Page 112 of Falling for the CEO

"First, I don't have a type. I've never had. And anyway, if I did, that type would be you.”

“Oh, Spencer, that’s so romantic.”

“Did she tell you anything else?”

“No. Why?”

“She mentioned crazy things to me. Like getting back together.” I didn’t want to have any secrets from Penny, but watching her expression turn from happy to shocked changed my mind. I should’ve kept my mouth shut.

“What?” she gasped. “Why? I mean... why now?”

“Because she ran out of money and can’t find a sponsor.”

“That can’t be true. Ben—”

“Trust me, she wasn’t thinking about Ben.”

Penny glanced down at her feet. “What did you tell her?”

“That she’s not allowed to bring up that bullshit ever again.”

She glanced up. I couldn’t get a good read on her. “Okay,” she said.

“I shouldn’t have told you that.”

“No, it’s good that you did. I’m just... still processing. I think I need more coffee. Can we talk about something else?”

“Sure. How is Taylor?” I asked as we moved into the kitchen. I started the coffee machine, brewing a cup for her.

“Enjoying her home. Still on my case about taking that job.”

I straightened up, handing her the cup. “Have you thought about it more?”

"I told you, I'm not interested. I told them too.”

“Why is Taylor not on your side, then?" I asked.

"She says that I shouldn't decide with my heart again."

Something squeezed hard in my chest. “Do you think she has a point?”

“No. Back when I told her I wouldn’t mind a job in another city, I figured that if I ran away to a new place, I’d feel better—heal faster. But I don’t need that anymore. Besides, you and Ben are here, and Ben is now starting to go through a lot of changes. I wouldn't want to miss that."

I loved what I was hearing, and still, something inside me told me I couldn't just accept this as it was. I tilted closer, touching her shoulders with my hands. "I’m happy about that, but I’m not sure if you’re ready for it. I mean, when I asked you to move in with me, you said it was too soon."

"I don’t understand... What are you saying?”

I swallowed hard. “That I’m afraid you might not be ready to make a huge decision about your career because of Ben and me.”

“Is this... because of what Naomi told you?”

“What’s one thing got to do with the other?” I was confused at the change of topic.

“First she tells you that she wants to get back together, and now you’re insisting I’m not ready for commitment?”

A loud knock at the door startled us both. Then Taylor’s voice resounded from outside. “Girl, let’s go.”

Penny shook her head.