Page 32 of Recipe for Temptation (Madewood Brothers 4)

She immediately sat up, bringing her knees to her chin. “What’s that?”

“I bought you something.”

She lunged for the bag. “Really?”

“Nuh-uh.” He wrapped his hand around hers, preventing her from opening it. “You have to promise me that no matter what’s in here, you’ll do it for me.”

“Now I’m scared.” Her eyes widened. “Is it a butt plug? Nipple clamps?”

He let out a hearty laugh. “I assure you it has nothing to do with sex.” He leaned in and nuzzled her neck. “Although, I can’t be held responsible for my roaming hands.”

She peeked inside but still looked confused. “What the devil is in here?” She sifted through the masses of tissue and pulled out the white spandex and cotton garment.

“A bathing suit?” She looked a little disappointed.

“Not just any bathing suit.” He held it. The wooden toggles that were attached to the strings clanked together. “A bikini. I think it’s time you let your family see just how special you are.”

He trailed his finger down her rib cage, circling around and around the cherry blossoms tattooed on her skin.

“I don’t know…” She bit her bottom lip, looking worried.

“If there’s one thing Vivian taught me, it’s to own who you are. It doesn’t matter where you came from or who your family is. Your past is your past. Let the world know who you are today.”

Which was part of the reason she insisted all four of her sons keep their original surnames. As much as they each wanted to be a Madewood, Vivian believed it was more important for them to carry their past forward.

This was the most candid he had ever been about himself with Penn. Hell, with anyone. His turn for baby steps. But despite his insecurities, there was one thing he knew for sure.

“I live every day by a code, trying my best to make a difference, to remember there are still kids who have the same life that I once did, who need my help. I may not be articulate like Neil, charming like Jack, or as kind as Finn, but I know who I am. Everything I do is for those kids, whether it makes me look bad or not.”

He hoped she’d be satisfied with that small glimpse into his past, because he didn’t think he’d ever be able to tell her just how bad it really was.

He cleared his throat. “I know you think your family won’t approve, but I honestly believe if you give them a chance, they’ll surprise you.”

That’s what family did. Support unconditionally. Vivian had made him believe that again. Surely, this great family could be the same way if Penn just gave them the chance.

“Even Dave?” she asked.

“Even Dave.” He cocked his head to the side. “Trust me. Your family will love you no matter how many tattoos you have.”

He pulled away the sheet, exposing her perfect, naked body. Seeing the tiny bruises on her hips didn’t cause him guilt. She’d liked it. She’d asked for it. It caused his cock to swell at the memory of what he’d done to put them there and his ego to inflate, bringing him pretty damn close to asshole proportions.

“The way you’re looking at me right now isn’t making me want to get out of bed and show off my new bikini.”

He slipped the bikini bottom over her feet and made his way up her legs, taking the opportunity to kiss his way to the center of her body.

“Having you dress me like this isn’t helping, either.” Her breathing became heavy and her back arched, but then she giggled and contorted when his fingers tickled the backs of her knees.

“You’re right.” He smacked her ass, but left his hand on her cheek, squeezing the soft flesh. “Taking off your clothes is more fun.” With a wink, he left her to finish getting ready.

After making two laps around the three connected hotel pools, they found two empty lounge chairs and kicked back to relax.

It was a perfect day. The sun shone brightly, without a cloud in the sky. A gentle breeze wafted up to the pool from the ocean, which cooled the heat from the sun on their skin. He reached for the sunscreen.

She kicked off her gold flip-flops and hid them under the lounger. “I’m going to the swim-up bar to get us drinks.” She threw down her stuff and turned toward the pool.

“You need sunscreen,” he blurted.

She shook her head and looked over her shoulder. “Always following the rules.”

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