Page 34 of Here and Now
“Oh?” I try to sound nonchalant.
Her eyes narrow slightly. “He said he was a big hockey player, was going pro but didn’t? Said he’s super nice, a marine, and you guys see him a lot?”
I’m going to have to put a stop to this. “That’s the rumor I heard about hockey. And, yes, he is very nice, was in the marines out of college, and, no, I don’t have a thing for him, which is what I think you’re insinuating.”
She leans forward. “Is he hot?”
“Are you hearing yourself? I am not dating anyone or allowing any attraction to form. I’m a damn mess and no one needs to walk into this shitstorm.”
Ashton doesn’t give up. “Penny, you’re young, beautiful, smart, and have a nice rack. What more do you think a guy wants?”
“Financial and emotional stability?”
“Ha!” she shouts. “It’s the rack they want. Anyway, Kai mentioned that he lives close ...”
“You’re like a dog with a bone.”
“No, I just want you to get boned ... get it?”
I roll my eyes. “You need help.”
“Probably, but after all this time with your brother, it’s only natural that I’ve got a few screws loose.”
“That is true. He has that effect on people.”
We both laugh and Ashton squeezes my hand. “In all seriousness, is he ... attractive at least?”
I could lie, maybe that would get her off my back, but then I think about the fact that I miss having a friend or girl talk. I miss having someone to even just giggle with, and Ashton is the least judgmental person ever. If there’s anyone I can tell—it’s her.
“He is.”
Her smile is so wide it could split her face. “I knew it! Tell me everything.”
I don’t have much to say about it, since I really don’t know Miles. However, I give her the very brief rundown. Touching on how sweet he was when he brought the boys to me and didn’t make me feel like an idiot for being such a wreck after. She laughs about the coffee story and him asking me to think about going on a date and the fact he’s come in to get more almost every day. I haven’t seen him in a few days, but he’s keeping Ethan busy since Eloise had the baby.
“So you’re not even thinking about it?” she probes.
It’s all I think about, but I’m never going to admit that.
“No, I’m not thinking about it. How the hell do you even approach the story of my life? Hi, super-hot guy who seems to like me, I’m currently in hiding from my horrific ex’s business partner, who sort of tried to kill me. Oh, and they’re hunting me now, because that’s what one does when they have unlimited resources. Yeah, I’m a total catch. Every man’s dream of a drama-free girl.”
Ashton scrunches her face. “Well, I wouldn’t lead with all that, but maybe the super-hot part would be a keeper.”
I lean back, pulling my legs under me. “Honestly, I started my rules years ago, and they’re for the best. No dating. No sleeping with random people. No friendships because the only people that get hurt in the end are them when they realize I lied about everything. It’s just ... for the best.”
“For you or for them?”
“Both.”
“I don’t know about that part. I think we make rules like that to protect ourselves more than others,” she says, giving me a soft smile.
“And what if that’s true? Is it so bad to want to protect myself a little?”
“No, it’s not.”
I wish this wasn’t my life. I wish I could just see a cute guy, go on a date, do the whole getting-to-know-you thing, but that’s not my reality. I can’t tell him about my past, where I’m from, what I did, a last name—nothing. I have to do whatever is necessary for Kai’s safety and my own.
“Then it’s what I have to do.”
