Page 17 of Love, Untangled

Pen’s eyes widened as she scrambled to think of something interesting to say. She stumbled through a brief overview of her history, and the women hung on every word.

A beautiful woman brought over their drinks and smiled at Pen. “Don’t frighten her,” she said. “Hi, I’m Eva. This is my café. You must be Penelope. Trixie mentioned your name.”

“Y-yes. Nice to meet you, Eva.”

“These ladies are the welcome brigade—and a few other things too. I hope you enjoy Cinnamon Bay. Pop back in soon. I’d love to chat.”

“Okay. Thanks.”

The bell tinkled as the door opened, and they all turned to see Carlo duck inside. He looked good. He wore a pair of jeans and work boots. His T-shirt was faded from many washes but it had once been a dark blue. Whatever the logo was on it had mostly peeled off. But the snug cotton hugged his shoulders and flowed over his muscular chest, making Pen’s heart speed up. She picked up her coffee and took a sip, hoping to hide behind the cup. The hot bitter taste filled her mouth, making her wrinkle her nose.

“Carlo, there you are, dear.” Hattie rose from her chair and tugged him toward their small table. “I met up with the ladies and Birdie introduced us to this lovely young woman. Penelope’s your neighbor, right? She’s had a little run-in with that bad-tempered Leon, but I’m sure you’ll keep an eye on her, won’t you? Do sit down. I’m sure Eva will bring you a drink.”

Carlo’s dark brows shot upward as he looked at the table, Pen surrounded by the other two women. Eva held her tray against her hip, her eyes alight with mischief.

“Give the man some room to breathe,” Eva chastised Hattie. She turned to the other women. “Penelope too.”

“Hi, Penelope,” Carlo said, his gaze zeroing in on her.

Her cheeks flushed as her body warmed. “Hi, Carlo.” Her voice was soft, and she was acutely aware that her attraction to him must be obvious to everyone. He was just so…perfect. Even in his old clothes and a scowl, she was drawn to him. “I hope Alpaca Man’s been behaving.”

Carlo grinned. “Yeah, he’s good company. I’ll bring him home this afternoon if he hasn’t made his way back already.”

“You don’t have to—” Pen began.

“Oh, let him do it, dear,” Trixie said. “Then you two can sit on the porch for a few minutes. Carlo works so hard. He needs a bit of a break.”

Carlo balked at the words, so Pen rushed in. “You’re always welcome.”

His frown smoothed out, his expression softening.

“I knew it,” Hattie muttered under her breath.

Birdie beamed at the table as if she’d just won a race. What was going on here?

“I need to get over to the garden center. I just popped in for a cup of coffee.” He turned, expression hopeful, toward Eva.

“One Americano to-go coming right up.” Eva bustled back behind the counter.

Carlo bent down and pressed a kiss to Hattie’s wrinkled cheek. “Don’t get any ideas,” he murmured.

She blinked innocently at him. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. It seems you’re having ideas.”

He sent her a hot look before addressing the table. “It was nice to see you all. Later, Penelope.”

“Bye,” she offered. Her cheeks burned and her chest was tight.

Once Carlo took his coffee and headed out, the three women turned their attention back on Pen, full force. She felt like a museum exhibit. She fiddled with her coffee mug, concern trickling down her back.

“Why don’t you come to the next book club, dear?” Hattie asked.

“Do you think that’s a good idea?” Trixie muttered out of the corner of her mouth. “Some of what we read is racy.”

“She is young,” Hattie said with a frown.

“Oh, please.” Birdie waved her hand. “If Pen delves into a relationship with Carlo, it’s not as if she’s not going to find out sooner or later—if she doesn’t know already. Plus, she needs to get to know Eva, Allie, and the rest of the gang.”

Pen’s gaze bounced between the three of them, much like a ping-pong match. “What are you talking about?”

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