Page 33 of Crazy Love

I cross my arms, amused but wary. The things he said about not being able to date and all that. “Penn, what are you doing?”

He grins, tilting his head. “Trying to convince you to have dinner with me. Is it working?”

“Hudson, quit flirting with my daughter and let her work,” my dad’s voice booms across the field.

My cheeks flame and Penn looks sheepish but undeterred. “Say yes,” he whispers.

I run off the field, eager to get back to work on lunch. It’s a lot of work to have enough food for these guys and their appetites. They burst through the doors at noon, hungry and sweaty, and I enjoy hearing how much they like the food. When everything wraps up, I go to the kitchen to work on the next round of snacks and to replenish the carb tables. A knock on the door makes me jump and I turn, hand to my chest.

Penn stands there, leaning against the wall, watching me with that infuriating mix of confidence and amusement.

I stop short, narrowing my eyes. “You again?”

He grins. “You say that like you’re not thrilled to see me.”

I shake my head, exhaling. “It’s not that.” And then I freeze because I just basically admitted that he’s under my skin. “You’ve been all over the place, Penn. And now you want to go out with me?” I lower my voice. “Aren’t you scared of my dad?”

“Terrified,” he admits. “But I want to go out with you more than I’m terrified of him.”

I laugh and his expression softens, stepping closer. “As friends?”

“I haven’t forgotten the Bahamas, Addy.” His voice is lower, more serious. “But yeah, as friends.”

My stomach flips.Say no. Keep your guard up and avoid workplace drama, my inner voice says. But what comes out is, “Okay. I’d like that actually.”

His lips quirk up. “You won’t regret it.”

That night he picks me up, freshly showered, his hair still damp and curling around his ears, and his crisp shirt fitting just right. He looks fan-fucking-tastic, and I hate that he flusters me.

But as I step toward his SUV, I’m met with a surprise. Sitting in the back seat is a boy. He’s young, maybe eleven or twelve, with big eyes and a curious expression.

Penn gestures toward him with a warm smile. “We’re lucky to have my buddy joining us tonight. Addy, this is Sam. Sam, this is Addy…or Adeline, whichever you prefer.” His eyes meet mine.

“I like that you call me Addy,” I say softly. “Hi, Sam.”

Sam grins up at me and I melt instantly. “Hi!”

“Well, this is fun,” I say, grinning over at Penn. This guy is proving that he will keep me on my toes.

“How does Rose & Thorn sound?” Penn asks.

“Suh-wanky!” Sam says.

Penn and I laugh.

“Sounds delicious. I haven’t been there in a long time,” I say. “Is that a favorite of yours?” I turn back to look at Sam.

“I’ve never been. Penn and I usually go to Starlight Cafe or Serendipity.” His eyes are mischievous as he says, “I think he just wants to impress you.”

“Ohhh-kay,” Penn says, his eyes cutting over to me. “Didn’t we agree not to spill my secrets?”

We all laugh and Sam chats happily as we turn onto Jupiter Lane. The smell of garlic and freshly baked bread fills the air as we walk into Rose & Thorn. We sit in a booth, and I’m surprised again when Penn slides in next to Sam, ruffling his hair before picking up a menu. Sam swats his hand away but grins, eyes lighting up as he scans the choices.

“Anything look good?” Penn asks him.

Sam leans forward, as if contemplating a huge decision. “I’m thinking…lasagna. But I also want spaghetti. And also pizza.”

“Ah, classic dilemma,” I say, grinning. “All solid choices….with maybe a vegetable or salad thrown in there.”

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