Page 11 of Someone You Deserve

I know what you’re thinking.

“Your husband is dead, and you’re lusting after his best friend?That’s some daytime soap opera shit right there.”

But in my defense, these feelings weren’t always there. In fact, I never felt like this about Penn untilaftermy husband died, and almost a year later at that.

And did I do anything about it? Absolutely not. I stopped it from going anywhere, and with good reason.

But sometimes I wonder what would have happenedthatnight if I hadn’t stopped it.

The truth is that back then, my head was a mess. It had only been a year since I lost my husband, I was a single mom, and I was still trying to find our new normal.

And it’s Penn.

He’s…myfriend. Has been since we were kids.

But that was three years ago, and even though I hoped those glimmers of feelings would go away, they never did. Actually, they’ve only amplified over time. And lately, I feel like this thin thread between us is only one tug away from snapping.

But when he does things like this? Fill up the “Kisses from Daddy” vase that I started during Brandon’s first deployment after Bentley was born—it makes it harder to argue with both my body and my heart.

“Now.” Penn walks back over to the table, grabs his pen and notepad, and takes the same seat as before. “Tell me what you were thinking.”

“I want something fresh and clean. White and pink. I know the place is called the Sunshine Bakery, but I’m over all the yellow. A little is okay, but it needs to be dialed down for sure.”

He scribbles notes. “Okay. Do you want to change the name too, then?”

I nod. “Yes, but I haven’t landed on the winner yet.”

“Let me know when you do, and we’ll get a sign made for you too. As for the floors, we could bring in gray and white checkered floors for contrast, but I can work with pink and white. Chrome details on the case then?”

I ponder his suggestion. “I think so. The case is so old, so it needs to be brought up to modern times.”

“I agree. What about the back of the house? The kitchen?”

“Greg and Jenny just replaced a few of the pieces of equipment, so I should be good there. But the storage area could use a makeover, something more organized. Maybe some more shelves?”

He nods, scratching down more notes. “Got it.”

“How long do you think it will take?”

“A couple of weeks, but I can replace the floor and things like that at night so you don’t have to close the front doors the entire time. I was thinking about that today actually.”

“You’re willing to work at night?” I say, surprised by the suggestion.

“Yeah, it’d be easier since I wouldn’t have to worry about moving around you or any of the other employees.” My staff consists of me and three other employees, so it’s not like there’s a soccer team to dance around.

“But when will you sleep?” I tease him.

“Sleep is overrated. Besides, I don’t mind missing some shuteye for something like this.”

I reach over and place my hand on top of his, the heat of our skin touching traveling all the way up my arm. “You’re the best, Penn. You know that, right?”

His eyes drop to my hand. “So I’ve been told.”

“Mommy!” Lilly exclaims as she enters the room. I retract my hand from Penn’s as if we’d just been caught doing something we shouldn’t—which is preposterous—and then twist to find my beautiful daughter with soaking wet hair, dressed in her pajamas.

“What’s up, baby?”

“Can I have kisses from Daddy now before we play our game?”

---