Page 66 of Offsides Attraction

“Well, other than your mom finding office space for me in Cascade City.” Her fingers stilled and his mouth was suddenly dry. “I thought VV Pub could be pretentious and open a West Coast office.” He loved New York City, but Cascade City had its charms, the best of which nestled against him smelling like warm sunshine, puppies, and a seductive floral scent.

Penny frowned and bit her lower lip. “I told Elspeth I might leave.”

“But you said everything you loved was here and your power was here.”

Penny shrugged. “I’ll take my chances and be with you.”

“Really?”

“Well, turns out my magic works better when I’m happy, and there’s only one irritating, challenging man who does that.”

“Me.” Bash nuzzled her neck, feeling happier than he had since that fateful morning when he’d dragged himself out of bed to make her breakfast.

“Yes, you, Bash Vander Vetter. You’re better than a book.” Penny’s lips brushed his and Bash didn’t need any further encouragement as her fingers unbuttoned his shirt and she laid her hand across his heart. Bash didn’t know how long they stayed enmeshed, reacquainting themselves before cheers interrupted them.

“Crap,” Penny said, scrambling off his lap and straightening her dress. “Do I look okay?”

“You look thoroughly kissed and well on your way to an”—she covered his mouth and glared at him—“which works for me,” he said underneath her hand before she moved it. “But I’m not sure how your dad or Cal will feel about it. Why?”

“I’m guessing Lucas just proposed, and we missed it. Hurry.” She grabbed his hand and pulled him through the barn, past the sheep pen and chicken coop, but he dug his heels in and tugged her toward him as they reached the edge of the yard. If he didn’t get the words out, he’d explode.

“They can wait. This can’t.” His fingers framed her face, and his thumbs rubbed across her jaw. He took a deep breath and her eyes narrowed in concern. “Remember when I asked if you knew what made me happy?” She nodded, looking dazed and annoyed. “You didn’t respond, but the answer is you. You make me happy. And I love you.” She stared at him, and Bash wanted to kick himself. He’d said it as if it were an afterthought. Did I learn nothing in therapy? he berated himself. “That didn’t come out right. Let me try again.”

“You don’t love me?” she asked, sounding as if she enjoyed his discomfort.

“No, I do. You are the most important, vital person in my life, and I can’t imagine living without you. But finally saying those words, and hearing them, they sounded small and insufficient for everything you mean to me. There’s got to be a better phrase than I love you.” Penny laughed and wrapped her arms around him. “I’m serious. It’s like human communication hasn’t evolved beyond cave drawings.”

“I love you, Bash.” Penny whispered against his lips as he flexed his fingers into her waist, pulling her closer. Cheers interrupted them. Again. Bash growled.

“It’s for us,” she giggled, peeking around him. “Come on.” Bash grumbled behind her, but he complied. Knowing he’d put the smile on her thoroughly kissed lips helped.

“It looks like the two of you have a good excuse for missing the world’s best proposal,” Maggie said, plucking a piece of hay out of Penny’s hair.

“We were catching up.” Bash said, covering in case Penny wanted to keep their relationship quiet. He wanted to broadcast it, but tonight was about Maggie and Lucas. They could celebrate Penny and him later. Dinner at Lilliana’s might be good for a family celebration. The restaurant was in the old Brewster’s location and Bash knew Maggie and Penny had befriended the chef, Maggie’s soon-to-be-sister-in-law.

“Is that what you’re calling it?” Harper asked, joining them. “I saw the sparks as I drove up.”

“Me, too,” Maggie said.

“Seriously?” Penny asked, looking pale under her blush.

“I saw nothing,” Lucas said.

Just the witches and me, Bash thought, pleased that he shared this with them until he realized their knowing could put a damper on his and Penny’s activities. Damn. His mood sunk. Maybe Penny can magic us so no one else sees? He didn’t want to lose the sparks that danced around them like fireflies, but broadcasting their affection left him queasy.

“Show me the ring.” Maggie wiggled her finger at her, and Penny pulled it closer. “It’s gorgeous and looks perfect on your finger. Good job, Lucas,” Penny said, hugging him and welcoming him into the family.

“Mine’s bigger,” Bash whispered in her ear.

“Promises, promises,” Penny said, wrapping her arm around him as they followed the newly engaged couple into the house.

And it was. The two-carat emerald-cut diamond would look perfect on her long fingers, but its fire and brilliance wouldn’t compare to hers. Nothing compared to Penny. When they were ready, he’d propose again. Because they suited each other, even better than before, but more importantly, because he loved her. Because without love, the rest didn’t matter.

Epilogue

Bash slowed his pace as the seasonal rental home came into view, wondering if Penny was up. He’d hated hauling his ass out of bed and leaving her, but he’d needed to move and clear his head. Continuing like this was madness. Looking at the engagement ring, hidden at the back of his underwear drawer, each day and wondering if today was the day. Was Penny finally at a place where she could give him a definite yes?

Their first year as a couple had gone incredibly well, or at least she hadn’t left him, which was a success for him. Penny had continued in her VV Pub consulting role, and once the football season had ended, they’d split their time between her apartment in Cascade City and his penthouse in New York City. Bash had devoted more time to VV Pub, excited about its future and not terrified of his role in it. He was determined to see it grow and flourish, and he was eager to pursue other avenues in storytelling.

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