Page 88 of The Games We Play
“Got it?” she asked, planting her hands on her hips. The look she gave me was no-nonsense, but I saw the warmth beneath it.
She was wearing a pale floral apron tied snugly at her waist, a loose tank top with a deep neckline, and jeans that fit like they were made just for her. Her hair was tossed up in a messy bun—my favorite look on her, hands down. Soft pieces had fallen loose, framing her heart-shaped face and making her look infuriatingly beautiful.
A loud snap of her fingers pulled me out of it.
“Earth to Mac,” she said, waving a hand in front of my face.
I grinned, unashamed. “These go to the community and crochet ladies,” I said, pointing to the first boxes. “These”—I gestured to the white delivery boxes—“need to be delivered, starting with the top.”
Penny’s eyes narrowed, fists clenching slightly at her sides, her mouth parting in disbelief. Before she could scold me, I reached out and gently wrapped my hands around her biceps.
“I’m kidding,” I said softly, my thumb brushing her skin. A shiver ran beneath my touch. “I got it, I promise.”
Her body relaxed, and she let out a long breath, her lips curving into a half-smile.
“Thanks for coming today,” she said, her voice quieter now, her eyes locked on mine. “I didn’t ask because… I mean, it’s not that I didn’t think you’d show, I just…”
“I get it,” I said gently, my hands still resting on her arms. “But just know, if you ever need me, I’ll be there. Always.”
Penny looked away for a second, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. When her gaze returned to mine, something unspoken passed between us.
“Noted,” she said softly.
I stepped just a little closer. “Since we probably won’t get much time together today,” I said, slowly letting my hands fall back to my sides, “I wanted to ask if you’d come by the bar tomorrow night.”
She studied me, eyes searching my face like she was trying to find a catch I hadn’t voiced. I could practically hear the internal debate.
“Sure,” she finally said. “What time?”
“Whenever you can,” I replied, trying to keep it casual, even though my chest had just filled with relief.
She bit her bottom lip, then crossed her arms, rubbing one lightly with her hand. “I’ll stop by after work.”
There was a pause between us.
“Well, I’ve got orders to deliver. Stop distracting me, or I’m telling Sandy.”
She gasped, smacking my arm lightly in mock offense. Acting on instinct, I leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek.
The second my lips met her skin, warmth spread through my chest. I felt the moment for what it was—small, innocent, but meaningful. I pulled away slowly, studying her face for a reaction.
To my surprise, she didn’t flinch or pull back. She didn’t tell me she wasn’t ready. Instead, she smiled.
“I’ll go get Logan, that is, if I can manage to pull him away from Ellie,” she said with a shake of her head.
She turned and walked back through the door, disappearing into the hallway.
I stood there for a moment, heart thudding like a drumline in my chest. I’d kissed her. Just her cheek, sure, but still.
I missed that connection. I missed touching her, being close, sharing even the tiniest moment that when I thought about them now felt like so much more. We were getting there—slowly but surely. I could feel it in my bones.
26
MAC
“Yes, you got it, Mrs. Conrad! I’ll stop by tomorrow after work,” Logan called out, walking backward toward the van with that charming grin he wore like armor.
I stayed where I was, propped in the passenger seat with my boot resting against the dashboard, a cigarette hanging between my fingers.
