Page 18 of If Our Hearts Collide

Well, damn.

I am rarely caught off guard, and in just the moment of seeing Penny, it feels like everything I thought I knew is now a jumbled-up mess. Perhaps it’s the higher alcohol percentage from the beer or the fact that I haven’t eaten dinner yet. Regardless, I need to keep my head on straight and remember my role in this family.

And my role is definitely not one of betrayal.

Penny’s attention is on me, and it feels like I’m back in the danger zone. The longer I look, the higher the risk of getting swept up in a sea I have no business wading in. But, no matter how hard I try, I cannot look away.

She captivates me, and yet, causes such unrest within my soul.

This girl may have changed appearances, but something inside me has changed as well.

Penny’s hands twist together in front of her, as if she’s trying to decide what to do with them. Her enchanting blue eyes hold so much mystery and emotion. She’s the type of girl that men would move mountains for—she is that sweet.

She fixes a stray piece of hair behind her ear, revealing a pair of heart earrings that are similar in style to her anklet, and most likely a product of Jealousy—her oldest brother’s jewelry company. She bites her bottom lip, and then?—

Fuck.

Her tongue sweeps across her lip, licking the sheer pink gloss. It’s the most erotic thing I’ve ever seen, and I’m going to go to hell for enjoying it so much.

If I make it out of this assignment without landing in a body bag with Graham and Nic fighting to zip it up first, then I’ll consider myself the victor. Perhaps even a saint.

Oh fuck, she’s moving closer.

Taking one bare foot in front of the other, Penny closes the distance between us. My heart catches, causing me to feel a bit lightheaded.

What is happening to me?

I’ve been around Penny for over a year, and I never thought of her as anything other than the baby sister of my bosses. But now as she meanders toward me—looking like a delicious strawberry cupcake—there is nothing sweet about my thoughts.

Dammit.

I can actually feel my cock stir with the influx of blood rushing to the damn thing. So much for priding myself on discipline when it comes to the opposite sex. Right now, the only thing I have is a semi hard-on that needs to simmer the fuck down.

“Happy birthday, Penny.” My words come out gruff. Did I just hit puberty?

“Thanks, Collins.”

I want to say more. I always want to say more—yet never do. So instead, I make it awkward by defaulting to silence.

“Glad you could come. I, umm”—she rocks on her feet while glancing around the room—“don’t know many people other than family.”

“You’ll make friends. It just takes time.” It’s a stupid thing to say—something I don’t even have experience to justify saying. I just hate seeing her disappointed.

Penny gives me a nod and then moves to give her brothers each a hug in greeting. The whiff of strawberries and cream permeates my senses, coating me with the sweet smell that radiates off her. The fragrance is delicious, like the freshest berry patch. She is a freaking treat now for my eyes and my nose.

“Well, everyone,” Donna says, signaling for us to turn our attention to her. “I have a barbecue buffet set up outside around the pool. Feel free to help yourself to the food and bar. The poolis the perfect temperature, so get in at your leisure. Let’s just enjoy everyone’s company and wish Penny a happy birthday.”

“Happy birthday, Penny,” we all say, making our way outside.

The attention makes her shy, but I can tell by the smile plastered to her face that she is excited to be putting some of her past trauma hopefully behind her.

The pool is curved in shape and is surrounded by lounge chairs and tables. Donna is a designer, with an eye for pretty things. She can really make even the most ordinary things sparkle.

I stand back on the sidelines and just take in the scene, not feeling any big drive to put myself in the middle of conversations. Aside from the few social events connected to Graham and Angie’s wedding, I haven’t really attended too many nonwork-related parties—especially ones that are this personal. So, I’m not even sure if I should insert myself and try to look less stiff or hang back like I am.

Nic makes Claire a plate of food she initially scoffs at, but then gobbles up every morsel with minor coaxing. Angie relaxes on Graham’s lap, while he feeds her grapes. Donna buzzes about, straightening anything that appears to be crooked or out of place, all while Germain hugs Penny to his side.

From the little bits of information I gathered from working with Graham, Germain took it extremely hard when Penny was victimized. He must be ecstatic that she is on the mend—albeit a bit nervous that it will be short-lived.

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