Page 35 of The Love Penalty

She takes a deep inhale and nods. Her smile is small, but it’s there. But I need more, I need to make sure she’s fine.

“Let me show you where the bathroom is,” I say loud enough for everyone to hear so they don’t follow us around. Alice especially. I look over my shoulder and see Alice watching us in that assessing way of hers. She mouths,All good?and I nod.

“You didn’t have to rescue me like that. I promise, I’m okay,” she says as we reach the end of the hall where the bathroom is.

I search her face to make sure then say, “Okay. I believe you. And even if you’re not, that’s okay too. I know my family can be a lot?—“

“No, that’s not it. I just didn’t expect them to be so nice to a complete stranger. I should have realized it though, you must take after them,” she says.

“I told you they won’t bite.” I smile at her and give her another hug for good measure. I have a feeling she’ll fit in just fine.

TWENTY

Olivia

Robbie’s familyis the nicest. Ever. I don’t know why I was so nervous. His sister immediately started talking to me about books and music and we found that we have so much in common. His nieces are adorable and were very curious about me. They’ve asked me every possible question in existence. I feel like the whole family knows every detail about me now.

Eli, Jordan, and Ash asked me lots of questions too, mostly about hockey since that’s the main thing we all have in common. Robbie told everyone how amazing I was on the ice in my beer league game, and the way he said it, like he was proud of me, made me so happy. I try to control my facial expressions, but on the inside I am an emotional mess. I don’t know how to respond to all this praise and tenderness. No one’s ever made me feel the way Robbie does.

My emotions must show on my face every time I look at Robbie though, because I catch Alice smiling at me multiple times during dinner. She has a knowing gleam in her eyes. Can she see how gone I am for him? How much I adore him?

The rest of the day passes too quickly in a happy blur. We have dinner together at a long table that fits all twelve of us. While earlier in the day it was beautifully decorated with ornaments and flowers, during dinner it was all replaced with lots and lots of dishes. The food was amazing and I can’t remember the last time I had such a feast for Thanksgiving. While my grandma and her roommates host one every year, they’re not as spry as they used to be and I am terrible at cooking. So our Thanksgivings usually involve some store-bought sides and desserts alongside a small turkey.

I will definitely regret eating all of this food tomorrow, especially since I have to work in the evening. At least I can sleep in and recharge a bit while Robbie goes to practice in the morning. The two of us, alongside Jordan, Ash, and Eli, left early so the guys could get a good night’s rest.

As we get inside the house we head straight to the bedrooms that are across from each other. I turn to tell him goodnight, but Robbie is already turned toward me lips parted like he’s about to say something. My eyes jump to his lips and I swallow. God, I want to know what he tastes like.

“Did you have a good day?” he asks in a low voice that sounds too sexy for the simple question he just asked.

“The best,” I say in a whisper and bring my eyes up to his. They are so full of longing and softness that for a moment I am stunned.

He takes a step towards me and reaches up to tuck a strand of my hair behind my ear. His hand lingers there, his thumb brushing my earlobe. I close my eyes and lean into his touch and he fully cups my cheek with his hand. As he starts stroking my cheekbone, I open my eyes and see him staring at my lips.Kiss me. Please.

“Goodnight, Olive,” he says softly and leans in. I hold my breath as he kisses my cheek, right where his thumb wascaressing me earlier. He lingers for a beat, then steps back. I want to tell him to give me more. To kiss me for real. I want to grab him by his shirt and push him against the wall. I want to see if I can unravel him the way Iknowhe could unravel me. Piece by piece.

But I don’t. Because I’m scared to make the first move. I don’t want to lose whatever friendship we’ve built so far if it turns out I’ve misread this whole thing. So I say, “Goodnight, Robbie.” Then we both go to our separate bedrooms.

That night, I dream of a kiss that could have been. Perfect. Needy. Explosive.

While Robbie is at practice,I expect to be alone with the cats, but I am pleasantly surprised when I get a text from Alice. We exchanged phone numbers the night before and she promised she would check in on me so I don’t get bored. I told her it would be fine, but she didn’t listen and I am glad for it. She shows up at the front door with pastries and coffee for us both and we spend hours chatting about books and, surprisingly, Robbie.

“So, Olivia. What are your intentions with my brother?” Alice asks out of nowhere.

“What do you mean?” I ask nervously.

She rolls her eyes and gives me a knowing smile. “Come on. I could see it written all over your face last night. The way you looked at him like he was the moon and the stars,” she sing-songs. “You like him.”

My cheeks burn and I look down at my lap as I give Beans some head scratches. I don’t know how to reply. I debate lying and saying we’re just friends. But what if she tells him that?That’s the last thing I want. My eyes get misty just thinking about the possibility of losing him.

Alice is quiet and lets me process my thoughts without prodding for a quick answer which I appreciate. When I look back up at her she’s not smiling smugly at me anymore. Her eyes are wide and concerned. “Olivia, I’m sorry. I—I didn’t mean to push. You don’t have to tell me anything?—”

“I think I might be in love with him,” I whisper on a shaky breath.

Alice looks at me for a moment but doesn’t say anything. Then her face breaks into a smile that resembles Robbie’s. “That’s amazing news.”

“Is it?” I say, and my voice breaks.

“Of course,” she says, pulling me into a fierce hug, “why wouldn’t it be? You two are perfect for each other.”

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