Page 120 of Loved

Crap, I really should have called.

“Did you say James?” Mrs. Taylor opened the door the rest of the way with a huge smile. “What a surprise. We were just watching a movie and we thought we heard the bell. But then we thought no one would be ringing at this hour. But then we heard the knock.”

“Sorry,” I said. “I didn’t mean to disturb your movie.”

“Good,” Penny’s dad said. “Because as my wife just said, we’re busy watching a movie. See you boys later.” He tried to close the door, but Mrs. Taylor stopped him.

“Nonsense. Come in, come in.” She stepped to the side. “And who are your friends?”

I stepped inside. “This is my brother, Rob. And this is Ian.”

“Nice to meet you, ma’am,” Ian said and put his hand out for her.

“It’s even nicer for me to meet you,” Rob said and shook her hand next.

She laughed. The flush crossing her cheeks reminded me of Penny.

“It’s a little late, James,” Mr. Taylor said. “Was there something you boys needed?”

“They probably need something to drink,” suggested Penny’s mom. “Do you want some water? Or a soda? We also have some orange juice…”

“Thanks, but I’m not thirsty,” I said. And why was Mr. Taylor being so curt? I thought we were okay after our last talk. I even thought he might like me.

“I could use some juice,” Rob said.

I glared at him. Was he not reading the room right now?

But Mrs. Taylor seemed happy about it. “Come on into the kitchen and we’ll fix you kids up something.”

It was weird that she’d referred to us as kids. Especially because of why I was here. We all sat down. And I felt awkward. But Ian and Rob didn’t seem to.

“So how did the two of you become friends?” Mrs. Taylor asked Ian.

“Well, I actually work for James,” he said.

“Oh? Doing what?”

Fuck, I still needed to tell Penny. I’d tell her tomorrow. After I proposed. Right after.

“I run his security detail,” Ian said.

Mr. Taylor took a sip of his juice. “Security detail? I didn’t realize you needed one of those.”

“I don’t really,” I said.

“I mean you kind of do,” Ian said. “More so in New York City, of course. But just the other day Isa…”

“I really don’t,” I said more firmly.Chill, Ian.They didn’t need to know that Isabella had broken into my apartment. Or that NYC was dangerous when I was planning on moving there with Penny. And Mr. Taylor already seemed upset about something. The last thing I wanted was for him to think I was putting his daughter in danger.

Ian cleared his throat. “I really don’t do much. I just like…read magazines most of the time.”

“Interesting,” Penny’s father said.

“Very interesting,” Rob agreed. “I thought you preferred watching movies instead? Low budget stuff. And by that I mean…”

I cleared my throat. “Anyway, the reason I stopped by is because I needed to talk to you. Both of you.”

“Is Penny okay?” her mom asked. “We haven’t heard from her since your last visit. We’ve been worried sick.”

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