Page 52 of Love, Untangled

“Oh.” His tone was careful, his expression neutral.

“Do you think Marvin would be able to investigate the paper trail for me? Or know if that’s something that’s possible?” Pen shook her head. “I just don’t understand how she managed to clear out Nana’s accounts, especially because I have the documents from the local bank here, and no one else’s name—besides my nana’s—is listed on them. Not even me.”

Carlo took her hand and tugged her closer. Once she was within his reach, he wrapped both his arms around her middle. “I think that’s a good idea. I’m really proud of you, Sunshine.”

She rested her cheek on his collarbone as she smiled. “Because I’m feuding with my mother?”

“Because you’re refusing to let her trample you. Because you’re fighting for what’s right.” He held her for a long moment, both of them lost in thought. “I think I want to talk to Marvin too,” Carlo said.

“All right.” She lifted her head so that she could observe him more clearly. The lights over the sink cast his face in shadow, highlighting his brow and the haughtiness of his nose.

He was made up of such straight lines, all angles, whereas Pen thought she was soft, more rounded. Maybe those differences were what allowed them to fit.

Or maybe it was simply how much they seemed to enjoy one another. Whatever the reason, she delighted in the closeness, both physical and emotional, that she and Carlo had established.

“I’ve been thinking about firefighting.” Carlo took her hand and led her into the living room. He waited until Pen sat down before easing into the spot next to her.

She rolled closer as his weight redistributed on the cushion. She placed her palm on the center of his chest, surprised to find his heart thumping so hard against his ribs. She caught the flash of uncertainty that passed over his features.

“It’s mostly a volunteer crew here, not like what I did back in Tahoe, but maybe that’s a good thing. I don’t have to constantly be on call.”

“But you miss the work?” Pen asked.

He nodded. “Yeah. When I was talking to you about jumping, that made me realize how much.”

Goosebumps erupted over Pen’s arms. “So you’re thinking about going back to that?”

“No.” Carlo shook his head. “I don’t need that level of an adrenaline rush. But I do miss saving people, doing what I can to make their lives better. I liked being the good guy in the community. I was proud of my role.”

She nibbled on her lower lip. “That makes sense.”

“But that doesn’t mean I want to do it full-time. I like farming. It’s hard work but the reward is great. Plus, I get to make my own hours. Well, more than I did with fighting fires. Those come when they come.”

“I don’t know exactly what you’re asking of me—”

Carlo brushed her bangs away from her eyes. “I just wanted you to know what I was thinking.”

Pen nodded slowly. “Yeah. And I want to share with you when I take on a new class. Like the one Joanna wants me to teach once a month at her shop.”

Carlo smiled. “Those types of things, yeah. So that we’re on the same page.”

“I like that,” Pen said softly. “I like connecting with you.”

He eased her chin up and brought his face down to kiss her softly. “I like that too. I like building an us. I feel stronger because of it.”

Pen kissed him back, bringing her palms up to clasp his cheeks, enthusiastic about the us part of that statement—about their future together.

Chapter 26

Carlo

Penelope’s mother’s close proximity and the fact she’d stolen from her daughter sat heavily on Carlo’s shoulders as he drove into town. It was Saturday, and he’d spent the last two nights at Penelope’s place. She’d been such a good sport, humoring his concerns. He wanted to surprise Penelope with breakfast. He didn’t expect to run into Marvin at the sun-drenched, bustling café. The other man had had the same idea for Shiloh and her nephew-slash-adopted son, Timothy.

The men shook hands. “Good to see you,” Carlo said. He inhaled the sharp, heady aroma of freshly ground and brewed coffee mingling with melted sugar, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon. His stomach rumbled.

Marvin shook his head, his lips pressed flat. “You too. I’m glad to see you. Are you going to see Penelope soon?”

“Yeah, as soon as I leave here. I’m getting us breakfast.”

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