Page 66 of The Cowboy and the Bombshell
I had thought I couldn’t be any more shocked, but apparently I was mistaken. “But, I resigned,” I stammered, not truly understanding. “I emailed you my resignation.”
The old man smiled at me, looking for all the world like a jolly old grandpa. “I am truly sorry, Miss Lund, but I received no such email. Looks like you still have your job, whether you like it or not.”
I turned back to Stone. “Is this for real? I’m the new VP?”
“As real as it gets, I’m afraid.” I stared for a beat longer, then I erupted in a squeal that was half shock and half laughter. I spun around and hugged my mother furiously, then turned back to see Stone smiling at me, pride shining in his eyes, and something else I was hesitant to name.
He looked at me seriously for a moment. “You okay? Honestly?”
I reached for him, letting my hands trail up his arms and come to rest on his shoulders, drawing him closer to me. “Did you come here for me?” I asked, looking into his gorgeous hazel eyes.
“You bet I did. You’re never getting rid of me.”
“Then, yes, I am honestly okay,” I said, ready to take a chance. Ready to be vulnerable in a way I hadn’t ever been before. “I’m better than okay. I’m in love.”
I waited with baited breath as he froze, and the part of me that always doubted myself was afraid I’d just ruined everything. But it wasn’t long before his smile broke free, the biggest one he’d ever shown me. I laughed as a dimple popped on one cheek, knowing I’d do anything I could to make sure I saw it as often as possible in the future.
“Well, that’s damn good news, Blondie. Because I love you, too.”
With that, he leaned down and pressed his lips to mine, wrapping his arms around me and hauling me against him tightly. My feet left the ground as I clung to him, feeling as if I might burst with joy. All my worry and sorrow melted away as I felt my heart pound in triumph.
The crowd that had gathered around us started to clap, and I threw my head back with a laugh, having forgotten for the second time that they were even there. All I saw, all I felt, was Stone. His arms around me, his lips on my neck, and his heart beating wildly against mine.
This was perfection. And I never wanted it to end.
“Now, how ‘bout you go grab some shoes and get back out here?”
“Where are we going?” I asked, giddy at the prospect of doing anything, as long as it was with him.
“Well, later tonight, we have a flight to catch.”
“We do?”
“Of course we do. You have a hotel to market, and there are only ten days left until your Soft Launch. I’m sure you have a ton of work to do.”
My mouth dropped wide open. “Holy smokes! I do! I have so many things to finish. Oh, man. I just left everyone hanging. I have to get in touch with the vendors and check on the guest performers for the evening. I was expecting to meet with the videographer last week. And I missed the appointment with the printing company, so I’ll have to-”
“Breathe, Blondie. Just breathe. Moira has been handling everything. She managed your calendar and spreadsheets just like you planned. The whole thing is still on schedule.”
I exhaled in relief. “That’s amazing. Oh, man. You are gonna have to give that woman a raise.”
“So she’s been telling me,” he grumbled, rolling his eyes. “Now, come on. Get your shoes. We don’t have all night.”
“What are we doing?”
“Penelope,” he looked at me, shaking his head from side to side. “What kind of cowboy would I be if I didn’t take the girl and ride off into the sunset?”
This man.
I threw my arms around his neck, crushing him to me once more. “I do love you, Stone Pennington.”
“Glad to hear it, Blondie.” He squeezed me once more, then spun me toward the house and swatted my butt. “Now, get. These fine officers have work to do.”
As I returned to the sidewalk, shoes and hoodie firmly in place, I waved at the officers I knew. “How did you manage to arrange all this anyway?” I asked as we stood next to the horse Stone had ridden, a beautiful bay with a gorgeous black mane and tail.
“It pays to have a dad who knows everyone in town,” he said with a wink.
I looked at him in shock. “Dad? Not just Harold.”
