Page 28 of Someone You Deserve

“Is there a list or something?” I glance between the two of them.

“No, but it’s a small town, sis. Plus, this is the time of year when people start coming back around because of the holidays, visiting family and crap. It’s like a high school reunion every weekend.”

Penn nods in agreement. “Again, your brother is speaking the truth.”

“Is that why you don’t date either?” I stare up at Penn, the man who’s starred in one too many of my fantasies.

Penn stays quiet for a while before he finally answers, looking out over the field. “I’m just not interested in a relationship right now. I’m too busy.”

Grady juts his thumb over his shoulder at me. “Astrid’s not, apparently. She’s already got a date lined up.”

Penn’s eyes dart to mine. “So youaregoing out with Dick?” His jaw clenches and he looks away from me again.

I shoot my brother a glare as I search for the right thing to say. I’ve been avoiding bringing this up to Penn after his reaction to Richard the other day.

“Penn! Come on, man!” Dallas waves for his brother to join him back on the field.

“I’ve got to go.” Penn saunters off without another word, leaving Grady and me alone again.

A few moments of silence go by as my heart races with nerves. But why am I nervous?

Is it the idea of actually going on a date again?

Or is it the way Penn just reacted?

Was it just me, or did he seem angry? Am I creating his reaction in my mind, or was that real?

Jesus. Get a grip, Astrid.

And it’s not like I can ask my brother if he sensed it without inviting a whole new line of questioning.

“See? I told you. Dating is a waste of time in a town like Carrington Cove,” Grady finally says just as Lilly comes running up to us.

“Mommy! I’m hungry!” She juts out her bottom lip and then turns to my brother, instantly distracted. “Uncle Grady!”

“Hey, sweet pea.” He kisses her on the head and then pulls her into his lap, tickling her until she’s screaming.

“Stop, Uncle Grady! Stop!”

“Not until you tell me I’m your favorite uncle,” he growls exuberantly.

“You’re my favorite! I promise!”

He lets go of her as she scrambles to get away, both of them trying to catch their breath. “Good. Just want to make sure I’m still number one.”

“Uncle Penn is number one too though,” she says, squealing when he reaches for her again, but she escapes his grasp.

“You can’t have two in first place, Lilly.”

“But I can’t choose. I love you both. Uncle Penn plays Uno with me and reads me bedtime stories and when Mommy’s not looking, he gives me some of the chocolates he brings her.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “Is that so?”

“Yup!” Lilly runs away from us again, finding the other little girl she was playing with, completely forgetting about how hungry she was just moments ago.

“Looks like I’m going to have a discussion with Penn about the candy,” I say, scanning the field and finding him crouched next to one of Bentley’s teammates, giving him pointers.

“And looks like I’m going to have to up my game to reach favorite uncle status.”

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