Page 69 of Hold On Me

Penny

It’s just not happened. New York has been magical and that’s enough.

Angie

I smell bullshit.

Penny

Are you next to Jenson? He normally exudes that stench.

Jameson

I spat my coffee out.

Angie

Cute. But I don’t buy it.

Penny

Well I’m not selling, so we’re all good.

Penny

Listen, we’ll be back in a couple of hours. You can all annoy me then. Now I’m going to have a long soak in the tub before getting on the plane. Laters, jabroni’s.

37

BEN

I should never have taken her to New York. Spending that time with her, sharing my bed, being able to touch her, hold her hand and kiss her whenever I wanted, spoiled me. Even though it was only for a short time.

But now I’m back in Syracuse, keeping my distance because she doesn’t want to tell the Bradys just yet. I suppose it’s better this way, I need to be focusing on our last games and trying to end the season on a couple of wins. Even if we don’t make the playoffs, I want us to end on a high.

Secretly stealing coveted looks and little touches with Penelope when I can, without anyone seeing, is irritating me. So much so I’ve snapped at most of the staff in the office, told Angie to get back to work on numerous occasions—because she’s taking Penelope’s attention away from me—and I’m pouting like a little baby about it all. It’s been a week since we came home, and I’m about to blow my lid if I don’t get her on her own soon.

But I have a plan. One that should work at keeping both of us sated without jeopardising her secrecy rule.

Striding from my office like a man on a mission, I step outside and find Angie perched on her Penelope’s desk. Again.

The smile falls from my face, replaced with a grimace. “Angie, do you not have work to do?” My tone is biting, but Angie just smirks and raises her brow.

She flicks her blonde hair over her shoulder smugly. “I’m discussing work with Penny. I needed her input on something to do with the Christmas party.”

“What could you possibly need to discuss with Penelope about the Christmas party? We’ve arranged everything and have no need for the PR team to be involved.” I fold my arms over my chest and hit her with a glare.

“You used to be cool. What happened, Boss? Someone piss in your PG Tips this morning?”

Laughter barrels out of my throat, forcing my snippy mood away. “Angie, you’re a fucking terror.”

“I know, but you love me for it.” She hops off Penelope's desk, curtseys, and winks.

“We love you despite it, not for it. And what are PG Tips anyway?” Penelope pokes her in the side and Angie sticks her tongue out and mumbles, “Teabags,” which elicits the most beautiful laugh from Penelope.

And my heart beats a little faster. I’ve got it bad for this woman, and I’m not even sorry about it.

Oh really? You’re not worried about history repeating itself?The little voice in the back of my mind perks up, but I manage to shut it down by looking into Penelope’s eyes, watching as the office lights make the gold in them twinkle, reminding me of the twinkling lights on the Christmas tree while we were skating.

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