Page 40 of Offsides Attraction

“Wait a sec,” Lucas said, looking between the two men before tossing his napkin at Cal. “You read me the riot act when you found out I was interested in Maggie, but you give him the green light with Penny?”

“Penny’s different. She’s tougher. And she has this whole no man is more interesting than a book philosophy, so she’s never invested in the relationship.”

Lucas cringed. “Sounds cold. And lonely.”

“It works for her,” Cal said.

But not for me, Bash admitted to himself. Penny was more than he’d thought she was. She could be the woman at his side to help smooth things over, so he didn’t break the company. She’d be like bubble-wrap, protecting everyone when he was short or rude or impatient. She could make small talk and put people at ease. Penny knew books and publishing. She knew the book business from rough draft to selling it to a customer. Penny was the solution to his problem. All his problems.

Chapter 18

What did you bring me? George asked Harper as she walked into Penny’s apartment, carrying a coffee carrier.

Nothing. Maggie was fresh out of tuna juice, she said, as George stood vigil over a bowl. Her eyes widened when she saw the food and water bowls. “You’re feeding him, too? Fur face is a con man in disguise.” She handed a cup to Penny, shaking her head.

I should take offense, but I won’t. He rolled his eyes up at her.

Don’t give me those puppy-dog eyes, cat. I’m immune.

“Thanks for the coffee. Maggie poured so much honey tea into me yesterday I spent most of my time hopping between the couch and the bathroom.”

“Did the tea help?”

“No, nothing does other than time, which I don’t have. This is our busiest season, and I’m missing it because of this stupid ankle,” Penny said, pointing to the wrapped ankle propped on the ottoman in front of her.

“Don’t forget the colorful stitches, either. You’re not ready for public consumption yet.” Penny saluted Harper with her middle finger, but Harper only laughed. It took more than the bird to offend her. She patted Penny’s good leg as she sat next to her. “Cheer up. In a few days, your cold will have weakened, and Maggie can work her magic to reduce the swelling on your ankle and heal your cut.” Harper plopped her feet next to Penny’s. It looked like she planned to settle in for a long chat. Penny could use the company, and it would be nice to catch up with her.

“I just feel so stupid. Who falls off a ladder?” Penny said.

“A witch with a cold who was probably daydreaming about a certain Tetons football player.”

Penny shifted on the couch to sit taller. Harper had ambushed her. This wasn’t a sisterly chat. This was an interrogation. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Your telltale blush says otherwise.”

“It’s the fever.”

“Or it could be the scorching hot kiss I saw a while ago,” Harper said, with a knowing look over the rim of her carry out cup.

“When?” They’d been careful. Neither of them wanted people up in their business over a temporary relationship. Or romance. Or fling, or whatever this was. It would be easier if she knew what to label this. Labels were important. They kept the world organized and safe, like Proceed with Caution, which they should slap on Harper’s forehead. Or maybe Penny’s heart.

“In his driveway. Hard to miss with all the sparks coming off the two of you. I turned on the sidelight, hoping to cover them up.”

“Wait. Actual sparks?” Penny asked.

“You haven’t seen them?”

“My eyes are usually closed.”

“Well, open them up next time. It’s pops of color hovering around you. It’s really cool, and they look like some sort of Hollywood special effect.”

“I didn’t know we could do that.”

“I didn’t know we could either. Should I be worried?”

Penny snorted. “About me and Bash? No. It’s just two people helping each other. He doesn’t even read. Can you see me with a nonreader?”

“Stranger things have happened. Look at Maggie making googly eyes at Lucas when a few months ago she would have crossed the street to avoid him.”

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