Page 57 of Wicked Spite
I eye the package warily, my gaze flicking between the gift and Penn’s face. “What’s the catch?” I ask, suspicion lacing my voice.
“You act like I drugged you and married you against your will or something…crazy,” he replies, extending the box toward me and Reese erupts into giggles at the absurdity of his statement. I hope she never finds out what really happened between Penn and myself because she genuinely thinks he’s a standup guy. I hesitate for a moment before accepting it, curiosity getting the better of me. As I peel away the wrapping paper, I discover cozy pajamas, an assortment of gourmet snacks, and a small slip of paper containing login information for the movie we’ll be watching.
I don’t know what to even say to all of this. I’ve gotten to know this man, and nothing about his demeanor is telling me that he has any kind of ulterior motive. The truth is, I feel touched by his thoughtfulness, even if I won’t admit it out loud.
“Very funny, Blackwood,” I mutter, rolling my eyes. Yet, despite myself, I feel my lips curl into a genuine smile. A strange warmth spreads through my chest as I realize that Penn has taken the time to think about my needs, rather than just focusing on his own amusement. How he found out about the blue Jolly Ranchers is beyond me, but I suspect his cousin Ramsey is behind that one.
“Thank you, Penn,” I murmur softly, surprising both of us by pulling him into a tight hug.
Penn stiffens at first, clearly caught off guard by the unexpected display of affection. But after a moment, he relaxes intothe embrace, his arms wrapping around my waist. “You’re welcome, hellfire,” he whispers, his voice barely audible.
As we pull apart, I can feel my cheeks flush. I quickly busy myself with examining the snacks, hoping to regain some semblance of control over the situation and my emotions. Penn, on the other hand, can’t help but smirk at my reaction, probably realizing that something has shifted between us.
“Alright, I’ll go change and then let’s get this movie night started,” I announce and hand him my phone to keep Reese entertained while I disappear into the adjoining room. He’s standing in the doorway, a sly grin playing on his lips.
The motherfucker is too pleased with himself; I fear.
When I return to my room, I hear Reese say, her voice full of excitement, “how’s school going? I hope I can come visit soon.”
“School’s going well, little hellion,” Penn replies, leaning against the doorframe as I continue dressing. “I’m going to make sure you get to see your sister soon I promise.”
“I can’t wait. I’ve been worried about Rae,” Reese chimes in, genuine concern lacing her words.
“Alright kiddo, are you ready for movie night?” I ask, attempting to steer the conversation away from the topic of anything serious.
“Absolutely! I’ve got my popcorn and everything,” Reese giggles, her enthusiasm infectious. “I’m so excited we can do this even though I’m miles away.”
“Me too,” I agree, trying to keep my voice steady. I glance at Penn, who is still watching me intently, and feel my heart race. “Penn’s going to join us, right?” I look at him expectantly because he hasn’t really given me an indication either way. I feel vulnerable in a good way, and I never thought I’d have that thought.
“Of course he is! I cheated and peaked. He picked our favorite scary movie,” Reese says cheerfully and then wiggles her eyebrows suggestively before she adds, “Billy Loomis could totally get it.”
“Reese Annabelle. There will be no getting it with anyone. Even fictional characters. Focus on school.”
My heart skips a beat as Penn’s eyes bore into mine, his tall frame filling the doorway. The soft glow of the overhead light casts a warm halo around him, making him seem more angelic than he has any right to be. I take a deep breath, hoping to settle my nerves.
“Must be genetic,” he says with a quiet laugh, his eyes locking onto mine as he walks toward the bed as I crawl up and move some pillows to the bottom.
“She’ll learn when she’s older that Randy was boyfriend material,” I say, and I can’t help but laugh when both Reese and Penn give me incredulous looks. I move over to make room for Penn, and I hand him the remote.
As Penn lays down on his stomach beside me, our shoulders brush, sending a jolt of lust through my body. I try to focus on the movie, but it’s impossible with him so close. Every time he shifts or breathes, I’m hyper-aware of his presence. It’s both exhilarating and terrifying.
Penn’s laughter fills the room, deep and rich, every time Ghostface has a funny line, and I find myself smiling despite my racing thoughts. Maybe, just maybe, this isn’t as complicated as I’m making it out to be.
As the credits roll, Reese’s voice crackles through the phone. “That was so much fun! We have to do this more often.”
“We will,” I promise, feeling a sense of contentment settle over me.
“I’m gonna let you enjoy the rest of your night,” she says softly, unable to contain her yawn.
“Goodnight sleepyhead,” I tell her, ending the call.
With the movie over and the connection to Reese severed, the room feels strangely quiet. Penn and I lay on the bed in silence for a moment, neither of us willing to break the peaceful atmosphere. I glance over at him, my heart pounding in my chest.
“So,” I start, my voice a little shaky. “Thanks for tonight, Penn. It was... nice.”
“It was,” he agrees, his eyes soft as they meet mine. “I wanted to thank you for being here for me with all the shit going on with Graham. No one’s ever—.” Penn cuts himself off, almost as if he thinks he’s said too much.
I just smile before I say, “I know that feeling.”
