Page 85 of Loved

"See,” Penny said. “You're in good hands."

I wasn’t sure that was true. But…she looked like she actually wanted me to go. And it had been forever since I’d caught up with Rob. We had a lot more to talk about. "If you're sure you're okay."

"I'm fine. You got me that huge T.V. I think I'll be plenty entertained."

"Awesome. Let's go," Rob said and walked past us.

As soon as Rob was out of the room, I leaned down and kissed Penny. She immediately melted into me.

What was I doing? She needed me right now. "I want to stay with you,” I whispered against her lips.

"Yeah, me too. But I think maybe a night out with Rob will be good for you."

"I'm sorry that he's so...well, inappropriate."

"I think he's great. I mean, yes, super inappropriate. But I think he's just trying to be funny. I hope. I don't know, I like him. He's nice."

"Nice isn't exactly the word I'd use for him."

Penny shrugged. "So you're all about sex, huh?"

I ran my hand through my hair. "No. I mean, I told you about my past."

"Does Rob know about everything? He won't let you go...overboard?"

"Yeah, he knows." He’d been with me during a lot of my lowest lows. And it was one of the reasons why I’d invited him to stay while Penny and I were on a break. I’d needed him.

"So you're in good hands.”

"I guess." I smiled down at her. "If he's ever bothering you, just let me know. He's all talk. He's harmless."

"He's fine. I'm getting used to taking care of myself."

I frowned. What did she mean by that? I was here to defend her. Always.

"I just mean I'm getting thicker skin. I didn't mean because you aren't taking care of me."

"Okay." But her words twisted around in my head. I tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. I needed to step up my game. "Tomorrow I'd like to go shopping for some stuff that will make our apartment more comfortable. Whatever you want. I want you to feel at home here."

"That sounds perfect."

I leaned down and kissed her again. "Try not to fight with the press while I'm gone."

"I'll be on my best behavior,” she said with a smile.

"Me too. Text me if you need anything." I gave her one last kiss before pulling away from her.

"I will." She picked her pants up off the floor and folded them.

I smiled at her on my way out the door. But as soon as I was out of her line of sight, my smile dropped. I knew I’d told her I would be on my best behavior. But that was definitely a lie.

Penny said she’d gotten a thicker skin, but I didn’t want her to need that. I was here to protect her now. And I knew exactly what I was going to do. Exactly what she’d asked me not to do. I was going to beat the shit out of Professor McCarty. No one touched my girl without consequences.

Chapter 23

Friday

“So you’re really divorced?” Rob asked.

---