Page 68 of At First Smile
My brow furrows. “Enough mama drama. Your turn. Tell me a fun secret.”
“I hate carrot cake, but I love carrots.”
My head tips back with a loud laugh. “Look at us. You eat my carrots and I’ll eat your cake. Though, I think I’m getting the better end of this partnership.”
He kisses the back of my head. “No, luv, it’s definitely me who’s coming out the winner.”
And cue the butterflies again.“Speaking of winner, what happened with the argument with Greg?”
On Saturday, Rowan shared that he and Greg were going back and forth about Landon Phillips’ olive branch in the form of Rowan participating in a charity bachelor auction at the end of July in Toronto and shooting a PSA.
I’m neutral on the PSA but jealousy riots inside me at the idea of Rowan involved in a dating auction. Granted whatever’s happening here is early and we’re not exclusive but still, I am not a good sharer.
“I need to tell him soon. Landon’s people want an answer by Monday.”
“His people?” I roll my eyes.
“You forget, I have people too.”
“You have an agent and publicist who, based on your description, appear more meddlesome older siblings than your ‘people,’” I snark, making air quotes.
“Noted.”
“What is the sticking point? The charity auction or the PSA?”
“The PSA. While I’m not a fan of being bid on like a piece of meat, at least that’s for charity.”
“I’m not a fan of you doing that either.” My lips purse.
“Penelope Meadows, are you jealous?” he taunts.
“No. I have GB to comfort me when some rich divorcée buys you like a prize bull at the county fair.” I scratch GB’s ears.
“I like you jealous.” His fingers tap against my bare arms. “You know one way to avoid that from happening is if you come with me and bid on me yourself.”
Something flutters in my chest, but I cover it up with a sarcastic, “Ha, ha.”
“I’m serious. The event is right before you start your new gig, soon to be your permanent one.”
The unabashed faith conveyed in Rowan’s words fill me with a kind of giddiness. One that dulls me to the fact that it’s our first date and he’s suggesting a trip to Canada together.
“It could be a nice way to celebrate. We’d have to attend the event, but we could sneak down to Hamilton, so I could introduce you to my brothers and mam.”
“Meet your family?” I sit up, disturbing GB, and turn my gaping face to Rowan.
“Shit.” He squeezes the brim of his hat. “Too soon?”
“Ya think?” A nervous laugh falls out of me.
“You’re right. I’m sorry. I was thinking out loud.” He frowns. “Clearlynotthinking. I won’t bring it up again nor pressure you but let me be clear; I’m hopeful that one day I’m able to introduce you to them…when it’s time and you’re ready.”
My posture softens with the earnest nature of his words. He’s not trying to convince or tell me I’m overreacting.
“It’s okay.”
He nods but remains pensive.
I position myself back against his chest feeling his muscles relax the moment I press into him. “Why does the PSA bug you the most?”
