Page 67 of Falling for the CEO

"And that's a very healthy way to look at life. But sometimes people do things for which we can’t claim responsibility. We just have to deal with the fallout. But that doesn't mean we need to blame ourselves."

"I'm not," I assured her.

"Good. You shouldn't, because you’re a good man and a good dad. And from what I hear, a good boyfriend."

My eyes bulged. Penny and I never introduced ourselves as each other's boyfriend or girlfriend. “How would you have heard that?"

"Last time I went to your house, Agatha mentioned that you and Penny seemed close."

"That doesn't mean..."

"I know," she said in a soft tone. "I'm just saying... don't discard this if it brings you joy."

"Okay." She wasn't wrong. Penny did make me happy. And no matter how often I told myself that neither of us wanted more, I was starting to wonder if that was true.

Chapter Eighteen

Spencer

After leaving my grandparents'house, I was more resolved than ever to move forward with my plans for the biography section. But instead of going to the office, I decided to do something else entirely. I shot a quick text to my assistant, telling her I wasn't coming back today but that they could reach me on the phone at any time.

The weather was excellent, and I quickly checked the forecast. It was going to stay sunny. I had an idea, but first I needed to convince Penny of it. Over the weekend, she told me she really liked the lake. I wanted to take her out on it. I hadn't been in years either.

While driving, I called my assistant. "Send me instructions of where I can rent a rowboat for the rest of the day."

"For you?" Her voice was strange.

"Yes."

She cleared her throat. "You mean a kayak? You’re trying out a new workout?"

"Something that doesn't require a license. And, no, it's not for a workout, just for leisure."

"Oh, okay." She sounded even more stunned than before. I didn't blame her. "When do you want to do this?"

"Just send me the instructions as soon as possible."

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