Page 73 of Just Bromantically Invested

“Exactly.” Penn lets her go and steps back. “We’re going to leave you to it, but if you need anything, call.”

She nods, and we back out as Lana tugs off her shower cap and rapidly undoes the two braids her hair is in.

As soon as we’re back in Penn’s apartment, he tugs me into a hug.

“I didn’t know you were here.”

“Just thought I’d stop by. I had a great talk with Damien, and I wanted to fill you in in person rather than over the phone.”

Penn eases away from me. “Anything wrong?”

“No way.” I push my shorts back down and then hang them on the hook. “Everything is right. We talked for hours about this place, and, fuck, Penn. If it’s anything like I think it could be, it’s going to be fantastic. We didn’t get into too many details about the place, just talked about working hours and money and what Damien expected from me.” I’m not sure whether to mention that he was disappointed Penn wouldn’t be joining us. I’m disappointed too, but the last thing I want is for Penn to feel guilted into something—I’ve been there, done that, too many times. That said, I don’t want him to think he wasn’t wanted there either. “I also mentioned it was really important to us both that we didn’t lose momentum with our own business, and he said we can talk about any days off that I need to keep things running there.” I pause. “He said the same for you.”

“Me?”

I get the rest out as fast as I can. “He still says he wants us both there but understands why you said no. But he wanted me to let you know the offer is there if you change your mind andthat he’s open to talking about different structures that could work.”

Penn doesn’t look as relieved as I thought he would. Instead, his face falls.

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing, I … nothing.” He looks up and smiles at me. “I’m so fucking glad you’re enjoying it.”

“I really am. He wants me to start right away, but I said I’d have to help you find a landscaper first. I’m used to the grunt work, not whatever happens in an office, so this is going to be different.”

“It will, but I have no doubt you’ll impress him.”

Penn goes to step away, but I pull him against me again.

“I impress you too, right?”

“What are you talking about?”

While Lana might not have meant to call me dopey, and I’m all for her thinking I look cuddly, I don’t want that from Penn. I want him to think of me as so much more than an attractive face or a cute personality he needs to protect. “I want to make sure you don’t only see me as the guy who carries the turf, like some pretty-boy version of the troll under the bridge.”

“You don’t need to worry about that because I’ve never thought of you that way.”

Relief sweeps over me. “Good. When it comes to you, I want to be equals.”

“I’d hate for you to let yourself go like that.”

I pinch his ribs because he’s being ridiculous now. Penn is everything I wish I could be and everything I’ve ever wanted in a partner.

Everything.

Because Penn is the only one I’ve ever wanted.

It almost doesn’t seem real that he doesn’t get that, and while I know it’s too early to scare him with how deeply my feelings go, I still want to be able to show him that side of me.

“Stop fishing,” I tell him instead. “If you want me to tell you how smart and sexy you are, I’ll do it. No need to twist my arm.”

“Do it, then.”

“Fine.” I press a kiss to his jaw. “You’ve got this cute little dip in your chin that your bottom lip curls over, like it’s tempting me to suck it into my mouth.” So I do. “Every time you talk about design and color palettes, I completely tune out because I don’t know what it means, but I like watching you go off all passionate and shit.” My hands run down to his lower back. “And every time your ass is within view, it gets me so hard, and all I can imagine is burying my face between your cheeks.” I slide my hands further down and grab the ass in question. Penn might not work out like he used to, but I won’t believe him for a second if he says he’s not doing squats or something. This ass is fucking divine.

He clears his throat roughly. “B-between my cheeks?”

I nod, catching his eyes. “Even the thought of feasting on your hole is enough to get me hard.”

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