Page 78 of Penn

No, that’s fucking stupid too. The team is counting on me.

But so is Mila.

“I don’t know how to do this,” I admit gruffly.

Her brow furrows. “Do what?”

“This.” I gesture helplessly between us. “Be a good boyfriend. Take care of someone. Worry like this.”

Something cracks in her expression—soft and sweet all at once. “You’re doing just fine, Penn. But honestly, I don’t need you hovering. I don’t need a doctor. Just some rest and to let my stomach settle.”

I sit on the edge of the bed, my hand on her hip. I study her face and those beautiful eyes that I’ll never get tired of looking at. “Stay with me,” I say impulsively.

Mila frowns in confusion. “But… I am staying with you.”

I shake my head. “I mean permanently. Stay here in Pittsburgh. Don’t go back to Florida when this is all over.”

Her eyes widen and I’m relieved to see pure joy over my offer. “Move here permanently, huh?”

“Forever,” I say, heart pounding harder than it does on the ice. This is fucking huge, but I mean it to the depths of my soul.

The tiniest sheen of tears glistens in her eyes. “Penn…” Her voice breaks a little. “That’s all I want. To stay with you when this is all done.”

I’ve never felt such relief before, as if all my problems have just been solved and all the puzzle pieces are complete. I lean down, press my forehead to hers. “Once we handle this shit with Jace, I’m going to give you the best damn life.”

Her throat works around a swallow. “I already have it.”

I exhale, brushing a hand through her hair. “Best fucking thing that ever happened to me was you walking into my life and wrecking it.”

She laughs—a watery, beautiful sound. “Me too.”

I kiss her temple, then push off the bed. “Okay… ginger ale, crackers, garbage can by the bed. You’re clearly not able to go to the game, so I’m gonna call Jameson, let them know agents need to stay here with you while I’m gone.”

“Sounds good,” she says, curling deeper into the blanket like she’s exhausted.

“I’ll be right back.”

The first order of business is calling Malik. He answers on the first ring and I let him know Mila’s sick. “I’ll get another group of agents over there.”

“No,” I say brusquely, rifling through the pantry for crackers. “Just have the ones who were going to Chicago stay here with her. I don’t need the protection.”

“Are you sure?” Malik asks.

“Yeah. I’ll be surrounded by the team and besides, Jace is focused on Mila right now. I’m not in any danger.”

He doesn’t argue with me. “I’m on it,” he says and disconnects.

I move through the kitchen, grabbing everything Mila asked for, bringing it back like I’m some damn rookie nurse. But I’d do it a thousand times over for her.

When I set the tray on the bedside table, Mila reaches for my hand. “Thank you.”

I smile and squeeze her fingers. “You need to text Willa,” I tell her. She’s a doctor, after all. “Let her know what’s going on. If you get worse, she’s the one you call. I’ll be on a plane, but she can get to you faster than anyone.”

“I will,” she promises.

Reluctantly, I glance at the time. “I’ve got to hop in the shower and get packed. Malik is sending agents over and they’ll be here soon.”

“Okay,” she says weakly, and I can’t help but touch her cheek one more time. Cool and fortunately dry. Yeah… probably just food poisoning.

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