Page 126 of Someone You Deserve

“Fine.” With a pout on her lips, she begins marching toward Astrid’s car and the three of us follow. “Can we at least go to Perky’s Pizza then so we can playgames?”

Astrid glances over at me. “Whatever you want, Lilly.”

I arch a brow at her. “And you say I’m the pushover.”

She laughs and shakes her head at me, biting that bottom lip of hers. “I never said that.”

“Can you blame me though? I mean, one flash of that pout and those big green eyes, and she’s hard to say no to.”

“You’ve got to be strong, Penn.”

I pull her into me as we arrive at the car. “I can’t, babe. It’s like staring at a smaller version of you. And you know damn well that I’m powerless when it comes to the women in this family.”

Peering up at me, she says, “I guess there are worse problems to have then.”

“Yeah. I could not have you in my life at all.”

***

“This place is packed tonight.” Astrid looks around us as we sit in our booth at Catch & Release. For two people who used to work here, being customers instead of behind the bar is making us both on edge.

Astrid bites her bottom lip. “I know. I want to go refill drinks and start bussing tables so bad.”

Reaching across the table, I chuckle as I take her hand in mine and squeeze. “That’s not our job anymore, babe.”

“I know,” she sighs. “But it’s instinct. Old habits die hard.”

“Believe me. I get it. But let’s just focus on our date tonight, okay?”

“I would love to, but I can’t help but feel like everyone is staring at us.”

Yeah, that’s been happening a lot lately. We didn’t make an official announcement because who the fuck does that anyway, but I sure ashell haven’t been shy about showing public displays of affection in the last week or so. Hell, half the town knew about us already because of Dick’s fat mouth, but he took my threat to heart and hasn’t shown his face around the bakery since then. Ultimately, I don’t give a shit about what people think, but it’s clear as day that we’re a topic of conversation still. Christmas is in two days, and even though Astrid and I have been together for far longer than the past week, people around town are still getting used to the development.

My eyes dart around the room. “It must be my new flannel. Everyone is probably wondering where I got it.”

She swats at me across the table. “Don’t be sassy, Penn.”

“Well, I think we both know why they’re looking over here, baby.” I lean in closer to her. “But I thought that we agreed to ignore the gossip?”

She stares down at our intertwined hands. “I know. It’s just…uncomfortable still, I guess.”

Hating seeing her retreat into herself, especially because I know how hard she fought to be okay with this thing between us, I decide to put a stop to the stares and whispers once and for all.

I stand from my side of the booth, put my fingers between my lips, and whistle loud enough to bring the entire restaurant to a dead silence.

“Penn! What are you doing?” she whispers up at me, trying to pull me by the hand back down into my seat.

“Good evening, everyone,” I say, ignoring her and removing my hand from hers. “I hope you’re all having a nice night.” Murmurs fill the air. “My night is shaping up to be a fantastic one, but before I get on with it, I think it’s time to set the record straight about something.” I pull her up to stand next to me and spin her around so she can see everyone as well. “You might be wondering if somethingis going on between the two of us.” Astrid covers her face with her hands, but I pull them away and spin her around so she’s facing me now. With my hand on her cheek, I look into her eyes as I say, “The truth is, I’ve been in love with this woman for far too long. And just recently, she finally decided to give me the chance to prove that I am the man that she deserves. Life is short, true love is rare, and there’s nothing wrong with going after what your heart desires. So, even though everyone might have their opinions about our relationship, I’d just like to ask you to keep them to yourself—because the only thing that matters is that I love her, and she loves me, and one day this woman will be my wife.”

“It’s about damn time, Penn!” someone calls out from the back of the restaurant, making everyone laugh and cheer.

“Kiss her then!” another voice shouts.

“What do you think, Astrid? Think we can seal the deal in front of everyone and leave no doubt at all that this is real?” I whisper against her lips.

Her smile is blinding as I tip her back, holding her to my chest. “I think after a speech like that, a kiss is required.”

***

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