side of the bed.
“You’re rattled?”
“For the first time in a long while, I want to try with you.”
I lower myself next to him on the bed and take a deep breath. “I sense there is a big but…”
