Page 48 of Love, Untangled

Pen shot him a full grin and Carlo’s breath caught. “Sunshine, I…” He blew out a breath. “I don’t want things to be weird between us.”

She swallowed.

“And…and I’d planned to sleep outside last night because I need to be near you.”

“Okay,” she said, her voice soft.

“But then I realized that it’s more than me just wanting to be with you.”

She shuffled closer. “What is it?”

“Well, that’s just it. I…I want you, Penelope. I’m worried I’m going to mess it all up. I keep messing it all up.” He laughed but it was derisive. “I’m a decade older than you, and I feel like, with you, this is my first relationship. It was so different with Cora…” He trailed off, wondering if he shouldn’t have brought up his deceased wife.

Penelope surprised him by laying her hand on his forearm. “She mattered to you. Still does. I want to know her because of who she was to you.”

He shook his head. “Sometimes you’re so wise. And you’re beautiful and just such a pleasure… Sunshine, you make my day so much brighter.”

She leaned back and smiled at him. “Mine too, Carlo. I…I like spending time with you. And I’m sorry I was upset last night. It’s just…I feel like you run hot and cold, and I can’t get my bearings. That’s how it was with my mother, and…” She glanced down.

“And it unsettles you, makes you feel anxious.”

She lifted her head, frowning as she turned over the thought. “Yes, that’s right.”

“I’ll do better,” Carlo promised.

“It’s not really about better, but okay.” She smiled up at him.

The two alpacas kicked up clods of dirt as they raced toward the edge of the lawn, heading into his orchard. “Are you mad about Lydia?”

Pen shook her head. “Of course not. I’ve been wondering how to get more wool for yarn.”

“We can get you a whole herd of alpacas.”

Pen wrinkled her nose. “I’m not ready to be a rancher. But I like that Alpaca Man has a friend.” She shot him a side-eye. “Maybe he won’t bother you so much now. Was that why you got him a friend?”

Carlo shook his head. “No. I got her so you’d know I was serious about my apology, but also because…” He cupped her cheeks. “I just want you happy, Penelope. I want that so much.”

She stared up at him for a long time. Her large brown eyes bore into his very soul. He wondered what she saw, wondered if he’d ever be good enough for her shiny brightness.

“Stay with me,” she murmured. “Tonight.”

Chapter 23

Carlo

“I’d like that,” Carlo rasped. “So much.” He ran his knuckles down her cheek, enjoying the feel of her soft skin. She nuzzled into his hand. Her breath spilled over his wrist and heat poured into his belly. “I want you,” he murmured.

Her eyes widened and she let the tip of her tongue touch her bottom lip. He shifted his hips, searching to ease the tightness in his jeans.

“I want you too, Carlo.”

“I love how you same my name. How you look at me. You make me feel so alive.”

“Show me?” she asked. Then she tipped her face up toward him.

He brushed his lips across hers, enjoying the connection. His free arm banded her waist while he shifted his other hand from her cheek to the nape of her neck, cradling her skull. He tipped her head, adjusting her to where he wanted her. She went willingly, her hands clutching at his shoulders as she made soft sounds in her throat and chest.

Her lips were sweet, soft. Perfect for kissing. He plundered her mouth, enjoying her taste, letting her flood his senses. She clung to him, matching his tongue stroke for stroke, but Carlo eased back.

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